Archive for 'Austin Twins'
October 20-23rd at the Pinkle Toes Studio in Manor
Bring your cute little goblins to practice their “Trick or Treat” skills and have their photo taken at the Pinkle Toes porch (which will be all decked out by the super talented Julie Rodgers)! As always, I’ll be posting sneak peeks of the set HERE, so be sure to follow along.
I will contact you after booking to help you finalize your session time. You only need to book one session for your child(ren) and you will have the option to purchase additional files if you choose after you see the unedited proofs. Due to the nature of these mini sessions, fees are non-refundable and not transferrable to another session.
To be honest, I can’t believe we managed to pull this one off. We got together in the wee hours of the morning for our annual summer family photo session in an effort to catch the sunrise and beat this awful Texas heat. I knew I was in trouble when I got to my car in the dark and drove all the way out to their house (about an hour) and my windows *still* were foggy from the humidity. Yikes! I intentionally kept my camera in the way back of the van so as not to make my lenses too cold otherwise they would never defog when I needed them.
When I got there, we found the spot where we thought we would catch the best light (nailed it!), but I made the mistake of wearing flip-flops and was slipping all over the dew-covered grass. So, off went my shoes and I prayed I wouldn’t step on anything pokey (I’m NOT a barefoot person at all). Just as we got the twins settled on the that gorgeous red sofa (which can be quite challenging when you have two very active little girls!) and we were ready to bring in big sister, she managed to find a fire ant mound, bless her little heart. It’s times like this when I wonder why in the world I still live here in Texas.
BUUUUUT, you know what? It came together. Everyone rallied and we were able to get all the necessary birthday photos on that lovely red couch in spite of it all. I was WAY impressed with the patience of mom and dad (I know you have to be when you’ve got three busy kiddos) and their patience helped *me* to relax. We were even afforded the opportunity to switch gears to do some more casual photos at their favorite park. Of course, these are always the times I like best…when I get to kind of sit back and watch families play together and just enjoy being a family.
I truly was amazed watching them all in action. Twins ain’t easy, that’s for sure, and it never feels like you have enough arms. But these parents are doing an incredible job and it has been my extreme honor watching this family (and these beautiful girls) grow each year!
I can’t believe I’ve known these cuties since they were in their mommy’s perfect little tummy and their newborn session seems like forever ago. But, watching these girls grow up through the years has brought me so much joy and laughter. Every photo session with these twins has been fun and memorable and unique, and getting to share in a bit of that magical glow just before Christmas definitely fell in line with the wonderful memories of past photo shoots. They are beautiful little people and they crack me up with their energy. But they also melt my heart with their love…for life, for their mama, and for one another. I’m so lucky to know them!!! Loved this sweet little kiss HERE.
Note the “heart” pic up there was a nod to a little something we managed to pull off during their newborn session all those years ago:
The last time I saw the boys, I believe they had just turned one and NOW look a them???? So much fun…so much energy…and stunning smiles! It was incredible weather that evening and I LOVED the outfits mom picked out for the family. I also LOVED this shot HERE.
Hair and makeup by Modern Muse Beauty!
[Sorry for not being very wordy on this post and probably the posts to come…swamped with holiday stuff over here and my main goal is to get these pics out to my families as soon as I can ;-).]
Earlier this summer, we celebrated the anxious anticipation of the birth of these twins. And then a few weeks ago, I finally got to meet these girls! Any parent of multiples can tell you that raising newborn twins can be quite challenging and when you’re trying to do that while raising a toddler, things can seem pretty crazy at times. But this mommy and daddy were made for the job and they just took everything in stride, which made my job to document their lives with twins + a toddler all that much more fun. #1 bit of advice to anyone juggling life with twins is to maintain your sense of humor, as in exhibit A below:
We really did have to laugh because just as we would get all three kiddos calm and happy and picture ready, inevitably one would need something else. And it was perfectly okay for all of us to take plenty of snack breaks during the photo session ;-).
Oh, look at that perfect little newborn swirl. Sigh…
The two images of dad up there were snapped in quick succession. I didn’t realize I had gotten both of his PERFECT expressions until after I got home and flipped through the images. His face says it all, lol!
