Something about this cold, windy, overcast, and potentially snowy (???) Austin, TX weather made me want to go back and revisit this family photo session from a while back. I have known these girls since they were in their mommy’s tummy and watching them grow into such bright, beautiful, funny, and confident young ladies has brought me a great deal of joy through the years. They have shown off every bit of their charming personalities into every photo session we’ve ever done!

On this cold, rainy day in January, I am inspired to tell the story of another rainy day that nearly ruined an incredible trip to Colorado one summer. My whole family had driven up to Denver and then to Crested Butte to visit with loooooooooongtime friends (and clients). To give you a clear picture, there were SIXTEEN of us total…staying in the same house. 7 adults and EIGHT children and one ADORABLE baby. Oh, wait: this doesn’t include the two doggos :-). The adults were definitely outnumbered, but somehow, we managed to spend the first several days enjoying the cooler temps, hiking through the mountains (ALL 16 of us!!!), swimming in mountaintop lakes, exploring the charming town that is Crested Butte, and feasting…there was a LOT of feasting…and a lot of great laughs. I cannot even begin to describe how many memories were made on that trip. My eldest son christened the two other dads in the house with us were the “cool dads,” while his own father was just “dad.” It truly was something spectacular that we all managed to share that space together and have such a lovely time, working together as a team to manage meals and clean up (sister wives aren’t such a bad idea).

We had plans for all of us to drive up to this one particular spot way up in the mountains to do family photos. While it was indeed a bit of a drive from our home base, I had heard so many wonderful things about that place, I couldn’t wait to see it with my own eyes. Spoiler alert…the images above are NOT from this specific place. “Why?” you ask? Well, we had ALL piled into three cars (my mini van, included) and began our trip up the winding roads. It was cloudy, but not terrible as we started out. Rain was predicted to start later that evening, but we thought we could squeeze in the sessions before it got bad.  Everyone was already dressed and made up (a Herculean effort in itself!)…there was no turning back now.

I honestly don’t know how long the trip took us, but it felt like forever, especially when we got to the part where we tried to get my van up through the mud-covered roads. The van briefly got stuck in the mud and at that point, we decided it wouldn’t make it any further. My family would make the rest of the trip on foot while I hitched a ride to the top with the others. I should mention that by then, I was very, very car sick and growing very concerned about the storm clouds that were rolling in. “This better be worth it,” I thought.

We *finally* made it to this mystical meadow between the mountains and my word, yes, it was every bit as breathtaking as they told me it would be. I could see the storm clouds building up and I knew we wouldn’t have much time, but I thought if we hurried, maybe we could make something happen. I think I was able to get like 5 photos taken and then it started raining. And raining. And raining. And it just wouldn’t let up. I kept refreshing the radar and it kept telling us that it was going to clear, so TWELVE humans and the TWO doggos all piled into ONE vehicle to wait out the storm (I’m SO glad we attempted THIS us-ie).

We waited. And we waited. And the rain just wouldn’t stop. And now, there was virtually no daylight left and everyone was tired, and cranky, and hangry and defeated. I don’t know about you other photographers out there, but I have this recurring nightmare where I’m in a BEAUTIFUL place with BEAUTIFUL subjects and I’m so overwhelmed, I am physically not able to take any photos. I’m frozen in my dream as I watch the sunlight disappear and I’ve missed out on the perfect opportunity. *This* was my nightmare actually coming true :-(. Through tears, we called it a night and decided to go on with our dinner plans and figure out another day/place for family photos.

At dinner (and I was *still* crying), we worked out a new game plan which would involve us getting up *very* early to catch sunrise the next morning. This was not an easy sell as we were all exhausted from our travels and the rain that evening, but it was our only shot. We were “do or die.”

