So maybe I’m a little prejudiced because she is my neice, but isn’t she the cutest?  Who cares if the only way we could get her to sit still was to give her goldfish, right? 

My neice Emma is here visiting – I haven’t seen her in a long time!  She is 15 months now and walking, walking, walking!  As a matter of fact, she is either walking or eating, so you have to be quick to take her picture!

Tomorrow is her big photoshoot – this is just one from today -

So here we are at the end of another year – and wow what a year it has been!  I could say that it was quite possibly the worst year of my life – but what fun would that be?  You take your lumps, learn from them and move on, right?  I would not be the person I am today without the wonderful support system of my friends and family.  And, I don’t know how so many wonderful customers found me in 2011 but I know I am *the* luckiest photographer in Midlothian (Roanoke and Penfield too) to have been able to work with you all.  You help make my dreams come true as I continue to grow and learn as a photographer.  I am so thankful you all are in my life!

So, are y’all ready for the roller coaster ride of 2012?  I am SO ready!  Next week 29 boys and girls will become part of my new “family” as I return to the world of teaching.  I cannot wait to start as well as continue on with my photography career.  No one knows what the future holds but I know it will be filled with laughter, love and light.  So buckle your seat belts and get ready because the ride is about to start!

Cheers!

And of course, a few pics . . . some of my favorite shots from recent photoshoots w/ the kids .

So . . . when another photographer asks you to shoot their family (or extended family, as in this case) – let’s just say the pressure is on a little bit.  And that it’s very flattering, knowing there are a lot of good photographers in the Midlo area.  Jenny Hughes used to live right down the street from me, but last year moved to Seattle.  She is the genius behind Jenny Hughes Photography and is the cutest thing.  Plus her daughters are just beautiful.  While I was a little nervous about it, I feel like our personalities are kind of similar so I knew it would be bunches of fun!

I met them at the Mines today and I have to say it was more than fun – it was a blast!  We did some serious family shots – but I’m sharing the fun ones we did after that – because those are my favorites. 

Look at those gorgeous eyes . . .

black and white or color?  I liked them both . .  .

Thanks again y’all – I really had fun and it was so good to see you Jenny!

Thanks to you too Linda!

haha – I can joke like that because “C” has come for pictures about four times in the past year and her mom is super sweet!  So – I hope this post puts a smile on your face – because these pictures made me smile.

“C” started out shy – maybe some seperation anxiety going on - common for an 18 month old . . .

But she thought the jingle ornament was pretty cool  . . . .

Yea – well, we had to scrap the Rudolph ears – quickly!

and she wasn’t digging the red and green santa hat either . . .

Just when I thought we were on to some smiles- I noticed her finger (haha) . . .

but after all that – she smiled the nicest smiles!  I love it when a session ends with the best smiles last   What a cutie!

This set of pictures has got to be one my all time favorites with baby/mom interaction.  I can just feel the love Sarah has for baby G - she is radiating happiness!  I love it!

Well, I got to meet Mr. N a week or two ago and I have to say he was the most energetic little four year old I’ve ever seen!  He was facinated by the leaves and threw them anywhere and everywhere that he could.  His blue eyes were just gorgeous but he would hardly stand still long enough for me to focus on them before he was off again looking for leaves. 

See what I mean – gorgeous . . .

His super special mama . . .

I love this one -

and the best smile of the day was the last smile.  Sometimes that is how it works – but when it comes to super cute smiles, I’m not picky

Thanks for your help Linda M – and I hope you like them J.

Sometimes we are afraid of change as it disrupts our routine in life.  Sometimes change is welcome.  Big changes are happening in my personal life that are having an effect on my photography career.  As a result of something that has happened, I am going back to teaching.  This does not mean I am going to give up on my love for photography -but just merely take a side step for a short time.  I will only be able to do sessions on the weekend from now on (except in the summer when I can work full time).  If you would like to book a session in the coming months, just keep in mind that sessions are limited (so book early). 

In my case change is good and I am thrilled with my new teaching job!  Thank you all for the support you have shown me over the past few years as I grew into the photographer that I am today.  I wouldn’t be where I am without all of your feedback and love.  I am so blessed to have been able to spend time with my children while doing something that I absolutely adore.  I don’t know where this journey in life will take me, but you can be sure that photography will always be a part of it!

Cheers!

Baby G came the other day for a few family shots.  Towards the end of the shoot he started getting tired so I pulled out a large ornament for him to hold.  He wasn’t so sure he liked it at first . . .

But then he couldn’t get enough of it . . .

Seriously – could he be any cuter?

What expressions he had!

Your shoots are always so much fun G! Can’t wait for the next one!

Jacquelyn, the mom of the “P” family, was one of the winners this month of a free sitting – and booked right away.  I got to meet her four beautiful daughters at the Mines last weekend for this shoot – and what personalities they had!  Full of spunk and each one so different!  Here is just a sample from that day . . .

I love this one – oh the personality!

Work it, work it . . .

Thanks for the fun shoot – so glad you guys won!