Ok.  It is a rare thing to leave this photographer speechless; Just ask my husband!  But seriously, I was and am still without words for one of the most beautiful sessions with one of the sweetest young ladies. 

This session almost makes me want to say, "Forget the fall!"  Spring light is SO worth the wait... Wouldn't you say?  You can't BUY light like that!  And when it happens, with someone who just goes with it and hikes through mud and slaps away bugs and avoids posion ivy so she can humor me with 'The Light'... ohmagoodness... It's incredible.   It was a total honor to be there.

I've seen this wonderful family for a while now, and after about 2-3 sessions, we start to really figure each other out.  What I ask of them, my humor (or lack of it), and when I demand they laugh at my jokes... AND how I photograph them and what they are comfortable with.  Even if it's been a few months or even a year, we are familiar.  We learn what EACH of us is capable of.  THIS is the love relationship you should develop with a photographer.  ANY photographer you choose.  If you hate the relationship, why invest in it!?  

Because this familiarity in your photography relationship can give way to expression and comfort and moments.  Moments that just happen.  Moments that breathe magic... :)

It's funny...  All parents...including yours truly... want their kids to be on their best behavior.  ESPECIALLY for photo sessions!  We remind, we bribe, we lecture, we give pep talks and promise 'rewards' if all goes well.  There's nothing wrong with wanting to represent our family well!  Well.... If I can say anything to parents...including myself...it would be... Always tell your kiddos to be nice... BUT... Let them be kids!

If it weren't for these 2 munchkins getting to be themselves, I wouldn't have captured a priceless moment between a brother and sister, that WILL be played at someone's future wedding...  Or the look on that little guy's face when mom and dad steal a kiss... Or the look of adoration on big sister's face for her baby cousin...  They are comfortable in their family skin, and it shows! :)

Let them be kids, while they still have to opportunity... And while you can still appreciate it.

I was warned about this young man.  That he didn't, couldn't and wouldn't smile.

For anyone.  Or anything.  And he might be a challenge.

So all I have to say  after this great session is...

Boo. Ya.  SMILE!

*Erik, you were such an incredible guy to work with...and I am positive that your talents (and your smile) will take you places you never thought possible!  And as soon as I get my muscle car...I'm calling YOU to bring it back to life! :)

OK - I know I probably say this all the time...but, DUDE, this was one of my most favorite sessions.  One that I will have no problem remembering almost every image.  One that will make me smile, even in a few months and maybe years.  And one that I hope this beautiful girl loves as much as I do.

We fought wind, and sirens, and trains, and motorcycle wrecks 20 feet from where we were shooting....fa'real...thankfully no one was injured seriously... And Hunter never lost her cool or her smile or laughter.  And she did MOST fabulously!  Plus she gave to me probably one of the greatest compliments I could ever receive from any client... "You make me feel so comfortable and pretty..." 

Hunter, I hope and pray you always feel as comfortable and pretty as you did Saturday....you ARE.  Beautiful.  :) 

Get your submission in today!  Models will be announced on Thursday, March 15 on my Facebook Page!   *If I receive enough model applicants, I will also open a second Baby Bliss day!*  :)

I looked up the name Eva to see what it's origin was and the meaning...cause I'm kinda geeky like that... SO, in case you wanted to know...it is of Hebrew origin, derived from the name 'Eve' and means 'life'.  And as beautiful as I think that all is, I think I need to add a little sumthin... Like...

Eva; origin: Hebrew; derived from 'Eve'; meaning: the most beautiful, exotic baby pout evah and I could shoot her for 24 hours a day and squeeze her the rest of the time.  *Did that work?*

And PS - If I could shoot babies...in vintage...until the day I die...I would be in Baby Bliss!  Fa'real.  Do YOU have a baby?  Call me!  Seriously! :)

It's been 2 years and 1.2 kids ago since I've seen this absolutely wonderful family...but it felt like only yesterday... The Stenbergs are the kind of family that no matter how much time passes and no matter what's happened, we can pick up the conversation as though we just spoke.  It is SUCH a peaceful and awesome feeling to work with people like that; just cool...like the Fonz kind of cool.  ;)

And despite the craziness that three women can inflict on one man (I know this for a fact because the similarities are UNCANNY!)...he takes it in stride and and loves completely and tolerantly.  And I just stand back.  And observe.  And snap.  In awe.  

*Love this family...*   

I have been impatiently awating the arrival of the newest Barnett baby for what felt like an eternity...and she was well worth the wait!  As precious as her big sister, equally beautiful, and incredibly strong! 

I mean really, what's not to love about girls anyway...but I'm not biased or anything...;)

Congrats Tessa & Aaron!  What a wonderful family you have been given, and I pray for so many blessings for all of you along the way!  It's an absolute honor that you have chosen to share your lives with me...thank you.