Oh, bless their pupster, who just wanted to be in every.single.picture. we took! Loved it!
We were finally able to convince big sister to be in on some of the family photos and truly, she was just as sweet as she could be to her baby sisters. It’s a lot to ask of any new sibling to accept a new baby into their home and she’s working through that times TWO. I saw mom and dad do an amazing job of making sure she was getting plenty of love and affection in spite of us oooohing and ahhhing over the babies and that is pretty spectacular. But personally, my fav big sister picture came at the very beginning of our session HERE.
And wow…how any newborn mommy can look this radiant–let alone a newborn mommy with twins–is beyond me.
I do love that we were able to give mommy some quiet snuggle time with just the babies.
I also love how each parent somehow got a clone ;-).
Everyone in this family of FIVE gets gold stars for doing a fantastic job throughout their photo session for sure!
I had this post drafted and ready to go before this weekend and I was so wrapped up in our recent lifestyle photography workshop here in Austin (by the way, we only have two openings left for our last workshop!), I had to delay finishing the post until today :-(. You see, a few weeks ago, I got to spend the most beautiful morning with the most beautiful family celebrating a beautiful set of twin newborns! These babies were perfect angels throughout their entire session, causing fits of giggles over their expressions and perhaps a few tears when they would do something so precious. The interactions among all of the members of this family were priceless. There was an abundance of love visible throughout this photo session and I thought it was fitting to commemorate that with this little image HERE.
From the beautiful new mommy:
1) Tell us a little bit about your family… We are the Wallings- Keri, Greg, Graham and Whitney. Greg is an Austin native, we’re both loyal Longhorn fans (and proud UT alumni), and we’re so grateful for our bundles of joy, Graham and Whitney. G+W were born December 29, and have been making us smile ever since. Our first “baby” is Birdie, our cocker spaniel rescue.
2) What made you decide this was the time to do a photo session? Were you marking any special occasion, etc? This was our newborn session to capture our precious premies at this special stage. Our session was a gift from fellow Pinkletoes client Maya Pomroy and her family. Maya and Keri have been best friends for 10+ years, sharing many of life’s milestones together.
3) Where was your session held and why? In the comfort of our home, inside our newly-designed nursery.
4) What did you like about your session location? Being that we were at home, our session was casual, cozy and authentic. Loved it.
5) What was your favorite part of your session? Michele is awesome with babies. She makes even the tiniest people feel comfy in front of the camera. I choked back tears a few different times when I stepped back and watched the beauty of my twins interact. Michele caught all this precious moments on camera. Priceless.
6) Was there anything you were nervous or worried about before the session? Yes! With 4-week old babies, I was prepared for an all-out meltdown or spit-up!!! Ha! Everything unfolded beautifully. Michele was prepared and asked us to keep a pacifier handy, along with a blow drier (the magic bullet for white noise PLUS comfortable heat that makes the babies drowsy).
7) Any funny stories or interesting happenings during your session? full disclosure: as a new mom, I can’t remember for the life of me! Which is why I’m so excited to see these photos. They will help me jog my memory.
8) Any advice to other families before their photo sessions? Talk with Michele. She’s the pro. Trust her advice. She knows all the tips and tricks. Include your spouse. Greg had to work that day, but I asked him to join us that first hour, just for a few shots. I’m so glad he did. We got some beautiful family photos, and I cried watching him alone with the babies.
9) What made you choose Pinkle Toes Photography? As I mentioned before, we received the generous gift of our newborn photos from my best friend. Pinkle Toes has been doing her family photos for years.
10) What do you hope your kids/family will say years down the road when looking at these images? Oh, it’ll be so special, especially as twins. We’ll be able to look back and see that these little people loved each other and were each other’s best friends–even as infants.
