Breaking News: it is cold and snowy outside. Okay, I guess it’s not really news. That’s just what happens in the winter in Indiana and Michigan! So all of my recent portrait sessions have been in studio…though I’m always game for some outdoor snow portraits as well!

I thought it’s about time I shared a few new pictures and share my philosophy on studio photography. When I’m photographing little kids, I want the emphasis to be on them. I create clean, simple, and classic portraits that showcase sparkling eyes, adorable expressions, and budding personalities. I prefer natural props that complement the subjects rather than compete with them. Ultimately, I want to create portrait that you will love to display on your wall now…and 10 years (or more!) from now.

Miss A’s gorgeous eyes and charming smile are featured in this image.

Great portrait clothing is another important aspect. This knit sweater adds the right amount of texture to contrast with her soft skin.

In this image, we incorporated a family heirloom. And I LOVE it when clients bring their own props. It just adds that extra personal touch.

This photograph has an especially timeless and classic feeling to it.

And the portrait below is a little more modern with the bright pop of color.

It’s portrait season and I’ve been busy. I’m almost done with sessions for 2009 and I’m already starting to schedule for 2010! That is such a crazy good feeling to have clients planning that far in advance. I’ve been working like crazy editing, ordering, shipping, and delivering portraits. Meanwhile on the home front, Mount Laundry is about to erupt and it looks like some sort of unknown natural (or would that be unnatural?) disaster has hit our home! But I just had to stop in and share a few pictures of my baby who is officially 6 months old today.

I love to laugh and this one cracks me up making it one of my odd favorites.

I love the contrast here…little baby vs. big road. Makes me think Dr. Seuss’ Oh the Places You’ll Go.

Funny I picked out mostly non-smiling photos to share because she is the happiest, most good natured, sweetie ever. She is my frosting.

Love the light in this…see how it shows off her new hair growth.

And special thanks to one of my friends who gave me the extra push to take this family portrait. No, it’s not “the one”. And when I look at it I see how I really need to have my hair cut, how I could stand to lose some more baby weight, and how little C isn’t looking at the camera (note to self: do not attempt your own family portraits without some help. ever. again.). But I’m so glad that we have a portrait with all 5 of us. So yes, I know how hard it is to get everyone camera ready. I know how challenging it is to fit a photo session into busy schedules. I know how difficult it is to catch everyone in the right mood. But it is worth it.

My most recent photo session was about as picture perfect as they come! The fall color here in northern Indiana is about at its peak with leaves in picturesque golds, reds, and oranges. Not only were the leaves amazing but these sisters were completely adorable. Lots of personality, sparkly  eyes, and ohh…the hair. What more could a photographer ask for!

Love this sibling portrait.

This sweetheart is in first grade and was such a delight to photograph.

And check out the eyes on this little ball of energy.

Mother Nature didn’t exactly cooperate with my most recent high school senior portrait session. But this senior braved the wild wind, cold temps, and even some rain and never complained! If fact, we had tons of fun. We were even singing (*K* I hope your ears will forgive me!) and dancing at one point. At the end of the session, I even had her lay down in the wet and cold grass and she managed to pull if off perfectly. And check out her hair! Love it.

Senior Spotlight

3 things you want to do before you graduate: get accepted to Purdue, win sectionals in basketball, laugh so hard i start crying

Favorite ice cream flavor? altz hard serve Chocolate

Favorite teacher? Mrs. Abriani, because she is one of the neatest people I’ve ever met

Favorite smell? the smell of fresh rain

Worst subject? PHYSICS, kill me.

What is one great thing about your mom? She will love me no matter what i say or do.

Last movie you saw? Paranormal Activity- Scariest movie EVER

Plans after you graduate? I plan to go to Purdue, find a cool guy, marry him, start a family, and live happily ever after.

Where were you born? I was born in Angola, IN

Favorite beverage? Pink Lemonade from Taco Bell

Do you have any pets? I have 1 dog, King Nebula

How tall are you? I’m 5′3″

Toddlers can be a tricky age to photograph. They are often far too busy discovering, exploring, and investigation their world to pause for a moment to look at the camera. However with a healthy dose of patience and persistence all around, we were able to create amazing portraits of this active little girl.

We started off at the beach in South Haven, Michigan. It was chilly and windy but we captured this gem.

And you just have to love that red hair! The Jury is still out on whether or not her hair will turn blond.

Don’t you just want to squeeze those cheeks!

And finally…a smile.

