Thoughts on Everyday Joy

Claudia, Brianna, Dominic

2011-11-09T19:11:00.000-08:00

I just love watching kids grow up and it is such a joy to be able to document a tiny part of it. I adore these three kids. I have seen them quite a few times over the years and they are fun and cute and put them together and it is cute-overload. Thank you to their mom, Anne for bringing them over.

Natalie

2011-11-02T18:04:00.000-07:00

What a star Natalie is! She was in town this past weekend from Albuquerque and she sure got lots of attention on her visit. I love it. She is so adored that the only time she was put down was when she had her photo shoot---she is always being held by her Michigan family. So sweet. More photos to come! : )

Tallie

2011-11-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

I had fun with Tallie tonight! More photos to come!

Brrrr....grumpy ducks must mean winter is coming!

2011-10-28T19:18:00.001-07:00

Gretchen and Scott met me at the park this chilly morning. Thankfully the frost had just cleared. The ducks came after me while I waited for the family to arrive. Maybe they didn't want their picture taken? Or perhaps they were just grumpy with the layer of ice forming on their beaks. Go south then! It was really cold. Poor Dieter was shivering. It took some bouncing and convincing but Evy warmed up and we got a family picture! Great to see you today!

Joe and Brianne

2011-10-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

Andrew

2011-10-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

Andrew's mommy and I go back to college and it was great to see her again! We took Andrew into the woods for his session since we were fighting the midday sun. I brought some apples and wow, I have never seen a kid eat apples like Andrew did! He didn't ask for them peeled and sliced--and he ate about 4 of them! Way to go big kid! It was so wonderful to meet Andrew and see his mom, Michelle again. Blessings to your family!

Paul, Senior

2011-10-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

Paul, you must have been practicing some of these moves, right? : ) It was a fun evening spent with Paul and his mom.

Leah is Two!

2011-10-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

Leah took her time to get comfortable but when see did she had a lot of fun going down the slide and swinging. I can't believe she is two already. We finally had decent weather for her outside session! I am enjoying watching her grow. Thank you for coming over today!

Logan and Bevin

2011-10-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

Sinclaire and Emory

2011-10-07T18:26:00.000-07:00

Cousins!

2011-10-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

Aune Family

2011-10-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

Avary

2011-10-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

Avary took me to some of his favorite places for his photo session. He lit up when he had the opportunity to show me where so many summer memories happened. What a cutie.

Downtown Sunset

2011-10-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful night to be downtown. There was an amazing pink sky at sunset. I love all the views. Lots of boys to chase in this family. We had adventures!

Logan and Aubrey

2011-09-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

I never know quite what to expect when working with kids ages 2-4. With Logan and Aubrey I find that some of the cutest expressions come from when they are having little arguments. Who can resist a cute little blond with a big pout?! But this time the bribery worked pretty well and we had another successful sibling photo. Thanks again Karen!

Expecting

2011-09-12T09:32:00.001-07:00

Ryan and Kristin are expecting thier new little miracle this fall. These two are so easy going and will make great parents. I can't wait to see the little one!

The Johnston Family

2011-09-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

Working with this family was such a blessing to me. I left feeling so renewed and alive again. I had spent time doing what I loved and worked with amazing people who understood my vision. They lived their lives in front of the camera. No posing, just pure joy and love. It was like I wasn't there---which again is why my business name is what it is. THE JOY of everyday. The joy was tangible. And I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with such great people.

Sisters!

2011-08-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

I love to see sisters interact. They seem to anticipate each other's words and then just start giggling. These two seemed really close. They did piggyback rides, danced and I even convinced them to lay in the grass together. It was a fun night. Thank you, Jackie for coming to the field for your session.

Dominic turns one

2011-08-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

Dominic, wasn't it just yesterday you were born?! How can you be one? I got such a kick out of his budding personality. He had a trademark grin that he flashed throughout his session. He wasn't too keen on showing his new teeth off, he wanted to keep those hidden behind his grin. But seriously, can a little guy get any cuter? He can stand holding onto something but you'll have to take my word---he refused to be photographed standing. He didn't want his feet in the grass and he preferred sitting on the cement floor at the lodge we were at. I didn't mind---there was some nice brickwork. There he sat, zooming his favorite truck. Another fun day with one of Anne's children. Thanks again, Anne!

Annah and Cy

2011-08-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

Annah and Cy are two cuties that I have gotten to know over the last few years. I actually sit behind them in church and they are the cutest kids ever! And Annah is growing up to be a beautiful young lady. I took her out and we had a girls day away. We snapped photos and stopped at a candy store for a treat.

