This had to have been one of the most natural, relaxed, easy-going families ever. And that always results in natural, relaxed, easy-going family portraits. I especially loved the last series with just the two of them. Their connection was tangible! And could those children be any more adorable?! I think we could have played all night in the creek! (Another fav HERE).

…because believe me, it’s not been very quiet over here at all over the past week and a half. In between the launch of the 2013 photographer workshops and mentorships, a mad rush of newborn, maternity, and family sessions, a hurt knee, a birth on Sunday followed by a super duper fast birth on Tuesday, and my dear mommy moving away :-(, my universe has been a little out of sorts. Honestly, I’m not quite sure what day it is today. But, I’m finally back at my desk today and proofing like a mad woman. It feels nice to be hanging out in my office again for a change and I’ve quite enjoyed going back and reliving these sessions as I proof them. This session in particular reminds me of the hour-long conversation we all had after we finished shooting, talking all things birth and nursing and what it’s like to have more than one child. The times I spend with my clients behind the camera are amazing, but the memories that stick with me come from the times when we can put the camera down and just hang out. You guys…I just can’t wait to meet your new baby girl…I know she’s going to be beautiful and oh-so-loved by her big brother!

Let me preface this that while the title of this post is a “walk in the park,” with little miss in full speed, it was more like a dash in the park. We couldn’t have had more perfect weather on this day and it was really fun to watch this little one explore her surroundings with 100% curiosity, 100% confidence, and 50% balance, LOL. Um, I know why her mommy is so tiny 😉

We started out inside…

…on dry land. And these two (three) are beautiful. So beautiful together. But the real fun came when we took it underwater…

Underwater photography is extremely challenging, but I LOVE the freedom of creation it allows…unusual compostions and happy mistakes. I definitely look forward to more underwater shoots…clients if you have session coming up with me in the next few weeks (well…except newborns 😉 or if you’re thinking about booking one for next summer, consider some underwater work…especially if you have a pool (or access to one). We could do something very cool and unusual for you!!!

G & K…it was SO great to see you guys again and I am just thrilled for you guys. Can’t wait to meet baby brother this fall!

I feel like this family is my family. We’ve been working together since before big sis was even born. I remember each session vividly. Baby sister’s newborn session, however, has been my fav so far. It was so relaxed. Mom and dad have settled into parenthood so gracefully…with so much love. It just radiates in this family. It’s obvious that mom and dad have been wonderful role models because big sis completely adores her little sister. (My personal fav from this newborn session is HERE).

Very soon after our photo session, big sis got very, very sick.  It broke my heart to read about her hospital stay…thinking about how her mommy must have felt caring for a newborn and worrying so much for her eldest daughter…thinking about how her daddy had to stay by her side in the hospital and keep everything together for his family. She is fully recovered now and they are finally all back together under one roof. I hope I know they are all very much cherishing their time together right now.

I never got a chance to blog their maternity session…a time before they even knew they were having another little girl (I envy families that can keep it a surprise until birth). Oh, this morning was soooooooo hot and muggy, but I’ll take that beautiful light any day…

(My personal fav from their maternity session is HERE.)

So I asked him if he wanted to take a look at this book. He said yes. And then, he very deliberately put on his reading glasses…all on his own…while his mommy and I tried to stifle our giggles. Seriously? Um yes.

We were *very* lucky to get a nice little break in the rain–just long enough to let us get through the past three days of Back-to-School Mini Sessions. And I have to admit, I pretty proud of our technology setup out here in the middle of the Texas wilderness while doing these shoots. I kinda feel like we’ve got our own Apple store going here (as in computers, but pun somewhat intended). However, all the technology in the world couldn’t save us from two big downfalls of the downpours:

1. Mud. And lots of it. So much so, my van got stuck and had to be towed yesterday. Lovely.
2. Bugs. And lots of them. So much so, my legs look like one great big giant welt. Lovely.

But when you have light like this? Well, there’s nothing a tow truck and some calamine can’t fix 😉

The way the water was sparkling in the creek that day was incredible and while it was a wee bit humid that day, we were lucky enough to get a little breeze. This mommy said she used to do yoga classes at sunrise out here by this creek. Wow…what a great place to do yoga. If I lived closer to it, this would become one of my favorite hangouts for my own children. About the ducky…we had given it to little man to play with while we were taking pictures, but just like any normal toddler, the second he got hold of it, he chucked it right into the creek! Fortunately, a family friend was with us and spotted in the creek…this pic was her idea. Glad we got it! And oh yes…my personal fav from this session can be found HERE.

Note: Just 4 more openings left for the Back-t0-School mini sessions (Friday Aug 17th in the p.m. at my studio)!

Goodness gracious, these two are going to have a BEAUTIFUL baby! I mean, look at Miss “Angelina Jolie’s” eyes and lips for goodness sake? The thing that really struck me about their maternity session was how connected and in love these two were. Everywhere we walked, they were hand in hand. Sometimes I felt like I was peering in on their private little world. Thank you two for letting me peer in and I just can’t wait to meet this little baby of yours!

Side note #1 (for photogs): While I actually do about 95% of my photo processing in Lightroom (thanks to Photography Concentrate’s amazing tutorials…they’re having a sale, btw), lately, I’ve been loving my friend Leah Cook’s Matte Black and White action. Thought it would be fun to see this post in color and in Matte Black and White:

It’s so cool how her eyes pop both in color and in black and white!

 Side note #2: Literally just a handful of openings left for the Back-to-School mini sessions.

Side note #3: My friend Leah, whom I mentioned above, is single-handedly responsible for convincing me to give in to my latest obsession that is Instagram. If you’ve follow me  (pinkletoesoriginal), you will see that I’ve been getting a bit experimental with my newfound art medium. I’ve got a little something special in the works that I will introduce soon…I’m quite excited about this new project. At any rate, thanks, Leah, for giving me something else to do with my “spare” time ;-).

Side note #4: I didn’t show you my favorite image from this session up there ;-).