Guitar Fun

Growing up and showing some real talent with the electric guitar, my nephew allowed me to snatch this quick shot. I love the urban acid action on it-- I think it lends itself to a nice, grungy, electric guitar playin' kind of look.

{C.- I think you need a large poster sized version of this for your room. Just say the word!}

Answered Prayers

I pray often. Sometimes out loud, sometimes a whisper prayer. At times, a silent prayer. And today, all of the above. Sometimes, it is a simple prayer in my heart. When I have a deep concern for someone I find myself alternating between being focussed and distracted--going through a gammut of feelings and emotions: hope, concern, gratitude, joy, relief, sadness, love--then I must accomplish a task and for a moment my silent prayer must wait.

Today I could not stop thinking about this handsome little baby. At five weeks old, and he has spent all but two weeks in the hospital. For the past couple of days he has been the focus of my prayers, along with many others who are truly rallying around his family. He is the son of a friend in the neighborhood, and I have been humbled by just how many people want to reach out and help in some way. I know he is in the thoughts and prayers of many.

So tonight, I made arrangements to go and visit baby H. & his mom at the hospital--camera in tow (of course). I felt that photographing him today was one of the best things I could do (second to praying for him) . . . here are a few photos I'd like to share with his mother's permission:

{proof that prayers are answered: baby H. resting peacefully tonight.}

{I am so inspired by this determined little guy- barely older than a month and has already undergone 6 or 7 surgeries. He keeps on going, despite setbacks and emergency operations and more surgeries in the future, he still keeps on going.}

{I think I know where H. gets a good dose of his resillience from . . . his mama. As I looked through the photos from tonight, her happy countenance really struck me. She still finds joy, even through all she has been through this week alone (her baby had 4 surgeries this week!) J- your example means a great deal to me.}

To baby H:

{Hold on kiddo. You'll get through this. You'll be stronger than ever. Miracles do happen, and they have happened for you. Miracles will continue to happen. Prayers have been answered, and they have been answered for you. We pray for you.}

* Today was another day that reminded me why I am a portrait photographer-there is so much love and human emotion out there, just waiting to be captured through the lens and into the heart.

Please say a little prayer for baby H.

Heart of Dixie

Where did St. George, Utah get the nickname "Dixie?" I don't have the answer for that, but I do have some fun photos from our weekend getaway:

{Even a vegetarian can get a little excited over something this cool!}

{My little gal is quite the rock climber . . . "Look Mom, no hands!"}

{Here's an assortment of desert textures & colors from our little family hike. While walking past a rock covered in lichen, A. pointed and said, "Look, broccoli!" (see photo above: center of bottom row)}

{I love a kid witha great imagination. This souvenir did make it home in the sippy-cup holder part of the carseat.}

Easter Sunday

The girls ate so much candy the two Saturdays before Easter that we were able to enjoy a day "not about candy" on Easter Sunday. Matthew is still a "lactarian", though it won't be long before he's expanding his personal menu.

As a photographer, I find it most challenging to photograph my own children. I am learning to just let them "be" and the photo opportunities will come. I haven't resorted to too much bribery. They are so accustomed to seeing me with a camera, I don't even get many eye rolls these days. I think my oldest would rather be looking into the viewfinder (a girl after my own heart) than in front of the lens.

{Just love this interaction. Wish I could remember what she was saying.}

{So is this how they see me? "CHEESE!" Funny thing is, I rarely ask them to say "cheese." I usually just talk with them while shooting.}

{My little man. Daddy complemented M. on his new shirt. I think it is because it looks like one he'd wear . . . that is because Mom does all the clothes shopping around here!}

{Scamps & the girls. I love this one because it shows them being so gentle and kind to each other. Love these kids!! . . .and Scamps too.}

Captivated

Four children. One brunette. Two redheads, and one blonde. All with gorgeous eyes. I think it is their family trademark. There is something about their eyes that connect them as a family. I am captivated, and I loved capturing these shots:

{Quite the natural, H. has a great smile and is just a doll. I don't think she minds being photographed one bit!}

{He told me he didn't want his photo taken. So sister went first, and then he and I spent a little time talking about his favorite things, and . . .oops. I must've snapped a few. He eventually forgot this was a photo session ;) }

{Beautiful Lil' Sis-- not interested in a photo session. Daddy just held her and talked to her while I watched for just the right moments. There were plenty.}

{Mom and sweet baby with brilliant red hair just like her big sister. Watch for more of this little one! We're planning another shoot in the near future.}

Love Is In Bloom

Here are some of my favorites from a wedding shoot last Wednesday. It was a beautiful ceremony in a beautiful location- Thanksgiving Point Gardens. The bride and groom are clearly head over heals for one another. After shooting formals with thir family we ventured into the garden for a quite stroll. With such a gorgeous backdrop and the perfect touch of cloudy sky, these photos with a soft, beautiful light really capture the feelings of that day.

Easter Treat

Saturday we enjoyed a family picnic lunch and Easter egg hunt at the park. A few of the cousins were chompin' at the bit, ready to fill their bags with goodies. (BTW, we missed those of you cousins who couldn't make it. As you can see, the "loot" was well worth it!)

{. . . and we wonder how Easter became so commercialized?}

{Sweet A. demonstrates how fashion makes the transition from season to season . . .

WINTER meets SUMMER}

{Now beginneth the drool. Note the little bead of drool on his left cheek. I could have easily "erased" it in Photoshop, but I have a feeling this will be his "stage" for the next several months. Let the truth be know. And yes, and his cheeks are that kissable. I smooch them all day long!}

Angels Among Us

I consider it one of the most important things I can ever do . . . capturing a glimpse of the soul, the human connection, love as we know it.

I am blessed to know a wonderful woman who is a mother to five children. Two of her sweet children were born with a severe form of dwarfism. Their tiny bodies do not grow by any measurable standard. They remain in an infant-like state, even though they are 2 and almost 6 years old. I was amazed to witness how mother and children communicate through touch as the children are not mobile and do not speak words. Older siblings have learned to help care for these little angels with such tenderness. I know these children have a great purpose on this earth, and I was blessed to be in the presence of two sweet angels.

A day before this shoot, I was reading another photographer's blog. She started a non-profit organization of photographers around the country who offer free sessions & proofs for parents of preemies or severely ill children. I was so inspired, I immediately signed up to be in the list of "on-call photographers." I feel that there truly is a reason why I photograph people-and each day I am reminded why.

{E. celebrating his second birthday. A smile to melt a thousand hearts!}

{Sweet M.- she basks in the light of her mother's love.}

Eighteen Months

A sneak peak from yesterday's session:
Capturing her adventurous spirit through the lens kept me quick on my feet and ready for anything. The session was in the backyard as well as in her room to add a little variety. For toddlers, I recommend giving them a little room to just run and play--that's where the classic photos come. Here are a few of my favorites:

{she caught sight of mom and I watched her eyes light up!}

{I call this one "toe glasses." She found the perfect place to store them while mom fixed her hair.}

{Carefree and in between outfits, an 18 month old doesn't need encouragement to play in a puddle. This water was from the family dog's tipped over water dish.}

{I love the warmth of a child's room illuminated by a sunny window. It makes for a perfectly cozy photo.}