A patriotic Mommy and Me session

Have I mentioned recently how much I love being a photographer? I love working with families and kids. I love getting to know them and their story! I love capturing memories for them. Gah! I just love my job! This amazing family is  one of the reasons I love it so. 

Momma wanted some photos with her girlies to send to daddy while he is deployed in Afghanistan. She, too, was in the Army before she was a stay home momma. Both are helicopter pilots! Let's just stop here for a moment...I thought this was so amazing! I love asking stay at home mommas what they did before they had kids, and I never expected "oh fly helicopters" to be an answer. No one would ever trust me with that type of equipment lol! 

While I typically bribe kids with skittles and other unhealthy sugary things, this healthy momma brought a slew of snacks to bribe kids with without any sugar! So mommas, take tips - if you want to bribe your kids without sugar it is possible!!! She had plantain chips, nuts, crackers, dried fruits and so much more to keep her girlies energetic and happy. So when I asked Miss. E: "if you were swimming in a pool, would you rather swim in a pool full of marshmallows or m&ms?" I had to tweak to a healthier version of "honey or dried fruits" because Miss. E gave me the deer in the headlights look having  no clue what those things were! 

Another reason (out of so many) why I fell in love with these three is their love for this country! Both mom and dad having fought for our freedoms and these kiddos living without daddy while he is out serving our country made me proud to be their photographer. So many families sacrificing so much for my family's freedom! So many mommas (and daddies!) working around the clock caring for their children alone while the other parent is across the world protecting our country. Momma bought some flags, pretty red white and blue themed dresses and accessories which made for lovely pictures to send to dad!

I hoped he loved him as much as I did! 

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.