Ellie and her horses

2011-08-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

You learn something new everyday, right? I learned a few things about horses when I spent the evening with miss Ellie. Apparently the theme with horses is "safety in numbers" because Blaze was uncomfortable with his photographic debut without his friend Lily nearby. Once she entered the scene he calmed down a little. Ellie loves her horses and was so excited to see Lily come around the corner to join us. I remember loving horses just like Ellie when I was a little girl. I would dream of having my own horse. But Ellie is living that life and she shares a bond with them. She is so sweet.

Beach fun!

2011-08-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

This was one of my favorite sessions: great kids and a mom who gave me total creative control. I loved watching the girls splashing in the water in their dresses. A beautiful night, great memories.

Rain? What rain?!

2011-08-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

I love working with such easy going families! We did this whole session under awnings and I had a great time doing it. Lots of smiles, dress-up, dancing and hugs. Lots of love. Thank you for a fun Saturday morning.

Maggie and Abbie

2011-07-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

Maggie and Abbie met me Saturday morning for their 1 year and 3 year photo session. We braved the rain and the humidity (intense!) and had a pretty successful session! With the big green blob on the weather radar I didn't know if we would pull it off but we did! These blond hair blue eyed girls must get attention wherever they go. People passing by sure did a lot of ooohing and ahhhing over their cuteness. I am glad the rain held off and I had a fun morning running around with these two beautiful little gals.

New baby sister

2011-07-23T18:18:00.001-07:00

I had the privilege of meeting little Halie for her photo session yesterday! While big sister Brie drew pictures and told me about her favorite things, I worked with Halie. She did great! Brie was a busy little girl but I was surprised at how many pictures I got with the two together. They are such beautiful little girls. Thank you, Heidi for having me over to capture these first sister moments.

Baby bliss

2011-07-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

So often I get a chuckle out of the phrase, "sleep like a baby." Sometimes when I work with a newborn they seem to want to avoid sleep. But then there is Henry. I did all the same tactics as usual and he "slept like a baby". What a peanut. So perfect. He was a joy to work with. Thank you, Katie for giving me the privilege of capturing one of his first days.

Bridges, dress-up, and clamps

2011-07-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

Allie, Brooklyn and Ryan are always so fun. They are so full of energy and love to talk. They ask me questions and call me "camera lady." : ) Ryan found one of my clamps and thought that was perfect for a short round of football while I was working with his sisters. Allie and Brooklyn opened up so quickly when I showed them my bag of dress up clothes. All of a sudden they turned into runway models strutting their stuff. The moves and poses were so natural. What fun. Beautiful children and such a great family!

Reese, Hudsyn, and baby Ellie

2011-06-30T18:31:00.000-07:00

What a refreshing night this was! The beautiful weather, spending time outside and hanging out with such a fun family! Reese and Hudsyn were so bubbly and fun. They were a little apprehensive about hiking in the grasses that were taller than they were---totally understandable. Ellie loved the pick at all the grasses and play with them. It was a challenge to get her attention because of all the "toys" that were sprouting from the ground wherever she looked. I can tell the members of this family adore each other. It was a joy to spend the evening with them.

Hanging out in the alley

2011-06-28T17:57:00.000-07:00

I spent Saturday morning with three lovely families in Howell. First off, what a wonderful town full of photo possibilities! The alleys were so beautiful all decked out for "Balloonfest" and that is where we camped out to escape from the wind. The poor girls were shivering and we let the buildings keep us sheltered. By the time we ventured out of the alley, the weather had warmed up and the wind calmed down. What a great group this was to work with. So easy going and fun. Thank you for sharing your Saturday with me. : )

Kendall

2011-06-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

Is she not the cutest little girl EVER!? We went on a walk together and she quickly passed me and ran in her little heels. She took a few tumbles but got back up and smiled. She is going to have a baby sister this summer and I am sure she will be quite the helper! Kendall and her mommy enjoyed a litte tea party but since I ran out of time I didn't have the chance to put a little snack on her tea party plate. She noticed but was content with a little water in her teacup. She is precious. Thank you, Diana for bringing her over and best wishes as you soon become mother of two.

Who's belly is bigger?

New wall display guides to help clients "see" their prints!

2011-06-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to have new software to help clients visualize how wall groupings will look in their homes. There are different room options and color choices. Here are just a few examples of how print groupings can work together.

If you have images in your gallery that you would like to see in a group, let me know!

Occasionally I will include a layout in your image gallery. If you have a specific idea, I would love to hear it!

