I don’t normally post full slideshows on here, but when you watch it, you’ll understand why I couldn’t resist. I must say that we *always* have incredible experiences when we all get to put our brains together, but this amazing family’s photo session held out at Chateau Bellevue in Austin, TX was “the bees knees,” so to speak. With the help of Julie at Lightbulb at 3 a.m. and some impressive bargain shopping for outfits, etc., this shoot was like heaven on earth here for me! Enjoy this little throw back in sepia and let that tide you over until I blog the images in color (which, in my humble opinion, are soooooo spectacular). Featuring a fabulous car from Leaf Limo (which was amazing as well!).

For one reason or another, we kept having to push back this family photo session date until we were right on the edge of the holidays. But, it didn’t matter because it turned out that the day we were finally able to shoot was completely perfect. The boys were in great moods and SO hammy for the camera (didn’t they pull off their dapper purple velvet suit coats so wonderfully?) and the entire family looked oh-so posh and ready for a night on the town. People kept looking at us while we were shooting…trying to figure out if this family was famous (of course they are!) or if perhaps we were shooting an ad ;-). I’ve done so many sessions with this crew over the years and this one will definitely stand out to me. I know the years are numbered where mom is going to be allowed to dress up her guys and I’m glad we were able to do this at least once more. THIS image makes me laugh every time I think about it.

Every now and then, I get a chance to really flex my creative muscles and do something out-of-the-norm for me. I am so very grateful that I was able to do this VERY different photo session with a perfect little model. And you’ll be able to tell how much I loved doing this by the major over sharing that is about to follow ;-). But you’re just going to have to put up with it because you love me and because this sweetie pie fit into her role completely! Thank you so much to her mommy for coming up with the idea to begin with and for finding us the perfect retro swimming pool in which to stage our vintage swimsuit photo shoot AND for introducing me to an amazing set stylist with whom I hope to work again in the future!

I mean for real. She was slaying it! Loved THIS one, too!

Note: I was pretty excited when mom told me she had secured a swan float for our session…especially since I had *just* seen one via Taylor Swift’s Instagram. Turns out that mom was *really* lucky to snag one thanks to the float’s new-found popularity! It’s okay, Taylor. We forgive you because you’re awesome. 😉

Next, it was time for ice cream ;-).

AND a flamingo float, too?!?!?!

And after everything was finished on dry land, we both got in the water. This proved to be challenging for me because the pool was a bit deep and I was having a tough time trying to swim and hold my camera at the same time. Fortunately, baby girl is a very skilled swimmer so she had no problems.

This one above looks like a vision of a mermaid one might see mysteriously appear in the ocean.

Bokeh sparkles!!!

Told you I was going to overshare. Look how GRACEFUL she is under water! Wow, wow, wow! My fav of her jumping in HERE!

Kinda can’t believe I haven’t blogged this session from Virginia last fall either. Kinda been dying to share THIS IMAGE in particular and I think it’s pretty fitting for today. Kinda loved absolutely everything about this session. Kinda got pretty lucky that even though we played with the umbrellas, the weather cleared up and we didn’t actually *need* them. Kinda adored her kiddos. Kinda adored mom and dad as a couple. Kinda glad we got THIS, too ;-).

Pinkle Toes Photography will be closed Dec 20-Jan 12 so that I can step away and spend some long overdue time with the fam. I will not be checking/answering e-mails or phone calls or other messages during that time and I apologize for any inconvenience. But if I’ve learned anything during this tumultuous year, it’s that time with family and friends is fleeting and not guaranteed, so I’m going to make the most of it. On that note, I wanted to leave you all with a little treat to wrap up the year…a compilation of photos from ALL of the families and babies and children and seniors that I’ve had the extreme honor of working with this year.  Thank you all for being a hundred points of light during even the darkest of times for us. You have each touched my heart and I’m so lucky to know you.

XOXO and Happy Holidays,

Me

while pregnant with TWINS–wait, let’s stop right there. I could never look this good at all, period:

Let me tell you it was fa-reeeezing in Austin the morning of their maternity photo shoot and in between shots, she was huddled under a blanket trying to stay warm. Such a trooper! I think she has such an incredible smile and to watch the two of them together was amazing. I cannot wait to see their transition into parenthood…times TWO. I have not a single doubt that they are going to be outstanding parents! {Follow THIS link to see an image not shown here}.

Each of these families will receive a FREE Pinkle Toes photo session! Congrats to these families and thank you to everyone who participated and voted. I love looking at how these come together year after year. (In no particular order, these are the winners from the popular vote, judge’s choice, and random drawing).

This was my first official photo session of 2013 and I must say, I think we kicked this year off just right. This little guy was a complete angel and watching how easily he has fit into his family was such a blessing. Truthfully, I didn’t want to leave that morning. He was so snuggly and adorable! And the bubble chair? TDF. I definitely need one of those in my house STAT! [My personal fav from this session HERE].

It wasn’t long ago when I first met them, creating one of my favorite at-home family sessions. Since then, a baby brother has been added to the mix. I love this mama for so many reasons, the biggest of which was how she greeted me at the door that day: “It is what it is,” she said. I dig that. No outlandish expectations of getting perfect family pictures with the unpredictable combo of a toddler and an infant. And when I saw the pic she chose for her family holiday photo cards? I think I squealed out loud–I can’t wait to get mine in the mail. She is the picture of grace under pressure, so laid back, and just lets her kids be. I admire that. And she has two photo sessions that show it. Her kiddos are going to appreciate having a mommy like her!

Make sure you don’t miss my fav from this session HERE!

Back in 2011, I had the pleasure of meeting Megan Grommes of Megan Crown Photography (Twin Cities) at one of my professional family photographer workshops. Totally out of the blue, I got this note from her a few days ago:

I read your blog post about lighting and people’s houses and wanted to share this: That was one thing I feel I learned from the workshop and PT4P – finding light and making it work in client’s houses. I love this session. The thing is – there was literally NO LIGHT except for one window. Before I would have freaked out! However I was calm and used that one window for all it was worth and I really liked the results – so thank you for your mentorship! I appreciate what you had to teach us.

Megan…that was super cool to hear and man, I love that session, too. I think you did a phenomenal job of working with what you had. The way you used the light captured the perfect amount of emotion and drama and yet, it’s still soft and newborn-like. Well done!

In case you all might like to see some of the work that Megan did at the workshop in Austin, here are just a few of my favs from her:

And, for goodness sake, please be sure to check out Megan’s phenomenal birth photography as well. You’ll be glad that you did!

Regarding the 2013 Pinkle Toes workshops, the deadline is literally just a few weeks away to receive the first $100 discount, so if you want to reserve your spot, you’ll want to do that ASAP.

P.S. I think most photogs out there already know that this is peak holiday season right now, so my communication on the blog and e-mail is going to be sporadic at best ;-). [Of course, I do still Instagram a lot, LOL, because it’s faster and easier and doesn’t require me to be at my computer or using Lightroom]. I have gotten several e-mails wondering if I’m still going to follow up with my little experiment and the answer is of course! I just need some time to sit down and write out a thoughtful response. Thanks so much for your patience, gang!