Big D, Little D

When life and light intersect, therein lies the making of a great photo session. Four beautiful souls woven together to make family were my subjects for this shoot, hangry-just-woke-up-from-nap start and all. It's not that all of life looks perfect and that every day the sun gives light to reflect that; it's that our eyes can find what is good and true about the love of any given family if we train them to look for it. That is my life's work and my passion. I'm now offering sessions in both Dallas and Denton, as my husband's grad school endeavors made a season in Denton key if I want to see his handsome face in time for dinner. As fall approaches I want to ask you, dear readers, to help spread the word that I'm available in both locations as well as throughout the Metroplex. I've found a few great spots in my new little neck of the woods and can't wait to photograph that same intersection of life and light a bit farther north on 35 than most of my Dallas-area work to date.

July at the Lake

My husband's family centers their summers around their lake house; it's been that way since before Ty was born. Last summer I met his extended family for the first time as his girlfriend; this summer I returned as family. A lot can change in a year. I love that I married into a family that has this place that is constant as life ebbs and flows. We are both fortunate to do work we enjoy and that suits us, but I think as long as we live in Texas we'll be purposeful to do summer the way we've done this one. We've headed to the lake every weekend that allows us, sometimes cutting out for an extra day when time permits. Days are full and rich yet slow. The rains in May and June created quite a few projects, so it's not all play. That said, the work is tangible, measurable. We wake and drink coffee on the porch. We run miles and see very few cars. We read a lot. We swim. Some nights every bed is full; some nights few bodies slumber. One weekend we hosted my super-sized family. I watched three of the kids learn to ski, the youngest of whom at 5 was timid about being pulled behind the boat in a tube at the beginning of the summer. It was such a proud moment to see her determined face announce she wanted to ski.

I pulled photos from July, and this is a long post. It captures so many moments, so many memories, so much of the goodness we've experienced over the summer. I share partly so you can see and partly to remind myself that the comings and goings to the lake during the summer are so worth it. Our lives are made better by a rhythm that makes time and space for these days. I am grateful. I hope the time spent there serves to refresh and refocus me as work picks up to a busy clip with fall portraits and weddings.

And we still have August.

Repeats: Favorites, Annually and Always

If the great joy of family photos is witnessing what love looks like in any given season of life, then seeing that a year later only grows the goodness. Like etchings on the wall to mark that a little one has grown an inch or three, a year's passing seems to extend the beauty and the fullness of who a family is. This was my second time to photograph Teddy and his family. Last year's session took place at the nature center, so this year's session we headed downtown for a more urban feel. Teddy talks a lot now, and he's emerged from toddler shyness to preschool confidence. He makes his parents laugh, keeping them on their toes with lots of running and jumping. When I asked him if he saw a dinosaur in my lens, his three-year-old wit came quick. "No," he said, "I see Spiderman."

Spiderman it is, little guy. I'm grateful that my job has allowed me to cross paths with this family, and I look forward to continuing to document the ways they grow and change through the years. I'd love to do the same for you and your family too, and I'm now booking into October and November. Shoot me a message for session and scheduling details, and we can get the ball rolling.

Introducing Eisley

Eisley belongs to my beautiful friend Sarah, and I love that my work allowed me to celebrate the arrival of her gorgeous girl. She preferred her mama's company to any option involving laying her down, so we went with that until she eventually settled. I love her sweet face and the way she makes Sarah smile. She is tiny and lovely, wanted and loved. Newborn sessions are always favorites, but when the stars align so I can bear witness to my friends as they transition into motherhood... it is the best thing. Eisley, little miracle, adds beauty and wonder to the world. I can't wait to see who she becomes.

