I photographed this brother and sister combo last year around this time. I was so glad Mom contacted me to photograph them this year. She does a really good job of capturing them each year and they are good sports about being photographed. Both of them are so photogenic and such a pleasure to work with. Happy holidays, Kaitlyn and Arin!

This isn’t just any family session. These are my dear friends Samantha and Matt and their two lovely children Ava, 8, and Sage, 5. I’ve known Samm since college and she’s still the same:  carefree, witty, sincere, and trusting. We don’t see each other often but when we do, it’s like we were never apart.

Matt wanted this session to be a surprise for his and Samm’s anniversary, but he made an extremely wise decision by telling Samm about it beforehand. Husbands, take a cue from Matt and always, always tell your wife when you schedule a photo session. We wives like to get ready for these events. Being the smart guy Matt is, he told Samm and all is right with the universe. Samm looked beautiful and that’s all that matters, right? I’m so honored to be the one they chose to photograph them all in my favorite Texas city:  Austin.

Wish I could see you all more! Love ya!

Lesli

I’ve known this family for years of seeing them at daycare, birthday parties, YMCA,  gymnastics, and other gatherings. Their kids are fantastic, a compliment to mom and dad as parents. We visit when we can, often in a rush because it’s a week day and there is always somewhere we all have to be. So, this was a nice departure from the hustle and bustle of the work week. This Saturday was beautiful. I was able to capture them as a whole family. Right away, I can tell they are very happy together. Dad was, as he always is, friendly and happy to be there. Mom is laid back, funny, and calm. Their children are not only adorable but happy, fun-loving, and content. Isn’t that the way every family should be?  Mr. J ran around like any pre-school boy would do. He gravitated to the sticks, rocks, grass, etc. Miss M and Miss A were like young models! Miss M, I’m serious. I hope to get the chance to photograph your beautiful face (those eyes are stunning!) when you are a  high school senior! Thank you, L family, for choosing me to record this day for you!

Kaitlyn and Arin have been photographed together for holiday cards since they were babies. Now that they are teenagers and Kaitlyn will graduate this year, they wanted something more mature and contemporary. These two definitely have that brother/sister chemistry, teasing each other in a playful way, yet still loving. I asked younger brother Arin if he thought he would miss Kaitlyn when she leaves for college next summer. He paused and thought for a moment. “I haven’t thought about it much yet. I’m sure it will be weird without her.” (This is not an exact quote, but close enough!). Arin, you will miss her. And she will miss you. Your brother/sister relationship will evolve into a new one, and you will remain close but in a different way. Thank you for letting me photograph the two of you together for this very special 2010 holiday season!

The last time I photographed this beautiful family, they had one precious baby. Now, they have two! How exciting to watch a family grow! I especially enjoy moms and dads that are relaxed and easy-going. That makes the session go smoothly. And if something doesn’t go as planned (it ALWAYS does!), nobody freaks out. For example, we had to convince E that she had ketchup on her toe instead of a small amount of blood from stubbing her toe while running down the hill in Discovery Green by George R. Brown. She bought it! (Actually, she’s takes after mom and dad, so she’s naturally good-natured)

The O’Connors are exceptionally easy to work with and their pictures are testament to this. I was able to shoot quite a few natural shots, mainly because they were themselves. Yes, I do wait for the right moments and try to capture them, but the O’Connors certainly contributed to these lovely photographs. Way to go, you all! Hugs and kisses to E and R (names not posted for privacy reasons:)

E imitating Swiper from Dora! So cute!

I never pack up my camera. This shot is one good reason.

I absolutely adore this photo. The way they are looking at each other is priceless!

This session was definitely meant to be! On a cloudly day, with rain clouds looming over us, I met Ashley and Jeff and their two lovely children at a park near downtown Houston for their family photo shoot. As soon as we finished, the rain began to POUR! We couldn’t have timed it any better!

I do like to mention a little something about each session I have, particularly the people I photograph. The dynamics of a family are easily exposed during a photo session. As the photographer, it is my job to be aware of what’s going on in front of me and to try to work with the client(s), help them relax, etc. Being a photographer means being an observer, so I have learned and continue to practice this.

Remember, the weather was ominous, and did I mention the mosquitos? They were FIERCE! This session had all the makings of a disaster. But you know what? It was far from it. The Days are a happy family. I saw this through my lens. Not that I didn’t know it already. I’ve known them for almost 2 years. They moved from New Orleans to Houston soon after Katrina. They had to completely uproot themselves from what they called home for a long time, yet they are the most grounded family I know. They are laid back, funny, real, and loving to their children. It does show in their children, too. I think kids are shaped by lots of things. They are certainly born with a personality. But their parents have a considerable impact on how they develop. Both the Day children are happy, content, and loved. That is a tribute to their parents! So, here are a few pics of this “connected” family. Enjoy!