Wanted to get this blog post up super quick today before I prepare for tomorrow ;-). We started out our session not really knowing what we were going to do or where we would end up, but I know this gal and I are super glad we stumbled upon an amazing and kind artist/sculptor who let us work in his beautiful old Chevy pickup! If you’re ever in Georgetown, look up Island Gypsy Art and check out their amazing creations. Another fav from the session HERE. Now, I gotta go charge my batteries (literally and metaphorically) for the last weekend of Holiday Minis!!

Okay, holiday season is literally in full swing and I have not been able to blog every family photo session as of late, but I really, really, really wanted to take a few minutes to share this one. I’ve had so many wonderful times with this family, starting back when that baby girl was just a few days old. Each session has had its own unique story, but this one might be my favorite one to date because it was held at one of their favorite places to play as a family: The Thinkery – the children’s museum in Austin. As creative and energetic and playful as this entire family is, The Thinkery is quite perfectly suited for the not-so-typical family portrait session. The kids absolutely LOVED showing off all of their favorite things to do when they visit and though I had a tough time keeping up with their excited activity, their authentic joy and enthusiasm was 100% worth it! How lucky are these kids to have a mom and dad completely willing (if not actually excited) to get on the floor and play and explore and build and create right beside their children?!?!? My favity fav from this session, though it’s tough to pick, is probably THIS ONE.

I don’t know if I’ll have a chance to get back to the blog this week as I’m gearing up for the FINAL WEEKEND of the Kids-Only Holiday Mini sessions starting Friday and running through Saturday (I’ll be seeing these guys this weekend, as a matter of fact). 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!

It took us a little while to solidify a concept for this session (we’ve had so many wonderful times in the past), but once the wardrobe was planned out, it was a no-brainer. I’ve been wanting to do a chic, classy, city-inspired session at night in downtown Austin for some time and this was the PERFECT family to convey this vibe. And they absolutely NAILED it! I loved the personality that just couldn’t be contained in their kiddos. I loved the contrast of chic, classy, wardrobe and the silly faces they couldn’t help but to make. I loved the plush interior of the hotel and the sparkling lights at dusk. It was just all-around perfection and such a blast! Fav moment right over HERE.

I get choked up to think that I’ve been working with him since he was in his mommy’s tummy. I remember each of our sessions together in great detail, but this one really struck me. He was ON for this session…so engaged, so charming, so much fun. He was such a little ham! I feel pretty honored to get to work with this dapper little dude! My FAV HERE!

From his Mommy:

1) Tell us a little bit about your family… Happy, grateful, active. We love Henry and he is our entire world. We feel so grateful to have him. He is our everything. Feel blessed beyond measure.
2) What made you decide this was the time to do a photo session? Were you marking any special occasion, etc? We are Pinkletoes through and through!!! Annual shoot around Henry’s birthday starting when I was pregnant and no signs of stopping us! 🙂
3) Where was your session held and why? Hotel Ella. We love the traditional architecture and timelessness of the hotel. We also love the idea of shooting in an iconic ‘Austin’-y location.
4) What did you like about your session location? Everything. Mostly, love the second level balcony area with views of downtown Austin and the gorgeous columns.
5) What was your favorite part of your session? Henry was in a GOOD MOOD! He was photo-ready! And thank Goodness he is finally into it. 🙂
6) Was there anything you were nervous or worried about before the session? Nothing. Michele can use any location and can turn a parking lot into an award-winning photo. Also, we are Pinkletoes trained! I had my wardrobe changes, my accessories, my props, my snacks, nails checked….I was READY!
7) Any funny stories or interesting happenings during your session? When Henry posed by the vintage car (Vogue) and the crazy pigeons. 🙂
8) Any advice to other families before their photo sessions? Come prepared. Engage with the photographer. Relax and be yourselves. Your energy SHOWS in photos. If you are nervous or uncomfortable, it will show. If you are most relaxed in bare feet, then schedule your shoot that way. Be yourself.
9) What made you choose Pinkle Toes Photography? We got LUCKY a long time ago in finding Pinkletoes. We look forward to our annual shoot like it is Christmas.
10) What do you hope your kids/family will say years down the road when looking at these images? “Look at Henry’s smile!”. “How did she get him to do that?” “We look like a happy family”.

