fun, silly, and sweet

Sometimes I just have a feeling that photographing a family will be fun. That's exactly what I thought before photographing the Sanders family. I knew them just enough to have a sense of the energy they would bring to the shoot, and they brought it. The youngest of these sweet girls, Remmy, was in ECLA at John Adams with my son. I used to always think how spunky, girly, and fun she seemed. Rylie has always been so sweet and patient, especially at times when my son is really eager to play! Jason is so sweet with his girls. I love seeing a dad with his daughters. Sarah has the best laugh that is just infectious, and all of that combined together made for a really fun time. Sarah had told me several times when we talked about a session that they 'don't do posed pictures!' I was totally fine with that, and I love how playful and fun they were to photograph. It was fun, silly, and sweet all wrapped up together. Sarah and Jason, thank you for being willing to wait for me to photograph your family. I love your images and I can't wait for you to see them all!

lots of fall color

I am always so happy when I am referred to a family by another family that I have photographed. I appreciate it so much, and I know that it means the family that referred me was truly happy with their experience...and that make me really happy!! That is how the MacKay family was sent to me. I first met Jean, Madelyn, and Liam when Liam was brand new. It's hard to believe that was 2 1/2 years ago. I was really looking forward to seeing them again and meeting Chris. When Madelyn and Liam got out of the car, I couldn't believe the difference. Madelyn, now 6 years old, looked like such a big girl with a few of the sweetest freckles. Not having seen Liam since he was a newborn made for a pretty dramatic change. The first thing I noticed was his head full of gorgeous blond hair. What a handsome boy! Madelyn was really sweet with Liam, and I could just tell what a great big sister she is. There was a moment when the family was sitting together and suddenly Madelyn and Liam started giving each other lots of kisses. It was really sweet! Madelyn had some great poses and lots of ideas about places she wanted to take some pictures, which is how I ended up standing on top of a picnic table! It was really fun seeing her mind work. Jean and Chris, I'm so glad it worked out for us to have a beautiful fall afternoon with lots of fall color, and I can't wait to show you the rest of your images!

wouldn't be the same

I feel like my year just wouldn't be the same without getting to see the Taylor family in the fall. I have watched them all grow as a family over the years, and these boys sure have become some pretty awesome boys. The last time we got together was earlier in the year for Cameron's one year session. He was just beginning to walk at that point, so I had a feeling this session might have a bit of a different feel with Cameron being up and around. Just as I anticipated, Cameron is now running all over the place and Collin just celebrated his 4th birthday! Oh my, how hard it is for me to believe he is 4. Trying to pinpoint when the fall color will be at it's peak is always a bit tricky, but I think it just so happened to fall around the time of their session. There were lots of beautiful trees that still had leaves, and the leaves that had fallen provided quite a bit of entertainment for these boys. Between the running, lifting, tossing, and tickling of these crazy kids, Russell and Ashley seriously got a workout by the time we were done. They always do whatever it takes to keep the boys entertained, which is key at their ages, and just so happens to be what I love photograph!

one happy girl and her cool big brother!

This session was such a treat for me and I am so, so excited to post these images. This is the Pannell family. They have been so sweet to come from Coeburn, VA to have me take pictures for them over the years. I was honestly heartbroken last year when mom Missy contacted me to tell me she was expecting a little girl and wanted me to do a newborn session for them. I was unable to do it because I wasn't shooting many sessions after my daughter was born. We decided to touch base again in 2013. After several failed attempts over the summer, we finally set a date and had the most beautiful fall afternoon for their session. I had seen some pictures of little Lydia on Facebook, and I couldn't wait to meet her. What a beautiful, happy girl she is! She was so full of smiles and is truly one happy baby. Older brother Landon was a bit shy and unsure of me when he first got out of the car. It didn't take long before he was my little buddy, walking through the fields with me scoping out perfect spots for us to shoot. He has grown up so much. I loved seeing him love on his sister, and the way that Lydia looked at Landon like he is the coolest kid ever just melted my heart. Missy and Michael, thank you so much for continuing to give me the opportunity to photograph your family. Landon and Lydia are just so sweet, and it's always wonderful to see you all!

worth it in the end

I am always so honored when I have another photographer ask me to photograph their family. This is my friend Wendy. I'm just realizing she is the second photographer named Wendy I have photographed recently! This Wendy is the photographer behind Life Expressions Photography, and she does some of the sweetest school pictures as well as custom sessions. I first met her when we were paired up as partners at a photography workshop. We got along great from the beginning, and I have loved getting to know her over the years. We had talked about the idea of doing a generation session with her husband Donny's family for quite some time, so we finally decided it was time to make it happen. Getting several families together for a photo session is not always easy to coordinate with everyone's schedules and those traveling in from out of town, but it is always worth it in the end.