Joy . . .

That was the word that kept popping in my head as I shot photos of this precious trio.  JOY.  This little fellow emanated joy.  He couldn't stop smiling, and ran from shot to shot with a happiness that I loved!  

It was freezing cold the morning we met, but you would never have known.  The smiles were rampant, and this awesome family was up to anything.  Such fun!

When I emailed to let them know that the images were up on the site to view, I told Jen that I kept thinking 'joy' as I photographed them and again as I edited the photos.   I loved hearing the surprise in her answer, when she let me know that 'joy' had been in the forefront of her mind on her wedding day and the idea for each day in their home.  I think it's working!

joy * joy * joy

I'm quite sure that I could watch this little guy happily run all day!

And, yes, I could look into these eyes all day, as well.

Here's to joy and to another family that makes me know I've found the perfect (a)vocation.

Thanks, friends!

Squeezing in some Special Smiles . . .

Recently I got to squeeze in a session with some special folks . . . people more like family we finally met than new friends.  We moved to a new town and landed right next door to these fine folks, right where we were supposed to be!

                    We spent the day at the Steeplechase and got a head start on some photos . . .

Later we got the family back together, as the light was waining on a wonderful day, but we wound up with some of the sweetest smiles.  I love these sneaky, sparkly eyes and the personality that shows through these grins.

You won't have any trouble feeling the love among this gang.  It just shows and it's wonderful to be able to capture it with the press of the shutter.

                                           Here's to a special family and great memories!

Loving Arms and Sweet Smiles . . .

Special families are a delight to photograph, and this one was no exception.  I am late in getting many sessions on the blog, but I want you to see these awesome smiles.  You know it was a good 'shoot' when I can hear the laughter each time I see these photos!  When you put together a wonderful brother/sister team, add their sweet families, throw in a sunny day and a lake background . . . you're bound to capture sweet, sweet memories.  

It was an honor to record this time and place with them, and I hope these images serve as living reminders of 'the way it was' on a spring day in 2012.  Your love for each other is palpable!

“What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” 

― Mother Teresa

You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.  ~Desmond Tutu

“When your mother asks, "Do you want a piece of advice?" it's a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway.” 

― Erma Bombeck

A family in harmony will prosper in everything.

Chinese Proverb

What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories.  ~George Eliot

The family is one of nature's masterpieces.  ~George Santayana, The Life of Reason

Are we not like two volumes of one book?  ~Marceline Desbordes-Valmore

God couldn't be everywhere, so he created mothers.

Jewish proverb

"Family is the most important thing in the world."

Diana, Princess of Wales

"A man travels the world over in search of what he needs,and returns home to find it."

~George Moore ~

Sweet, sweet smiles . . .

Meet my precious friends, Gavin and Gracie.

I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again . . . I am a lucky photographer!

Often I find myself photographing folks I know well, and these two I have known as long as they've been on this earth.  I've been fortunate to share many special moments with these two precious souls - I've laughed with them and learned with them.

I adore photographing children and anticipating what they might do next, what will make them laugh, when they will glance at one another.

Children keep things moving; and young ones with this much personality are a blast to capture in action!

(I just couldn't 'erase' this scuffed elbow - it seemed to lend to the personality of her look!)

This shoot was made even more special because of what this sweet Gracie was doing the following day  - she was hours away from having her hair cut and donated to help children going through cancer treatment.

Portraits of children are made in the eyes, and I love Gracie's eyes in this photo.  Each time I look at this photo, I find myself drawn right into those familiar, beautiful eyes.

Those eyes . . . again.  I feel like Gavin could start talking to me when I see him here!

I love photos that seem life-like.  This one did!  I have seen Gracie make this face so many times; and when I look at this photo, I feel like I can hear her giggle.

I like that!