Fall Fun For Families!

I have been working really hard this week to complete editing on about a dozen mini sessions I held over the weekend.   I spent 20 minutes with each family at St. John's Military Academy on what could be argued was the most beautiful day we've had so far this fall.  Gorgeous!  It was really fun to see each carload arrive and pile out into the warm air - and it didn't take more than a moment for introductions to be made and work to begin.  Every family is different, so each mini session produced a different feel.  Some were more formal than others... some had kids I chased around... some featured children who were so very shy.  My hope is that each session will provide each family with a memory they can hold onto, because like time - and this wonderful fall Wisconsin weather - it won't last.  

A very busy little bee... oh, wait, she's a ladybug!

So how cute is this little bug?  Six month old Sophie is just one of the little ones I had the pleasure to photograph over the weekend.  Twelve Oconomowoc area families signed up to take part in mini sessions I held at St. John's Northwestern Military Academy and two other locations.  I couldn't have asked for more warm and friendly families to photograph... or more warm and friendly weather!   In the next few weeks I will be posting a few of my favorites from each session.  These pics of Sophie made me smile.

  

Caitlin: Senior Photo Session

It's not every day that I get a phone call inviting me to do high school senior portraits... that include a horse.  And I'll admit - I was a little nervous at the thought of it.  I mean, really, horses are huge animals.  Really tall.  Really, really big.  What if I do something that scares it - or (uhg) it runs away while I'm supposed to be watching it?  

Last weekend I put my fears aside and headed out to Caitlin's house - prepared to giddy-yup if I needed to... but there was no need to worry.    

Caitlin and Rodder were extremely well behaved.  

Not a single problem.  In fact, the entire experience turned out to be pretty awesome. 

Caitlin was completely delightful.

She made it all seem like it was so much fun... 

Kinda makes me want to get my own horse.

Second Time's The Charm

Josie, Josie, Josie!  What can I say about this blondie?  Well, she's a mover.  She's an explorer.  She is a typical tot who couldn't find any reason at all to sit still while I photographed her.  When I shot her family's session a few weeks ago, I got plenty of photos of the side of Josie's head.  The top of Josie's head and the blur of Josie's feet as she scampered in the opposite direction.  That's the beauty of photography.  You have the chance to capture someone as they are at any given moment in time.  For sure, Josie's family will remember how quick she is and how those little legs can carry her wherever she wants to go - in a flash!  But truth be told, Josie's family actually hired me to get a few photos of their darling daughter NOT moving.  So we headed out again and came back with a few that I really love

 

Live Life To The Fullest.

Words to live by?  You bet.  But they're more than just words to Savannah.  This high school senior believes so strongly in the meaning behind these five words, she plans to tattoo the phrase on her body, once she figures out where she wants them.  I think this was one of my favorite photo shoots ever.  Savannah was up for anything.  Wanted to try everything.  Wade knee-deep into the lake?  Sure.  Pose on a chair in the middle of main street?  Not a problem.  Lay down in the center of a dirty country road?  She never even batted an eyelash.  Thank you Savannah, for your spunk and your sweetness... and for allowing your creativity to flow along with mine during your session.  The result?  Some beautiful photographs of a beautiful young woman Living Life To The Fullest.  Come see me again when you get that tattoo.

Ten and Seven

My newly 10 year old daughter, my newly 7 year old son, my husband and I went to nearby Lapham Peak State Park over the weekend.  Beautiful.  Not only the landscape, over ripe with summer blooms, but these two beauties here.  Once again they were so patient.  I guess they're probably used to being stared down by a camera lens by now.  I am so thrilled to have spent the day with such a great group - and so proud that they're my own.

Love In Motion

I'm going to call this post - Love In Motion.  This is a family that is on the go-go-go!  The little ones lead, the parents follow.... and even though their busy bodies are well, busy - there's no mistaking the love between them.  Every stolen snuggle.  Every giggly gallop.  Each hurried hug is done in the name of love.  I first met this family about a year ago, when pregnancy photos were part of the session.  Today, they're a bustling family of four hoping to hold on to this time in their lives just a little bit longer.  You don't have to tell me that time goes by too fast.  Now, if it could only keep up with Josie....