Ten Years In

The approach of their ten-year anniversary caused Elisa to reach out regarding photos. They'd never had professional family photos done, and Sal, their three-year-old was at a great age for capturing some real life moments she thought. When I met Sal, I knew I agreed with his mom's assessment. He was busy and exuberant, ready to take our photo session by storm. He is a light with a killer smile. As is best, I mostly stood back and let Elisa, Sal and dad Alex do their thing. I love what love looks like ten years in, the way a couple becomes a family and adds a little one... it is timeless and beautiful every time I get to see through my lens. I've already decided that this crew ought not wait ten more years until next time. ;)

Brothers and Bluebonnets

Just before bluebonnet season ended, I met up with these littles for a session planned at the last minute before the flowers disappeared. I'm so glad we scheduled on the quick, because I love the ages and stages of these beautiful boys. I've been photographing this crew since Nick (3) was a newborn, and getting to watch him grow into a doting big brother to Evan (1) has been so rewarding. The contagious smiles and endless energy of these two guarantees their parents are on their toes pretty much always. I see these guys a couple of times a year, and I'm amazed at how fast the boys are growing. Seeing their little lives documented as they grow makes me hope they look back and remember that they were buddies from the start. I hope it makes them remember their mom and dad's patience and calm even as they chased after one boundary testing big brother while his little brother watched, learning. He just kept running away, and they kept chasing him down and bringing him back. I hope they know their parents seemed to have in mind that this is what little ones do, how they explore... I hope they can see how loved they were from the get go.

Two, On the Way

Their twins arrived at the end of May, and we spent a few minutes before sunset documenting Marie's pregnancy before the endless rain came. The location we used would be under water by the time the babies arrived, but this was an evening of a quiet calm. When a photo session serves the purpose of recording the kind of day that is all the good stuff of a family lived out authentically as I shoot, I get excited about sharing these images.

Superheroes Among Us

My brother Josh graduated from high school in May, and in the tradition of the shoemaker's children, we did a few senior photos at the last minute. At the end of the session we took this series, and they continue to make me smile. Josh is one of those great kids who can both make you laugh and speak with respect. He loves baseball and our siblings' kids. He works hard. He is considerate. I still picture a curly-headed tot when I think about Josh. I can't imagine that he's entered the stage of life where it's time to start college and chase dreams and find his feet as an adult. But I know it's true. With his kindness and steady pace, I am sure he will go far in life. I'm glad I get to be a part of the journey. If you have a superhero graduating from high school in 2016, I'd love to get a session on the books. It is so fun to capture a bit of personality while documenting the excitement of a season of beginnings and endings.

Wishes and a Little Crush

Jonny didn't love the sun in his eyes at the beginning of this session, so we found some shade under a tree in a patch of dandelions. I asked Jonny if he'd ever made a wish on a dandelion. He hadn't. I showed him how to blow the seeds, and that turned out to be a game changer. The rest of the session allowed me to capture some sweet nuances of a three-year-old boy without that pesky sun. Jonny laughed and played with me for the rest of the shoot. Jonny's mom emailed me later in the day to say that her little guy had had a great time. As they were leaving the session he asked his mom why I was married and then told her that he wanted to marry me too. That's the cutest endorsement ever and not a bad way to end a photo shoot. A few favorites...

First Family Photos

When Tricia reached out regarding a photo session, she said this would be the first collection of family photos with eight-month-old Ethan. I looked forward to documenting such a fantastic age- and in their home- where babies tend to be the most at ease with new faces. Ethan had big grins and belly laughs from the get go, and I witnessed lots of the pride, joy and delight that brightens the faces of parents watching their little one shine. New parenthood may bring challenges that requires adaptation and change, but the overarching theme I see when I meet a family for the first time is the unique beauty that their expression of love displays. This was a laid-back, simple session with that produced photographs that captures a family as they are, perfect for first family photos. I've been excited to share a sneak peek; it makes me anticipate watching little Ethan grow. It makes me anticipate the new families I've yet to meet. Lots of goodness to behold here.

Lucie: Sweet Sixteen

The first time I took Lucie's photos, she was 11. She demonstrated her dance skills with grace and poise while retaining a bit of childlike wonder about the world. I've done her photos several times through the years, and this time we celebrated her 16th birthday. At the session we chatted easily about music and school and boys and life, and afterwards she told her mom she liked doing photos with me because she gets to be herself. I loved hearing that, because when I took the photos my hope was to capture photographs that illustrate who Lucie is, not just what she looks like. She still has that grace and poise and even a bit of that childlike wonder, and she also has maturity and depth, a quick laugh and an easy smile. The next time I see her will likely be for senior portraits, and I am so excited to watch her continue to become exactly who she was made to be. She's beautiful and fun, intelligent and calm.