I often have returning clients who say that thier "big print" of 8x10 was surprisingly small. It is often hard to visualize print sizes in relation to a large room. The following image is how an 8x10 looks above a couch:

Zuly and Enzo

2011-06-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

Zuly has the cutest disposition. After a few minutes she warmed up to me and kept saying "Amy". I love all her stylish clothes and accessories, her mommy has good taste! Baby Enzo was a content little guy, but didn't want to miss anything so he stayed awake the whole session. Beautiful children! Thank you again for allowing me to spend time photographing them.

Kate and Tim

2011-06-12T07:07:00.000-07:00

We had adventures in the field with Katie and Tim! Katie was my little buddy and she held my hand and we went exploring looking for the secret part of the field where there are logs to balance on. She was so excited to tell her mom and dad what we found. Little Tim has the cutest little grin ever. How can he be old enough to crawl already? It seems like his newborn session was only weeks ago. Time flies. Kids grow so fast, which is why I am here to help us remember the moments from their sweet childhoods.

Thank you Annie and Eric!

Piper, Mom, and Grandma

2011-06-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

This little girl is truly adored. She was in town visiting Grandma and had a great visit with her "Mimi". So full of life, Piper is so smiley and smart. She showed me her counting skills and her very strong preference for hoodies : ) What a fun morning. I love being around clients who have that sparkle in their eye when around their loved ones. Capturing the joy of everyday moments. This is why I do what I do.

Lily, 3

2011-05-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

Beautiful little Lily was such a happy girl! What a sweet and good-natured little one she is. I am so glad I could spend an evening with her.

Welcome, baby Max!

2011-05-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

I am doing some blogging catch-up, and already posted the gallery for little Max's mommy but wanted to include a few to share here. Such a sweetie!

PARTY!!

2011-05-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

I had the super fun job of photographing the birthday party for two special little girls who turned 5. The five year birthday in this family is "the big one" and they had all kinds of fun in their own backyard. A bounce house, popcorn, cotton candy, and lots of friends. A great time for sure!

Logan and Lucas

2011-05-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

These brothers love their John Deere Green! At their family orchard I learned about lots of farming processes, thanks to Logan! Thank you to mommy Traci for helping me shield the bright morning sun! : )

Alivia, Three Years Old

2011-05-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

The rain has stopped but there is still a chill in the air. But that didn't stop us from a nature walk and a photo session for miss Alivia. We sang songs, listened to some fun music, blew bubbles, danced and had a good time in the field. Overflowing with cuteness as always---I always enjoy photo sessions with this little one!

Brothers

2011-05-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

Leah

2011-04-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

Leah is a shy little one and wow, does she adore her mommy! She has the cutest smile but was only comfortable sharing them in the arms of her mom. We met on a rainy gloomy day but we ventured outside for a few minutes. Her blue eyes really sparkled when we were outside. Rachel, thank you for bringing her in!

Lillian is two!

2011-04-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed working with Lillian since she was so tiny. Her big brother Logan is a fun-loving kid and it apears Lillian is similar. Once we got her inside and out of the cold she opened up and had a great time. This age is so precious. My favorite age is when little ones start to talk and they say things with such seriousness. She was so concerned that she found little hole in my sock which I didn't know was there. The sweet little voice of a two year old is one of the cutest things ever and she had me laughing. What a doll. Thank you Kristen for bringing her in!

Newborn Emelia

2011-04-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind on the blogging, but I can't miss out on sharing this little sweetie. Emelia is so cute. Her parents insist she has a mind of her own already---she really didn't want to sleep during her photo session despite all our efforts. She did drift off for about 10 minutes we did get some dreamland photos afterall.

Megan turns 1!

2011-04-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

Megan and her sisters have the most beautiful eyes! I always get excited when their mommy contacts me about a photo session. : ) Little Megan was not thrilled about hats but we were able to get a few hat pictures with our powerful use of distraction. We make a good team, Jill!

Thanks so much!

Baby Addy

2011-04-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

Look at that head of hair on little Addy. She is simply precious. Thank you for bringing her in, Tina.

In my thoughts

2011-03-05T04:19:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to take a minute and express my deepest sympathy to the Geers and Wolf families in the loss of Leanna. Leanna is a friend of my parents and I had the joy of photographing her beautiful daughter Ava. Leanna fought her cancer battle with such grace and determination. Joy is a word I would use to describe her. In her 26 years she loved life and loved her family and left quite a legacy. We have comfort in knowing that those who trust in the Lord have eternal life. To her husband Eric and daughter Ava, I am praying for you along with so many others.

Amy

Baby Allison

2011-03-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

Little Allison is so soft and sweet. I really miss babies when I don't have any in for awhile. I was able to get my baby fix in and hold this little cuddler. She is beautiful, thank you for bringing her in!

