Violet and her Daddy

 

Flu Remedy

 

Your thinking, "what???" But seriously, after an all-nighter with Nathan hitting the bathroom every 20 minutes - this view was an incredible blessing. I just couldn't pick which shot I liked better, and neither really does it justice... So, you get 2 of them tonight.

November Sunset

 

Seriously, did anyone happen to notice that amazing sunset on Monday evening?! The clouds were so wierd, it was like a clean knife cut across the SW sky. Emma saw it first, and it was pretty neat at 3:45 in the afternoon. But later, when the sun fell to just beneath that line of clouds, it threw an amazing array of colors across the whole sky. Even Nathan, who had his head in the toilet 18-20 times that day noticed this display from the window. I jumped in the car with no gas in it, sped down to an open field, and grabbed what I could - so just in case you're head was in the toilet, too... here it is.

Anchor Hill Valley

 

 

So a couple of weeks ago our family had our pic taken by another friend/artist/photographer from Rogersville, then I took their pictures - all in hopes of grabbing something both families can use for our Christmas cards. It was actually a funny event... hurry and gather everyone from school and work, get cleaned up, get to their house before the light was too low. I shoot them, we trade places, and it's our turn. Find another well lit spot in the valley, get set up and try again... trade places... hurry up the hill, it's brighter up there... it's freezing, my eyes are watering, and we were hungry...
Whew! Not the ideal way to have a photo shoot, but it was fun, I think we were successful enough, and I now discovered one of the prettiest valleys in MO. Complete with an abandoned 100 yr old farmhouse the kids say is haunted, horses, and glittering sunlight - if you catch it at just the right time.

Missy, this one's for you...

 

Thanks for all your encouraging comments, Missy! So, to say thanks, here's a sweet image of your littlest one.

The 3rd annual chili cook-off was a blast, and I wasn't planning on posting any pics from it, but this was so cute I had to show you. There were tons of little babies there and it was my intention to go around and get a shot of them all, but you know with keeping the activity going and all... I just had to give up and put my camera down.

{ By the way, that song on Sunday was great! Awesome words, too, had to be Indelible Grace? }

Way Beyond Pigtails

 

 

 

 

2 Teenage girls + Quirky props + Sparkling sunlight = Fun, quirky, beautiful photos!

These 2 have been good friends since the 3rd grade and realized they really don't have any good pics of themselves together... except for that one video where they presented a summary of MO state info to their class in 4th grade, complete with pointing sticks, a map of MO hanging from the fireplace mantle, and pigtails.

Thanks for letting me practice on both of you!

Gabe

 

 

 

 

How fun is it to run around after a 2 yr old at a park and catch the perfect shot?! I forgot to come armed with french fries for bribery purposes, but other than the occasional "all done," from Gabe, he did really great! He's such a cute kid anyway, and smiles came easy, but I still had to be on my toes. You know with water nearby, and untrustworthy geese hissing at us at times, I still think Sequiota Park is a beautiful place. It comes complete with water, stone, trees, and an abundance of "goose noodles."

Brianna

 

Sorry if I butchered the spelling of your name... You are a beautiful young lady and I just couldn't post your session without including this shot. I guess I will forever be limited to choosing just 4 images per upload. Oh well, this way you got your very own entry.
:-)

The Brown Trio

 

 

 

 

Here are some very sweet girls from our church... It was such a beautiful day at the park, I think they had just as much fun as I did!

Lauren's Turn

 

 

 

 

Yet another photo shoot. This time I went to the Springfield Nature Center, with only 20 minutes to run down to the boardwalk and a very low sun. I had to use a slow shutter speed which meant many of our cool shots were a little blurry. Bummer. In spite of the challenges, I think these turned out great! Plus I had a willing subject who happens to be individualistic, creative, playful, and quite beautiful. That's my girl.
:-)

More pics from other photo sessions to come...

VeriTeri

More...

 

 

OOPS, the pics of the girls didn't upload to the post, and I just can't leave them out, so here are 2 more.

Melugin Family

 

 

 

 

More pics of the Melugins's... I just couldn't make up my mind which shots I liked best, so here are several!

Christmas Card Rush

 

Believe it or not, we are all running out of time to do the Christmas card family photo... by the time you get the perfect picture, decide on how to use it, print it, address and sign all 50... then you still have to mail it by Dec 25th! And let's admit it, it's really not that high on your list of priorities. Well, some are on the ball and already have their cards in hand (Lennards)... I personally do not. But there is still time and my schedule is pretty open for these next couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, if you want to give my camera lens a try, just let me know!
This is a pic of the Melugin family - we had so much fun and they are all so beautiful and handsome. It was a joy to work with them and I hope they love the results!!

My Three...

 

 

 

I see beauty everyday in the eyes of my kids... For all you young Moms and Dads, beware, the time passes quickly. And let me be one of the few to inform you: you know the teen years that everyone seems to dread... So far, they are awesome. Having a young mind around to question and learn and form opinions and dream out loud is quite a gift to have in your life. I plan on enjoying this time in our parenting lives and I just wanted to let you all know that it just gets better and better as they grow!
That's my soapbox for today.
And I never have a soapbox.