Real Family

Well, we've got some catching up to do! It seems that in the short little interval between posts, Michigan has declared that summer is decidedly OVER and autumn's time has come. Time to break out the sweaters!



Can you guess who flew in from Southern California a few days before? Hmmm...


Ah, yes, the one with the short sleeves and, somehow, the biggest smile. This session was all about Anna and the ones she loves. Parents, step-parents, cousins, best friends, and little ones: Anna's family.





Family, friends, kindred spirits: the easiest- and most complicated relationships. And the ones we need the most. I really had fun at our family session, Anna, and your proofs will be online soon!

Everybody Needs Love and Ice Cream

When I was approached a couple months ago about taking some photos of this little cutie...


with her cousins...


Well, yeah. That was a no-brainer. And when I was told they wanted to involve the family business? Even better.

THIS is the family business.


It's safe to say the kids were okay with the arrangement.



Summer summer summer! Don't leave us yet, summer!


Okay, I'm done now. Back to the photos.


Elle may have been a little disappointed that there was no ice cream for her.



Not to worry! There's a solution for that.


Good grandparents know just what will make the kiddos happy when they come to visit.


Love and ice cream.

Matthew at 6 months

One of my first newborn sessions this spring was with Matthew. Wait... how is he SIX MONTHS OLD already?



Mom AND Dad got in on the action this time, and Matthew showed off his animated little personality.






Oh, I love those mama snuggles. What is it about little boys?



Proofs soon, Matthew, proofs soon!

Chelsea and Rob

A pretty wooded setting...


Simple, colorful details...




...and a couple of good-lookin' lovebirds.




That's what I love about shooting weddings.

Your proofs are just about ready, Chelsea and Rob. I can't wait to share!

What a Deal

Confession: I love to barter. Perhaps you remember my excitement upon receiving grocery gift certificates in exchange for an in-law's portraits. Well guess what... the graphics whiz who helped me put together the logo you see at the top of the page was up for a trade in family photos.

SCORE.


It helps that his family is a bunch of lookers.


Meet Griffin



...and Sabine.


That's right, any of you who caught the reference. The cool factor of these names is unparalleled. The kids are pretty sweet, too.



We checked out a site I'd visited before, but never for a shoot. Felt Mansion has become a new favorite spot with such variety in backgrounds and scenery.






Thanks for a great logo and a fun session, guys! Your CD is on its way. :)

Boy Crazy

I have a little boy. He is rammy and growly and tender like boys tend to be, but he is my second child, and only 18 months old at the moment. You could say the majority of my parenting experience has been tempered by Eden, our careful, cautious, reserved little snowflake. Boy behavior is fascinating to me.

So Monday evening was fun. :)

Running, jumping, seagull-stalking, ninja move-honing, tree-climbing, BOY-BEING.

We did manage to wrangle the boy for some sweet family shots as well, on an evening perfect for shooting at the beach.

Heather, Rob, Nathan... thanks for inviting me along to snap your photos. Your proofs will be ready very soon at the website... I can't wait to show you!

Two under two

One of the first weddings I shot (2003? 2004?) was Seth and Dani's, and I still remember with horror the moment I realized I had reached the beach location an hour away, ready to shoot the ceremony, only to discover I had forgotten the film on my kitchen counter. (What does THAT tell you about how technology has changed in only a few short years?) Thankfully, the two were gracious and forgiving, and patient as I peeled out toward the nearest convenience store to buy out their supply of 400 speed Kodak.

Since, then, with soon-to-be five children between us, we've all learned something about patience, and going with the flow. Sofi and Emma are just over a year apart. But my oh my, look at those faces.




Our session was in the middle of the family's vacation in a rented cottage on the lake. Every day had been spent in the sand and surf... and four days in, everyone was in full-on vacation mode.

Playing with daddy

Who says you need the whole face in the frame? I know exactly what's going on here.

Poor Emma had some brutal teething going on, and just about anything would do to ease those little gums.

There were some more traditional pictures where everyone was facing the camera and looking pleasant, but I love what this one says about life with two very small children.



Thanks for dinner, guys. It's been a treat to watch you transition from dating to marriage to parenthood, and your family is beautiful. Your proofs will be up soon!