When it comes to photographing twin toddlers, I have had quite a bit of experience (considering my sweet nieces ;-), but I do know that it can be challenging at times with busy littles on the move. Turns out, these two were perfect little angels and getting them happy together and in the same frame at the same time was the least of my worries. I hadn’t been to this particular location in YEARS and while it is a beautiful spot, we were totally not prepared for the awful, horrible, inescapable mosquitoes that hunted us down relentlessly the whole 40 minutes we managed to stay there. Oh, my word! I’ve never felt so sorry for myself or for my subjects as we tried so hard to find a place to hide from those little monsters. I mention the mosquitoes because in spite of it all, the babies couldn’t have been more amazing! I really want to brag on how adorable and cheerful and patient they were as us grown ups scrambled around trying to escape the bugs. And so, while we may have had a very small window in which to photograph, these darlings made it possible. I know they won’t remember this photo session, but their mommy and daddy sure will and when they look back on the images, hopefully, they’ll laugh about the bugs, but more importantly, smile and be proud of their beautiful, perfect children!
Oh…there was this game that we ended up playing with the babies that had us ALL cracking up. I’m pretty sure I took a video, but while I go dig that up, here’s my favorite image from that moment.
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Reposting: The FINAL WEEKEND of the Kids-Only Holiday Mini sessions starting Friday and running through Saturday. We have a handful of openings left and I can squeeze you in if you want your kiddos to play in Santa’s Workshop! The session + one digital file of your choice is FREE to all clients who book a full session for 2016. Please message us for more details and do so quickly before all the spaces are gone!
Oh my gosh, I could not get over how amazing the sky was during our entire session! Not only that, but the temps were so fall-like for September in Austin, TX. It was a treat simply getting to work with this family, but with the spectacular sunrise and the city as our backdrop, I was in photography heaven.
I mean, look at those gorgeous rays of sunshine framing his delighted smile!
And the relationships between the older siblings and the younger twins would make anyone’s heart melt.
Four. 😉 Get it?
The skies were really THAT blue! Love how it made the colors in their outfits really pop. My FAV cloud image HERE.
These two are really amazing together.
So were these two…
And these two…
She was really wanting to be the star of the show, so we let her. And then she got all bashful ;-).
Her little shoes…I die.
Okay, I had to throw this one in there. We asked her to give her brother a kiss and he was having no part of that. But then seconds later, he was playing and laughing with her. Sigh…sibling love!
This guy has got skillz!
Little guy’s suspenders = perfection!
And I want to point out that Katie with Modern Muse Beauty was up before the sun came up, too, in order to do makeup/hair. She’s pretty awesome like that and I know mom sure appreciated not having to worry about that part of the session. It takes so much as it is to work out wardrobe and to get everyone dressed and fed and ready for the session, the last thing you want to have to fret over is makeup/hair. Wise choice, Mama!!!
And, from mom, herself:
Tell us a little bit about your family…
Well, there’s 6 of us; we get along great in that we’re so close we’re not afraid to give one another “the business”. My older two are from a previous marriage but they’ve had Mark in their lives for almost 10 years. We’re silly and (when we have time and our schedules allow) we like to have game night complete with cheating scandals.
What made you decide this was the time to do a photo session? Were you marking any special occasion, etc?
We have never done a family session and with the twins able to walk we thought it would be a good time. This year will be our FIRST ever family Christmas card.
Where was your session held and why?
It was held on the rooftop of the parking garage of the long center because I hate nature… Grass creeps me out, true story, and the family indulges me, God love them. My poor children.
What did you like about your session location?
I loved the contrast of the beautiful sunrise with the concrete; it was SUCH a pleasant morning and the view of the city in the distance was amazing. [my kinda girl!]
What was your favorite part of your session?
our photographer!! What else. Honestly, you put us at ease (we’re awkward people in front of cameras) and you were so great with the little ones, and won HUGE points with the older ones for knowing something about a “whip” and a “Nene”??? [#imthatcool]
Was there anything you were nervous or worried about before the session?
I was worried that we’d all be/feel awkward having our pictures taken and be left to our own devises to come up with poses etc.
Any funny stories or interesting happenings during your session?
Yikes – it was all such a rush and I hadn’t slept much the night before I don’t really recall. I do remember feeling like the vampy mom with the JCrew family. Then later that day, Marky (baby, not hubs) broke his leg and I kept telling the entire family, “HE’S FINE!” even though he wouldn’t walk… Tuesday (TUESDAY) I finally took him to the doctor and had a cast put on. I felt badly. I have withdrawn my submission for Mother-of-the-Year. [Oh, P…poor little guy! But try not to feel too badly…at that age, it’s really hard to tell when something is wrong sometimes. I hope he has a quick recovery!]
