Family: The Petersens

I’ve known the Petersens since we moved to Arizona when I was in fourth grade. Jackie was one of my first friends and we spent years biking to each other’s houses, having sleepovers and having pool parties. Our families have been close friends for years and we spend Thanksgiving and Christmas together almost every year. Jackie is a recent college graduate from NAU, Kyle recently joined the military and Andrew and Chad are in high school. It’s so funny to look at these pictures and see where everyone is now and remember swimming around as little boys and girls, listening to the Backstreet Boys and and eating hamburgers. They wanted to give their mom a special Christmas gift, especially important since Kyle is stationed elsewhere. The more I blog about my sessions the more I realize that I really have fun doing what I do. Andrew is especially clever and kept us all laughing throughout the session.

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Family: The Hobbs

The Hobbs family is one of the sweetest groups of people that I’ve ever met. Not only that, but look how styling they are! I love the colors that they chose and how they all match but aren’t too matchy-matchy. Whenever you book a session, it’s great to choose a couple of complimentary colors and dress your family in varying shades of said choices. The Hobbs family absolutely rocked their session.

Family: The Butlers

The Butler sisters decided to gift their mom with portraits for Christmas and I had an absolute blast at their session. Seriously, Rachel, Bethany and Terah are hilarious and awesome. I don’t think I stopped laughing once during our entire session. From climbing into the LOVE statue to all of their jokes, it was such a fun shoot. Also, are you freaking kidding me with that sky?! Seriously.

Family: The Pangborns

I love kids. I’ve been babysitting and working in church nurseries since I was in fourth grade. I’ve gotten to know hundred of families as a preschool teacher and I have such a passion for spending time with little ones. I even got my Bachelor’s in Family and Child Development. Their giggles, communications, watching them learn and process and develop. So when I get to shoot a family with adorable little girls, I’m excited. Add in princess tutu skirts and I’m ecstatic.

Family: The Watsons

Katie and Jeff decided to surprise their mom with a sibling portrait session for Christmas. They were absolute naturals in front of the camera and I didn’t even see a hint of discomfort.

As a photographer, I’m thinking about a lot of different things all at once. I’m setting up your pose, considering the lighting, the angle, the exposure, reflection, composition, sharpness, bokeh and more. It’s easy to forget that my subjects don’t have a psychic connection with me, understanding the picture that I have in my mind. It wasn’t until D & I had our own engagement portrait session that I really understood how uncomfortable it is to be in front of the camera. Ever since, I’ve been able to empathize more completely with my clients, building in a little warm up time where we just do whatever comes naturally and work our way into some of the more “created” scenes. I say all of this to say that Katie and Jeff were born to be in front of a camera. You already know that I love families that love each other. I also love people that dazzle me with happy, soul warming smiles. The Watsons meet both requirements, so color me a happy photographer.

Family: The Browns

Megan, Kyndall and Hailey are an absolutely beautiful family. I’ve known them for years, even before Kyndall was born. As Hailey has grown from a tiny first grader into a graceful and intelligent pre-teen, as Megan has become the mother of two wonderful daughters, as I watch Kyndall grow into an independent little love. I always love my sessions with the Browns, watching them interact with crackers and hugs. I love this little family so so much.

Family: The Sullivans

As you can see, the Sullivan sisters are a trio of absolutely stunning girls. Each girl carries a quiet dignity and maturity with them, seeming wise beyond their years. I am ridiculously lucky to have such awesome clients.

Family: The Hortons

I shot the Horton’s family session at one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. It was a couple of weeks before Christmas and I arrived early to look around and set up some shots. It was crisp and cool outside and the location was completely empty. It was calm and beautiful. The Hortons arrived a short time later and we had a peaceful session.

Family: The Blairs

When I first met with the Blair family I could tell right awaythat they were an incredibly close little family. Morgan is a freshman in college, so this was her first visit home and you could tell that she and her parents were so excited to be able to spend time together. I love families that love each other!

 

Family: The Barretts

This family LOVES each other. Every photo was like a new exciting chance for the kids to snuggle up to their mom and dad. It was such a sweet and affectionate session and the kiddos even argued over who would get to be in each shot with their parents!