Easter Weekend

Over Easter we loaded our newlywed selves and the dog into my little Honda Fit and made the drive to El Paso to visit Ty's sister and her family. We didn't tell the girls we were coming; we showed up and knocked on the door. Emory (5) was in Ty's arms as soon as the door opened wide enough for her to see us. She'd had a birthday the weekend before, and we'd missed it on account of my sister's wedding. Our newly joined lives multiplied the size of our families, and I am so grateful that we not only love but quite like both sides. We spent the weekend exploring and with very little scheduling, two of my favorite ways to do life. I think Ty is at his best around his family; they fit just so. I fit right in the mix too, and these photographs are rich with memories for me. Life isn't all low-key days of ice cream and sunsets and egg dyeing and sandy desert. On the days it is, it is so very easy to remember that life is good. I love that Ty's family is now my family, and these are my people. I spend work days documenting stories for others, and I want to be intentional about doing the same for us. Sharing these makes me anticipate being together over the summer.

Introducing Hanley

Hanley slept her way through pretty much her entire newborn session, minus the last few minutes when she snuggled with her big brother and gave me a few peeks. I loved getting to hear her brothers dote and play in the background while we did her individual portraits. Trying to get the cooperation of her middle brother, though, proved to be a(n adorable) challenge when the time came for sibling shots. New baby sisters bring a bit of processing for newly promoted big brothers, so we let Payne do his thing. I love this sweet collection of photographs, and it makes me excited for my upcoming newborns as well as updating some whole family photos when Hanley's mom and dad are ready. I enjoy few things as much as capturing photos of new babies and the ways they transform a family. Hanley fits right in with her brothers, loved and lovely, the sweetest little miss.

Lexi is One!

This was of those days when I showed up with my camera, and I literally could not take enough photos of the beautiful interactions that happened. I photographed Lexi all through her first year, from when she was a bun in the oven, so I already knew we'd have good rapport. These family photos though?!? Are you kidding me? I love them so much. It has little to do with the backdrop and clothing selected. Though who doesn't love a green park in the spring and a baby girl with great accessories? It has everything to do with parents who showed up ready to engage their daughter and each other coupled with a baby who is bright-eyed, curious and adorable. I have been dying to blog these since I shot them. These are the kinds of photographs I love to create. It's kinda icing on the cake- pun intended- that the planned, staged smash cake shots decidedly did not interest Miss Lexi. She's also an independent little miss, and she didn't want cake, thank you very much. Want photographs like this of your favorite little(s) and family? Shoot me an email, and let's make a date! In addition to DFW sessions, I'm booking in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky (June), Raleigh, North Carolina (August) and Boston, Massachusetts and Hartford, Conneticut (September). Don't see your city listed? Reach out, and we can make it happen!

Rylee's Senior Portraits

Rylee plans to attend Tech in the fall, but not before she attends not one but four proms and graduates. This girl exudes confidence and style, and she was both gracious and fun to work with on creating a fun and unique senior session. We used North Oak Cliff as a backdrop, and while we hoped for a bit of golden hour sunset light, the overcast day was perfect for some moodier photos. They suited Rylee's style, so I'm glad that's how the day went. I am sure she'll do well no matter where she goes or what she pursues, and I'm excited to see how life takes shape for her.

