The Pregnancy Project
Karlyn and I started this project over a year ago when she was 16 weeks pregnant. I finally stitched together our favorite images and gave this photo to her for a Christmas gift, but (as Nolan empties the recycle bin under my feet as I write this) thought now would be a great time to think back on when he was so very, very tiny!
Baylor in Stapleton
Bob and Cindy are the most amazing couple. I was honored to shoot their wedding a few years ago, and every time our paths cross, I try to take at least one photo of the two of them. They take such obvious joy in each other’s company that I simply feel better every time I’m around them. And when their son Baylor was born, it made the photography that much better. Now that they are expecting JR any day now, we did a family shoot featuring a toddler who NEVER, ever stays still. I had such a great time and think I even lost weight chasing Baylor around my new, most favorite photo site for kids and photos. I can’t wait to meet Baylor’s little brother!
We started indoors, where Baylor was conserving his energy and allowed me to capture some shots of mom and dad.
Then we headed to the park, where he did not slow down for over an hour! (Note the wonders of Photoshop: when your active toddler accidentally rams heads with another friend at preschool two days before the shoot, that black eye doesn’t have to appear in every photo!)
Every so often, I would tell Cindy and Bob to join Baylor for a family shot; even then, he’s already looking for the next play area. 
And at the end of a whirlwind trip around the park, there is nothing better than dad’s strong arms.
Thanks, Cindy and Bob, for a great time and a chance to reconnect with your adorable son.
Ashlin in Evergreen
Okay, I’m biased. As a grandparent, I take such joy in Nolan that I cannot believe my good luck. So when I had the opportunity to go to Joyce and John’s home in Evergreen because their daughter Lydia and son-in-law Bryan came home for Christmas with their darling baby Ashlin, I jumped at the chance. Ashlin was such a trouper as we changed her outfits, posed her outdoors with her family, watched her sleep, and then shot even more photos. I loved how her personality shined, especially as her dad talked to her. What a delightful experience this photo shoot was.
The first few photos show how her expressions changed within the space of less than a minute.
And all that posing necessitated a quick cat nap for the main model.
But when she woke up again, she was more than ready to play. And dance!
One of my favorite shots of the day: watching the parents watch the grandparents with Ashlin.
And a sleeping baby is the perfect “footrest” for a pair of wedding rings!
Nolan & His First Christmas
We’re pretty low key about Christmas around our house (especially because Janet and Andrew could not be with us this year), so really enjoyed going to Chris and Karlyn’s to help celebrate Nolan’s very first Christmas. Before we got there, though, I had them drop by Christmas Eve so I could experiment with my new studio lights. Nolan is such a happy, photogenic baby that I couldn’t just take photos of fruit to test out the new lights! And on Christmas morning we learned that he liked eating the wrapping paper and the gifts better than anything. Merry Christmas to all of you and may 2011 be the best year yet.
Sydney & Julie & Gabe in Stapleton
I’m starting my entry with this shot of darling Sydney because it captures so well how calm and adorable and sweet she was during this entire photo shoot. And I left her home in awe of the love Julie and Gabe have for her. I think we all had fun trying different poses and even venturing to the local park, although the wind had whipped up so much that I was doubly impressed that Gabe and Julie went out without coats! I am so glad I got to meet this wonderful couple and their sweet baby. Merry Christmas!
And my favorite shot came at the end of the shoot, with nine year old Brody protecting Sydney by the Christmas tree.
Kenzy, Tim & Maggie in Stapleton
When I met Maggie and Tim, I knew I was in for a treat. Both are delightful, friendly people who clearly enjoy the holiday season. But I wasn’t prepared for darling Kenzie. She stole my heart and has kept me smiling all week as I think about this adorable two and a half year old. From sharing her favorite toys for me to photograph to helping wrap her parents in Christmas lights to dazzling me with her smile, I was smitten throughout the photo shoot. Take a look at her and you’ll see why. Thanks, Maggie and Tim, for letting me photograph you all! Merry Christmas!
Brooklyn & Skylar in Stapleton
I had a blast photographing twin five month olds yesterday and ended up with way too many adorable photos to choose from. Take a look at Brooklyn and her brother Skylar (and parents Amanda and Shannon) and you will see why. I am so thankful (especially this week of Thanksgiving) for opportunities such as this one, as I realize again how blessed Amanda and Shannon are with these two darling kiddos and how lucky I am that I don’t have to chase after them! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, as I head to DC to spend the week with Janet and Andrew.
Neither of them could see the other as they practiced tummy time, but the resemblance was just too cute!
And I just had to snap these photos of Brooklyn reaching for Skylar’s hand, which she did in the group shot above and while they were lying near each other below. Just too sweet.
Jane & Lowell & Family in Ken Caryl Ranch
When we first moved to Colorado a long, long time ago, I got a teaching job that January at Overland High School. It was a unique situation, to say the least, but the absolute best part of the experience was getting to know the sophomores on the yearbook staff as they helped me learn the ropes and grow the program into an award winning publication in the next few years. And Christina was one of those special sophomores. When we had a chance to reconnect recently (thank you, Kurt!!), I realized once again why Christina has always held a special place in my heart. She is now married to Rob and has two adorable daughters. And when she asked me to photograph her family (including parents and sister Sabrina and John and their kids), I was thrilled. The entire family is delightful and all were willing to play with the setting (especially Sabrina, who climbed the rock face despite having a broken leg!) as we fought against the dying of the light (first day of standard time). Thank you, all, for a great experience.
I’ve been having a lot of fun asking my subjects to pose with this simple, white picture frame. Following are some with the background in black and white, some normal, and one that was too cute not to post!
I had already put my camera away when the kids found the most adorable puppy walking with his nice owner near the tennis courts. So I HAD to take it out again to snap the next two shots. I’m so glad I did!!
Angelina & Julianna Ready for Christmas!
I think Marie earns the award for the best prepared mom at a photo session ever. Not only did she put together the cutest “set” for Angelina’s themed pink photos, but she also gift wrapped a huge box and decorated the entire area for Christmas. The entire shoot was fun, but the photos of the kids were amazing, thanks to Marie! Enjoy!
The girls were so cute together, with Julianna not exactly sure what to do with her little cousin.
This was the first day of “standard” time, so the light outside was beautiful, the leaves plentiful, and Julianna adorable!
Matthew, Lauren & Kate in Aurora
When Debbie contacted me about taking photos of her five year old son and three and a half year old twin daughters, I was thrilled for several reasons. I had the privilege of teaching Debbie many years ago and so looked forward to reconnecting. And meeting her husband Brian and her adorable three kids was the highlight of my day. She is just as wonderful as I remembered and her family, well, just take a look to see how beautiful they are!
Nothing like a ladybug to capture the attention of the models!
