Caleb wishes you a Happy Valentine’s Day

This big guy is an absolute doll.  I first had the pleasure of having him in front of my camera last year for Valentine’s Day Mini Sessions, and since we had so much fun, mom wanted to do them again this year.  I didn’t really have any big set planned with props, but mom had the great idea to use the ‘I LOVE YOU’ sign at Young at Art Children’s Museum as a backdrop, along with a heart Grandma temporary tattoo.  Caleb had a great time climbing on the letters and bike rack, and showing off his Grandma love.  Thanks for sharing your V-Day love with me, and I hope to continue to freeze time for you as you grow!

Family Painting Session at the Beach!

This family is friends with the family who participated in my last paint fight session, and loved the photos so much, they wanted to schedule one of their own.  That’s where the similarities end.  This mom had a beachy vision, and we went back and forth on phone and text as she described how she was mixing paints to create different shades of blue.  I think the colors came out fantastic, and look great in the mason jars so the color can be seen (note:  we figured this was safe because we were on the sand and a dropped bottle would have plenty of cushion, luckily we did not test this theory).  I also love how mom went for a more dressy yet casual styling for the family and wasn’t afraid to get a pretty dress dirty!  I am happy to report that after some scrubbing, the kids’ clothes are paint-free! 

I love a good posed family portrait, but I really love a session with some sort of activity that allows me to capture a family’s interaction, and this one had plenty!  It was especially meaningful for me as a photographer to know that these little beauties model.  They have tons of gorgeous photos, and have worked with many photographers, and chose me for this session.  That was both humbling and motivating, and I did not take lightly the opportunity to work with them to bring out their natural family moments.  It was a pleasure working with you ‘A’ family, and I hope to get you in front of my camera again soon!

Family Painting / Paint Fight Session!

This mama and I were in prenatal yoga together (with her oldest and my youngest), and we’ve kept in touch over the years.  When my Facebook page reached 500 likes, I did a session giveaway, and this family won!  My only condition was that she had to use the session before the holiday season sessions start.  After letting her know that I had some openings this month and bugging her to schedule, she sent me an example of another family’s painting session, and I said I’d always wanted to photograph one!  So we picked a date, and made it happen this weekend.  She got all the paint and supplies, and applied the word ‘love’ onto a canvas using masking tape. 

The family had a great time painting the canvas, and each other, which made for some great and colorful shots, which is why this is such a popularly Pinteresting idea!  In the session we were pinspired by, each member of the family had a different colored container of paint, and matching bandana or other accessory.  I love that extra styling, as it adds a bit of color to the before picture, and gives each member of the family an identity in the after shot, so that each color takes on a personality.  I’ll do another giveaway when I reach 1,000 likes, so keep following, liking, and sharing, and you could be next!  If you’d rather not leave your memories up to chance, check out the ‘Pricing’ tab.

Harry Potter Bookstore Session!

I first met the youngest in the group for his Valentine’s day session this past February.  He had brought a Harry Potter broom with him, and his mom and I got to talking about how he and his other siblings are huge Harry Potter fans, and wouldn’t it be fun to do a Harry Potter themed session.  Yesterday, we brought that vision to life.  I recently discovered the Second Edition Book Shop, which has been named multiple times as the best in our county, and have been waiting for the perfect book-loving family to photograph here.  Thank you so much to Danielle for sharing your lovely space with us, and we were so excited to have The Great Catsby (who bears a striking resemblance to Hermione’s cat Crookshanks) join us for our first shot!

Based on this inspiring session, the kids started off in their regular clothes, hanging out and reading Harry Potter books.  They climbed the ladder to get their Olivander’s wands, and then it was like their imaginations came to life, as they donned their Hogwarts cloaks in the bookstore, and then in the woods.  They cast a spell on Scabbers the rat, hung out with Hedwig the owl, Fawkes the Phoenix, and Norbert the dragon, reached for the golden snitch, and made their Firebolt rise “up”. I’m typically not one for Photoshop, but the eldest sister and I set up some great action shots that demanded it, so I obliged and was able to arrange a chase by a Hungarian Horntail dragon, a mermaid in the lake, and a meeting with Buckbeak the Hippogriff.  We all had a great time.  Who wants to bring their favorite literary characters to life next?!  I’d love to do this again!