Dominic and Brianna

2011-02-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

Sorry it took so long to post this! : )
Once again it was a joy working with Anne's children. Miss Brianna has a mind of her own...but then so does every two year old, right? She was busy but we were able to direct her quickly toward a tea party that we threw together on the fly. Oh and who can resist a giant lollipop, right? Dominic is a serious kind of guy. He is happy just hanging around watching things happen around him. But we pulled out all the stops and found what made those giggles erupt. Those cheeks-it is hard not to pinch them!

walking in a winter wonderland

2011-02-09T12:55:00.000-08:00

These sisters are dear to my heart. They happen to be my boys' best buddies. I loved spending time with them outside in the beautiful snowfall. With snow two feet deep we hung out on the snow-covered driveway and played. What a laugh these gals are. They are beautiful inside and out.

A colorful session on a dreary day

2011-01-16T17:40:00.000-08:00

We had plans on shooting this family session downtown, but it was just too chilly for little kiddos, so we improvised and headed indoors. I loved the red hair, coordinating accessories, and the super fun boys. Erin and Dan, thank you for spending the morning with me...and for feeding the meter so I didn't get a ticket. : )

Brennan: 2011 is off to a smiling start!

2011-01-08T18:53:00.000-08:00

Little Brennan was so happy to be the first smiling face of the year for me. He was quick to show off his handsome looks. The moment he came in the door he just stared at me with a big grin. He is a quick crawler though so as soon as he realized there was a doggie outside he made his way for the puppy. He had fun throwing apples and playing peek-a-boo. One thing is for sure though, he doesn't like ties! Who can blame him?!

Sophia--One Year

2010-12-10T05:02:00.000-08:00

Little Sophia is a beauty! She loves her cheerios and to crawl away from us. But one thing is for certain---she adores her big sister! And what a great big sister she has! I really enjoyed seeing Sophia and her mom and sister again. Thank you so much for coming!

Brenda, senior

2010-12-06T15:49:00.000-08:00

Brenda is someone who I just met but will always hold a special place in our family. She is a senior and it was so great to meet her. Thank you so much for coming. It was truly great to meet you and your mom.

Santa Baby

2010-12-05T19:18:00.000-08:00

Jack is back, and this time he is sporting a new santa hat. My, have you grown, little one! I am always shocked to see the babies for their six month photo session after seeing them for their newborn photos. They grow so fast!
Little Jack was a happy guy. He seems very laid back. He has two fingers that are his favorites and now that he has control, those two fingers have a way of making it to his mouth often. I had fun hanging out with this little guy!
Thank you for brining him in, Tricia!

Olivia is one!

2010-11-19T18:00:00.000-08:00

Olivia is a trooper if I have ever seen one! Not only did she have only a 5 minute nap, she also came right from her 1 year check-up and all those immunizations! I was quite nervous but she pulled through! She has the most beautiful big blue eyes. I always love serious photos of cuties like her because their eyes light up and are so full of expression. She has grown so fast since her newborn photos. It is so fun for me to see little ones at thier milestones to see how they change and develop. Olivia's personality is starting to show and she is so fun, just like her mom and dad.

All Boy!

2010-11-19T17:56:00.000-08:00

Jordan came for his big boy 3 year photo session but he had toys on the mind so we had to incorporate some blocks, cars, and and little "guys" into his session. This busy little boy had things to do and places to go---much like most three year old boys I have worked with. Thank you his Mom for bringing him over.

Arman {Six Months}

2010-11-10T05:01:00.000-08:00

Little Arman is such a doll! I adore his big eyes and big cheeks. Look out ladies, this guy is going to be one handsome dude! Thank you for bringing him in!

Evy and Dieter

2010-11-01T04:50:00.000-07:00

My best friend's adorable little ones are turning one and three. We spent some time with little Evy on a cold drizzly day. We wanted to venture out farther but the wind and rain were pretty chilly so we huddled next to a building and occasionally took shelter under an awning. Evy was quite a trooper though. She was a busy little one and loved to play with all the accessories. I brought my dark red baby Gap coat that I bought when I was pregnant with my first child over six years ago. I didn't know yet if I was having a boy or girl so I bought this one coat and tucked it away. Here I am two boys later and I am using the coat as a photo prop for the cold. That is ok, though---I treasure my boys and love that Evy fit into it so well for her photos. She is so close to walking and then she will be off the keep up with big brother. Dieter braved the cold too, but was kept warm with a blanket on his lap and was bribed to hold tight by the amazing power of gummy worms. Thanks for coming, Gretchen and Scott! Love you guys!

