Category Archives: Children

Laura, Rachelle, & Harrison

Moments after Rachelle and I booked the date for her family photo shoot, she sent me a picture of her son with the sweetest smile that wrinkled his nose.

“We call him Mr. Wrinkle Nose!” she wrote.

I immediately knew I liked her! It wasn’t just because she couldn’t wait to introduce me to Harrison, but I could actually feel her beaming through email! I knew we’d have a great time.

Rachelle has a big, happy laugh, and as we walked around the park I noticed that she doesn’t just beam when she talks about Harrison… Laura and Rachelle have been together for 13 years, and her eyes twinkle and her face beams when she looks at Laura.

Harrison is so, so handsome, and he is a calm, laid-back, easy-going, happy baby. He turned one in October and loves to read books- flipping over each page fast and then going right to the next book.

FUN FACT: Rachelle and Laura actually took Harrison out for his VERY FIRST haircut the same day as photos (!!). And it looked GREAT! (I’m still terrified to get Hudson’s haircut…) (They  made sure to leave a few curls in the back.)

Conversation with Rachelle and Laura was easy, and I absolutely fell in love with Harrison. I left the park last Saturday truly feeling like we were great friends that had known each other for years.

Thanks, Rachelle & Laura!! Can’t wait to see you guys again!

Matt, Corey & Teagan

I had never met Corey or her friend that referred her to me. It’s so cool when referrals go through chains of friends! Despite being completely booked, we were able to make our schedules work so that Corey and Matt could have some family photos taken in time for the holidays. Teagan is a gorgeous, happy 10 month old with a big wide open laugh. She gets so much pure happiness from clapping her hands, and she likes to take off her shoes and be free to move around. They are an outdoorsy family, and Matt claims to be a really good cart wheeler (although I forgot to make him prove it!) We had a gorgeous fall day for photos, and I’m so glad we met!!

 

Corey and Matt- it was so great to meet you guys!! Thanks so much!!

The Araya Family

Andria and I first met at work. Our children are the same ages and we have compared many notes on our “oldest” and “middle” children. It took about 30 seconds after meeting Andria to really like her. Everyone who meets her is drawn in to her welcoming spirit. It doesn’t take very long to confirm that she is a hard worker, fantastic mom, and behind her natural beauty and radiant smile, her sailor mouth actually rivals even the most devoted pirates! (Love her!)

Although I had met Nico a few times, I finally got to meet her whole family a couple of weekends ago. We had a great time running around an open farm field and playing all kinds of games. Nico is seven years old. He is thoughtful and warm, and unquestionably smart. He is just as happy laying back with a book as he his flying through the air with his dad’s feet as his airplane trajectory. Four year old Matteo appears to be a little shy at first, but he is devilishly lovable with his flirtatious, mischievous smile. It’s easy to see his mind constantly cranking and absorbing the world around him, and he became my fast friend when I hired him to help me take pictures. Camila (or usually just Mila) is a gorgeous girl who just takes everything in. She just turned one, and rolls with the punches and gets right in the mayhem with her big brothers. She’s a great little walker and kicked it up with a timeless polka dotted dress and Converse sneakers. Although some people claim to have literally seen a glowing halo right above her head, she isn’t afraid to eat a little dirt now and then.

Okay, enough chatter. Photo time. Enjoy!

Shenanigans!


PHOTO BELOW TAKEN BY MATTEO ARAYA, AGE 4.

Ray Family Summer 2011

Quick sneak peak for the Ray Family!

Despite a terribly hot and humid summer morning and an obscene display of relentless biting flies, I really, really enjoyed meeting Brian, Laura, Austin and Aidan, and Kylie- their little tomboy dog. Austin is two and loves trains and soccer, and he couldn’t wait to visit the old bus stashed away at the park. He is such a sweet boy with very promising gig as my assistant shooter on some upcoming jobs! Check out how well he handled a camera…

Austin took these two shots of his mom and brother. I love them!!


 

 

Dye Family

I met up with the Dye family early on an already hot summer morning. They had donuts and orange juice and a quick tailgate breakfast while I began to meet everyone.

I truly love the rush of meeting new families. I begin to interact with each family member to discover their individual personality, but I also observe how they interact with each other. I try to draw something authentic from everyone. It’s a challenge for sure, but I especially love when I catch an interaction or moment that is more than just a smile or a perfect group photo.

Mike and Amy share an Army background, and their eyes smile when they look at each other. I don’t think they noticed me noticing.

Ashley recently graduated high school and is contemplating a military career like her parents. She’s enjoying her summer as a life guard (and the subsequent tan that still has me envious), and, although she is maybe unsure about which branch she will join, she’s excited to begin that chapter of her life this fall.

Rachel is going into the second grade and she loves math and science. She also loves bugs and brought her monkey, Sarah-Princess, along with her for photos.

Aaron is a spunky 5 year old who is excited about kindergarten. He gives the tightest hugs, kicked my butt in staring contests, and while he super loves his black puppy (named Black Puppy), he also loves THROWING Black Puppy if it means a fun family game of Monkey in the Middle.

Mike and Amy, it was so nice to meet your family! Thanks so much!

August 5, 2011 - 6:42 am

Randy McGrew - Great Photos. Thanks for sharing.

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