FAQs?!?!?!

Is it really October already? Time sure flies when you're having fun! Both kids bdays were a couple of weeks ago so we have had friends and family in town the last two weekends enjoying the festivities with us. We had so much fun, but I am trying to get back to the real world and get "caught up" (if there is such a thing!).

i'll share some bday pics soon, but for now i'll leave you with a few of my favorites from recent shoots!


great smiles for their mom...just being who they are!

a flower for little sister....so sweet!


a "hug" for big brother......

oreos anyone?!?!?! ....my favorite!

splashing in a puddle with daddy.....

hugs for a new puppy.....

and last but not least, a few shots from a shoot that help me answer some of my most frequently asked questions....to combine these questions into one.....what makes a shoot successful? well as i say, a picture is worth a thousand words so approach it as if you are going to tell your story!!

the ideal setting for a shoot.....just exploring at a park, your home or another favorite spot for your family (i have suggestions if needed).

what should you wear??? solid colors are best, but allow your little ones to be involved in the decision a bit! pick something coordinating for the "together" shots, ie...mommy chooses this outfit (see the galleries on my site for ideas), then allow them to express their creativity for some of the individual shots! don't be shy....and think outside the box! rain boots are great even on the sunniest day! and those bright pink cowboy boots and a tutu are always fun for a picture!

how do you get your child to smile??? are you ready for this??? RELAX!! it most often happens naturally! just take a step back and let your little ones settle in to the environment. i'll chat with them a bit and usually during our conversation, i'll start to see their most natural smile. sometimes we say funny words to help them relax and forget about trying too hard, but i never say "smile"!

i love when i can see the true personality of my subject "shine"! and something else that i truly enjoy....seeing a little one all decked out in a fancy dress.....enjoying nature....mud and all!!

so that's what it is about....capturing kids just being kids! don't get me wrong....the smiles are great, but behind every smile is something very special just waiting to be shared with the world...their sweet little spirits!!!

more soon.....