Now, the pupster came very close to stealing the show during this awesome family’s downtown Austin photo session, buuuuuut…the girls were so adorable and fun and kept me on my toes so it all evened out in the end. One of my other fav shots HERE and how about this super cool successful HIGH FIVE at the end of the session when mom and dad were congratulating one another on a job well done! Much-deserved, guys!!!!

Feels like I’ve known this family forever. I remember every session I’ve ever had with them in great detail, but I don’t think any other session has ever come this close to being more meaningful and invaluable as this one. I know that they are very thankful for the present…as in the now…as in each day they get to have together as a family (you can read why below). Last year and the months following were an incredibly scary and challenging time for them and it hit me like a ton of bricks after I got home from this session and saw how absolutely LUCKY they are to have their family back together and healthy again. And how impressed I am with this man’s strength and ability to recover. Before I go, that last image up there is my favorite, for sure. Rivaled closely by this one.

From Mom:

1) Tell us a little bit about your family… We missed out on our annual photo shoot in 2014 after Marcus came down with GBS from the flue vaccine and we are coming up on the 1 year anniversary and wanted to document his ongoing recovery.
2) What made you decide this was the time to do a photo session? Were you marking any special occasion, etc? Yes — living in the moment and grateful for each day together.
3) Where was your session held and why? Downtown with a Dia de los Muertos theme to celebrate the living and honor those that have passed.
4) What did you like about your session location? Murals, capturing the morning light and downtown vibe
5) What was your favorite part of your session? Always seeing Michele and the girls getting their annual scratch & sniff stickers 🙂
6) Was there anything you were nervous or worried about before the session? Nope, we are regulars and always trust Pinkle Toes to capture the moment in time in a natural and candid way
7) Any funny stories or interesting happenings during your session? We didn’t get pooped on by the pigeons and the girls didn’t eat any left over pizza off the street from the night before 🙂
8) Any advice to other families before their photo sessions? Plan plan plan, working with Michele on the theme and attire
9) What made you choose Pinkle Toes Photography? No brainer — she’s the best!
10) What do you hope your kids/family will say years down the road when looking at these images? That’s my dad! He’s healthy, happy and alive!

I am lucky enough to call Minnette my friend and it was pretty moving after all these years to finally get to see her in her truest element: being a doting mom and wife, so proud of her family, glowing from the inside out. And even though I had only met her daughter just once before, it was as if I already knew everyone else. There was zero need to warm up. It was like I was hanging out with my own family, really. They are a dynamic brood of creatives and athletes with lots and lots of heart and soul. They color their world with love and light. I hope they can see how much joy they bring to one another and to the people lucky enough to be close to them.

So why is her hubby holding up iPhone flashlights? Read about that below ;-). We did manage to score some adorable images at this wall in spite of the challenge…this one is a top contender for my fav.

From Minnette:

1) Tell us a little bit about your family… Well, what can I say? We like to be silly, keep things as relaxed as we can and make a lot of jokes. We loooove to laugh. At each other. All the time. [Um, for what it’s worth, I have a GREAT image on hand you can use to get your kids to laugh anytime you want ;-)]
2) What made you decide this was the time to do a photo session? Were you marking any special occasion, etc? As a photographer, the only time I’m in photos is when I’m taking usies with the cell phone and honestly, my arms just aren’t long enough ;). Seriously though, we have been wanting to have you photograph our family for a very long time and are so happy we were finally able to make it happen. It was even more special to me, that YOU, my superfriend, knew us
3) Where was your session held and why? Downtown Houston because we love our underdog city and Montrose because it was our old stompin’ grounds.
4) What did you like about your session location? Both were just so us. [Indeed!]
5) What was your favorite part of your session? It was FUN! Let’s be honest. My kids aren’t thrilled about getting their photos taken anymore. They are over it. But it was very apparent that they loved you and the attention you gave them. I loved seeing them so happy to be there. [Honestly, I think they were happy because they were there with YOU guys. You two are such amazing and loving parents. It’s obvious the kids adore you!]
6) Was there anything you were nervous or worried about before the session? Our outfits. We didn’t buy anything new and I put it all together that morning. That Nathan wouldn’t smile or would give you a hard time. That I would not look good. That my hair and makeup were bad because I did them myself. That we would get stuck in traffic. That the locations would be full of people. Basically, all the things!
7) Any funny stories or interesting happenings during your session? I took forever finding our 2nd location making the end of our session super dark. doh! [Yeah, thanks for the challenge ;-)]
8) Any advice to other families before their photo sessions? Relax, enjoy each other’s company and be yourselves.
9) What made you choose Pinkle Toes Photography? I always have and still do think Michele is super talented and the best at what she does. And she’s my superfriend and I heart her. And now my whole family does, too 😉
10) What do you hope your kids/family will say years down the road when looking at these images? That we were always happy and we loved spending time with each other. [Done.]

