lots of laughter

at this session. these kiddos have grown up right before my eyes. i remember the first time savanna came over for pictures, she screamed the entire time. that was three years ago, and boy has she changed.
these kids were all about getting their pictures done, and when were were finished, zach said oh that's it?!? how's that for quick! these kiddos rolled through their session and were laughing the entire time.

santa came to town!

and these kiddos were thrilled. i think they were shocked really. santa was waiting in the studio when they arrived for their session, and they were pretty much speechless. i told them that santa was all theirs, they could tell him whatever they wanted for christmas...and they just stared at him.
it was pretty magical actually. santa asked them what they wanted, and santa suggested play station 4. without missing a beat, evan says, "nah, i'm more of an outdoors kid. i really want a bike." my heart was bursting at this point! and hannah asked for a bracelet kit and an air pump for her brother's bike.
seriously kiddos?!? how cool is that?!? apparently kids do appreciate the simpler things in life.
this session was fun from start to finish. mom had an idea and we pulled off without a hitch.
(((i love when that happens))) :::no kiddos were harmed during this session, promise!:::
thanks for coming over guys! this session was awesome!

just remember...

"be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." 
and it isn't until you talk to someone, you just might learn of them. i noticed an adorable stuffed animal at my last session that kept inching his way towards the studio setup; by means of big brother mj. i really didn't think much about it; thought wow, this kid loves this frog.
it wasn't until mom said, well i have three kids; 2 of which are here but the frog was his favorite toy.
i stopped in my tracks, held back tears and made sure that little frog was included too.
i love kids and moms and dads; the sense of family and all that it encompasses. and i love being able to capture their story in parts as it is shared with me.
and this family was awesome! mj was so in tune with his sister sadie, it was really incredible. it's like he knew exactly what she wanted, even though she can't say the words. and lil miss sadie's expressions were priceless; i think this first one is an all time favorite...she seems pretty happy with the crazy lady that is in her face talking all kinds of silly. thanks sadie for making me feel not so crazy!

this lil' guy...

is growing so fast! happy 3 months hunter! i met him when was just a few days old, and couldn't believe how much he has grown since. he was just a doll, and had some of the biggest gummiest smiles, ever. not to mention some serious bubbles too! so much personality in this lil guy. i love how he looks like a lil man all dressed up. here's to you hunter! oxxo

fun fam

...seriously, this group rocked their session. the largest group i've done yet to date. these were some of the most polite kiddos, EVER! when i was approached by a co-worker to do pictures as a surprise for his momma, it really melted my heart.
mom's are important, actually important is an understatement. so many parents are unsung heroes. let me give a BIG kudos to all the dads who play mom as well. and pretty much you are doing an incredible job!
oxo

and no session would be complete without a personality portrait, right?!?

she's got it all

...and then some! this darlin' rocked her senior session. she needed a drape picture for the yearbook, and was more than happy to take some personality pictures as well. i don't think i've laughed this much during a session, EVER. she was definitely comfortable in front of the lens and it showed; but her humility makes her incredible.
and behind this super senior is one amazing momma. moms seldom get the recognition they deserve...and this mom deserves ALOT.
...at the end of the session i felt like i had known these people my entire life, and that's a pretty sweet feeling!

and this is what best friends are for!

oh fall...

one of my favorite seasons! what better way to enjoy than with a fantastic family?!? mom choose the location, Piscataway Park in Accokeek...and i think i have found a new favorite spot. Truly the location is a hidden gem, and we took advantage of all it had to offer. This family totally rocked this session....and here's the proof!