Brian and Jenna's Engagement Shoot

Hot Hot Hot! Okay, the couple too :) After driving many miles and what seemed like the setting to The Hills Have Eyes, we finally made it to Nelson's Landing. Although a little desolate, it is thriving with history, antiques, tourists, and beautiful backdrops. This location has so much to offer and what amazing owners to let so many people on to their land and even more amazing to actually live there. What charming people! Anyway, its was only 103 degrees so we got right down to business, watching out for killer cacti and rattlesnakes! Thankfully I had two very willing and brave clients who were up for my ideas. Everywhere I looked I was seeing something fun or creative. I was almost overwhelmed with all that there was. We warmed up on the stairs for out first shot. (I like to call it a warm up because usually the client is a little quiet or shy in the beginning and once we get going, they tend to open up) I sometimes don't even use many of my first shots but these two had no problem! Gorgeous!

After this I couldn't wait to get in to the barn, partially because we were hot. I ended up getting my favorite shot there. I was telling Jenna to pretend to be at home and crawl towards Brian all seductive like....Ummm because that's what we do at home right? LOL JK

After this we went from one location to another! We were hot, sweaty...well I was anyway. But these two kept right up with me :) I just love all the color, contrast, and dimension that came out of these photos. 

This one was fun. I was just using random things I found laying around. A picture frame propped up with an animal skull and a metal box hahahhaah. Whatever makes the shot right?!

 Thank you for bracing the cacti! These things do attack!

 I wanted to get a close up of the ring with out doing the plane version of two hands clasped together and that's all you see. I found this gate and thought it added so much more to the photo. I also like the dimension of focusing on one thing and blurring out the other :)

 Did I mention I love this gate?! 

 This represents sticking together through anything! LOL Even a nose dive to the ground. 

 What a great back drop :) 

 Always a sucker for sun flare :) This is another favorite. They look so happy and the sun just added that extra element to set this photo apart.

 Classic beautiful couple :)

 Great idea with the balloons Jenna! Props are always fun and add so much personality. I know Brian wasn't crazy about the glasses but I WAS!!! You are too cute!

 Ahhh the ghetto ride ;)

 I love how vintage this came out :)

 I love this one too :) I mean I love them all but this one is very weddingish :)

Thanks you two for braving the heat and all my walking around and posing! I hope these photos bring you joy for years to come. Congratulations on your engagement and I hope your wedding day is perfect! Thank you for letting me be the one to photograph such a happy time in your life. I hope I can be there for more fun and exciting things to come. 

The Christiansen Girls

This shoot was pretty special for me. Not only have I had the pleasure of getting to know Alexis and her three beautiful girls, but I have also known her husband Wade since I was freshman in high school! We ran on the Cross country and track team together. He was kind of like my big brother on the team. Not only was he a good friend, but he did play a part in introducing to me his good friend who I had a minor crush on ;) Yup that would be the guy that I married and gave my whole heart to. You did good Wade, you did good!

Over the years we have stayed in contact and we have had the pleasure of meeting his beautiful family who is still growing. Three girls and one ? on the way! Congratulations! Watching her interact with her girls through some frustrating moments (and by frustrating I am referring to that kids do not always want their photos taken) I started thinking of how I can get with my own two girls. I had to stop during our shoot to ask her something I think all mothers feel and wonder about each other. I said, " Alexis, do you ever just feel like you are loosing it completely at the end of the day? Because I look at you with your three girls and you seem so calm and patient. I only have two girls and I feel frustration, lack of patience, and like I might just commit myself to the psych ward at the end of the day." All of this was followed by an awkward giggle hoping she didn't just call CPS on me. Much to my relief she grinned largely and shared her moments of exhaustion, frustration, and feeling out of control at times. It made me feel good that I am not the only one who absolutely loves being a stay at home mom and even wants more kids but at the same time wants to sometimes throw one out the window! hahahahahah Ok she didn't say that, I did! And for those of you who have no sense of humor...I AM KIDDING! :) Thank you Alexis for letting me know we are all human and nobody is perfect. We are doing the best we can to be the best mommies we can be.

Although these pretty little girls wanted little to do with getting their pictures taken (which happens people!) I still captured their sweet personalities. The weather was beautiful, their hand made dresses were fantastic, and there was even an exciting mountain rescue that took place. Don't worry, the climber just broke his foot but he was airlifted to safety. What an exciting day!

Overall, this day reminded me again of why I love photography so much. I get to have real life experiences with real people. I learn something from each family I work with.

Thank you Alexis for letting me photograph your daughters! I hope I can do more in the future.

Kiley and her Momma :)

I first met this cute family during a smash cake session for Kiley's first birthday. I was so blown away to see her now walking and talking and full of spunk! As all parents know, when children are learning to talk they often sound like they are saying "grown up" words. You know, words we shouldn't say but do. Anyway, Kiley was just running up and down this bridge in her sweet little dress with hikers walking by saying...well I won't say what she was saying. Of course she was meaning to say something completely innocent! Her mom, me and her Aunt just couldn't stop laughing. I was crying I was laughing so hard! In fact I haven't laughed that hard in a while so thank you. :) I had to try so hard to hold still so I could snap pictures of her while laughing. All in all I had a blast and loved the colors that this family chose. They are so Springy and beautiful! Thank you Shawna for letting me photograph your sweet baby and you. You two are so sweet and I love the bond you share! The last picture Is my absolute favorite. It really captures these two perfectly.

The Stifter's

I have to say that as a photographer it such a privilege getting to photograph and watch families grow before my eyes. I have known the Stifter's before they were the Stifter's. In fact I was a very young girl when I first met Donny. He was part of an amazing and talented local band and quickly became a great family friend. And as the years went by there was a marriage and then kids! I have had the pleasure of photographing their first daughter Lilah and then Lola along with sprinklings of family photos in between. I was so excited to be able to finally take photos of all the kids together for this family session. William is such a natural! I mean this kid is just to cool :) What a handsome little man!

And then there is Lilah :) She might have been feeling a little under the weather but all it took was some silliness from her big brother and she was all smiles. 

And of course the newest addition Lola! I can't get over her :) She was so tiny when she was born but she has had no problem catching up! Miss Lola was such a bright and smiley baby the whole time! What a sweetie :) And boy does William just love her.

As a beautiful end to the day, I finished up with a shot of this gorgeous family. Thank you all for letting me be a part of your lives as I watch you all grow. Maybe there will be a fourth I can photograph in the future!! Hahahahaha Totally kidding. I know you just gasped Tiffany. 

Easter Mini's

I Just want to give a huge tank you to all that took part in the Easter mini shoots. I am so happy with how they all turned out! Despite having three weekends of windy conditions, we were still able to make use of the beautiful sunlight, the scenery, fun props and of course BEAUTIFUL children! Thank you parents for making the drive. :) I can't wait to do this again next year! The next mini shoot that I put together will most likely be in the Fall. Hope to see you all back again!