She dressed her family in the most colorful outfits and we worked in front of one of the most colorful places in downtown Houston and it was SO perfect for them!!!! FAV HERE!

It took the youngest member of the family a little while to warm up to me, but it didn’t matter because he was still adorable giving me this incredulous look ;-).

No problems smiling with his mommy, though!

Sisters. Sigh. See what mom wrote below for the total opposite of the love and tranquility in this shot.

He. Is. Precious.

These two…just play all the time. They are always laughing with one another!

Hi, K!

Oh, he wanted to take pictures with his baby brother like the WHOLE time. Okay. We can arrange that.

MORE COLOR!!!

Yup…back at it again.

From mom:

1) Tell us a little bit about your family…

Our little circus is made up of my husband and myself, and our four crazy kiddos (8, 6, 3, and 11 months). They are indeed a wild bunch and rarely sit still for a moment. But we’ve adapted and we love them to pieces!

2) What made you decide this was the time to do a photo session? Were you marking any special occasion, etc?

We have a longstanding tradition of taking pictures every fall, and then turning those photos into a coffee table book and wall art.

3) Where was your session held and why?

We always try to pick interesting locations whether it be splashing around in a stream, jumping on a bed, or hanging out in front of Michele’s airstream (my favorite). This time we went to Houston’s famous Discovery Green park. How can you not love that brightly colored wall, which our kids have dubbed, “the Lego house”?!

4) What did you like about your session location?

I loved the colorful wall and all the interesting architectural elements that were nestled in the middle of a city park.

5) What was your favorite part of your session?

Probably the end when I asked Michele if she thought we got at least one good family photo. She assured us that we did! 🙂 [And we did, but I’m saving that one for you]

6) Was there anything you were nervous or worried about before the session?

I was nervous about getting up so early with the kids. [But you did it and I was very impressed!]

7) Any funny stories or interesting happenings during your session?

The highlight was probably when our three year old, who was trying to run off, bit the fire out of our eight old’s arm. Tears ensued. 🙁 [Sisters. Sigh]

8) Any advice to other families before their photo sessions?

Just relax. You will be amazed by what Michele is able to capture.

9) What made you choose Pinkle Toes Photography?

Michele is simply the best family photographer in the world! She is absolutely amazing!! I love her creativity, the way she plays with light, and the way she captures the beauty in the families she photographs.

10) What do you hope your kids/family will say years down the road when looking at these images?

I hope they remember the joy of being little, the feeling that nothing can stop them, the intrinsic curiosity they had about the world, and that they grew up in a family filled with love!

I admit that I nearly wrecked my car when I spotted this wall a while back. It was so nice to stumble upon something a little different and SOOOOO beautifully colorful among the bold, cool Austin graffiti. And I was delighted when this family decided to hold their photo session here! It made for the perfect backdrop against their bright, colorful clothing that simply reflected their bright, colorful personalities.

Baby girl was a big fan of sticking out that tongue…and it was too adorable!

Playing airplane while holding an airplane in front of an airplane wall = we are talking multidimensional family photography here.

And here’s another cute shot featuring the whole wall.

