I love it when we get to do a shoot with people we regularly hang with. Keith and Mary Christian go to Grace with us, and MC does my hair (yes, I know… it needs a trim!). ANYWAY! Landon and Savannah are twins and I always get a kick out of taking their pictures because they have some of the best facial expressions. But let me tell ya… today? Their Mama and I both left wondering what in the WORLD was captured… cause we just couldn’t get them to look at me (when it was beneficial to the shot). It was HYSTERICAL how many times we called Landon’s name before he’d turn my way. I swear I thought I was going to go into labor from laughter. That boy is hysterical! But in the end, all can rest easy… we got some really sweet shots of the family AND the kids… all with those great expressions I’ve always loved.

And for some extra-special fun… I present to you – Batman and Batgirl!

Today was gloomy and wet, not the best for a family shoot outside. So, since we had ONE day left open this week that wasn’t already filled with another family (I tryyyy to rest!), we moved our friends over to Friday in the hopes that the weather might be better by then. But that left a hole in today’s schedule! And it was way too last minute to start calling people and seeing if they wanted it. So what did I do? I posted the first ever Random Last Minute Deal© on my personal Facebook account. Just wanted to see if any of my friends would be interested in a half-price, in-studio shoot. The slot was booked within an hour!

Then I thought, why not do this on our Fan Page every so often when session times open up too late to do anything about! I mean, just because you’re not a PERSONAL friend, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a cool deal every once in a while, too! So run on over to Facebook and “fan us”… then you’ll be able to have access to our Random Last Minute Deal©, too! Of course, it’s for the totally spontaneous crowd! Either that, or you can go ahead and pre-plan out some outfits and hang them in a special spot… just in case.

Today’s Winner… Carolina!!

We’ve been getting more and more calls lately  asking about booking outdoor shoots for Christmas cards and gifts. It’s so difficult for us to turn away people, but to be honest, the majority of the outdoor slots have been gone for months now! Every so often, we get a cancellation and jump to our waiting list, but even THAT is rare! And as much as we LOVE outdoor shoots, we want to encourage those of you who were hoping to get in with us to take a second look at what an indoor shoot can do for you! It’s all in the clothing choices! Today’s family got it right! They wanted something a little formal (which can be GREAT for the holidays), and the mixture of black, gray and burgundy was the perfect blend! The varying fabrics and layers were icing on the cake!

Of course, not every one is up for the formal attire. And that’s okay! We love it all! Bright colors and mixtures of textures is also a great way to make an indoor shoot pop with excitement! Just remember, it’s the faces that people most want to capture and preserve every year… not just a location. So don’t give up on the in-house shoots! Let us have a little fun with you at the studio, too!

I’ve been shooting the Jones family since Sophie was born (4 years?). They’re one of our favorite families because they totally get us. Mandi is the BEST at picking out clothes… even when she brings their closet for me to sort through! Mitch & Sophie are free spirits who don’t let the camera stop them from being completely honest in their personalities… which is SO FUN. It’s never boring and it ALWAYS produces images that I’m eager to edit and show off. I’m just sad the kids are getting too old for more than one shoot a year! I’ll miss ‘em!

You may remember this couple from their engagement shoot that we posted several months back… they’re dramatic and passionate and SO great to photograph! They love the “fashion magazine” feel and we had a blast trying to provide it. It also doesn’t hurt that they are seriously laid back and easy-going. We were just able to meander through their day and truly enjoy the time together. Their love for each other was so evident, but even more so was their love for family and community… which is more difficult to come by these days!

Here are a few of our favorite “fashion” shots… to see their whole gallery, go here.

Our great friends, Mike & Stacey Wiggins, had their second child last night! We’re so excited for them! Little Timothy will bring them much happiness and joy, for sure… just like Lesley already has. A few weeks ago, we were able to take them out on their last shoot as a threesome… here are some of my favorites.

I love it when a couple says, “Whatever you think is fine by us”. Ahhhh, it’s what we live for! Melissa and Alex were ready and willing… Jeff and I were more than happy to oblige! Their colors screamed to be surrounded by greens and lots of sun, so we headed to the Nature Center to see what we could find! Then we flipped-flopped into a darker, more dramatic railroad set (but still managed to have fun).

I’m completely excited to be shooting their wedding next Spring… we all hope to find a bride AND a groom that are BOTH willing to just relax and come along for the ride. And we’re totally got that in these two!