A short note from me : )

2010-10-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Whether you check my blog often or this is your first time, I am so glad you're here! I love visitors and I appreciate comments.

I have been meaning to post this for awhile, but it stays on my to-do list and hasn't yet been done so today I will officially announce that all sessions are booked for the remainder of the year. I really appreciate all my wonderful clients who have kept me so busy during 2010. I have worked with some families many times and I met a few new ones as well. I am thankful for you all.

Please note that my sessions book about 3 to 4 months in advance. As much as I would love to squeeze a session in, I have to be pretty structured in my scheduling since my calendar books up fast due to the short amount of work time I have during the week. My first job is as a stay-at-home-mom and my kids are growing so fast! Before I know it they will both be in school full time. While that will allow me more work time, I am treasuring the time I have with my little one.

Stay tuned to my blog and website in November. I am hoping to post the revised session information when I get all caught up.

Thanks again!
Blessings!
Amy

Baby Olivia

2010-10-29T03:54:00.000-07:00

Meet baby Olivia. Her mommy and daddy brought her over for a newborn session and I was able to get to know this little bundle since she wasn't much of a sleeper. She loves to be held so we did a lot of shots with mommy and daddy. She is so petite and cute, it is always a joy to work with little ones like her. Thank you for bringing her in!

Leah, one year

2010-10-29T03:47:00.000-07:00

Little Leah is one now! What a little doll in her cupcake dress. Not quite ready to walk, but don't let that fool you---she is fast! Lots of back and forth with this girl! She found out that a stool can double for a walker and then she took off on foot. Thank you for bringing her in!

Dominic, 3 months

2010-10-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

Dominic's mom wanted his three month photo session outfit to be his baptism outfit. What a little man he is in his vest and little booties. So handsome! I LOVE the puppy dog hat. It is so cute! Thank you so much for coming!

Lianna {senior 2011}

2010-10-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

I had the joy of hanging out with Lianna and her mom yesterday. We went off-roading and I saw some pretty cool locations. I really enjoyed getting to know these ladies more--and they were able to get to know me and how I lose my lens cap everywhere I go : ) I am thankful to Lianna's mom who helped pick all the burs off my sweater from shooting in the brush. Ah, the adventures! Well worth it! Lianna was so fun and she is such a beauty. I look forward to working on the rest.

fall portrait party part 2

2010-10-19T18:25:00.000-07:00

The second portrait party went really smoothly too. I think this may be something I do next year as well. I had a great time, and it was so fun to see all of these families again. I am so blessed to work with such great people.

Sibling Sweetness

2010-10-16T03:21:00.000-07:00

I just love it when kids suprise their parents and act like they adore each other at a photo shoot. Logan and Aubrey were SO happy to hold hands and be together---as long as they were moving, that is! But hey, I'll take it! Cute together action shots are far better than fighting together action shots which is the norm for kids their age. We had a beautiful backdrop of the field in the fall and the lovely sun illuminating the trees. Perfect day. I hope you enjoy these. I had a great time.

Fall Photo Party Part One!

2010-10-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I had my first ever photo party! Six families joined me for a morning at the Anderson orchard. We had perfect weather and everything ran smoothly. The kids had fun, although there were a couple who were maybe a little tired and not their normal happy selves. All and all it was a fun time. Thank you to the Anderson family for making this possible. Part two is coming this weekend!

Posh-Perfect!

2010-10-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

A client and friend of mine is launching her own boutique of adorable accessories! I was so excited to help her photograph her new goods. What a fashion show we had going on! We had two little girls do the modeling and we had some adventures! I think you will see how fun and unique the items are, and of course the adorable models didn't hurt! : )
Posh-Perfect items can be found at
http://www.posh-perfect.com/
or on Facebook search for Posh-Perfect

Ethan is one!

2010-10-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

This was my first time meeting little Ethan. What a little man in his button-down shirt! So handsome he was, especially when he smiled. Some kids smile with their whole bodies and he was one of them. He just lights up when he smiles. He loves his singing puppy and his little blanket. Such a doll! Thank you for bringing him in!

Katie and Tim

2010-10-07T18:39:00.000-07:00

I love working with toddlers. Why? Because I get to be constantly surprised! AND because I just simply get to encourage them to be themselves and they happily oblige. No fake cheese smiles, just pure childhood play. What fun! It also helps when they are as cute as these two were. I have seen pictures of little Katie and always wanted to work with her. She is simply adorable. Little Tim was so wide awake but very content. He was already letting us know that he prefers to be on the go rather than still. But he was happy! I really enjoyed hanging out with this family. Thank you for coming!

