OK...I'm a wee bit late on this one...but it doesn't mean I don't LOVE this family!  It just means that my return from vacation took a bit more of a recovery effort than I thought it would! :)

And every time I shoot these beautiful and squishibly sweet little kiddos...I'm reminded of how incredibly blessed I am to encounter such gracious people who come back to me time and time again...who recommend me by shouting it from the mountain tops...who feel connected with me and my family...who value me and invest themselves in my business...and who encourage my spirit more than they will ever know.  So completely blessed beyond measure!  Love you Ballard Family!

*Don't you wonder about the secrets of little ones....?  I do...and long to be that age again...sometimes...*

Get your submissions in!  Last day to apply is July 15th!  Email: tinstarphoto@yahoo.com

Only 3 spots left!  Don't miss it!  Email: tinstarphoto@yahoo.com

When I think of perfect sessions... I'll probably think about this one.

Perfect overcast weather with a little breeze.  Perfectly and stunningly georgous family.  A pretty little girl that I made instant connections with. (Yee. Haw.)  A relieved mom and dad because it went SO smoothly.  And one stinkin thrilled photographer.  YEE!  HAW! 

OK - several observations about little Miss Aspen...

1 - THE happiest, most smilingest baby I have EVER, EVER seen.  Ever.  Really.  The only time she wasn't smiling, is when she was over concentrating on that cupcake.

2 - THE fastest cupcake eater I have EVER, EVER seen.  Really.  The fact that she is all gummy toothless smile did NOT slow her down.  In about 5 minutes she was doing the "It's All Gone" victory dance!

3 - THE easiest 1 Year Birthday Session I have EVER, EVER experienced.  Really.  Sweet, easygoing, easy to please, more smiles and squeals and giggles than I knew what to do with!

Happy Birthday Aspen!!!

Colt.  Uber handsome little man.  Way mischevious little twinkle in his eyes.  And makes me want to squishy hug him till he cries  'UNCLE!'  And I swear the first image reminds me of a scene from Tom Sawyer...

Love the water.  Love the boots.  Love the hat.  Love the balloons.  LOVE. This. Boy.  Happy birthday Colt!

So... There are times in your life when change is inevitable... For me that time is now. As I walk through a journey of self-discovery with a new friend and mentoree to find her style, I have found mine. She helped me discover it, and this family has helped me confirm it. And I am forever grateful to them, and I'm not sure I can ever express how much it means to me.

Lifestyle photography. What is it? I looked it up, and the definitions stink. They involve marketing terms and fluff and nothing from the heart kind of words. So here's MY definition... The ability to artistically snap a slice of everyday life as natural moments occur and the chance to peek into a child's true personality and/or a family's true relationship.

Yep, it's long, but I think that just about covers it! Don't you? So that's me; those are the images that I super pink puffy glittery heart LOVE. Those are the images that inspire me, and make my heart beat a little faster, or tear up, or literally giggle out loud as soon as I open them. This is the style to which I lean and will focus on. Fuel your passion right? And this little family was my inspirational fuel. LOVE them! :)

Quiet and unassuming and talented artist.  These are the 3 things that stand out in my mind about Spencer.  Oh, and Montgomery Clift;  Silver screen movie star;  Quiet, unassuming and talented artist.   Again, I know I've just WAY dated myself... ;)

Spencer has one of the most charming smiles, the most polite manner and is by far one of the best animated artists I've seen...evah.  And this guy can take photography direction like no other guy I've worked with...evah.   And his session has some of my most favorite senior images...evah.    Fa'real. :)

Sometimes, I think people wonder what I do.  It seems fun and fairly easy to the casual, from-a-distance observer.  I go out in the beautiful world.  Play with some kids and families.  Take a few pretty pictures.  Load said pretty pictures and VOILA! DONE!

THEN... Sometimes I have sessions when I am reminded (and my clients are a bit surprised to find out) that I am also known as... Bottomless candy provider.  Pogo stick imitator.  Serious sweat maker.  Contortionist extraordinaire.  Default safety mom.  Noises you've never HEARD maker.  Giggle inducer.  Bribe expert.  Boo boo kisser.  Hug giver.  Toot accuser.  Passive teacher and disciplinarian.  Child catcher.  Mom and dad relaxer.  Friend maker.  Toy supplier.

And remember... all of those things... don't even require a camera yet!  ;)

Thanks to the wonderful Weaver Family for being the instigators of a great session and another reason for me to exercise!  Beautiful evening; Beautiful family, Beautiful images!

These were 4 of the best smilingest people in the world...and I can't TELL you how awesome that is!  You'll see a Fackbook post later about the antics us photographers sometimes go through just to get 1 twinkling little smile, but THIS family didn't take much work at all.

Simply put... They were happy to be there... And so was I.  Boo ya! :)