Miss M's photo shoot

I took Miss M out a few days ago to shoot her 8 year old portraits. First, she wanted to do some jumping shots like we did a few years ago for our family portraits.

It was late afternoon, and the sun was still pretty high in the sky, but this location was in the shade, and the lighting was nice.

As we were walking over to our next location, we got waylaid by some small creatures.

Miss M just LOVES searching for bugs in plants.

As we passed by a group of bushes, she discovered some baby caterpillars.

This pretty much sabatoged the rest of our photo shoot.

Out of the thirty minutes we spent together, twenty were spent in the bushes or with the caterpillars. Not exactly what I had in mind, but okay.

I got about five minutes in the field, then it was back to the caterpillars.

The sun was still pretty high in the sky. Not ideal lighting for portraits, but I wanted to try anyway.

I made sure the sun was over my right shoulder, and placed Miss M so that the side of her face was lit, so that she wouldn't be squinting at the camera.

Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the effect.

Making an "8" with the rocks was M's idea. She's got a mind of her own. Can you guess what she's looking at on the leaf? Yep, it's a caterpillar.

my little beauty

I took Miss A out a few weeks ago to snap her 6 year portraits. I was really looking forward to it being a special bonding time. But, Orlando in August is so stinkin' hot, muggy and buggy that it wasn't enjoyable at all.

It had just rained, so there were puddles of water everywhere. And, it was so humid that as soon as we stepped out of the car, my lens fogged up. This weather is for the bugs. Not for human beings.

the dellaire family

I had so much fun with the Dellaires. Even though they have 4 kids under age 7, they were the easiest family to work with! Being so relaxed and up for anything, they made my job so easy. And, I just love the glimpse into each child's personality. I really feel like I get to know them, even in the short hour and a half I work with them. Of course, it helps that we're already friends! You guys are great!








I love this shot, but when I showed David, he didn't like it. I showed Miss M, and she loved it too. I wonder if toe/feet shots are a girl thing?






I love the imperfection of this one. To me, it captures the essence of what life with 4 kids must be like. Am I right?





So, I also have to mention that today is our anniversary! 9 years. I'm starting to sound old. If I'd been on top of my own family photos, I'd have taken a photo of David and I yesterday to post today. But, it will have to wait until tonight. He's taking me out to dinner and then to an "artistic, musical show." He won't tell me which one. I'm looking forward to a date tonight! I'll post our anniversary photo and update tomorrow. Happy Anniversary, David! I love you!

three little girls

I had fun taking photos for my friends, the Cockings. Their girls are so cute and fun. I just love their "personality shots." Don't you??

be true

After a long day in St. Augustine, A was just done with me and my camera. I love how kids are so true to their feelings. No cover up, no hiding. Just true.

jump!

I'm home! We went to the beach for 4 days for work. Well, David was working and I was tagging along for the fun of it. Rough life, huh? All I can say is that my dreams of sunbathing and playing at the beach all day were waylaid by *freezing cold* temperatures. (Yes, for Florida, it was freezing cold!) I know, you feel soooo sorry for me ;)

let's get it started

I promised the girls that if they'd do a mini-shoot for me, they'd get some Pez candy. And, it worked! It's a good way to start the year.

the N family

The N family and I met up last weekend to try for some great photos. I think we did pretty well! I came equipped this time with a bag of mini-marshmallows which worked wonders. Anything to get those kids to smile! Hope you like your photos, guys! It was fun to work with you :)












This photo is probably technically an "out-take," but I just LOVE it! Look at that face! And, the bubble was in just the right spot too.

expressive

This little guy wasn't that interested in the camera, but once he got warmed up, wow! Just look at that face! I've found that kids who are the "toughest" to photograph often have the most wonderful natural expressions (my oldest daughter included!)

a bit moody

A was asking me to take pictures of her. She's been asking everyday. I think it's because she saw me take the Pez dispenser to a photo shoot a few nights ago. "What's that for?" she asked me. When I told her it was a reward for kids who behaved nicely for my camera, she became quite interested in photo shoots again.

The processing on this is a bit more moody than I usually do, but I like it. It's something different for me. Hope you're having a good weekend!

why I love kids

They're just so darn cute for starters, and I love cute things. And, they have the best posing ideas. Kids are just naturally photogenic. I love taking their photos so much! Here are just a few from my family session a few nights ago. I will definitely be sharing at least few more of my favorites in the next few days.

all boy

Being the mother of two girls and an only child, I have very little experience with boys or boyhood in general. Boys are entirely different creatures than girls. These boys were all about showing me how strong they were or how high they could climb. Might, power and strength. Wow! My girls are all about princesses and how pretty they look. Anyway, we had a great session. Thanks for letting me take your photos, C & c.