Bristol, 6 months

2010-10-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

When she came in six months ago, Baby Bristol was the easiest newborn to work with. She is still pretty easy going. Having three big sisters probably helps out. It is a good thing she isn't too high maintenance because that may make things tough for her mom. It is always fun having these girls around!
Thanks for coming!

Extended Family Fun

2010-09-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

I always enjoy hanging out with Logan and Lillian. On the day of their photo session I got to hang out with their extended family too. I would venture to say that the moms and dads in this group may have been a little bit stressed with energy level of the boys, but I had a great time. I have boys thier ages and I felt at home. I always have a good laugh with kids who are so full of personality. We made it (nobody got hurt : ) and managed to get some extended family photos-- so call the day a success!

The Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch

2010-09-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

Little Ava was not her happy self on her picture day. She was pretty serious. And I would say we tried just about everything to get her to be herself but she was pretty content to just watch us be silly. Either way, she is a beautiful little girl and I had fun chatting with her mommy.

Avary is 2!

2010-09-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

Avery is one busy boy with places to go! It was only fitting we gave him a suitcase because he was ready to take off! I love this little guys eyes and his adventurous spirit. Thank you Erin for allowing me to spend the morning with you two.

Tim and Angie and Fam

2010-09-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

I love to see brothers interact. These kiddos have so much love for one another. Sometimes the only thing that will cheer them up is being around each other and acting silly. What a fun family and an adventurous evening! : )

Ethan, the Perfect Baby!

2010-09-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

It isn't very often I work with a newborn who never cries. Ethan was amazingly easy to work with. He is such a doll. Thank you Jill for bringing him in!

You know your puppy is spoiled when...

2010-09-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

...she gets her own blog post.

Field fun

2010-08-31T17:26:00.000-07:00

A simple setting with such beautiful kids made for a fun evening. I love seeing brothers together. There is nothing like that bond. From having my own two little guys, I know very well that if I want a good picture, it has to come naturally. These guys made me laugh so hard. If Big brother was told to smile, he smiled like a pirate with one eye closed with a cheese face. Little brother was such a fun goof that I could have talked to him all evening. Baby sister was getting over a cold so she wasn't very into the outside pictures so we went inside for a couple of her.
Thank you to their mom and dad for a fun evening!

Cole

2010-08-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

I love it when I get to hang out with little guys who remind me of my own little ones. This almost-three year old was full of life and energy. A fun young man to spend a beautiful sunny evening with. I can't wait to work on the rest of these ; )

Kendall, 9 months

2010-08-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry it took me a few days to get these up. I am playing catch up this week! Even though Kendall wasn't really into her photo session, I still think she is a doll! Hopefully someday she will like cameras so we can see her big smile! : )

Jack!

2010-08-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

When I am about to photograph an 18 month old boy, I should know by now to bring my running shoes. : ) Little Jack is such a doll. His blond curls remind me so much of my little boy at that age. I miss those curls. Although each child is different, there is most often a trend when it comes to working with kiddos this age. First, we attempt a family picture. I have an idea in my mind. Second, we scap the idea and improvise by following the little guy around and getting some action shots. Third, we take whatever together shot we can get. Forget a posed and thought-out shot. Nope, just get everyone in the picture. Enter the lollipop which brings with it orange drool--but at least he is sitting...for now....and you get an 18 month old photo shoot. So for anybody with a busy little one, please know that I expect this. If it were to happen one day where I would work with a little guy who enjoys sitting I would be so incredibly shocked. I enjoy this age. It is fun, it is a challenge and photos of them are natural. Nothing is ever posed. Thank you to Jack's mommy and daddy for a fun evening. : )

Monica and Brendan's Wedding

2010-08-07T03:11:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun at this wedding! I do not shoot weddings in general but made two exceptions this summer. This one was so unique, taking place all outdoors as we hoped the rain would hold off (it did, but barely). The homemade elements were so beautiful in the wooded setting. The winding river, big log house---it was the perfect setting for a romantic wedding. Monica looked beautiful and her groom was dashing. : ) My assistant Sharon and I had a great time. Thank you for sharing your beautiful day with us.

Monica on her way to let Brendan see her for the first time.

Brendans first glimpse of his bride

Such a beautiful place!

Hanging out pre-ceremony

The bride and groom toasted from the river.

Lots of cowboy boots.

Lots of characters.

Kids always steal the show.

