Don't Forget Your Camera.

The best snapshots to capture are the real, unscripted, messy moments that happen every day.  As a photographer, you think I'd always have my camera at the ready, but sadly this is not true.  It's a hard decision to step out of being in the moment in order to photograph it.  I am so guilty of thinking "wow I wish I had a picture of this" but not following through and grabbing the camera.  I keep my "big girl" camera downstairs in my basement office where it's safe from curious toddler hands, but not very convenient as we do most of our living upstairs.

This weekend we had an impromptu visit from Grandma and Grandpa, and we baked about a zillion chocolate chip cookies.  My daughter Sarah Beth wanted to help, of course.  She donned her new apron and got to work mixing a concoction of flour, baking soda, and salt on a plate (and on the counter and on the chair and on the floor.)  She was having so much fun making a mess with Grandma, that I finally got my camera from downstairs and snapped off a few shots of the bakers.

They're not technically perfect, the light isn't great and there's random stuff in the background, but I love them and I bet Grandma will treasure them even more.  This holiday season as you gather with family and friends, don't forget to capture a few photos of sweet little memories like this.  You'll be glad you did!

"More cookies please, Grandma!"

Emma Helen and Beth

Before Thanksgiving, I had the chance to photograph my friend Beth and her beautiful daughter Emma Helen.  Beth and I were sorority sisters and roommates in college and I still don't believe we're old enough to have kids, but apparently, the 90's are long gone and we're all grown up now.  :-)

We had a fun afternoon at the park, and the light was just lovely.  Almost as lovely as these two ladies.

Emma Helen's favorite class is Drama, so we headed to the stage, naturally.

Miming "Girl Behind a Window"

"Girl Opening a Window"

Zane and Camden.

I was so excited to photograph Zane's family again!  I first met them last year when Zane was two.  Now he is a big three year old and has a precious baby sister!  Miss Camden was as sweet as she could be with big toothy smiles at her brother's silliness.  The family photos are top secret, but Mom and Dad allowed me to share a few of these for the blog.

 

 

I Heart Faces: Laughter

This week's photo challenge over at I Heart Faces is "Bust a Gut!"  You know, the kind of laughing that leaves you gasping for breath and your stomach hurting from all the giggles.  As soon as I heard the theme, I thought of this photo.  I loved these girls.  Little Miss Sydney had the most contagious laugh!  I entered another photo of them back in May, but this image seemed perfect for this week.

Need a laugh?  Head over to I Heart Faces and just try not to smile at all the unbridled joy in all these photos!

This is Max.

He is about the most smiley little boy I've ever met.  He belongs to our good friends Natalie and Mike who live in Atlanta.  We drove down for a visit a few weeks ago and take some pictures of this beautiful boy and his parents.  I took about a zillion pictures over the weekend because he's so darn cute I couldn't stop myself.  It has taken me a little while to get through them.  Here are just a few of my favorites. (Click on the image to see it larger.)

 Is there anything cuter than baby toes?  I think not.

Return to Old Salem

Last year I had the pleasure of photographing this sweet family in Old Salem up in Winston-Salem.  I was so excited to hear that they wanted to do a photo shoot again this Fall.  We returned to Old Salem since it is such a dream location for a photo session with it's wonderful old buildings and gorgeous foliage.  Katie and Maggie have grown up so much and are even more beautiful and fun if that's possible.  Thank you so much Katie and Maggie's family for allowing me to spend time with you again this year, and for giving me a reason to visit this wonderful historic town!  I hope you enjoy the preview. (Click on image to view larger.)

Grammy joined us again this year.  Such pretty ladies!

And Grammy's sister came along too.

The cowgirl outfits were ridiculously cute and the girls had so much fun!

Eli

This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting sweet baby Eli.  My friend Emily and her husband Scott adopted this precious boy when he was born, and in my completely unbiased opinion, they make an absolutely beautiful family.  He is such a happy baby, flashing those sweet little dimples when he smiles.  There is lots of love in this family and it shows.  Oh and kisses.  Lots of baby cheek kisses going on here.  How could anyone resist those cheeks?  Here's the preview:  (Click on image to see it larger.)

 

 

Eli's pretty cousins came to visit.  How cute are they?