{adorable addition, now their family is complete}

I was so honored to meet this family and photograph all of their beautiful children.  Six weeks before our session they completed their family with the adoption of beautiful 3 year old Cate, they traveled all the way to China to be united with her.   When I heard their story I was so excited to meet them and photograph their children.  You would never know Kate has only been here for 6 weeks.  She understood everything I said, she adored her brothers and sister and you could see this was a very close loving family.  Her little spirit tugged at my heart and seeing her cling to Sophie, her older sister, in such a loving way was truly touching.  I too was adopted, so whenever I hear an adoption story I get drawn in - anxious to hear everything about others adoption journey's.  It's such an amazing gift these parents are giving this little girl and likewise Cate is bringing such joy to this family.   I could go on and on...but I'll end this post with little peek into our session.   Thanks for taking a look :)

{"Oh Mommy, those are such 'beautiful princesses' "}

So this morning I was awakened by a princess.  Yes that's right - a fairy princess to be exact.  We don't see too much of Briella these days but a princess suddenly took residence in our house and we never know if the princess is going to be a 'dancing princess', 'fairy princess' or some other princess.   And immediately  mommy is transformed into a princess the moment she gets up.  Brielle, or 'Princess Briella' (that's how she wants me to refer to her) gives me a crown, jewels and a wand the minute my feet touch the floor.  I'm 'mommy princess'.  And I've gone out to the store forgetting that I'm wearing a crown and all the accessories Briella dresses me in, wondering why I'm getting funny looks.  That's life with a little girl... and I wouldn't trade the funny stares in stores for anything. ;-) {of course boys are just as fun too}

Last week I photographed two gorgeous sisters - both 'beautiful princesses'  (that's how Brielle referred to them  when she saw their pictures as I was editing).  Upon meeting them they popped out of their SUV wearing the cutest sunglasses looking ready for the camera.  I loved it and I loved their excited and happy personalities.   And they're gorgeous to top it off!   Again, another session I just didn't want to end.  Here's a little look inside our session.

A little play with my 'haze of yesterday' look. 

Another edit with 'haze of yesterday'.

{I've been bad...}

at blogging & posting recent sessions lately. But it's been for very good reason.  As most of you know, this is a nutty time for photographers and sometimes just getting a shower in is a plus ;-)  I've been submitting orders, packaging orders, editing, etc. and in doing so I've completely neglected my blog :(    So I thought I'd quickly post one of my recent sessions.  These girls were adorable and fun - the littlest one, Jenna, was so much like Briella in personality - little miss independent and ideas all her own (so cute).  And big sister, Anna Grace, was very chatty and loved the camera, which is always fun. I had a great time with both of them!  I'll try to be a better blogger - once things calm down it'll be easier.  ;-)  Thanks for looking!

Jumping Jenna!

{Halloween Snipet}

I wanted to post these sooner but you know how it goes this time of the year for me...  Anyway, here's a couple of pictures from Halloween in the early evening at the club.  I only had my camera out for a brief moment and then it was time for me to put it aside and enjoy Halloween with my kiddos.  They had a blast with their friends on the hayride that followed.  Brielle was so tired she leaned on me and Mrs. Tonya during they hayride trying to keep her eyes open.  She's a trooper (or just stubborn) and refused to go home before everyone else.  Tyler was full of excitement and energy - he probably could've stayed up all night.  Oh and in case you're wondering Tyler was Optimus Prime {a transformer} and Brielle was a ladybug.  I only got a few photos of the kids at the club before things got busy but here's some of them.

Above:  Hayden playing the bean bag toss.  Love his expression. 

Below:  The pumpkin and gourd sling-shot! 

{He knew...}

What I was up to...yep, this little cutie knew what I was doing.  I photographed cutie-patootie Hayes and his beautiful big sister Haley this past week.  And little Hayes is a very smart boy - he knew that someone with a big black box in front of her eye was following him so he moved quickly.  He reminded me of my son, whenever I got my camera out when Tyler was really young he'd run and move away as fast as he could.  So funny!  But we had fun and ran all over the place.  As you can see this little guy is on the move with things to do and things to see.  And his sister Haley {isn't she gorgeous!} was so helpful and attentive with him.  She was a fabulous model too! Oh and it was so cold!  Hence the winter hats on Hayes.  Neither of them complained even when they were shivering {sorry about that}.  Such good sports.  Here's a peek into our session. 

Oh and for those of you waiting on your galleries, I will be posting a bunch in the next couple of days - be on the look-out, check your e-mails for instructions.  Thanks for your patience during this busy time. 

{retro, fun, sweet & sassy - all twisted into one session!}

I have to admit... I didn't want this session to end.  These two girls were so fun!  I seriously could have hung out and chatted with them all evening - but sessions do come to an end {sigh...}  The spirit and personality of these girls was gravitating.  Olivia and Madeline were up for anything -so we played around and fit so much into our session.  We had several clothing changes, many moments of goofiness, and just fun girl time.   I loved it!  Their mom was so great, not in any rush so we had fun with the session.  Here's a little peek inside ;-)

All of the B&W's were edited using my 'Deep B&W' homebrew, below  'Kara Colour'.

The two above I used 'Kara Colour' and the two below I applied my '1970's Revival' action. Kind of fun and funky! 

