When Wally contacted me to set up a surprise family session as a Christmas present for his wife, Renee and their two girls, I was ecstatic! I’ve photographed Abbie and Allie on numerous occasions, but I’d never had the privilege of capturing their entire family together.  As we talked about ideas and color schemes, pink and purple were a must. Each one represents a favorite color of his precious daughters. We worked behind the scenes to find clothing combinations that would be visually pleasing, photograph well and showcase their personalities! It was such a super fun experience to work with a husband and dad who really wanted to treat his ladies and document their love as a family!

When we finally settled on a date, we never imagined we would be braving arctic like weather. Early, early in the morning we arrived, stepping out onto grass covered in ice. Quite a shock for us Florida folk!  It was so chilly. No, it was literally freezing; but their love quickly warmed things right up! And as an added bonus, God sent down some pretty incredible sun kissed lighting. It was heavenly!

Enjoy one of my favorite family sessions ever and be inspired to give the gift of photography to someone you love today!

 One of the most precious parts of any family session is when Mom and Dad get to steal a few moments alone. Don’t let your wedding be the only time you document your love- make these moments a priority in your session!    Did I mention, Wally and Renee happen to have some seriously precious (and animated) girls?!! Love the way they interacted together! Something so sweet about sisters! 

Early one chilly January morning, I met up for a last minute session with this precious little girl. I could not believe that despite the frigid temperatures she stuck it out, with wardrobe changes and all! What a trooper. I was so  thrilled that her sweet mommy and daddy chose me to capture her six month old pictures and I’m definitely looking forward to the next time little Emma ends up in front of my camera! 

I have been friends with Wes and Jessica for many years.  They are a precious couple who have walked a long journey to welcome these sweet boys into their family. When I see the four of them together, they become tangible evidence of the power of many prayers and waiting on God’s perfect timing. It’s always an honor to reconnect with them and a joy to love on their cute boys!  Here are a few of my favorites from our little mini session together one morning.

Dillon had the best- and I do mean the best cheeks you’ve ever seen! Perfectly kissable.

Levi was such a ham- active, busy- a typical boy, but almost always carrying around his horse, which he’s had since his newborn session. Oh, and he’s got a smile that charms!

Praying that these two precious boys grow up to know the Lord and to make a difference for Him in all they do! Love you Knight Family!

I love capturing families, but I’m a total softy when there are four sweet ones. I’m constantly reminded of my own precious blessings while I spend time with theirs. This awesome family was so much fun to work with- the kids were downright adorable and phenomenally well behaved, despite the monster sized mosquitoes that attempted to carry us away! Flexibility and patience played a huge key in making this a success and Katie, Luke, Sarah and Emma were up for the challenge. They went with the flow and charmed me with their toothless smiles and spunky personalities. Their mom had it right when she said in her email, “Let’s just have fun!” Fun, that’s exactly what a family session should be!

So, here’s a little sneak at our delightful time together!

I adore this first image because it speaks so directly to the relationship that these children have with their father. You can literally sense the love, adoration and respect they have for him by the way they circled around and snuggled up.

  How do you get this:

and this?

You let them do this first!

Be prepared for complete cuteness!

And, I always adore a picture or two of mom and dad! What a beautiful reminder to your children of the importance of commitment and unconditional love! Besides, how often do we as parents find ourselves in front of the camera?

My favorite! This is one of those I would have to blow up and hang so I’d see it every day! What a beautiful family.

Speaking of hanging up images, it’s that time of year when Christmas is knocking at the door and everyone is looking for the perfect gift. I frequently receive emails from families who would like to print images for their home or for relatives during this season. The tendency is to get quite a few 4×6 prints and to place them in a collage style frame. This year, I propose that we change our perspective and look at the images from your session as art. From experience, a large quantity of 4×6 images simply does not have the same impact as a few carefully selected prints in larger sizes. I thought this adorable family would be a great way to explore the possibility of thinking outside of the 4×6 box!

Take for example, a master bedroom. Rather than one frame with a collection of small images, imagine waking up to something that not only adds visual impact to your room, but tugs at your heart strings as well!

