Festive Fall Fun with G & the Girls

I love blogging. I especially love blogging about things I'm passionate about, like photography and my family. I'm often challenged in the creation of these posts in different ways, but more often than not, it's due to the various emotions that sweep me away and throw me off track. This post was no exception.

Sheri and I met when we were 5 years old. Although I can't remember the moment we met, or even the moment we became best friends, I can recall many memories from my childhood that she's at least some part of. We spent many a Friday night tucked away in one of our bedrooms watching Full House, Family Matters, Perfect Strangers and Step by Step. Saturdays were fun playing basketball with her dad in the driveway and searching the yard for rocks to paint. And Sundays  were spent at Church... and sometimes playing "office" at Rick's Carpets (Trade & Wholesale back then, if I remember correctly). I adored her family as they quickly became and extension of my own. And now that we're older, I adore her new little family just as much!

Although I'd briefly met the kids once before, this shoot was the first time I really got to interact with them. I learned quite a bit about each of them. For example, Gabriel opened up to me instantly. Literally, before I had even parked my car, we were chatting like we'd seen each other every day since he was born. It took the girls a little while longer. Maybe 15 minutes or so before Noel starting coming around (and by then, she was MINE!). And finally, Ariel came around, even if it did take a while to get some smiles out of her (I told her the roosters would go away if she smiled... and it worked!)

I definitely got a few good chuckles editing their photos. I aim to have all my shoots play out like a story book, but this one wrote itself. You can tell in their body language and facial expressions, if you view the entire gallery from beginning to end, exactly the moment each of them were okay with my being there. I picked a few of my personal favorites that I feel speak volumes about their personalities to show you here on the blog.

Even though they hadn't yet opened their Pumpkin Tunnels yet, we still had a great time shooting at Nall's Produce! And according to Sheri, Noel and I are now BFF's ;-)

Baby Logan

Where to begin... It's taken me 2 days to compose this blog post. Due in large part to the emotional investment I have in this kid! My cousin Geeter (yes, it's a nickname) is the oldest child of my mom's only sister. Brenda (Boo Boo). He and I share maternal grand parents. I'm the first born grandchild and he is the 3rd, there are only a few years between us. My oldest brother Herk (also a nickname... our family is full of them!) and I grew up closely with Geeter so one could argue he's more like a brother. I'm sure this is the case with a lot of families, so I know some of you will understand. Actually, my aunt Boo Boo's boys, along with my 3 siblings, all call me Sissy or Sister. So baby Logan is more to me than a cousin, but more like a nephew. And I couldn't help but get choked up when Geeter and Tracy told us on Thanksgiving 2012 that they were expecting. They will truly be great parents and this kid will have everything his heart desires!

For Mother's Day this year, I bought my aunt a locket I created (via Origami Owl www.lenslockets.origamiowl.com). I figured, how appropriate; it says Nana, like, "Nana Nana Boo Boo". :-)

 I was a little under the weather when Logan was born, so I wasn't able to make it to the hospital. My mom was there every step of the way though. I would expect nothing less though. A birthing room seems like the most natural environment for her. So at 4 days old, when I was feeling better, Geeter and Tracy brought him over for some newborn pics and quality time with his aunt Sissy and uncle Brian. It's pretty rare that I get to show "behind the scenes" type pics of me working, but Tracy took a few which I'm extremely grateful for. (Cute little crabby outfit courtesy of aunt Jenny).

And now ladies and gentleman, I introduce to you Mr. Logan James Stanley...

 The stuffed animals were gifts from his grandmas.

 He sure was comfy laying in that box!

 Just love those little feet and hands!

 

I got a smile :-)

 He certainly fits in to the family. A Potter fan already!

 And a Caps fan, naturally!

 And what other newborn do you know that can already belt out "Hail to the Redskins"?!

 

I'll end this post on a more sentimental note. Here is Logan with my favorite photo of his great-grandparents. Pop would be all too proud to take this munchkin fishing and hunting. Fortunately, he's got his grandpa and several uncles to pass down the tradition! And a Nanny to teach him how to feed the birds.

Little Logan, you light up my life and I'm so happy you are in this world :-) HUGS!

Down on the Farm: Portraits of Kirsten

On an unusually blazing hot April day, Kirsten and I set out on what was originally meant to be a bridal fashion shoot. We had some, ahem, wardrobe malfunctions, and, long story short, it worked out PERFECTLY! Gown or no gown, we were gettin' down on the farm!  So a quick change into a cute outfit and we were on our way. Here are just a few of my favorite shots from our shoot. You can view all of her images in facebook.

 Thank you, Kirsten, for an awesome shoot. Stay tuned for more of this girl in the future!

Alex & Ashley: Two Years of Wedded Bliss!

Wow, it's been two months since my last post and so much has happened! So let's kick off a string of posts that will begin with my most recent shoot.

This past weekend, I was honored to take part in a shoot in celebration of Alex and Ashley's 2-year wedding anniversary (they've actually been together for 7 long, wonderful years!). What an adorable (and photogenic!) couple. This shoot would have only been more enjoyable if I had jumped on the water with them! So here they are, Alex and Ashely...

 Love the architecture in this part of DC!

And finally, the wading pool made for a fabulously "cool" experience on a beautiful sunny, warm day!

Thank you, Alex and Ashley, for a wonderful day and the opportunity to capture your love for each other.