After a few hours of sleep that night, these guys somehow rallied and managed to look just as beautiful and put together as the day before! We stumbled upon this gorgeous little flowered meadow practically in our backyard and we. made. magic. HAPPEN! I was so thankful for the sunshine that peeked out through the mountains! I was so AMAZED that the kiddos were able to give us their all in spite of the rough evening and very little sleep! I’m so grateful that we were able to let go of our previous vision for the session and embrace this new one. I’m so glad we persevered in spite of it all!

Most of all, I absolutely treasure the memories we made through our struggles the night before. The photos we took had so much more meaning because of that experience. And oh, how we laugh and laugh re-telling the story! Very, very grateful for all of it…the good and even the not-so-fun parts.

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?

There is so much energy and love and vibrance in this family, you’d be hard pressed NOT to have an amazing photo session with them. Once again, I’m drawn to the brilliant colors in the clothing, the different locations we found, their incredible eyes, and of course, my favorite: red hair!

I figure since it’s already the 2nd month into 2019, I might try to dust off the old blog. This session was from a while back, but I’m just going to go ahead and make an attempt to start catching up, little by little. I’ve been working with this awesome family since he was just a few days old. I love that mama isn’t afraid to use color and she made this photo session so authentic to their family with the sweet moments in the house, riding bikes, and sweet, fun treats at the end!

Follow me on Instagram for more sneak peeks!

The kids-only minis will be held on the following dates/times at the Pinkle Toes Studio in Manor, TX:

• Sat 11/17- 3-5:30 p.m.
• Sun 11/18 – 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Sun 11/25 -10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Fri 11/30 – 9-11:30 a.m.
• Sat 12/1 – 3-5:30 p.m.
• Sat 12/2 -10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Join us for a “Warm Winter’s Nap” as we snuggle up, read stories, and show off our coziest holiday pajamas! The kids-only holiday mini session is FREE to all 2019 clients and includes ONE digital file of your choice, but you have options to earn more free files! As in the past, the only way to snag a spot for your child(ren) is by booking a full session for 2019 (sorry, but you cannot move a 2018 session in order to do so and you cannot purchase this mini separately). Drop a line to get 2019 session info!

{Post #2 of “40 B4 40” = 40 blog posts before I turn 40 ;-)}

So I understand these adorable fall/winter dresses might seem out of place when we’re already in triple digits in Texas right now, but I figured the next session I should blog as part of my “40 B4 40” (see previous post) should be theirs since I’m currently editing their pics from this year, lol. I had never been to The Pearl in San Antonio, but wow, I didn’t want to leave! It was so overwhelmingly photogenic (just like this amazing family, really) and I loved the mix of old and new, machinery and organic materials. Of course, I love seeing these personalities as the girls grow up as well. I’ve known them since they were each tiny babies and just look at them now!

From mama:

What made you decide this was the time to do a photo session? Were you marking any special occasion, etc? Cooler weather is always a treat here in south Texas, So we typically try to shoot in the fall or spring. {Side note: the original date we had for this session was COOOOOOOOLD and blustery (funny, huh?). I am sooooooooo glad we made the call to move it to another date because it was gorgeous out!}
Where was your session held and why? The Pearl in San Antonio. The Pearl is a multi-use development with lots of superb architectural components, beautiful landscaping set on the San Antonio River.
What was your favorite part of your session? All of it. From start to finish. {same}
Advice to other families before their photo sessions? Relax. Act as normal/natural as possible. And let Michele work her magic.
What made you choose Pinkle Toes Photography? We have been using Michele for 8 years. Enough said. {<3}
Describe your favorite image from the session and why it’s your fav: My favorite picture is the photo of Blake and I running up behind the girls and grabbing them. The smiles on their faces were priceless. {same; another fav of mine HERE}

I don’t know why, but blogging has become this impossible task for me this year. I used to blog almost every day in years past. What is the deal?