What about your dining room, the place your family gathers and your guests join you for scrumptious meals and lots of laughter? Nervous about one day changing the style of the room, stick with classic black and white images from your session.

How about some of your favorite images that show the character and personality of your family in an unexpected place, like the laundry room? Now that’s one way to get inspired in an unassuming room in your home!

You see big isn’t scary! Big makes an impact. Big makes your memories larger than life and leaves you reliving them each time you catch a glimpse. Take the plunge this year, go big. You’ll be so glad that you did!

Thanks Linsey and Brent for being such good sports and for sharing your family with me! It was an honor!

I just love it when I have the opportunity to shoot families more than once and I especially love it when they become sweet friends.  Such it is with the Simpson family! They stole my heart around this time last year and as this session approached, I could barely contain my excitement. They are fabulous in front of the camera, their love for one another is easy to see and fun- man are they fun! Here are a few of my favorite images from our time together!

With shoes this great, how could I resist?

Mr. D brought along his skateboard. He’s got some serious style…and skills!

I had a few minutes with this handsome kid, while the rest of the gang took a breather. This has got to be my hands down favorite image of him! Seriously, he could model right?!

We headed out to find more beautiful grass and a little shade. Isn’t this just adorable, especially the way Miss. J is posing?

Look at those blue eyes. They will make many a heart swoon, but for now, just her Daddy’s!

In case you missed this sneak, it’s worth showing again! A precious moment indeed.

Jen brought along this fabulous blanket and despite the sun blaring down, we were determined to make good use of it. At first we had to resort to tummy time, which was super cute and showed off Miss J’s adorable dress…not to mention the perfect timing of a dragonfly! What are the odds?!

Then we found a great spot for this. LOVE it!

A few minutes with the incredible Mom and Dad, now you know where the kids get their great looks!

My favorite of the Mr. and Mrs. I adore it when couples are still so in love. What a wonderful example for their children!

We had just gotten nestled down in this position when I saw the little ones running from behind towards their mom and dad. I couldn’t resist sharing this image, as it speaks so much about the dynamics of a family.

Jen also brought along her childhood guitar. I can not get over the posing going on here. My goodness these kids are just so darn cute! And this of course was right before we discovered a snake nearby- cute and brave!

Sunday afternoon, we wrapped up our final 3 sessions for The Dream Calendar! It’s awesome news, since that means this week the final project can be sent to press. I am ecstatic to think about the final product being  in our hands very soon!

Kelly, was the first model of the day. While our original session had to be canceled due to rainy weather, it was replaced with a cool and sunny day. Perfect for a tea party!

Of course, I couldn’t resist posting this one as well. Kelly looked up at her mom and dad while talking with Mr. Bear and gave them this precious grin. She is simply darling!

Next, I had the opportunity to spend some time with a great little guy. Boy did we have fun…and I got a great workout as well! He highly enjoyed a game of “pushing me down” and watching me get back up (read: sit ups)! It was a blast. Such a joyful and energetic little boy. Meet Nacho:

And this is why I played along with the sit up game, even if it meant shooting while falling down! Can you even resist a child who is that happy?!

I closed out the afternoon with Ryan! Check out his hat. This kid has some serious style and a mighty great personality as well. He seriously had me smiling the whole time!

Thank you to all our Dream Calendar Models and their families, to our sponsors and to all of those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this a reality! The calendar is scheduled to be sent to press this week. Information on where and how to purchase the final pieces will be available soon.

That’s right #10- we’re almost to the end of our sessions, which should wrap up this weekend. Bright and early this morning I had the honor of hanging out with a super cute kid and his incredible Mommy. We worked hard for a smile, so I’m including a few images…Kathryn, it was worth it!!

Meet handsome little Brady, full of energy and absolutely adorable all at the same time! Be prepared for your heart to melt…

Don’t forget, tonight The Dream Calendar and Clouds of Hope will be on Bay News 9. The segment was preempted by election coverage and breaking news, but should be featured this evening during their 5:00 pm broadcast.

Dream Calendar sessions started bright and early this morning! My first heart-breaker was Anthony who greeted me with the brightest smile and warmest hug. What a sweet boy! Seriously, can you even resist this grin?!!