Macy's Senior Portraits

I've known Macy since she was a baby, so that added significance to getting to do her senior portraits. We opted for a Cowtown session, and Sundance Square feels downright European these days. If there's something I'd say of Macy it's that she's retained a childlike awe and wonder at the world while becoming a confident young woman. That is a stunning combination. She has big dreams and bold confidence. She is ready to launch, and her parents are the kind of people who have done the hard work of learning how to let go so that they can see their children thrive. I see in Macy a woman of faith and character, of courage and humility. I know those traits will serve her well as she steps out into the world. She knows she is a child of God; she knows she is loved. It makes me so happy to know that Macy is already on the grand adventure of discovering how her identity fits in to making the world a better place. I hope these photographs communicate some of the light and life Macy brings when she walks into a room. It's compelling and beautiful to see.

Fairy Doors, Part Two of Nadine's Three-Year Photos

Donna first noticed a red hand-painted door in a tree on a morning run in the neighborhood, and in the coming weeks she noticed more along the trail. She refers to them as fairy doors, and they're a family favorite "I spy" affair for an afternoon walk. A three-year-old with a vivid imagination made a photo shoot themed around visiting the fairy doors a perfect activity for creating a memory and taking some photographs. We'd done a few photos a couple of weeks prior on a rainy day. I'm so glad we arranged to these photos on an unseasonably warm late winter afternoon. It was laid-back and lovely, with warm light and lots of laughter as I got to hang out with one of my favorite families to document three years of Nadine's amazing life. I love the end result.

Georgia is One!

Georgia, my second-born niece, turned one in February, and of course we did some portraits. I don't know how she went from newborn to six-month-old to a one-year-old who chirps, "Enin" when she sees me. She's got a whole lot of "What's that?" in her world these days. She is curious and calm. She is serious and silly. She loves to dance, to read, to play with her favorite doll. She has made our whole family's lives sweeter by being her own little self. Georgia's independence means she doesn't always want to be picked up and held, but she's always game for playing on the floor. We did her first birthday photos just before her party, and she loved having all her people around to celebrate her. When it came time for cake, we sang, and she stared. She was cautious in her approach until she realized cake is sweet. Then she laughed between bites and went to town. I love this little girl to the sky and back and am so glad I get to be a part of who she becomes. Being her auntie is the best.

Before the Tooth Fairy's Services Were Required

When Laurie reached out to me regarding photographs of her son, "just a few," she mentioned, "because we want to capture his smile before his baby teeth fall out." Brice used his tongue to demonstrate loose front teeth when I arrived. Laurie suggested the swing in the front yard, because it's a family favorite. I was charmed by a little boy who told me he loved staying in hotels and ordering room service and who beamed when is dad teased him. I so look forward to capturing some family photos soon, but this session endeared me because it was scheduled with the recognition that Brice is growing up. The desire to preserve a bit of his babyhood and early boyhood visually made me so happy to be the photographer hired. Brice and I hung out a bit on our own, and towards the end of our session, he asked me if I worked for someone. He got a lesson in self-employment before he turned to me with a grin and said, "Well, all the people should hire you. You're really good at what you do." I'll take a seven-year-old endorsement any day. I left with a full heart and a simple collection of photographs of a fleeting, nuanced moment in this boy's life.

Last week Laurie and I poured over Brice's gallery and made selections for enlargements to hang as art in their home. While I was there, one of those loose teeth fell out, making the services of the tooth fairy a requirement. A misty-eyed mama recalled her teething baby and thanked me for capturing her son. The timing was perfect; the photographs were done and will soon deck the walls of their home, a reminder of days gone by that hopefully build anticipation of all that is to come as Brice grows up.

Nadine is Three, Part One

We planned Nadine's three-year photos around having golden hour light to compliment a favorite family outing. On the morning of the scheduled session, rain set in, so we rescheduled the bulk of her portrait session. Her parents were on a deadline for a few photos, though, so we did a mini-session on the front porch of their house. I'm so glad we did, because while the second part of her three-year photos is really fun (and will be shared soon), I love the beauty seen here. I see Nadine's contagious joy. It lights her face all the way into her eyes. I see the way she loves and is loved. I see a child I've known since birth coming into her own, secure in her identity because her parents are raising her to be strong and brave and honest and good. I've been doing Nadine's photos since she was born, and she's my little buddy, counting herself my friend right alongside her parents (she's right). That said, it makes me so happy to share these.