to you and yours...from me and mine {merry christmas}

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas and a huge thank you to those of you who read this blog, follow me on facebook, and especially to my clients; the people who have chosen me to take your pictures this year.  This business has completely surprised and delighted me...I still can't believe that doing something I love so much can be considered a "job." Next year promises many new adventures...9 weddings so far booked, and a website in the plans. Blessings to you all in 2011!

michele + haylee + jesse {family}

Welcome to my official, final session and post from 2010! I'm sure I will continue to be snap happy over the holidays, but I am definitely taking a break from the business end of things to relax and enjoy my family.

For a final session, this was a very simple and sweet one. After much time spent photographing little ones this month, I had the pleasure of a session with adults/teens. I didn't have to bribe them with sugar, fake a sneeze or sing a song...they were happy to just roll along with me :)

Haylee and Jesse got this session as a Christmas gift to their mom, Michele....such sweet kids! Their pooch Belle also joined us for a few of the shots, but became totally disgusted with me when I had her pose in a muddy spot...a dog that doesn't like to get dirty!?

We let Belle take a little break and continued on in our stroll around Old Clayburn. After several sessions here this year, it will probably go down as my favorite location of 2010.

To the family of three ~ Thanks for spending a chilly Sunday afternoon with me. You are all so easy to be around and my camera seems to like you too. Merry Christmas!!!

for grandma...{children}

I almost thought this mini-session was not going to happen. It absolutely poured rain all morning and even as I was driving to the park; but, by some miracle, it managed to hold up for the brief half hour we shot these photos. So, instead of being confined to covered areas we were able to roam the (extremely soggy) grounds.
Our mission was quite clear: capture a few images of seven precious kiddos for Grandma's Christmas present. The 3 year old wasn't completely on board with us, but I would say, at the end of the half hour - mission accomplished....for Grandma :)

hunter + ayla {twins}

I have to confess something. The thought of a session with toddler twins is kind of intimidating, if not altogether scary.  Don't get me wrong, I love kids and I think they are particularly adorable at the "18 month-ish" stage, but they are also wiggly personified... x2.
These two munchkins are a month younger than my youngest, so their mom, Cherish and I had lots of notes to compare and I was totally familiar with their antics. These two are so loveable and sweet that my anxiety quickly turned to enjoyment. This is the beauty of lifestyle photography...you catch people where they are at...wiggles and all. We spent some time getting some shots by the tree inside and then moved things outdoors so the little ones could roam free.
Hunter + Ayla ~ you two have such a gift in each other. I loved meeting your family and spending some time playing with you....wishing you a  very merry christmas!