Baby Dominic

2010-08-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

This little boy is loved by a couple of big sisters! Claudia was beaming holding her little guy. Unfortunately, Brianna was having some major teething issues and made her cameo for one photo and then was done, done, and done. Is there some sort of teething epidemic going on around here because it sure seems like a lot of kiddos lately are struggling with this! : ) Anyway, it was an adventure all around since my kids were home and we had four loud kids stomping like elephants around upstairs with a babysitter. I think we were able to capture some major cuteness from Dominic, though! : )

I don't know if this is a grin, a grunting face, or gas...but whatever it is it is cute.

Cute baby, cute feet.

Leah Nine Months!

2010-07-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

Little Leah is a smiley little gal and I adore her little tooth poking out. She is a doll! Thank you for bringing her in!

Mason and Brayden

2010-07-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

Mason and Brayden reminded me so much of my boys a couple years ago. Such a blondie Mason is! We went outside for a few minutes but it was wet so we headed in. Brayden was not quite himself so we saw a lot of seriousness from him. I was surprised to see that the boys each have thier footprints tattooed on daddy's arms. I can tell there is a lot of love in this family.
Thank you for bringing them in!

My two new "assistants"

2010-07-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

These two wonderful kids threw me for a loop. When I get ready for a photo shoot involving a three year old boy, I prepare do do a lot of chasing and dancing around to get their attention. These two were so aware of my presence and so involved in what I was doing. They said they wanted to grow up to take photos like I do. : ) I actually wanted them to ignore me a little more so I could catch them just being kids. They were a joy to be around. We listened to music, sang and had fun. Thank you to their mom and dad for bringing them!

July 4th with the Fam

2010-07-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

Little Bethany is always a doll. She has handmade clothing from her talented mom so she is always showing off her newest threads. Happy is a word to describer her. She is always singing and dancing when I see her. A true beauty.
Cecilia is also so adorable. I love her little pout when she is walking about. She missed a nap on this day and was not about to have a close-up. She played with her cousin Bethany and enjoyed some ice cream. She too is a beautiful little girl.

cousins enjoying some together time.

Cecelia's big bright eyes.

My new nephew!!

2010-07-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to welcome baby Matthew to our extended family! Adoption has brought our family two nephews and now we have a third! What a blessing he is to this family! He is already loved as a baby brother, son, cousin, grandson, and great grandson. We are so thankful for birth mothers who give adoptive families this amazing gift of life and love thier little baby enough to give them a bright future in a loving family. Matthew, welcome! You are going to have so many boys to play with as you grow! All your cousins will show you the ropes on how to get spoiled by the grandparents. : )

Senior Stephanie

2010-07-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

It was one very hot day for senior portraits but Stephanie was a trooper. She never complained and she was easy to work with. Instead of heading to GR for her shoot we headed north and had fun chatting as we stopped at random locations. I hope you like these, Stephanie. And best wishes for a wonderful last year of high school.

Two girly girls, and one cute little dude.

2010-06-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

I once again enjoyed working with this family on a beautiful summer day. There were times though where I felt like I was shooting for the cover of a fashion magazine because these girls have been practicing their poses and were showing me their moves! Once again we ended up in the water and little Ryan was enjoying every moment as he sat down and soaked his nice clothes. All boy, that is for sure.
Thank you again for letting me spend time with your family!

All American Girls

2010-06-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day for a photo shoot! The weather was beautiful and these girls were dressed perfectly for the mood of the upcoming fourth of July weekend. I have been so blessed to work with such great families! Big sister Sam was fun to photograph. She looked when I needed her to but just played the other times and was a normal six year old girl. Thank you to her parents for letting her be herself---it makes for much more natural photos. Little sister was a little busier but she had fun playing peek-a-boo with me and she really loved the watermelon at the end.
Thanks again for coming to see me! I had a great time!

Ten minutes with Kendall

2010-06-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

Kendall came my way for her two year photo session. We started our session earlier in the evening and the sun was blazing so we went to seek the shade. I don't think miss Kendall knew we would be roughing it in weeds taller than her. Once we were there she was a little nervous to go anywhere since she was in a maze of grass. Personally, I love this effect because it can help a two year old hold still! I snapped and snapped and then after about ten minutes she was done and wanted to go home. But there was a whole lot of cuteness packed in that short time. She is a doll and I had fun hiking with her.

Alivia

2010-06-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

Alivia is darling inside and out. I remember when I first started working with her when she was a little baby. There is something about her that exudes beauty. She always has nice clothing but it is more than that---she stops people in their tracks. We shot this session downtown GR and what a fun morning! But I couldn't help but notice how many people commented on little Alivia. We had strangers stopping to chat and coo at her.
I love working with this family! There are some clients who see what makes a child beautiful the same way I do. I love it when I know that a family doesn't want 30 images of their children smiling at the camera. It is enjoyable to spend time with the child and let them explore. And the end result for me is far more appealing than the alternative (not to mention, way more relaxing for all).
To Alivia's family, thank you for spending the morning with me. And thank you for the coffee. You are right, it was really good and I will return. : )

br>

Six Month Sophia!

