A Carnival Extravaganza

Birthday parties! They are so fun to photograph. Everyone is happy! Families and friends are together and, well, it's a joyous time! I am sucker for joyous times!  Best of all, mom and dad get in the pictures and get to enjoy the party stress free, knowing that all the best moments will be captured!

These folks know how to party! A fun filled carnival themed bash full of yummy carnival food, balloon animals, face painters and a bounce house! Did I mention they had an ice cream truck (yes with music) drive by to deliver ice cream for all the kiddos too? Yes!!! So much thoughtfulness and details went into this party and I am so happy that I got to document it all!

Below are some of my faves from the day. Sir. Kingston and his cousin Miss. Kay were celebrating their 7th and 10th birthdays together. They may be cousins but you could sense they are more like brother and sister. Sharing this wonderful party together is surely a memory they will treasure! 

A challenge for Mother's Day.

In 20 years from now when your kiddos are looking through the photos of their childhood what are they going to see?

Digital cell phone pictures of them as they scroll through hard drives and memory cards? Portraits from school picture day? Maybe a few family photos of everyone looking and smiling at the camera in their Sunday best? Those photos are good to have, but do they really show your family's true personalities? Do they truly document your time together and the bond you share with each other? Most importantly, are YOU in the photos at all? 

I get it! Almost everyone today has a nice camera. Even cell phones are producing amazing quality images. Selfies are great but they don't capture the real you, FULLY.  As a professional photographer, I strive to capture authenticity. The moment when you and your kids are at ease, comfortable in each other's company. That is the moment that is so difficult to capture yourself. These are the moments I am so passionate about getting for you. These are the images I want your kids to look at 20 years from now. Printed in a gorgeous album for them to see and pass down to their kids. That is what professional photography is all about. 

With mother's day coming up, I am challenging myself to allow someone else to photograph me. Photograph me alone and with my children. I want each one of my kiddos to have a photo of themselves with their mom. These photos I think will be treasured the most once they are older. Once I am no longer here. I challenge you to do the same.

Grab your kiddos and lets go get some ice cream. Or maybe some cotton candy! Lets get our nails done or go on a hike. Maybe some retail therapy? Whatever it is you enjoy doing with your children, let me capture these moments for you! Your kiddos will thank you some day.