old new old

this coat is 30+ years old. it was made by a loving grandmother from her own coat for her granddaughter who's mother has saved it for 30+ years for her own granddaughters. how generous, caring, and wonderful is that?







this next one is my absolute favorite from today, if i am allowed to say that.


and this next one is just because. because it is different. and she is fun.

color, or black and white

Well, because I give my clients the freedom to print their photos wherever and whenever they want, I tell them that if they want to develop any of the photos in black and white to let me know so I can convert them into b&w.

It is hard to explain to people why I want to convert a color photo to black & white instead of a photo lab, so let's look at why I like to convert them.

Here is the color photo I want to demonstrate with. This is the photo SOOC (straight out of camera).

It is a fine photo, but I like to edit it a bit to make her "pop" more.
Here it is with a few edits.

Now, if I want to make it black and white, here is what it would look like if I converted it at/through a photo lab.

And that looks fine. But I still want her to pop more, so, I make a few more edits, and this is how I like my b&w photos to look.

A little more contrast, a little brighter. (although it looks too bright here on blogspot. like she is glowing. oh well) And the b&w edits are definitely customizable. Brighter, Darker, Less Contrast, etc.

This isn't how everyone likes their photos, and that is ok. But I like it this way.
And if you do too, tell me to convert your photos.
Don't forget!

Ok, one more just because. Here is that same last photo with a "texture" added. Just some fun scrolls.

HaPPy nEw YEaR!

Happy New Year, y'all!
Here is a New Year's kiss for you.

the h&b family

This family was so sweet. I was feeling under-the-weather the day I went to see them, and the weather was a bit chilly, but I still really enjoyed myself which always makes one feel a little better. right? And I think anyone would enjoy themselves with this family.

We started in their beautiful house. I had never done a family shoot inside. So, the first half was a bit challenging for me. But even though it was challenging, I had fun and look forward to more challenges. They were so patient and such a cute family. Very warm and welcoming. It was fun to watch them interact. I could tell they have so much love for each other.







Did I say chilly? Frigid is the word I was thinking the day we got together. But in retrospect it was just really, really cold and windy. Even so, they were great.








Can you tell it was cold? They couldn't help snuggling close to keep warm.

Thanks, guys, for letting me come hang out and get to know you.

the j&e family

i felt so bad after this family's first session. nothing seemed to happen the way we had wanted it to. so, we tried again.




can you see their brother in this photo?


and can you tell that he likes to be a bit mischievous?



as always, i have more photos to add to this. if i can get around to it.

8

We took these photos for the announcement for his baptism back in august. But looking at the photos right now in December makes my feet cold.



it was a spontaneous decision, and for some reason he didn't have shoes at the time, but he was a good sport and i love how he smiles.
i wanted to take these photos on train tracks for symbolic reasons, so we went with it, sans shoes and all... and i was quite happy with how they turned out.

the s&a family

peaceful

this little boy is the son of my daughter's coach this past fall. he was always so quiet and mellow. he had been laying in his stroller, quiet as can be, and was on the verge of falling asleep when i noticed just how peaceful he looked.

the SKSK kids

this family is just plain amazing. we have known them for a few years now. they are all so sweet and mellow. and so easy to be around.
there are so many cute photos of these 4. i have to start with just two of each of them.
isn't she gorgeous? stunning. and they say middle school is the awkward years. but not for her. and yes, she is only in middle school.

the second photo of him cracks me up. he makes me laugh.

she is so sweet and soft-spoken. seriously. she can't compete with my kids when she is at our house. it is so refreshing.

and this darling girl is one of my daughter's favorite people. ever.

and one more set of the oldest. i can't help it. i want to post all of her photos.
she is beautiful. just like her mom.

the c&m family

wow, this is so much fun. i have been having so much fun going out with these amazing families. doing this is so far outside my "comfort zone", and i get extremely nervous before and during each session, but these families have all made it easier on me than i expect. every time. so, thank you to each of you wonderful families that have shared your time with me and allowed me to come along and try to capture just how wonderful you each are.

here is just a quick peek of this family...

the jp&m family

wow, the families i have had the pleasure to work with have all been so wonderful. but, with them being wonderful, i have had the hardest time narrowing down the photos and just posting a few.
and this family is no different. so, i will start with just a few.
and i will post more when i become more decisive.

the h&s family

this first photo holds a special place in my heart.
as i watch my kids grow, i realize how quickly everything is happening. how special moments like this don't last forever. sadly.
so this photo of h&h in front of a speeding, blurred train makes me think about how fast time goes. and how, when a special moment like this is captured in a photo, we might be able to treasure it a little longer, and perhaps slow time down a little.

at the same time, when i, myself, am in a moment like this with one of my kids i feel like time has slowed down a little and wish i could freeze time and cherish the moment longer.

i think the train was just too loud for him, and he held his mom so tightly. it was so sweet!





here is one just for fun. the fireman was very generous and offered to open up the doors and let us into the engine.