backyard memories...

rose's family is...well...just special. as soon as i walk in the door of their house i feel warmth, love and peace. they always greet me with a hug, lots of smiles and an eagerness to capture some fun portraits. i love that. and i love photographing them.

they've created such tradition in their lovely home. they proudly display precious family memories on the walls in black traditional frames. and they just stuff their home with the love they have for the boys and each other. that love is palpable.

this is the second year they've invited me to take photos of them in that beloved backyard. i am honored. and i was so excited to see last year's photos framed and hung on the wall in the dining room. that's a cool feeling that not many photog actually get to see.

one of the things i love about my job is the relationships that foster from the photo sessions. when i am sitting in a home like rose and mark's chatting about photos and life and how they are inextricably linked, i just know i have found my passion.

and i love that this family always wants portraits taken in their backyard. there they all feel so comfortable and it shows in the natural smiles i get and also in the images. there they look back, year after year, to see who has shorter hair, lost teeth, gained new teeth, got taller etc. but what i see with each year is tighter hugs, more smiles and time standing still for just a bit. this family cherishes their memories and their photos. and i cherish this family for all that they are.

these my favorite images from our time together.

hope to see you guys again next year.

dreams and good friends are inextricably linked.

november 2009 has been, by far, the busiest month i have ever had as a photographer. weddings, photo shoots, mini sessions and editing editing editing well into the night. i am not complaining--i've loved every minute of it (aside from the lack of sleep being up so late working on photos to ensure speedy delivery to my clients). it's just so frustrating being so behind on blogging--which i have been for months now.

and even with my two degrees in writing--i still hate writing. (i have never been very good at it). it's late and i am struggling to find words that are interesting enough to create a cool post for this.

s t r u g g l i n g.

but as i sit here at the laptop i am reminded that just earlier today i got to photograph one of my best friends and her family and writing about them is easy-or at least easier. so here goes. (warning the following paragraph contains sappy sentiments. sorry.)

tam's been an amazing source of truth and strength in my life. she's taught me to dream and believe in myself, to capture the passions i have been holding onto for so long and to make my dream real. i treasure her for so many reasons but the most important is that she cheers me on continually. i love her positiveness and kindness and love of life. she reeks of passion and promise and you can't help but be coated with it after spending time with her. and her lovely family are too a joy to be around. fun. laughter. love and life.

here's to you tam and fam. thanks for being such important part of my life. and for helping to push me towards my dream of being a photographer, a better mother and a better person. now--can you just teach this chubby girl yoga???