The Story Continues: Trobaugh Family (+1)

It isn't often you get to be part of someone else's story, someone's else's timeline.

I have.

I've been able to not only be part of it, but to capture each "notch" and freeze these moments in time.

A new page...a new chapter...the story continues - and yet, it still isn't complete.

But let's turn the back the page for a moment...

Chapter 1:

A Blend of Family, Surprise and Love

Chapter 2:

Becoming the Trobaughs

And the newest chapter....

Chapter 3:

The Trobaugh Family (+1)

A family full of love and individuality...ready to be +1.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

Boys Will Be Boys: Burch Family

I was first able to capture (a portion) of this family during my Holiday Mini-Sessions, during which I shot one of my favorite images of the year.

(I can just imagine taking the same shot of these three brothers every year for the next 10+ years!  How cool would that collage be?!?!)

After the craze of the holidays were over, I was asked back to finish what we started, with the entire family present.  A gorgeous family, with a mom that I adore (and must say, makes me a bit jealous with her go get-'em attitude, Crossfit dedication and non-stop energy) and a dad dedicated to the life of sports that comes along with having...well, 3 boys!

Between a crowded park on a gorgeous MLK, Jr. weekend, and an empty baseball field, the shoot was a great way to capture the spirit of this family.

Meet the Burch Family.

Let's Play Ball.

Baby Boy: Meet Jack

Remember this GORGEOUS woman?

Click here for a refresher.

Well, she's no longer a "soon-to-be-Mom" because Baby Jack helped to bring in 2013 with style.

I was lucky enough to be asked back to showcase his hello to the world.  He was a dream to work with, awake and wide eyed the first half of the shoot, and then (after some dedication by Mom) drifted off into a sweet sleep allowing us to wrap up the shoot in whispers and a whole bunch of oohs and aahhs.

Congratulations to both Mom and Dad and their beautiful baby boy.

Meet Jack.

S is for Solemn

S is for Solemn

It was a sobering experience to walk through a small fishing village located on an island called Belitung located among the thousands of tiny islands speckled across Indonesia.  The smell of fish was overpowering and the eyes curious as I made my way through with a backpack and camera around my neck.  Sitting in the "doorframe" of a small shack, this man watched solemnly the ongoings in front of him.  When I asked if I could take his picture, he slightly nodded and then just stared straight at me.  I showed him his image and received a second nod and then was on my way.  It wasn't until I loaded the images to my lap top that night that I was able to look into his face and actually see what I had captured.  To me, it symbolizes my trip to the island and the people I encountered.  There is a strength in his eyes, but a seriousness and challenge to "see" him.  It's an image I go back to often.

Sisters: Moe&Cakes

It's been a long time coming, and about a month later than planned.  So "late" in fact that the "holiday shoot" I took my girls on back in OCTOBER (for yes, Christmas cards and such- HA) never actually was completely edited.  I had high hopes, but well, you know how it is, life got in the way and my time was spent editing images for others....which was a wonderful thing.

Now, the holidays are over and I've got a little bit of time to back track to October.  Three months later, and I'm still in love with this shoot, technically, professionally and personally.  Moe&Cakes....well, they are sisters through and through - some days laughing and giggling together, but most, competing, whining and arguing for who knows what reason.  Fortunately, on this particular day they were feeling their individual spirits...as well as that sisterly love.  

I am so glad to have these saved in my collection.  Not just for Mr. MoeCakes and me, but for the two stars of the shoot....the sisters.

You've seen some of the images here and there before - but this is it in it's entirety.   

Best Face of 2012: iheartfaces Challenge

To choose the 'best face' from 2012 isn't an easy feat, with one's own work, let alone amongst a collection of talent and inspiration in the photography world.  I wasn't sure I really even wanted to enter the challenge, as I wasn't sure I could pick my 'favorite' let alone my 'best'.  Furthermore, I enjoy looking at all of the beautiful work more than actually entering the challenges!  But as I thought about all the thousands of pictures I've taken over the past year, I began to take it on as a more personal challenge. 

2012 was a year of new beginnings and change (however, I wonder if this isn't the same for most as they say hello to each new year).  2012 has taken me from New Zealand to Jakarta to Bali and then back home, stateside in Houston, TX.  It was a year of taking leaps and making a business dream a reality.  And it was a year of family and friends.  Saying goodbye to some that will remain close no matter the distance, and welcoming some that will impact me in all the years ahead.

So what makes this image my 'best'?  These are my reasons.  It grabs me.  From a tiny thumbnail, to blown up across my wall...it grabs me.  The freckles.  A trait that growing up I was so cautious of, and many times, embarrassed of myself - I have come to realize are simply beautiful and no longer a trait I would trade for the world.  She's half of the whole.  She is the Moe of MoeCakes Photography, the first inspiration and the foundation for everything it has become.  And finally, she's mine.  She is my best work on a daily basis.  Unique, special, genuine, and oh, so talented - she amazes me everyday...she is a child with a heart of gold.  Biased?  Sure.  But she's my BEST.

And to view more of the BEST of 2012 go to www.iheartfaces.com.  You won't regret it.

The Lacy Family

My last shoot of the 2012 was with a family I know well.  The oldest boy is a friend and classmate of my oldest and the youngest is a staple at the bus stop every morning and every afternoon.  These two brought a whole lot of spunk to their session and I was super excited when Mom said they were willing to let me take them to a spot I've seen many times and always think to myself "What a great backdrop for pictures!"

Not to mention the boots - as we know how much I like shoe shots - and then Dad in his cowboy hat?....Well, I just considered that an added bonus!

Thanks guys - 

Meet the Lacy Family.

A Season Of Family: Extended

The holidays are a time for celebration.  There are many different ways to celebrate, but there is a constant throughout for most of us...and this is to celebrate with family.  This was a group of cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents, all in town to celebrate the season.
Not my usual style - no candids or out takes, no fields or wildflowers to set the backdrop - but a beautiful group nonetheless.

YoungLove: Linda & Greg

Several months back, I created a contest on MoeCakes FB that people could enter in order to win a free MoeCakes Mini-Session.  Linda was one of my two lucky winners.  But secretly, I think I was the lucky one.  I didn't know Linda, or her story, so I had no idea what she was looking for in a shoot.  I soon found out, that Greg and Linda, both college students at SFA, are engaged to be married in the summer of 2014, once they both graduate, so this would be a "pre-engagement" shoot of sorts...or what I like to think of as a "because we are in love" mini-session.  They were so much fun to work with, dreams in front of the camera, and obviously very much in love.  Thank you for letting me celebrate in your young love.