12-20, Goofy Teen

I don't know what other photographers do in their spare time, but I torture my kids with endless light tests.  "Just come in the studio for a minute.  I want to check something....."  Yep, I know why they roll their eyes though, my "one minute" is a flat-out lie.  The day I go to the studio to experiment and it literally takes one minute will be the day I hang up my camera and call it quits.  But in all fairness, they torture me equally in return.  What do I get in response to my request?  A photo series such as this......

...... until I get that one keeper, the one that melts this mama's heart.....

These kids will never, as adults, claim their childhood went undocumented!

12-10, Hudson's 6-Month Session

It had only been two months since I'd done the sibling session with Hudson and his brother.  I was eager to see how much he'd grown and capture his 6-month milestone.  He is fun to photograph because he is so expressive and engaged.  But, boy, did this little guy give me a run for my money this day!  His mom and I were wondering if he was entering a growth spurt because his eating and sleeping schedule had been off and his session fell inconveniently in the middle of the time he would have rather been sleeping than smiling.  He let his frustration be known and we just had to roll with it.  By the end of our hour, I wasn't sure if I had many salvageable images.  Much to my surprise, one would think that this session went a whole lot more smoothly than it did!  How about that, photography is mostly about appearances, right?!  No worries, little Hudson, we all have our days!  I'll see you again in 3 months. And, thank you for the snuggles at the end of the session, that made it ALL worthwhile!

12-9, Little Man's 6 Month Session

Little man has a name, but to me he'll continue to be 'little man'.  He has such a serious disposition, but when he smiles his little face lights up.  He can really turn on that charm switch when he wants to!  His 6-month session was a lot of fun.  It was the first time that I had Mom AND Dad in the studio with me.  By the end of our hour, we were all exhausted but we did manage to capture many sides of this little man's personality.  It was astonishing to see how much he had grown, while at the same time seeing the face of that tiny little baby I photographed three months ago.  I look forward to continuing to capture his first year!

12-5, Transition Headshots

It's that time of year.  No, not for wrapping gifts and baking cookies, but time for my husband to start getting serious for what life after the military will hold.  The countdown to retirement began years ago and is now dwindling into the months.  Sounds like as good of as an excuse as any to get him into my studio for some headshots, don't you think?  (And really, 'headshots'..... I'm not a fan of that lingo.  I think this sector of photography is in desperate need of a new name.)  I hope these images, in some small way, will help him in his job pursuit.  I think they reveal his character and confidence-- assets any company would be proud to have.  (I know I am!)

12-4, Baby Brexxen

I see this baby on an almost-daily basis.  He is the cutest, happiest little guy;  he's simply adorable.  I've been dying to photograph him.  My opportunity came this week and it was as memorable as I'd hoped it would be.  I'm not sure who made who smile more!  This kid is going to break some hearts, for sure!