4 Months of Cowgirl Charm

Can you believe this little one....

Is already 4 months old???!!!  Where does the time go?  And how lucky I am that I get to continue to watch and capture her grow.

This shoot was no different than before - so sweet and adorable - and so perfect in all the cowgirl charm.

Meet the Novak Brothers

It was many years ago, when I stood in front of Cinderella's castle with the wonderful parents of these two boys, as they FINALLY got engaged.  They were on a "quiet" ranch on the evening of Y2K when my love popped the same question to me.   I was there when wonderful parents of these two said "I Do"....And yup you guessed it, they were there for us as we said "I Do".  

It's a friendship that has been around for quite some time that's for sure!

Life, family and distance has stretched on over the years, but the friendship will always remain true.  So it meant a lot to me to get to photograph these two boys (one who is a spitting image of his Mom and the other reminding me so much of his Dad it's kinda scary!).  It was an ALL BOY shoot, but so much fun.  They knew how to work the camera that is for sure.  There is no doubt these two will be heartbreakers, oh, around the age I first met their Mom and Dad!  Great job, guys - you rocked it.

Meet the Novak Brothers

 Thanks Novak Family.

Double Trouble: The Swanson Sisters

This gorgeous duo are upcoming Seniors.  They may be attending two different schools, but that doesn't change the fact that they are both killer in front of the camera!!  And what's even more amazing is they are actually triplets!  Brother wasn't there to join this go round, but maybe we can keep an eye out for him next time.  

Meet The Swanson Sisters

Thanks girls.  Enjoy your upcoming Senior year...and Look out world!

What is LifeStyle Photography?

It's a term that seems to be spreading quickly in the photography world and becoming more commonly used these days to describe a professional photographers style of shooting, instead of a traditional "studio" shoot...but what does it mean?  By definition (well, ok, according to wikipedia), it is a style of photography that aims to capture and document real-life events, situations, or milestones in an artistic manner.  But again, what does that REALLY mean?  

To me, it means capturing life AS IS.  It is freezing in time some of the most rare and special moments that flitter in and out of every single day.  This includes the good, the bad, the dirty, the silly...all of it. Please understand, there is nothing wrong with a posed, placed, and styled shot.  This is often the intent or purpose behind a person's initial interest when they contact their photographer - and it may be their only interest.  And that's ok!  We all want that perfect picture of our family, looking at the camera, beautiful and happy.
But, to go back to a definition...what is the true meaning of beautiful?  

beau-ti-ful [byoo-tuh-fuh l]

adjective

1. having beauty; possessing qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to see, hear, think about, etc.; delighting the senses or mind

2.  excellent of its kind

3.  wonderful; very pleasing or satisfying

(source: dictionary.reference.com)

My favorite part of this definition is: delighting the senses or mind.
When a picture strikes an emotion...and is not only captured but relayed through an image -
THAT is lifestyle photography.

When personalities shine through the screen/page without even trying -
THAT is lifestyle photography.

When everyday moments become something special that you want to keep them tucked away so you can one day use to tell stories, start conversations, and just remember when -

THAT is lifestyle photography.

Lifestyle photography sessions can be a scary thing for many people to invest their time, energy and money into.  I've heard it many times "You mean you want to shoot in MY house??  Are you crazy?  It's a disaster!"  Realize, I'm not there to photograph the chaos of your ten-day old pile of laundry, or on-the-edge-of-hoarding playroom -- we ALL have it.  It's the beauty that takes place around this insanity that is worth investing your time, energy and money into.  I promise.  And no, it doesn't have to take place in your home.  Just breath easy, and be comfortable where you are - allow your family to be comfortable where they are - and this will come across in each smile, giggle, frown and (sometimes) tear.

I consider myself to be a Lifestyle photographer because it is what drives my love of picking up my camera.  No matter where the "art of life" takes place.... the ice cream shop, local coffee shop, playground, splash pad, or even a backyard BBQ.  It is so fulfilling to see individual personalities shine through a lens...even when it comes from an unexpected place. 

It's been a ongoing dream of mine, to start "A Day in the Life" and actually follow a family, beginning from the moments they wake up and breakfast begins to the end of the day when bedtime stories are read and the littles are tucked in...thus, creating a story of their "life".  Is one day "Life"?  Maybe not, but just think of the memories that will be forever captured in story form.  It gives me goosebumps, just thinking about it.  Is this idea realistic?  I hope to one day make it my reality.  What do you think?  Are you in?