{'Why can't I have a brother?'}

Oh what a fun and busy time of the year!  This is my absolute favorite time of the year - have I mentioned that before {wink}?  I just love the anticipation before Halloween and then the upcoming holidays and festivities that go along with Fall and early Winter.  Sometimes I wish I could just freeze time.  I love pumpkin patches as much as my kids do, I love running through hay and corn mazes with my kids giggling the whole way, I love baking breads (eggnog and pumpkin bread are my favorites to make), and I love the smell in the air and the changing colors of the leaves.  I just wish we lived closer to a pumpkin patch - it would be so fun to do a session there (and of course buy several pumpkins).  Maybe someday....but for now I'll take advantage of local areas.   Now who are these adorable kids pictured below?!  They are some of my favorite kids!  I met them over a year ago and every time I see them (which isn't that often since our kids go to different schools) I just want to bring them home with me.  My kids love them too.  Tyler said he wished Thomas was his brother - then he followed that statement with 'Why can't I have a brother, can you and daddy give me a brother?'  Jeff and I just looked at each other wide eyed and tried to explain that God gave him a little sister.  I don't know how comforted he was hearing that but he seemed to be content with our answer.  Kids are so funny...  Anyway, I was so excited to photograph these cuties again.  Here's  a little peek into our session.

Above 'Kara Colour', below 'Faded Yesterday' slightly tweaked. All the rest below edited in 'Kara Colour'. :)

{Cute-ness}

Yes, I'm sooooo behind in my blogging and sneak peeks.  I have so many updates but not enough time this time of the year to post them all.  I'll try though ;-)  Last  week I had a session with these two adorable girls.  They were so cute together - making each other laugh and just being silly (my favorite!).  Anyway, after talking to these girls I learned that I need to take my kids to Disney World - Anna told me all about it!  I'm now determined to take my kids after hearing about all the exciting things Anna and her younger sister Kate did at Disney World.  Anna agreed that I should take my kids and that they would love it ;-)  So cute - I love just listening to her excitement.    Here's a little peak at Anna & Kate's session.

'Warm Vintage' below and 'Deep B&W' above.

{Classic Beauty}

I feel so lucky to have this job!  My clients are so amazing and I have a blast during each and every session.  Some sessions make me laugh, some make me think and some turn me into a kid again (okay they all turn me into a kid again).   I love it!  And this past week photographing Amelia confirmed these feelings.  She was an amazing little subject to photograph -she was willing to wear anything I suggested and had fun doing it... a photographers dream.  Anyway, she really got into the session and even wanted to see how some of the shots turned out - I happily showed her and each time she smiled with approval.  So cute - I loved it.  I enjoyed every minute of this session with Amelia.  This little girl had a classic, elegant features that again called for a vintage look in some of her images.   So like Carter's session, I couldn't decide on one processing for all of Amelia's session images, so I went with several processing techniques - all home-brews. :) 

Below - 'vintage fade'

'Slight vintage B&W'

Another 'vintage fade'

Same image in 'Kara Colour'

'Slight Vintage' with a hand done border and overlay. I love this image - Amelia did the posing herself, she just did it so I took her picture.  What a cutie!  I loved her energy. :)

'Very Vintage' below with a touch of 'fade'.

'Kara Colour' below and in the last image.

'Slight Vintage' below

{Vintage Childhood}

This past week I photographed a little girl named Carter.   Even after the long car ride from North Carolina she was sweet natured and happy as ever.  She was so fun to talk to, her vocabulary was impressive and beyond her years.  I was amazed with her chattiness, fun spirit and soulful expressions.   Her beautiful curls, red heart shaped lips, and creamy skin were so classic that it screamed for a little vintage processing.  I actually thought her images fit so many different processing styles - Kara Colour, Very Vintage, Faded Yesterday, and the list goes on.  I couldn't decided so I did a variety of processing techniques, seen below all my own little home-brewed actions.  Here's just a little peek at our session.  Thanks for stopping by :) 

'Kara Colour' above, and 'Vintage Mocha' below.

Faded Yesterday - below...

This is one of Carters expressions - I call it the 'Oh No' face - so cute!  I couldn't resist showing it.  Her eyes and lips are amazing.  Note:  I didn't touch her lips when it came to editing - they are naturally a perfect pink/red shade.  Her mom said they used to be even more vibrant - lucky girl.  And her eyes are a gorgeous blue/green shade.  You can see the flecks of green in them in my close-ups. 

'Faded Yesterday with a touch of auburn' below.

'Very vintage' above and 'very vintage with a hand done border and overlay' below.

'Worn Vintage' below.

Side Note:  I've received a lot of e-mails asking if I am selling my actions, mentoring or offering workshops.  At this time I'm not able to do any of these. :(  I hope to mentor (if time allows) next year.   And I have a list of those interested already.  At this time, I'm not selling my actions.  In 2009 I may offer borders, card templates and select actions, but that too depends on finding time to dedicate to this.  Thanks so much for your inquires - I really appreciate them and I'm sorry I haven't been able to get back to so many of you about this.  As you know, this is a crazy time of the year and just finding time for sleep is a bonus right now.  You guys are the best!! Thanks again!!!