This photo session is filled with all the things that make my heart sing: beautiful sunlight, hair play, and smiles that radiate from within.

Things I fondly recall about this family photo session on a gorgeous Austin day: 1. I was struck by their beauty…all of them. 2. The smiles and giggles were 100% authentic. 3. Little man had us running all around after him, but he was so joyful, we gladly participated. 4. There is a LOT of love among the siblings. 5. I wish I could photograph in this kind of weather and light every single day.

I’m tired of being down-in-the-dumps and obsessing over how much we missed out on last year. I needed a good dose of beautiful smiles and wonderful memories exploring in the stunning spring Texas wildflowers. I’m sure you don’t mind this reminder of happiness and spring either.

And so my posts are all out of order. But like so many things over the past year, I’m just going to have to let that go. I’m going to have to focus on blogging photos that make me happy…even if they are older or out of chronological order. I want to celebrate and look back on these beautiful moments I spent with so many families, like this one. I am reminded that I’m definitely going to have to make a follow up post to share their absolutely *fabulous* holiday session, too. But meanwhile, join me in looking back on the expectation of and arrival of their 2nd daughter.

Obviously, I’ve been struggling to keep up with my blog for the last several years, lol. I always feel like I have to have something worthwhile to say when I post…something poetic and meaningful, but with with school and busy season upon me, well…”words are hard” (quote from a past workshop attendee that I use regularly!). So, I think I’ll just take the pressure off myself to select just the right session and say just the right words and just share what I feel like sharing when I feel like sharing. I chose this session from last fall because I happened to LOVE our evening together…I remember the weather and light were incredible. I adored the colors and textures of their outfits. And frankly, the kids had a wonderfully contagious positive energy among them. When I look at these pictures again, I immediately get that back.

There. Blogged. 🙂

We had a lovely spring evening celebrating a very important milestone for this beautiful young lady. Ten years of age is such a big deal and I’m so glad we were able to mark this special time for her (and her mommy). Also, is it just me or are we getting some young Christy Turlington vibes here? Maybe it’s her eyes?

And now, a different take on Rosemary Beach! Seriously, can’t you see why I can’t wait to go back?

Since we are getting ready to do their 2018 family photo session, I thought it would be a great time to blog their jewel-toned, desert-themed shoot we did at Enchanted Rock last fall. Mama did an incredible job outfitting everyone, though I remember she struggled with the decision to wear this dress, but I’m so glad she decided in favor of it because it set off the overall feel of the session perfectly. The kiddos LOVED exploring with us and they especially thought it was funny when I (being silly) knelt on a cactus. It was totally worth it for the laughs and pics. I really, really loved the images around the big tree. One of my favs HERE.

From mom:

What made you decide this was the time to do a photo session? Were you marking any special occasion, etc? We always love to schedule our family photos between August and October to capture our kids birthdays and also try to make it the less “hot” as possible for DD!;)

Where was your session held and why? Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg, TX. Jeremy and I have hiked there and always thought it would be be a cool place to come back to once we had children!

What was your favorite part of your session? Michele always makes everything fun and relaxing! We loved the adventure and beauty of our surroundings!

Worries, concerns before the session: The night before our session, I had a nightmare about Ransom falling off a boulder or getting bit by a snake! However, Michele has always taken safety first! {Note from Michele: Oh my word, Joy! I had no idea!!! I’m so glad none of those came true, but I must admit to those same worries myself at times. But we were all totally safe. Well, except for me and that cactus.}

Funny stories or interesting happenings related to your session: It’s not really a funny story, but Michele took several cacti injuries during our shoot and was a champ! She totally takes pain for the fame!!!!

Advice to other families before their photo sessions? I would suggest that you are prepared with outfits, snacks, locations, etc. Aside from that, let go of all control and have fun! Michele is an artist and sees things you and I could never dream of! Trust her and go with it!

What made you choose Pinkle Toes Photography? Everyone has something they invest in and investing in our family memories is priceless to us!

Describe your favorite image from the session and why it’s your fav: I love the photo of all four us with Enchanted Rock in the background, the photo of myself with my children and the photo of my husband and I together. We are so blessed and grateful.

First of all, reality check here in realizing I’ve been working with this sweet girl since she was a baby. And in seeing her again during this photo session, I got to bathe in her vibrant, exuberant, loving, cheerful, sassy personality…and she reminded me SOOOOOO much of my own daughter. Strength and confidence and the unapologetic beauty that comes with them.

I know we (I) tend to get hung up on trying to figure out the perfect photo session location, but the truth is, as long as you’re with the people you love and you’re being your authentic selves, any location can be the perfect location. We were actually planning to meet elsewhere for this photo session, but I happened to take a wrong turn during one of my runs in downtown Austin and this alleyway took my breath away. Who would have ever thought?? But honestly, we could have done all of our photos next to dumpsters and the light and love of this family would still shine through. In fact, here’s my favorite image from the session…photographed in a literal mud puddle.

Reeling from tragedy after tragedy in recent months and days, it is sometimes difficult to find reasons to smile. I am so grateful that I get to be surrounded by and photograph the simplest and purest joys–my clients and of course, my family, help remind me that wonderful things do still exist in this world. There is still beauty. There is still LOVE.

Stepping into this hidden gem really is like stepping in to Wonderland. You never know what you’re going to find around each corner and everything seems disjointed and incongruous, but that’s the beauty of the place. The girls kept going from one little nook to the next, excitedly telling us about what they had discovered. It was *just* enough to distract us from the humidity that day ;-), though you can still literally see the haze in the images…that’s how humid it was!!! I absolutely loved that rainbow dress, too! It stood out so beautifully to punctuate the images in this misty, mystical little Wonderland. Fav mom + daughter pic HERE.