See Tyler again... from The Music Center... quite a drummer!  I had painted Tyler several years ago- with his dog... find him in my painted gallery... he's all grown now and will graduate soon... This is his senior portrait.

 

Congratulations Tyler... wish I could be there for the gigantic Graduation Party!  Hope you like your party invite!

Just wanted to share with everyone- my 6 year old, Jameson, who has finally conqured the deep end.  He told us, "Because I did something that I was scard of, my heart grew" (Pretty sure that came from the Grench!).  My gratitude to Walt and Elonna at Dauphin Aquatics... Jameson is Swimming!



Jameson Swimming

Wow- what a trip!  We loaded up like the Clampets and headed to Live Oak, Florida!  I had the privilege of photographing the children and instructors at the Music Center.  I had no idea what to expect from this group... what I found was the nicest bunch of folks with warm welcoming hearts! 

Many thanks to the owners (and also our very good friends) Chuck and Kelly...  we can't see an egg without Jameson talking about spending time on your farm collecting eggs... and he tells anyone that will listen what a "nest egg" is...     And to their son, Tyler... even though Dad said "no" to the gun- I think you look very "James Bond" anyway!

    

Meet Sean... he helped me the entire shoot - moving pianos, lights, getting this and that... WHAT A SWEETHEART!  I hope my Jameson grows to be as kind as Sean...  Here's a couple of my favorites of Sean...

 

And my assistant, Dani, girl you were the bomb too... thanks for all your help.  You have one fantastic Aunt too... (Thanks Karen for all your help too!)  Dani-  Good luck with graduation, collage and your photography too!  Don't forget to send me some of your work!

 

And a couple of my favorites from the week at The Music Center...

 
   

What a treat... my Army roommate (for almost 4 years at Ft. McClellan) came to visit for the weekend.  Here is her beautiful daughter, Anna.   Old friends make you feel young once again... and although it had been almost 15 years since we served in the 11th Chemical Company together... it seemed like just yesterday when we were ruck marching, ftx'ing, and deconing humvees... another reminder of how fast time passes...

  

I couldn't resist using dad's flight jacket and dog tags from when he was in the Navy...
This little guys got big shoes to fill, ha? 



My gratitude to all service people, past and present (and in this case- future too).   When we pray, the kids always thank God for the "soldiers that protect us"... I'm proud that they are growing up knowing why we are free- why we can worship as we wish- why we can participate in our government- because our soldiers protect us... God Bless America... I'm feeling a little patriotic tonight!

I added this question to my pre-session consultation.  When creating images for families- I was trying to think of the one question that would let me know what I was shooting for... not sure if it is a perfect query... and it may be a hard question to answer... but to me, it might be the most insightful question I could ask.

So, this is what Anna Claire's mom said...

"I want her to feel proud of them and know how beautiful, special & happy she was."

Here are a couple from her session- I hope she will feel that... in not such a long while... when she is grown...



and one by the window...  Thanks Jamie... Anna Claire is adorable...

Meet Nicolas...  the third blue eyed boy I photographed that day!  What a joy to meet him and his great family.... I always feel honored when people travel from out-of-town to let me photograph their families.  Thanks Amanda, Tim and Nicolas for making the drive here and being such a sweet family to work with!

{check out those eyes!}


And at the end of the session, Dad looks at me, and says "Thanks for making that enjoyable!" {as if portrait sessions are anything but a joy}  Amanda- you have a sweet, sweet family... Thank You for letting me be a little part of it!

This is the 3rd time I've photographed Hudson... and let me tell you he has turned in to quite a ham!  He was so adorable in his Doggie hat!  Don't you agreee?



And quite cute in his over-alls as well!  Six months has just flown by... it seemed like yesterday that we did his newborn photos... They Grow Too Fast!

Ben- bright eyed, beautiful Ben (sorry Ben- we'll start calling you Handsome when you're not so darn cute). Before we could get Ben dressed and into the camera room- I captured his contagious smile and loving spirit. It was heartwarming to see his eyes light up every time he looked at his mom. Thanks Amy- for letting me photograph Ben again... It's lovely to see him grow strong!




And here's another sneak peak for mom....

A HUGE thank you to my models for today (and their parents!)  Upon short notice 4 families showed up at the studio today for a sample shoot for my new "Loft" set... here are my favorites that will show up in my marketing material soon...   This is the Spoiled Rotten Photography Spring Set....





Sarah Grace just takes my breath away.  Her beautiful eyes and lashes are just stunning!  She was such a trooper... I think she's grown a foot since I saw her last month.  Many hugs to Carol for letting Sarah Grace model for me. 



Meet Reece... He wore the 2 shirts even though he didn't want to for his "Aunt Missy".  What a cutie!   Have you ever seen such beautiful eyes?  I hope his mom gave him lots of M&Ms like she promised!

And beautiful in Pink... Abby. She's a natural... I hear she was asked to model for Martha Pullen today too... I could not have asked for a more polite coorporative model... thanks Abby!



and last- a big hug for Madeline... I think her mom brought her in still asleep- once she woke up- what a great model.  Madeline has the most soulful eyes for a four year old I have ever seen.