Birthday Love

I helped photograph this couple's wedding a few years back and was super happy they asked me to document their extended families that were gathered together to celebrate their son's First Birthday. Many traveled far and wide for the special occasion and I thought it was a great idea to take the opportunity for photographs. Wisely, we met up a few hours BEFORE the party so that we can great great photos in a relaxed environment and then they can go off and enjoy the festivities.

Let me just say that my blogging commentary about this session has the potential to go over the top on how much LOVE this family has for the birthday boy, not to mention his cousin. You will see firsthand how fanatically enamored they are with this very special stage in their lives (appropriately so)! It is just awesome and I'm going to try my best to not be say "Can you feel the love?!?!" about almost every photo, but I ain't promising anything. ;-) OK, now that you've been warned, here goes...

The boy of the hour....the catchlights in his deep brown eyes adds a delicious twinkle.

I am convinced he knows he's cute. Those soulful eyes.

Both sides of his family were present for pictures so we got many "all in the family" shots. Mom's side...

And Dad's side..

 

A very close and cuddly group.

 Does this smile say "I'm happy to be a grandmother" or what?

I switched up the background slightly for these two special people.

 Ha!

 Big smiles for Aunt and Uncle.

 Now this is the kind of photo that I cherish. Togetherness and smiles in a natural playful way.

So silly you can't help but smile.

With mom, auntie and grandma.

Although not a traditional looking-at-the-camera shot, I think you still are able to get a great sense of feeling. Maybe even more than the former.

 More love from another happy grandma. I took this right after she arrived and scooped him up. It's important to always be at the ready with the camera.

 One day when he is an adult, I hope he will see this photo and feel her love from the joy on her face.

 More twinkly eyes. I made sure the sun was behind me for that.

 Another fave. I envision this image blown up in a playroom.

I love photos like this as he will grow quickly and mom and dad will fondly remember how he was once small enough to put on dad's shoulders.

Plus it's always good to show grown kids that their parents are fun.

 OK, if this isn't a "feel the love" photo, I don't know what is!

 I like the depth between Auntie and Baby here. To get that effect, I shoot close with a wide lens.

Cousin has arrived.

I remember taking a similar shot at the wedding. Now it's plus two.

 Sweet shot. And I wish I could say that I composed it purposely to capture the number on the front, but the truth is I JUST noticed it. Funny, right?!

 Every grandmother with more than one grandchild wants a picture like this.

 Mom with her two boys and their two boys.

Smothered with kisses. There's lot's more where that came from kiddo!

Many thanks to all of you for a wonderful morning celebrating family!!

Post Communion Portraits

Communions have come and gone but photos are still being taken! I always say it's best not to take portraits on communion day, but many people are too busy with the preparations to squeeze it in beforehand. Well, it can always be done afterwards, too. I took these few photos of my daughter's friend the other day.

We started off with a a traditional look.

Here, too.

 Then I started playing around with what seems to be my favorite communion girl angle. ;-)

 Had to widen a bit to capture poofiness.

 I LOVED her shoes.

She was a natural in front of the camera.

 I love how her body language is so relaxed and the veil falls so naturally here.

 How sweet is this? I picture this one on the wall.

 I can't decide if I like it better in black and white? This one almost seems more pensive....?

 What a sweet smile!

I knew I had to incorporate the textured stonework in front of her house. And what a perfect look she gave! One of my faves for sure.

 Back to traditional. I do love these, too. The natural setting adds to the feel here.

 Incorporating more nature.

 I think this is my fave of the day. Great lighting and captures her personality.

 Wide again. Little girls grow big so fast so there always has to be a perspective shot.

 Skipping along. ;-)

After this, she changed into play clothes and rolled around in the grass with her brother and my kids. Ah, it lasts for such a short time....but we got it. ;-)

Alecsa's Communion

It's communion season and here's another sweet girl, Alecsa. I photographed her older brother's communion a few years ago and I was delighted to shoot another family event. It's awesome to see how the kids have both changed. Alecsa was the "little girl" not so long ago and here she is celebrating her big day.

 I like the directional quality of window light, illuminating her face and then dropping off.

 I love this angle, her sweet smile and the pillows in the background.

I like the sitting down position here.






Dainty.

 Switched up the room for a wider window light.

 Features are softened when a girl looks down. So sweet.

Look at that perfect skin. Mother nature showered that day but clouds provide a lovely filter to accentuate pretty little girl features.

Happy.

 Oh how I love everything about this.

 Slowed that shutter down to capture the movement of her dress.

 

Perfectly poofy.

 

Me playing with reflections again.

 Moved outside to switch things up.

Mom and dad are stylin'.

I will post two family shots, as I usually do. The traditional looking-at-the-camera one....and the one that comes immediately after it, that I always just love.

 I love the way Dad is looking at Mom here. Just love it.

 I like this. A lot.

 This shot better go on your wall, Nan! ;-)

 Snapped this shot of her dainty little shoes. I like the off center composition and use of blank space.

Details were so pretty.

 A hug from bro before going into the party.

 

Pretty excited to be in her room. (I asked her to spin once....but she just kept spinning...and spinning...)

 Love the full dress and bow/veil.

An emotional slide show...some sweet reactions...

 Lots of dancing ensued....I thought this shot of Alecsa and her besties was hilarious!

 Many congrats to Alecsa and a thank you to her family for inviting me to document this wonderful occasion! xoxo