Any advice to other families before their photo sessions?
Oh my.. just relax and enjoy the ride because they’re in GREAT hands!!!
What made you choose Pinkle Toes Photography?
I stalked the blog and I loved ever last little thing about the pictures and the photographer and I have no regrets!! Can’t wait to do this again for senior pictures or something fun. 🙂
What do you hope your kids/family will say years down the road when looking at these images?
I hope they remember how much fun we all had; even coming up with what to wear was silly and fun because of all the drama coming from the boys… I dare say they were better dressed than me. [I think you ALL looked amazing!]
In the Spring of 2014, just a day before we reached a rather non-celebratory milestone (a year since the passing of my husband’s brother), I became an aunt…a real, honest-to-goodness aunt…when my one and only sister delivered identical twin girls at 31 weeks (and some change) gestation. At roughly 3 lbs each, they were sooooo tiny, and they were of course, immediately whisked away to the NICU where they would spend the next 5 weeks growing and learning to survive outside of the womb. I look at photos of them back during that time and I squint and I try to find some sort of recognition, but to me, they are not the same little people that I have come to know over the past year (and four months). I never understood this kind of love before, but I love these girls, as if they were my own, but in such a unique and special way. I can love them like I’m a grandparent…I can adore them and fuss over them and spoil them and see only their perfection…and I don’t have to do any of the rearing, the disciplining, the tough work required as a parent. I love being a mommy, make no mistake about that. But I am thrilled to be Aunt Poppy to these two vibrant, joyful little girls.(#auntpoppysnieces – also lovingly referred to as “The Bambinas” in our household ;-).
So, when it came time for their One Year Birthday Celebration, I didn’t hesitate one bit when my sister asked me if I would host their birthday party. I was only too eager to get to celebrate in magnificent style and mark this momentous occasion with flair! Taking inspiration from my sister’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse-themed Pinterest board (that’s what the girls were into at the time–they have since moved on to Yo Gabba Gabba, because this *was* four months ago, you know? And I am happily going to take them to a live show when they ever come back to town), we put together a colorful, joyful, fun party and I even think the girls enjoyed it!
Deliciousness on a platter from Nothing Bundt Cakes in the Austin Arboretum area. We have gotten bundtinis from there to mark each important milestone for the babies (at my sister’s baby shower, the day she reached 28 weeks gestation, the day they were born) and it was only fitting that we would have them at their First Birthday and will continue to have them each year after ;-). The candles were a wee bit tricky for their smash cakes, but at about 11pm the night before the party, I finally got it figured out.
My sister looks so happy up there making her little mouse cheeses!
Nearly 11 years ago, I saved and saved and saved to afford this little Fisher-Price house for my first son’s first birthday. That house was loved and passed along to my middle son and then to my daughter. But of course, they outgrew it and so I gave it away years ago. But, I knew I would HAVE to find one for the girls. It’s out of production, so it’s tough to come by. One day, I was shocked to see one at a children’s retail shop. SOOOOO excited to find it and after a bit of cleaning up and a new set of batteries, we were good to go. I *still* remembered the tunes and sounds that house plays. Jen: you cannot ever get rid of this, okay? When the girls finally give it up, let’s store it away to pass along to our grandkids. Deal?
Um, nothing cuter than those toes right there!
Cake time. Notice the different approaches.
See? Verrrrrry different.
“Ma’am…more cake, please?”
My middle son wanted to make a birthday card for the girls. The note he wrote (all on his own) had me in tears. He was so proud to read it to them at the party. I will add that the one thing I never anticipated was how much my own kids would ADORE their cousins. From the very beginning…remember this?
Hmmm…seeing that image makes me think we should try to recreate it…somehow.
Anyway, this long trip down memory lane has been wonderful for me and it sure makes me miss those sweet little girls. Good thing they don’t live too far away so I can pop in for fix whenever I need to. I am so grateful they are a part of our family and that they are healthy and happy and have brought boundless joy and love to us (and at a time when we really, really, really needed it). Aunt Poppy loves you, Bambinas, and I promise I will always be there for you (especially when you are teenagers and you need to vent to me about your mommy…oh, have I got some stories to tell you!).