Anyway, I figure I should probably try to blog her newborn photo session before she graduates college :-). She was just too adorable not to share! From her mommy:

What made you decide this was the time to do a photo session? Were you marking any special occasion, etc? Newborn photos of our first born
Where was your session held and why? Held at our baby’s 2.5 week mark at our house
What was your favorite part of your session? The entire session! We waited a long time for our baby and to be able to capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment made it even more special and priceless. I loved Michele’s attention to detail and in working with us to ensure we captured all of the appropriate shots. She was amazing in handling our newborn and working to get the everyone involved, including the dog!
Worries, concerns before the session: Narrowing down the photo selects. They were all amazing!
Funny stories or interesting happenings related to your session: Loved seeing how involved the dog got in the session!
Advice to other families before their photo sessions? Have realistic expectations. This is a newborn and when dealing with pets and kids, you also need to factor in the unpredictability of both. Limit your wardrobe changes and room set-ups and you’ll be much happier with the final result than if you had unlimited changes and set-ups.
What made you choose Pinkle Toes Photography? Loved the quality of the photos, the unplanned moments, Michele’s flexibility.
Describe your favorite image from the session and why it’s your fav: I love the photo of Emily looking at the camera, eyes open. It’s so precious and at two and half weeks, difficult to capture eyes wide open (vs. shut). I also love the images of our family (including the dog!) and will cherish this moment forever.

[And, one of my personal favs from sweet Emily’s session HERE].

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!).

I’m almost embarrassed to point out how long it has been since I have blogged, but let’s just say busy season came roaring in on a freight train last year and I was doing my best to hang on for the ride. I’ve certainly been shooting a lot and have quite enjoyed these mild Texas winter temps (with the exception of a few snow storms). I will probably *never* catch up with all the work I didn’t get around to blogging last year, but I’m going to try, starting with this STUNNING at home family session from last fall…

This little guy was not having the best day and I felt so bad for him. At one point, he just gave up on us all and laid out on the steps. Bless his little heart! Turns out, there was a good reason why (see below).

I was very happy that his mommy could comfort him in front of the most INCREDIBLE WALLPAPER I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE!!!! Yeah. I think we were both equally excited about getting to feature it as a backdrop for the last part of their session. Mama has impeccable taste when it comes to wardrobe and interior decoration!

My personal fav from the session is HERE 🙂 (and another HERE), but find out Mama’s favs in her words:

What made you decide this was the time to do a photo session? We were just about to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and were in the mood to celebrate! We were just feeling so unabashedly proud of our little family, ten years in- in awe of our kids and grateful for each other.

Where was your session held and why? At our home in Rollingwood. We thought being in our natural habitat would make the kids feel more comfortable in front of the camera- and make for more believable smiles 🙂 Also, I recently wallpapered my bedroom with this dramatic floral print so I wanted to use that as the backdrop for some of the photos.

What was your favorite part of your session? My favorite part was the ease with which it came about! We just got dressed, went downstairs and started playing! While we certainly aren’t all coordinating in wardrobe (or mood) any time other than when we’re having our picture taken, the photos totally capture the spirit of our family, which is fun and loving.

Funny stories or interesting happenings related to your session: Well, we were pretty sure there wouldn’t be a single picture of Griffin smiling, as he was welcoming a new molar that day… But, naturally, at the end of the session he just turned into this totally animated kid. How you were able to get so many shots of his cute smile from before those last five minutes was a huge surprise to us!

Advice to other families before their photo sessions? Have a joke on hand to tell your spouse who is uncomfortable smiling for long periods of time 🙂

What made you choose Pinkle Toes Photography? A friend had used you for newborn shots, which were gorgeous, of course. I didn’t know if that would translate well to full family photos, but one trip through your website and I was sold!

Describe your favorite image from the session and why it’s your fav: It’s so hard to choose! I love the one of us lounging on the backyard sofa, taken from above the string of cafe lights- I remember that we were just sitting there talking and laughing. We have so many photos of the four of us sitting together, posed stiffly, uneasily. This one is us actually being a family, so it’s really special.

And how could I not choose the one of Rob and Sloane twirling in the living room? That picture is never coming off the wall!