Next, I had the opportunity to meet Bekah, who was quick to grab my arm and head out into the field. We were fast friends. Bekah also had the opportunity to meet Julia’s mom, Lisa. What an incredible honor to have her there, watching The Dream Calendar unfold and to see her sweetly interacting with the children.  Without a doubt, I will count this as one of the most precious moments of the process this year!

Oh, sweet Mr. Jonathan was next and goodness he is adorable. He was giving us a fit being so serious,  keeping such a straight face while we certainly looked silly trying to get a little grin. 3 grown ladies standing over head doing just about anything to get a reaction. It must have been a sight! But, after a good bit of coaxing and a little singing from his mom he pulled out this smile and stole our hearts.

I closed out the morning with Megan, who appeared in the first Dream Calendar. She touched my heart deeply then, just as she did today. Her beautiful eyes and her sweet little spirit captivate me everytime. Ah, just see for yourself!

Thank you to all the parents who shared their morning and their children for these precious images! As always, it is such an incredible honor!

Since the story did not air on Bay News 9 this evening, they have requested that you tune in Friday during their 5:00 broadcast.

Yesterday was so incredibly precious, yet so very bittersweet. I met up with Allie, her mom and big sis Abbie to shoot her session for the calendar. Kristy Wolski, from Bay News 9 graciously brought her team to help cover the story of The Dream Calendar as well. Below, Renee is sharing about Clouds of Hope.

Allie will be the model for September in the 2011 calendar, the same month that Julia held in the original piece. When I was first working on the concept for this year, a Jonny Diaz song started playing on my computer. Here are the lyrics that penetrated my heart:.

Soon she will run on fields of green and never wake up from her dreams
Embrace with joy the mysteries of beautiful that she’s never seen
Soon she will run…

This chorus was perfect as I thought about Julia, now healed, running through Heaven. I couldn’t get the image out of my mind. It was truly the inspiration for the location and we immediately began looking for a field where we could photograph all of the little models.  The journey for the perfect place was a tough one. Dozens of friends were on the hunt. Then I drove by this  barren piece of property that my husband had suggested for weeks, but now it was suddenly full of pinkish colored flowers. I couldn’t believe it. Each month was already slated to have a pink accent, as a continued reminder of Julia’s life- so this field, truly was a gift from God. It couldn’t have been more perfect!

Yesterday the concept for the entire calendar came full circle. Allie was standing there in this incredible field holding 12 pink balloons, 1 for each year of Julia’s life and for a moment I was speechless. Just watching this unfold:

And then she ran and it simply took my breath away!

The story of The Dream Calendar will air this evening on Bay News 9 at approximately 5:20pm. Be sure to tune in!

A special thank you to Kristy and the Bay News 9 team for their extreme professionalism and sensitivity towards the families involved. It was an honor to work with you!

Ah, the anticipation of finally being able to share a few of these precious little children with each of you!

Logistical plans have been in the works for several weeks, but many of the details were needing to be ironed out…fields, clothing, props, paperwork- the list could go on; but finally we were at a place to start meeting the children and shooting their calendar sessions yesterday afternoon.

I have to admit before heading out my heart was racing. I always love these sessions. They are simply some of my favorites. The stories. The families. The love and acceptance. The hope and the joy. Children, created in the image of God. Beautiful. Priceless.

What a responsibility to capture them for who they are, to freeze their sweet faces and to then share them with the world. It is a task I can not take lightly. So my heart races, butterflies flutter in my stomach and my hands get sweaty…until I meet them and I fall in love.

Now, you get to do the same…

Sweet Taylor

Charming Braelyn

Darling Siblings Evan and Emma and Allie and Abbie

Beautiful Anna

My heart is full as I look at these images, as I wipe tears from my eyes knowing the joys and the struggles that life has brought to their families, but so excited to share their darling faces, their bright eyes and their smiles with you.

Would you like to get involved? There’s still time!

Your business can sponsor an ad or make a donation…and don’t forget, we’ll be selling the completed calendars in mid-November too!