I may have had a future Alma College Scot in front of my camera lens last weekend. *M* and I were chatting about her plans after she graduates from high school and I was super excited to hear she is considering Alma, College. With a aspirations of becoming an MD or a small business owner, I think she would fit in perfectly. Plus she has this amazing smile and such a fun loving personality that even the frosty temps (you can actually see the frost in the field!) didn’t slow her down.

Senior Spotlight

3 things you want to do before you graduate: Disney movie marathon, get accepted to Alma (woot! woot!), see gas below $2

Favorite teacher? Mrs. Vavra, she is so nice and fun, and she is great at teaching

List 1 great thing about your mom: I know she will always accept me for who I am.

What scares you? clowns

What book are your reading now? The Glass Castle

Where were you born? Kalamazoo

Your favorite place to eat? Red Mesa Grill

Last movie you saw? Zombieland

Favorite smell? Freshly baked cake

Last weekend was filled with portrait sessions for me and while mother nature cooperated rain wise, the temps could have been 30* warmer. It was in the mid twenties for my first senior of the weekend! Keep in mind this is mid October…not December, c’mon! And yes, we were outside and on the beach bright and early in the morning to take advantage of the best light. *M* was such a trooper and brave enough to wear short sleeves! I just love the combination of her dark hair and eyes and super fair complexion…she actually reminds me of a younger version of a famous celebrity. Can you guess who?

Q&A

Favorite teacher: Mr. Adrian because he is really nice and makes class fun.

How tall are you: 5′ 1″

What book are you reading now: The Notebook (for school)

Do you have any pets: a dog and a cat.

A website you frequently visit: facebook.

I’m not going to lie. These boys made me work to capture their portraits. They had me singing my ABC’s, making crazy animal noises, and even playing with a hockey puck. Yep. It was a busy session. But that is what happens when you hang with the little ones. And honestly, I love seeing their personalities. The portraits we captured…totally worth it!

Big brother has these amazing blue eyes.

And spotted my tricycle right away.

Little brother has gorgeous lashes.

And the kind of smile that just lights up a room!

This morning was ch-ch-chilly in Angola, Indiana. Fall has certainly arrived but the frigid temperatures weren’t going to stop this very special portrait session. Their mom really wanted some updated portraits and I’m so glad she contacted me. We emailed back and forth several times and her sense of humor made me laugh every time I opened one of her messages. Come to find out our kiddos go to the same schools and we were sure our paths must have crossed at least once. It was so nice to officially meet everyone and to get my camera on her beautiful girls!

We started off with some sisterly love. And I quickly got a glimpse of their personalities.

No smile here…she wasn’t too sure about me yet. But this cutie just draws your right in with those eyes and adorable lips.

And big sister is absolutely ready to be on the kids version of America’s Next Top Model. She did a fantastic job posing for me!

She did warm up to me…showed me her hair and dimples and told me her favorite food is macaroni and cheese and broccoli.

Such a trooper, she took off her jacket and sat on the cold ground for me…that’s what kind of girl she is though. She has so many friends she couldn’t even tell me all of their names and I can see why. Such a sweetheart!

I was so excited for my first high school senior photo session in Angola, IN. And when *H* she said she has a little obsession with pink converse shoes, I knew we were going to create some awesome and fun portraits. She has this outgoing personality and a great energy about her…you know, the kind of person everyone wants to be around. She was such a trooper too as I dragged her to several different locations and played around with some new photo equipment. Oh, and you definitely can’t miss those seriously gorgeous eyes and her non-stop smile.

Q&A

3 things you want to do before you graduate: I really want to win a basketball sectional title, go “polar bearing” in the early spring, and just have an awesome senior year
How tall are you? 6′0″

List 1 great thing about your mom: No matter how much i mess up, she’s always there. Always.

2 things that irritate you: Being poked and sneezing.
Favorite ice cream flavor? Mint Chocolate Chip

Where where you born? Angola, IN

Favorite teacher? Why? Mr. Byler. He’s funny, makes learning easy, and i actually look forward to going to class.

What are you listening to right now? Hot Air Balloon by Owl City

Do you have any pets? Yes, 3. A chocolate lab named molly, and 2 cats, Baxter and Lola.

Favorite beverage? Hi-C from McDonalds

Worst subject in school? Chemistry. It’s so confusing.

Favorite ice cream flavor? Mint Chocolate Chip

Last movie you saw: In theaters - The Orphan (scary!) At home - Super Troopers (a favorite)
Plans after your graduate? Go to school for nursing.