What I've Been Doing . . .

It's been a little slow around here because of the weather.  Not too many brave people want to have an outdoor photo shoot!  I did get one sweet friend to brave a little cold and snow and I LOVE how those turned out!

I am never sure what to say or blog about, maybe I should just let my pictures do the talking?

I have been taking a photography class for a few months and that has been fun and creative!  My oldest is always a willing subject to do something fun - that week the theme was dramatic and we went for a Lost Doll in the Woods look.  She was all over that!

Business is picking up!  I've got two senior shoots this week, a mommy and her two babies on Saturday, and more in the works.  Can't wait!

Just Some Random Photos . . .

The photography business is pretty slow here.  All the leaves are on the ground which makes Oklahoma not near as gorgeous as it is in the Spring and Fall.  Plus, I'm just such a newbie to all this!

This precious one is one of my very own.  Tomorrow she gets her braces off!  So many things going on in this kid's life - some struggles, some triumphs, but she always has the greatest sense of humor!  More later to show those new, straight, gorgeous teeth!

And, then there's this chick.  Such a precious person inside and out!  She did my hair for a few years, and I must say no one has topped her since.  But, she's moved on to bigger and better things now.  It was good to get to know each other - me being one of the older cousins and she being the baby of us all.

This, right here is one of my precious nieces.  Mark my words she's going to be BIG one day!  She'll be the lead singer of a huge praise and worship band, or some famous name somewhere.  

This girl can sing.  And, she even writes her own songs!  I can't sing to save my life, but maybe she'll let me shake a tambourine in her band?

And, then there's this guy.  Enzo Arthur.  Goldendoodle extraordinaire.

Black and White

So, since it's getting really cold outside, and the beautiful Fall leaves are almost all on the ground, I've got to come up with some indoor things to do with my camera . . . 

I bought a white backdrop - yay!  Not very creative, but I thought it would give me a chance to practice getting better at my black and whites.

These are my first attempt at editing black and whites.  What do you think?

I need to do more research on the best way to edit.  And find some really cool examples that I can get inspiration from.  But I'm excited!  I LOVE a good black and white.  They can really grab you.  Here's to grabbing you this winter!

The Light of Fall . . .

The more I learn about photography the more I like LIGHT.

I love bokeh (those blurry spheres of light in the background).

It helps a LOT to have some gorgeous kids for the LIGHT to shine on.

 And, even though baby sister might not be 'feelin it' for a photo shoot, big brother, Mom, and Daddy nearby help to at least keep a sweet look on her face.

And occasionally the LIGHT, the family, and it all comes together.

Grandma

Some of my most favorite memories of Grandma was when she would sit us on her lap in the recliner and read books to us and use different voices for the characters.  I try to do that with my kids.  I don't think I do her justice!

There was one time when Grandpa was sort of chasing my sister and I with a horse that wasn't broke yet (for some reason, the fact that a horse wasn't broke yet put the fear in us).  We would squeal and try to get away.  He would tell us not to run or it would spook the horse.  Sister and I got smart and decided to hide in the house.  Grandpa brought the horse THROUGH the house!  I can still hear Grandma yell, "E.G.!!!"  

Spending the night at Grandma and Grandpa's meant you got a HUGE breakfast in the morning with the little cinnamon and sugar donuts.  Can't find those in the store anymore, I sure wish I could!

I don't think I've ever heard her say a single cross word about any one.  Maybe one day people will be able to say the same about me!  (I got a ways to go:).

This precious Grandma is hitting a big birthday soon.  Can't wait!


I'm linked up for Sunday Snapshot with Ni Hao Y'all.  Click the link and check it out!

My Kind of Family . . .

Easy peasy . . . 

This family was a breeze to photograph.  Gorgeous light, cooler air, perfect colors.

I've known this family for a while now.  Watched them bring home their precious youngest, then they watched us bring ours home.

Now, our daughters are in China camp together and this mom is their teacher.

We share "the big wait" of Chinese adoptions, and it wasn't pretty. 

 But the reward was OH SO SWEET. 

And now we watch our families grow and get prettier.

Breathtaking sweetness!

And, a little bit of sass.

A Wedding . . .

I have this friend who was getting married . . . . 

She was totally chill about the whole thing.  No traditional photos of the entire bridal party with umpteen bridesmaids and groomsmen.  No throwing of the bouquet.  None of that mumbo jumbo.  She said, "I just want a few framers."  Cool.

Well, she's got these gorgeous kids, and I had to make the most of my time and at least get some good shots of them, right?

This is my friend Zoe.  She and I go waaaaaaay back.

Her and her brother, Gavin, gave the bride away (which happens to be their mom).  When the minister asked, "Who gives this woman to be wed?"  It was so sweet to hear his little voice say, "Zoe and I do." 

Small.  Intimate.  Close friends and family.

I hope they got a 'few framers' from me.

The happy couple!