But until then, most importantly - just live in the moment - and document the moment.  Don't be afraid of showing your true side.  Don't be afraid of not getting "the perfect shot" - because less than perfect - is often the most beautiful.  Remember - does it delight the senses or mind?  Then it's beautiful.

And of course if you need someone to document those moments... I'm all yours.

A HUGE thank you to the Fuhrman family for allowing me into their home - and allowing me to be one of them for the afternoon.  Lunch, play, an art session and even bath time - it was absolutely brilliant from beginning to end.

Just for them and for you to enjoy.... a few more (because, believe me, I could create an album's worth).

I Hope You Dance

The nickname "Moe" has never really fit my oldest daughter.  It was something we used from time to time "Ally-Moe" when she was younger, and then it grew into our family nickname once my second daughter, Lily Kate or "Lily Cakes"(as her sister called her), was born.  (Yup that's where MoeCakes originated.) 

Alison Noelle is her full name and I'm thankful that as she's grown it seems to compliment her artistic and creative personality.  Even as a youngster, she requested to be called Alison (not Ally) because, in her 2 year old speech impaired voice, "It is more beautiful, Momma".  

So when I got a chance a couple days ago to sit down and edit some of my personal pictures from the last few weeks, this group really struck a nerve...I guess you could call it the Mom-Nerve.  It's the nerve that shouts, "When did this happen?  Where has the time gone?"

You hear it all the time...."Enjoy the moment.  Before you know it, they are grown."  Now I'm not saying I'm seeing my first born walk out the door to college....I'm pretty realistic when it comes to the emotional side of my kids growing up.  But it's the small changes that I saw this go round that hit me....she's into the next "phase" of her childhood.  The little girl isn't really THAT little anymore.  You see, as a parent you're with your kiddos day in and day out.  You don't necessarily notice the slight changes and growth that is continually happening in front of you.  It's so easy get caught up in the mood changes and the attitude changes of your kids (you know, the changes that drive you nuts) as well as the changes in your own life, that you seem to overlook than those ever so slight changes until they hit you full force.  And I think this is just the way it is.  It's gradual - bit by bit - until the next SLAM.

Maybe it was the make-up - the costumes - the settings.  It just made me see what she will be one day...a beautiful young teenager, adolescent, woman.  And yup, it struck me.  When did she get so big?

It brought to mind a song, well known, and well over-played, but poignant nonetheless, especially between a mother and daughter.  It truly is the wish of every parent for their child.

And right now - it's for my Alison Noelle.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder.

You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger.

May you never take one single breath for granted.

GOD forbid love ever leave you empty handed.

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean.

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens.

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance.

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I Hope You Dance.

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance.

Never settle for the path of least resistance.

Living might mean taking chances but they're worth taking.

Loving might be a mistake but it's worth making.

Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter.

When you come close to selling out reconsider.

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance.

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I Hope You Dance.

Full of Life: Meet the Fuhrman Family

I'm one of 5 kids.  Yup, you heard that right, FIVE kids.  I've often asked my parents...how they managed all 5 of us... I mean, I feel swamped most the time with two!  Their response is always the same.  Three is the hardest, because for the first time, the kids outnumber the parents.  After that, you're just adding to the chaos.

Well, I got to watch this theory play out during this GORGEOUS family's shoot.  (And I don't just mean they are a pretty bunch....they are a GORGEOUS family - inside and out.)  I know for a fact Mom nor Dad takes a bad picture (when lifting X# of lbs. in Crossfit or when chasing after their three munchkins, because I've seen both), and this shoot was no different.  Now add 3 kids, ages 4 and under.  Well, it definitely adds a new dimension to being flexible, but the parents rolled with the punches the entire time.  They were full of LIFE and I loved it!  It was a very active shoot, but as I promised Mom, we wrapped up with some more than worth it shots.

Don't be afraid that family sessions have to be "quiet and perfect"... because most of the time that's not the case!  And really, who wants it to be?  Remember, we are capturing the art of LIFE.  So enjoy all the chaos, tears, and laughter that LIFE brings!

Meet the Fuhrman Family

Thank you Fuhrman family! 

Mid-Week Mini: Meet Taylor & Porter

We've rescheduled this photo shoot more times than I can count.  Between coordinating schedules, this crazy weather, and sick kiddos...we finally said, rain or shine we are doing this!  And the weather couldn't have been more perfect.  There is so much personality in this family (parents included in that statement) that a lot of the shoot was simply me following the two stars around and letting them run the show.  I was simply there to please :-) ... and it worked.  Some of my favorite shots were actually captured afterwards at a local cafe.  Just goes to show, the not-so-typical location, can be a welcome change to "norm".

Meet Taylor & Porter