The Tornberg Family

There's something special that happens when you click with a family on a photoshoot (no pun intended) ;) I had a blast photographing the Tornbergs in April and I think that's evident in the portraits :) No one ever tired so we spent three hours and two locations together!  Mom said that when putting the kids to bed that night (independently of one another) they told her how much fun they had... warm fuzzies for me...the highest compliment from "my" kiddos!

We met the Tornbergs in February when Greg started coaching Aidan in baseball. It has been such a pleasure getting to know Greg, Stephanie and their two children.  This family exudes love; you just feel happy being around them. I absolutely fell in love with this family!

 

Dare I Say 22 Years...

It won't take a Math major to calculate my age once you've heard this ;) ...I've known James since 5th grade.  We spoke briefly at our 20 year high school reunion in 2010, but it had been 20 years before that since I'd seen him (gasp!).  He contacted me to take some family portraits and I was thrilled to meet the whole family.  James has always been a sweet, genuinely nice person so it makes me happy to see him so happy with his beautiful family.  Gorgeous eyes in this bunch!  

 

Murphy's Law

Hi friends,
Like most of you, we are getting back to a school routine after being lazy for two weeks.  The first morning was a little iffy.  While the boys consistently woke up at 6:30 during vacation (yawn!), they were still asleep when the alarm went off for school on Tuesday! Seriously! I'm thinkin' I don't heart Murphy or his stupid Law. ;)

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Friday morning marks the first of many Photography Workshops and I am so excited!  Workshops will continue in February and March, including the following new class: 

This two-part workshop starts on-location where you will take photos in manual mode of various subjects all while getting hands-on attention with your camera and settings.  A model will be provided as well as a scenic location for landscape shots.  During the second day of the workshop student photos will be critiqued to help further enhance photography skills. Topics such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, depth of field, lighting and composition will be re-visited. 

Having your work critiqued is one of the best ways to learn. It's something I did when I started, and still continue to do today.  You never stop learning or improving in this art!

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On to the reason for this post.  The Nicosia family!  I believe it's a rare occurrence when you meet someone who makes you feel instantly at ease; someone who brings out the best in you.  This family is just awesome!  The kids are respectful, everyone cooperated and they are such a genuinely happy family...all that happiness rubs off on you! :)  Most dads rather be doing anything but a photoshoot.  The best compliment ever was learning that Todd was actually surprised when it was over because he was having so much fun! Here are some portraits of our time together...

It's a Small World...

Happy New Year!
I hope you had a wonderful holiday season.  The weeks leading up to Christmas were very busy and so much fun!  I had a great turn-out for my Holiday Portrait Special ~ thanks to all of my great families! I met so many wonderful people.  Now that Christmas is over and cards have been mailed, it is my privilege to post a few favorites from each session.

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So it's really a small world after all...Candice contacted me from Portland where she was visiting a college friend of mine.  They were talking about having portraits taken when he remembered I live close to Candice.  Thanks Brian, for such a great referral!  I loved hanging out with Candice and her son Austin.  He is such a cutie and they were so much fun together!  Here are some portraits from our session...

Lolly Pop, Lolly Pop...

In the Spring I donated to the annual Brooks Elementary school fundraiser.  I had the pleasure of meeting and working with the winner of that portrait package, the Williams family.  Four adorable, well-behaved kids.  Gorgeous family!  Here's a sneak peek of their portrait session.   

Mom suggested we do this pose to match a similar shot she has with one of the boys. I'm so happy she did.  I love this intimate moment with mother and daughter.

The end of the night the boys are enjoying their well-earned lolly pops!  Below, sweet Tatum is trying to get in on the action, watching her brother's every move.

Thank you for the fun evening Williams family!

Chase's Champions

On Sunday we had the honor of walking with several close friends in the Walk to Cure Diabetes.  We walked for friends, we walked for family and we walked for strangers....then we walked for food ;)  Mostly though, we walked for Chase.   

It's one thing when an adult inspires you, but it's a whole nother level when a child inspires you.  Chaser, little man, you inspire us.  You face this disease's challenges and you do not let it stand in the way of your dreams.  We were honored to walk with you and we will continue to support you.  Here are some moments from our day...

The MacDonald Clan



You will never find a harder working Mama!  Cheers to you Stacey!

President Daddy Bryce!



See no evil, speak no evil...



Ma familia!





Smiling Eyes

Our truck was in the shop so my husband was given a loaner.  Jack didn't quite understand the idea of a loan and was totally displeased with Brad, "Daddy spent ALL his money.  He bought ANOTHER truck!" ~ Jackism #4,263 ;)

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Most photographers will tell you that working with kids is challenging...not fun, even.  Kids don't listen; they have short attention spans; they want to play; they get cranky; they cry.... They also happen to be my most favorite subject! 

True, they are the most challenging to photograph, but it's the challenge that makes it so great!  Kids are the most gratifying. When you earn their trust and are able to capture their spirit in a portrait, there is nothing sweeter; it's that special something in their eyes that cannot be duplicated in an adult. 

I had the pleasure of taking portraits of the Ellis family.  For two hours this little guy's eyes smiled.  He was one of the best I've every photographed, especially for a three year old in a 90 minute photoshoot!!  He has model written all over him...