Family Picture

An old family friend, Anthony, and his wife Kelly were recently sharing with me how they can't believe how hard it is to get a family picture of themselves and their little girl. Between taking care of their one year old's needs and trying to all look photo-presentable, it is nearly impossible. (And I concur with my own family!) So they paid me a visit today and we had a lovely afternoon together creating images that I hope they will always cherish.

Now that my children are growing up (way too quickly for my taste), I think photos like this are so much more important. This is a very sweet time in their lives. I want them to remember not only what they look like, but how they felt. So I started off with this wide shot to capture that sweet family moment and environment.

 Starting to zoom in to get more expressions.

 Somewhat traditional. And sweet. I like the relaxed feel of this shot.

 Some more traditional, looking at the camera is always nice, too.

 We moved around a bit to keep changing the background and lighting direction.

 I shot into the light for this one to create some nice hairlights and bright background.

Somebody was distracted by some greenery. Best time to shoot as it was a sweet moment with dad.

 Reading with mommy is a great connecting time so I like to photograph it.

 Onto the individual portraits. This was sooooooooo easy with such a pretty girl (and awesome hair decor!)

 Photographing little people as they look down at something really brings your eye to their soft delicate features.

 Oh how expressive she is!

 This is a fave from the day. I remember Anthony as a kid so I just love their similar expressions here.

 Focused on those long beautiful lashes for this one.

 I often photograph my own family in my backyard and need some new angles. So I shot through some potted plants. By keeping only the subject in focus, it creates more depth and draws your eye to the family.

 Sweet sweet sweet.

 Getting more excited now (as mom and dad were wildly waving all sorts of stuffed animals over my head).

 Another sweet moment with dad. Can you say "daddy's little girl"?

 So bright and cheery!

 Off center is a must for me.

 Gotta show the whole outfit!

 Eyes of wonder.

 OK, this one is just darn funny!

 And this happened a millisecond later.

 More time with mom. I love the coordinating outfits and lovely accessories for each.

 Another funny one.

I'm usually not too into this almost totally saturated look, but with the side profile, her body position and big poofy top, it just fits.

 Another family shot, this time indoors using window light. I mostly shoot outdoors but this directional light is also nice.

Today was one of those days that I felt particularly lucky to do what I do. Thank you, Anthony and Kelly, for asking me to take these special photos!

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!!