I cannot even begin to express how thrilled I was doing this photo session. Even though she is the daughter of a photog, she did not display any signs of PCS (Photographer Child Syndrome) and that blows me away! She and her mommy are pure sunshine and watching the two of them together or even just watching the way mommy adores and appreciates her baby girl, well, it’s quite a treat. And also lovin’ that happy mistake of the blurred umbrella image above. Glad I did not delete. Looks Monet-ish. You can see an un-blurry version of that image HERE.

It’s funny to me how when I phase into a new color obsession, my work starts to reflect that without me even realizing it. Lately, inspired by peacocks (?), I notice that I’m drawn to blues and greens and upon reviewing these proofs when they were finished, it hit me…blue and green. This family was so beautiful and connected and we had a really lovely time exploring a different (to me) part of Austin.

We had the most GLORIOUS sunrise session in downtown! I’m telling you, in the summer months, you just cannot beat beating the sunrise in Austin, Texas and I always encourage my clients to choose to brave getting up early, early, EARLY in the morning instead of waiting until the hottest part of the day (the evening) for an outdoor photo shoot. These little girlie Q’s were so much fun and I’m so glad we waited just a little bit longer for the fountains to start running so we could cool off properly when we were done. [And oh yes…still my fav from the session].

I’m sure you noticed the beautiful yoga form mommy + daughter struck up there. Lindsey is the owner of Yogapeutics and let me tell you, I was in for quite the treat when I visited her at her studio a few weeks ago…

Amazing, isn’t she???? And then there’s this one, too. Yes…I think I need to sign up for her class. Wow!

I think everyone should remember Aqua Girl, but if not, you should meet her. I have been chomping at the bit to finally sit down and go through these images. While I’ve played around with underwater photography here and there, this was the first time that a majority of the session was focused on it and we LOVED every second of it. This girl has SUCH personality…I was telling her mom that some kids just have “it” and she definitely has “it.” I wish I had taken a video of her rendition of CeeLo’s “Forget You.” She had hand motions and perfect expressions…I was in fits of giggles watching her. But you know what? She can actually sing very well, too. I’m telling you, she’s got “it.”

Anyway, I’m very thankful to this family for letting me play with a somewhat new medium for me. I’m glad they risked it for the chance of some rather unique family portraits. That last image is definitely my personal fav, but I’m SO torn. Color or Black and White?

With a family filled with such personality, there are SO many options, so, we just did them all, LOL. Gang, we tried so hard to get a shot of everyone blowing a giant bubble, but I think we had the wrong kind of bubble gum and it just wasn’t happening. I was cracking up watching everyone try desperately to chew the gum and make a bubble. We’d get one, then two, then three, and by the time we’d get four, the first ones would start popping. I can’t even tell you how many shots we took, but finally, we happily opted for a composite…I think everyone’s jaws were getting sore…both from chewing and from laughing so hard! [Be sure to see another one of my fav’s not shown HERE.]

I normally work with smaller immediate family units, but when this grandmother approached me about a photo session with her grandkids on their wildlife ranch, well, I just could not resist. Those boys are full of energy and having  a space like this to run and play must be like heaven on earth for them. My hopes were a little crushed when we couldn’t get close to the zebras, but the giraffes did NOT disappoint. They have such personalities and it was obvious that the kiddos enjoy their special time with them. While the afternoon started off very grey and overcast, I got to leave with a beautiful African Savana sunset, complete with giraffes and zebras and wildebeests in my rearview mirror. Wow. What an evening!

Oh, and I have to share this with you, too. I literally laughed out loud when I came across this in my files:

MWAH!!!!

ETA: Thank you so much to my friend Angela for showing me THIS commercial which pretty much sums up a day in the life of a photographer, complete with giraffes. LOLOLOL!

…are often those in your own backyard. I swear, it was like hanging with my own children at home, them begging me to go traipsing off into the woods with them while I’m in my flip-flops, showing me their favorite trees and forts they had fashioned with sticks and leaves. Wide open spaces. Good for the soul. (Doggies are also good for the soul.)

We have been working together for years and years, and I feel like I really know this family…like we are friends now more than they are clients. I laugh to remember how big sister used to shy away from me. This time, she greeted me with a huge smile and an even bigger hug and one of the sweetest gifts/cards ever. I treasure that card. Our afternoon in the garden was so delightful…I was thrilled to get to bask in the glow of this loving family and appreciate the beauty that surrounded us in the sunshine. [Don’t miss the hat theme HERE].

I first met this beautiful family shortly after he was born. But now that he’s almost 1/2 a year old, mama really wanted to capture him at this stage in his life…with some baby chub, wonderful smiles, and discovering fun things to do together every day. The jasmine in their yard that day was the most incredibly I had ever seen or smelled. It was everywhere, draping over everything, and filling the air with such sweetness, it would almost knock you down. After little man got bored being outside, we went in for his favorite time of the day: BATH TIME! These moments captured during their bath brought back a flood of memories of me and my own children that overwhelmed and saddened me a little, too. I’m so glad we got to document these moments for them…so glad. It won’t be long before he’s tromping up the stairs to the shower by himself (well, sometimes you have to beg and plead for boys to shower on their own, lol).

Two more that I LOVE HERE and HERE.

These two sisters couldn’t have been any more adorable if they tried. Their debut photo session was textbook, really, and they barely made a peep. Flawless, they are. They got it from their parents. [Another fun image HERE]