Time for reading their favorite books. I wish I had taken audio of the AWESOME voices everyone was providing!

And then…the high school band started up their practice across the street, so naturally, we decided to compete ;-):

#winning

These two are a wonderful, loving, relaxed, joyful, down-to-earth couple. Obvs. It really took zero time for them to warm up for the session.

Time to celebrate ONE YEAR with a cupcake smash!

Success!!!

From mom:

1) Tell us a little bit about your family…

We have been married for 11 years and have been living in Austin for a little over a year. Andrew (almost 4) and Alison (almost 1) are the light of our lives and we love watching them interact with each other and seeing their personalities shine through!

2) What made you decide this was the time to do a photo session? Were you marking any special occasion, etc?

Andrew and Alison both have birthdays in early October so we wanted to capture them around their birthdays.

3) Where was your session held and why?

Our session was held at the “Hello” wall. I wanted to do an urban shoot in a space unique to Austin, so Michele suggested the wall and it was perfect!

4) What did you like about your session location?

It was just a neat space with lots of bright colors. It even had an airplane painted on it, and Andrew is obsessed with airplanes!

5) What was your favorite part of your session?

Playing the instruments and trying to be louder than the high school band practicing across the street! Also, watching Alison dig into her birthday cupcake 🙂

6) Was there anything you were nervous or worried about before the session?

The humidity ha ha! The kids getting tired, hungry and crabby (but they did great!)

7) Any funny stories or interesting happenings during your session?

Going back to the humidity… we just weren’t expecting that. [True story: I would rank it is one of the top 3 most humid sessions I’ve ever done. It was BRUTAL, but everyone hung in there!]

8) Any advice to other families before their photo sessions?

Just go with the flow.

9) What made you choose Pinkle Toes Photography?

I had been following Pinkle Toes blog and love the vivid colors and overall fun atmosphere the photos depict.

10) What do you hope your kids/family will say years down the road when looking at these images?

That we had a really fun silly time getting photographed!

This is B. And her family. She is very busy. Very, very busy. In fact, she’s so busy, I have now deemed her “Busy B.” Based on my extensive experience in photographing littles who happen to be as busy as Busy B, I thought I’d share some tips you may find helpful should you per chance to meet a Busy B of your own.

1. Wear running shoes.

2. Accept that she is the leader and therefore, you must follow her.

3. Enlist the help of friends.

4. Rescue her friends.

5. Offer help, but only when it’s *really* needed.

6. Snuggle.

7. Often.

8. Play.

9. Often.

10. Laugh at your efforts to keep up and love every ounce of her energy and spirit almost as much as her parents do!

From Mom:

Tell us a little bit about your family…

We have been married for over five years. Our 2 year old keeps us super busy and we are looking forward to welcoming a little sister soon.

What made you decide this was the time to do a photo session? Were you marking any special occasion, etc?

We love working with Michele and we try to schedule a session once a year

Where was your session held and why?

Our session was held at Phil’s Ice House in Austin. I really liked the idea of using their playground, especially with a busy two-year old.

What did you like about your session location?

The playground was perfect for a busy toddler and I loved all the colors and textures.

What was your favorite part of your session?

We spend a lot of time playing outside and I think the outdoor/playground session reflected our family well

Was there anything you were nervous or worried about before the session?

tantrums!!!

Any funny stories or interesting happenings during your session?

Blake did have quite a few tantrums during our session, especially trying to get her away from the playground.

Any advice to other families before their photo sessions?

Just roll with it 🙂 [And you did. And you did it WELL! It really makes a session so much more authentic and relaxed when parents are as easy going as you are. You set a great example of how to just let a session be!]

What made you choose Pinkle Toes Photography?

We have started working with Michele when I was pregnant with Blake and we have never been disappointed. My husband always says that “she is the best” and he is completely right. We are always blown away by the moments she captures.

What do you hope your kids/family will say years down the road when looking at these images?

I believe all of our sessions tell a story about our family. I hope when the girls look back on the images they understand the meaning of those moments.

Annnnnnnd…as always, my favity fav can be found HERE!