2010-06-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

I always say that six months is my most favorite age to work with and this little doll is a perfect example. I don't think I have ever seen such a happy baby! While her mom was carrying her down the stairs and I was following, she had the biggest smile and she kept it until the session was over. It was amazing and so cute. And she is so adorable that I had a hard time not putting the camera down and cooing back. Focus, Amy!!! Who can resist that smile!?

Happy Father's Day!!!

2010-06-20T17:37:00.001-07:00

I just want to shout out a big Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there! I love my dad and my boys love their dad so I consider this a great reason to celebrate. Thank you to all the client dads out there who have let me spend time with your children. I have met some amazing fathers since starting my business. I love it when dads get involved with photo sessions and are overflowing with love for the children. It is an honor to work with you and you are a great gift to your families and the future generation.

Thank you to my husband who is the most amazing father. Our kids think of you as their hero and I can't imagine a better role model for my boys. Jeff, without you I wouldn't have started this business, and without your continued support I would not have endured through the ups and downs. I love you!!
Amy

Zuly turns ONE!

2010-06-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

Little Zuly is such a beauty. I have had the privilege of working with her since she was a newborn. For her one year photo shoot we met at Aquinas on a hot, humid day. Zuly's mom and dad said she hadn't been her normal happy self that day so I knew we would have a fun adventure ahead : ) We did get some smiles out eventually!! Thank you so much for spending the morning with me!

Samuel

2010-06-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

Samuel is such a well-behaved three year old! He is so respectful and fun to be around. We had fun in the river splashing together, and playing some baseball. Thank you to his mom and dad for having me spend some time with him. It was a joy.

Baby Jack

2010-06-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

Baby Jack is here! I have worked with big sister Hannah for a couple of years now and I am so excited that she is now a big sister! Litte Jack showed up with his eyes wide open but eventually fell asleep for some sweet newborn photos. He is a doll. Thank you for bringing him in!

Sisters on the go!

2010-06-09T18:11:00.000-07:00

These sweeties were very happy to be on the go. They have the most beautiful big eyes and once they connect with the camera they are so stunning.
Thank you for spending the evening with me!

A morning with Miss Busy

2010-06-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

Toddlers always keep things moving. One thing that I plan on when working with toddlers is being constantly on the move. I need to bring a bag full of things that will hold their attention and hope that it does the trick for at least a few seconds. This little cutie was a very normal busy bee. She loved being at Grandma's and being by the lake. We went for a walk to the most beautiful gardens and saw lovely flowers, trees, and barns. We had fun blowing bubbles and finding out what was in my special bag. Big sister had just as much fun (or more) with the contents of the bag-of-tricks. It was an adventure and lots of fun. Thank you for inviting me to Grandma's cottage. It is beautiful out there!

Jacob -- One!

2010-06-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

There are some photo sessions where I get in my car after it is over and take a deep breath and then laugh at the all that happened in the previous hours. This was one of those days. It was super hot and humid and Jacob's mom Sara and I were doing everything in our power to get Jacob's attention. Let me tell you...Jacob is the most active non-walker I have encountered. This kid is ALL BOY. If he sees something, he has to investigate and figure out how it works. I am all for getting images of kids just being kids. But there comes a point where you have enough photos of someone crawling and looking away, ya know? He saw a bike parking rack that was kind of small and circular and his thought was of course...I need to go through the tunnel! He kept us on our toes for sure. And I would have loved to have heard the thoughts of the people casually walking by as Sara and I sang random tunes. I found that "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" got his attention for about 5 seconds so I used that to my advantage. And then, by some kind of miracle, Sara and I struck gold: we sang "You Are My Sunshine" and he looked our way and smiled. Ah, yes. It was after that moment that we both sat back, wiped the sweat off our faces and packed up to go home. So if you heard two people singing "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine" while in Rockford one day, don't judge us by our voices, applaud us because it was at that moment we felt we acheived the impossible.
: )

Ahh! Twins! ; )

We tried really hard to get a certain shot with the hat and suitcase. Jacob had other ideas. What little boy doesn't dream of throwing his hat into a river?! Thankfully his mommy is quick and was one step ahead of him. She knows her little boy!

And here is where you could hear two tired ladies singing "you are my sunshine, my only sunshine..."

Thanks, Sara. I truly had fun. : )