I have been photographing this lovely family for the past four years.  It all started when little Ella Grace was born and just took off from there. I think all of my friends and camera buddies have seen every picture I have ever taken of her.  She is so beautiful and watching her grow from an infant to a "big girl" of four has been nothing less than complete joy.  It hasn't always been easy.  There are times, especially this past year where she just did not want her picture taken.  But...that is where the challenge begins and magic happens.  During this last family shoot I was able to capture some beauties of Miss Ella.  She thought she was getting away with something but I won!  Again, it's those special moments that we, as photographers need to work a little harder, however the reward of capturing their little personalities is priceless!  An added blessing came to the family last December.  Miss Harper Rose.  Another beautiful child.  Those eyes!  I want them!  She is such a happy little baby and right now she is okay with me taking her picture so I'm going for it!  Harper is now sitting up and interacting with her big sister in such a cute way. I love this family.  Mom and Dad are doing a great job raising their daughters.  Am I partial?  Probably just a little, because they are my family  and I love them dearly.

I don't think there is too much I don't like to photograph, except maybe machines, bugs, work tools or anything else I cannot find a certain grace in.  There are many phenomenal photographers who love to photograph the above mentioned, but for me it's people. Along with that I have to say one of my favorite photo sessions is Senior Portraits.  There is usually such a big difference between photographing a girl compared to a guy.  I know I sound sexist and I don't mean to be.  Both are so much fun!  For the most part, and there are exceptions, the females want to have their portraits done and may even have very definite ideas of what they want the finished product to look like.  Easy for me!  However, there is something about photographing a guy.  Again, for the most part, they have no interest in having their picture taken.  It's just one of the necessary moments they must endure their senior year.  Make the family happy and get it over with.  So maybe not so easy for me, but so much fun.  Usually the first 30 or so frames are awkward with me trying to make them feel comfortable and show them loosely what they need to do.  I prefer more natural images rather than "a pose", but we have to help these guys out!  What is really amazing and what makes this so much fun is about 30 - 45 minutes into the shoot the guys have relaxed and are just doing their thing.  That is when the magic begins.  Meet my so very awesome grandson Rob.  He was not any different.  I am sure that having his picture taken was not high on the list of quality time with family.  But...before long he was playing frisbee with my 5 in 1 reflector out in the field.  Yikes...expensive!  But all done with respect of property.  He was climbing a tree, the side of a barn and just being himself.  Perfect photo ops.  Okay, so maybe I'm a little partial, however he really was great to work with.  I loved every moment!  Rob also brought his adorable girlfriend with him and I was able to catch a few of them together.  Great job Rob!   This is why I love what I do.  Here are a few from our day

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So I was asked to photograph Lauren and Andrew's wedding day this past winter.  Lots of emails later (I'm a freak for making sure everything is done just as they wish), and we finally meet a few weeks before the wedding.  Then the wedding day arrived and I just knew it was going to be one of those photographer's "so happy" moments.  How could I not feel that way?  I just completely love Lauren and Andrew.  They are the sweetest, kindest and most fun couple.  Even though we were on the same page, so to speak as far as wanting everything to fall into place perfectly, they were so easy to work with.  The venue they chose, right down to the details spoke volumes of elegant casual. 

From the moment they each arrived individually until the very end, their happiness and love for each other just radiated through.  I don't think Andrew's smile ever left his face!  Really!  I can't find a serious picture!  Well there must be one somewhere, but even my awesome second shooter noticed the same thing. Lauren, well there is just this completely "in love look" on her face and in her actions towards Andrew.

Both Lauren and Andrew wanted to remember their day with spur of the moment and sometimes funny pictures. Those are always the best.  As I say on my home page, its the moments in between two pictures that tell a story. They were both so comfortable in front of the camera that at one point they started to dance in the middle of a field.  As in ballroom dancing!  Then it was over to pet the goats! Two people so in love and so down to earth.  They have both chosen careers where they are trying to make a difference in a child's life. They are real as in I have so much respect and admiration for them.

They were married on a farm with their dearest of friends and family on a day in June.  How more perfect could it be?

I wish Lauren and Andrew every happiness that life has in store for them.

I was also very fortunate to have two second shooters with me.  My first is not only a wonderful photographer, but just about the best man around.  That would be my husband, Bud.  My second shooter, again not only a beautiful photographer, but a beautiful person as well.  That would be my friend Diane.  Bud followed Andrew. Although, I have to give him full props for the goat picture!  I followed Lauren.  Diane took all these amazing detail pictures of the decor.  Then we all kind of mixed it all up along the way.  We each brought our different artistry and vision to the wedding and we made a great team. These pictures are from all three of us.  

I was going to put just a few pictures on this blog, but I couldn't stop!  I must stop!  Right now!  This is it. The rest are for Lauren and Andrew when all the pictures are finished.