Monday, November 3, 2014

Colorful Autumn Fun

Autumn is such an amazing time for photo sessions - the colors are great and if you time it well, the light can be awesome. I was so glad this beautiful season set the backdrop for an old family friend who is a regular on my blog (originally for their wedding, then a few years later with their little girl). This year they extended the photo session to include mom's sibling's family as well as the grandparents. To say I had a hard time editing the blog selections is an understatement! Between the personal connection I have with the group, their wonderful interactions, fall colors and let's not forget the fashion sense, I have many favorites!!

It's awesome to watch children change and develop their personalities. The sparkle in her eye and sweet smile was a must to document.
 A traditional image is important to capture. It's still a moment in time.
 Widening the perspective adds serenity to the image.
 Being fun and goofy is awesome.
 Always happy with mama!
 I love the angle of this shot, photographed slightly upward from a low position.
 Just plain ol' jolly!
 The simplicity of falling leaves.
 I love the anticipation in her face!
 Another traditional image, just getting the family a little closer together.
 In the leaves with dad - what's better than that.....
 Adding mom of course!
I L.O.V.E. this shot - a runner up for my fave of the day. The angle, the colors and their relaxed body positions - all so natural.
 Onto the next family, starting off with a traditional portrait.
 I do tend to prefer the closer portraits so you can really see their faces.
 Blue sky and so many other colors.
 I like the interaction here, all focused on the baby.
OK, so this little guy was my BFF all afternoon long. Friends with me = friends with the camera. He just could not wait to throw up those leaves!
 Wait, one more sec.....
 Hold on, hold on.....
 Go! My favorite image of the day.
 Like this, too. (I know, I know - I told you I had a hard time editing!)
I assumed the same low position as he did in order to get the eyes focused well into the lens plus the depth of field with the brush on the ground.
As much as I like the previous shot, I think his face looks more lit up here, entranced by something. So sweet.
 He was so friendly - I even got invited to his house to play. How stinkin' cute is that?
 Here comes little sis. Kids, pumpkins and hay makes a great picture.
 The time in their lives at these teeny sizes will go so quickly - it's great to capture it.
 The boots! Will you just look at those boots?! Her expression is priceless, too.
 A calm moment with mom (and very well color coordinated as well).
There is nothing I don't like about this image. I even like the fact that you can see dad propping her up from behind.
My favorite aspect of this dad's expression is how it will warm her heart when she sees this picture as a grown up.
 Propping kids up on dad's knee is great for father/son shots.
Enter Grandma and Grandpa! You can immediately tell it's a fun bunch.
 And again, a little closer to really see those smiling faces.
 The whole gang. The picture we all so often want. I'm so glad they have it.
 Grandma wanted this special shot of her girls and grandkids. Very proud indeed.
 Regular blog followers know that I always take photos of just the parents - it's important!
 Mom and dad still got it goin' on!
 The only shot of the day in black and white. Just love it.
A sweet time in their lives.
 
I wanted to switch it up a bit here.
"No spaces" is a must for me when capturing families!
One last group shot - lots of smiles!
 
Many many thanks to all of you for asking me to document your growing family - I had a blast and hope you always enjoy reliving these special times through the images. xoxo

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Golden Years

I was beyond delighted to photograph this family as I've shared my roots with them across many decades. My dear friend (I think in 2014 terms she'd actually be my "bestie") and her brother wanted to get their entire family photo together as a gift for their parents 50th Wedding Anniversary. What a great idea! A summation of their fifty years together.... first as a couple, then as parents and now the joys of being grandparents. I don't think I'd be out of line if I tell you their granddaughter is truly the apple of this entire family's eye....you will see it for yourself.... Grandma and Grandpa's anniversary is truly golden.

The happy couple....lookin' good!
 
 I wanted to do several combinations of the group. I like this lineup with a group hug to soften it up.
 I like this wider angle with the tree in the background and texture of the grass in the foreground.
The darn dog just wouldn't pose at first (!) but I just knew if I waited patiently, we'd get a shot that worked with everybody!
 It's fun when they start having fun with each other....
 But we still need a more formal shot for Grandma and Grandpa's picture frame. ;-)
 Sophisticated for as long as I can remember.
 Can ya tell this child is L.O.V.E.D.?
 Three genuinely happy faces.
 A sweet moment.
 Or two.
 "Yeah, I'm his little girl."
 Mom was lots of fun. I like this carefree moment.
 Time to chill with cool Auntie. She really has a unique relationship with her.
 I love the natural smiles here.
 But this one is even better. (Put this one in the frame, J!)
 This is SOOOOOO goofy, but I absolutely LOVE it.
 Some natural smiles here. ;-)
Even goofier....and I love it even more! I like the straight on angle and the fan behind the main subject.
 Fun with dad. (And great hair shot!)
 So cute. You can feel her tight hug.
 The more traditional version. Nice eye connection with the lens, I think.
 HER two besties. ;-)
 I might have to hang out with these three....so fun!
 The crisp black and white works nicely, too.
The original immediate family. Family shots aren't just for little kids. They should be taken throughout your lifetime.
 Of course I had to capture some individual portraits of this sweetie. Such a natural.
 And the pooch posed on cue this time!
 Those sparkling blue eyes!
 Something a little more contemporary.
This photo session was a particularly sentimental one for me....so nice to see this family grow and love together. I hope the photos are enjoyed today and always.