{Scenic} An end of the year Adventure

One of the things you probably don't know about me, unless we've been friends for a while, is that most of my friends growing up were guys. Still to this day one of my best friends is a guy, who isn't my husband (and yes he's aware, and okay with that). We've actually been friends since kindergarten, about 23 years now. This past week we went on a little end of the year adventure, I took some shots, he took some shots (both with different equipment).  I came home with a bag of 'goose & duck' to learn how to cook and a few images to add to my collection & expanding portfolio.

Probably my favorite one from the day. 

 

{Sneak Peek} The Jones Brothers

These little cuties get to come visit every couple of months, partly because I'm Auntie, but also because we like to torture them with photos.  This session is probably went the smoothest of any and all it took was a little semi-bribery.  I simply told Little B he could cooperate, even though he hates pictures, or we could make it take, all.day.long.  He quickly obliged & was so cute, hamming it up with his baby brother. I think he really does like to have his photo made. 
I also did a something a little different than my 'normal' style of shooting all outdoors, on-location.  I set up my little portable studio in the kitchen (which, made me decide my house, is just 2-sizes too small).

Anyways, here's a few (okay, more than normal) of my favorites.

{Scenic}Just a little Extra-Ordinary

One of our more recent favorite things to do while we wait for pre-school to be done during the weekdays is head into Greenhorn park & take a little 'nature' walk around the lake. It's usually too wet in the mornings to play on the 'park' but it's been decent for a little stroll. Grace asks lots of 'whats that' and "momma take my picture".  Brody just wants to get down & run. 
Friday I took my camera, hoping for some fall color and there is a tiny bit starting to emerge, but not out in full force yet. It was a gorgeous morning for photos.

{Entered} Just a Touch of Sun - I Heart Faces

I'm doing something a little different this week for Monday Minute (which I realize, I've been horrible about posting, in fact that whole schedule of things I've got marked on the calender...yea, slacking!!).

I'm entering the I {Heart} Faces weekly photo challenge.  The theme this week is A Touch of Sun.

This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

{Western Lifestyle} A time to sort & send off

I've spent this year working on growing. I did a post about this near the first part of the year. My plan & focus for the year is "Growth"; be it for business, skill, creativity or relationships, etc, it pretty much pulls in every aspect of this life. One of the things I'm doing more of this year is shooting for me. No 'rules', no time limits, no pressure, just shooting what I love.

One of my all time favorite things is the 'western lifestyle'.  I'm working on adding more of that to my portfolio, thankfully, I can pretty much go anywhere in this county and be exposed to that.  Even more than that, is I can go to my teenage "home" and live it, up close & first hand. 

A couple weeks ago, I got up nice & early to head out to the house for a morning of cattle sorting. It was a beautiful morning, the rising sun, much like the setting sun creates gorgeous light. ♥   Here are a few images from that little adventure, starting with the beautiful rising sun. 

 Mr Rowdy, sharing his "Jet-A Fueled" breakfast with Sally, the 'cow dog' (or so she thinks, she's slightly senile in her old age)

 Even the star-thistle & fox-tail looks gorgeous at slightly before 7 a.m.

The calm before the storm.

 And here they come...

One of my favorite shots.

Everyone getting settled.

 In the alley, waiting for the 'in' or 'by' call.

Thankfully, these little 'friends' stayed put while we were out & about.

Doctoring.

 Important tool.

Such a fabulous morning. Excited & ready for the next adventure as well. 

{Sneak Peek} Miss M turns 4

Last Tuesday I had the privledge of photographing Miss M for her 4 year portraits. This isn't the first time that Miss M and I have gotten to visit though, I've been photographing the little beauty since she was 6 months old. I love the lasting relationships that come with photographing families. I am so lucky that not only do I get to photograph them as my clients, but also as my friends. 


Here's a little recap of Miss M's growth from 6 months.

Miss M is one of the cutest girls I know, she sweet, independent & full of energy. Photographing the little sweetie is like trying to keep the energizer bunny in one spot.

Here she is now, almost a full, 4 years old.

She was a tough little cookie this time, I pulled out almost every trick in the book to get her to crack her real, beautiful smile.

 Some of my favorite captures are those ones that are just in the moment, not really posed at all, but true expressions & emotions.  I just love these 2 parent photos, caught with a little game of "hide n' seek".

Towards the end of her session, we got out the chalk, well Miss M's momma got out the chalk & her sweet little brother helped by dumping the entire bucket out on the concrete slab. She showed me how she could make M's and then I had her draw some birthday balloons and then captured this one.

I brought along a little dress-up fun this time, which was a rarity. I normally don't do a ton with props. I like shooting my clients with their things, in their environment, making their portraits all about them, but who doesn't love a little dress up.

The little miss was a great model for this petti-skirt and even did a tiny twirly dance, showing off the ruffles. (clicking this last image will bring up the larger version)

Thank you guys for such a wonderful session, I'll be getting with you soon for your gallery & can't wait to see what your Holiday session produces. Big hugs & Happy Birthday to Miss M!!