Mona's boys...take 2!

Remember how I told you the Saturday before last I took pictures of Mona's family and it rained and poured? Well, we didn't get to the nature center for the last half of the session, so we made it this past Saturday. I am really starting to feel like part of the family...I may just show up and hang out with them this Saturday as well!

This is one of VERY few candid shots I got...they were too smart for me...always checking to see where I was with my camera. I couldn't love it more though.

This bridge was scary to say the least...especially with two guys jumping (they say swaying) up and down while trying to walk across it. The sunset behind them was definitely worth the walk across.

This guy (a.k.a Paul) is madly in love with Mona. It showed in every picture how much he adores her...so sweet. I have more mushy ones, but without Mona's approval I better saves those for her viewing ☺

Thanks again guys for hanging out with me on Saturday, the great dinner I was treated to, and not dropping me off in the middle of nowhere as I first suspected! I really hope you enjoy the pictures.

Mona's Boys

This past weekend my dear friend and coworker, Mona, asked me to take some pictures of her and her boys. Despite some drenching rain and wind, I think we got a few good shots!

Mona's oldest...Isn't he a good looking guy?! Sorry ladies, he is taken.

Mona's youngest...another good looking guy! Sorry ladies, he is taken also. It's hard to stay single when your this handsome.

This is Mona and her hubby, Paul. The proud parents. And a beautiful couple I might add.

Miss Mona (that's what I call her) really wanted some pictures of her boys together before the oldest leaves for college this fall. Since I have two boys, as well, I couldn't help but imagine myself in her shoes a couple years down the road from now. I can't imagine them EVER moving out. I will need pictures too when that time comes.

They are such a fun family. They never once rolled their eyes at my crazy ways...at least not that I saw. I guess Ian kept giving me bunny ears when I wasn't looking, but hey, it got Aaron to laugh some at my lack of awareness (this is becoming more and more common for me).

The boys kept telling me that they really, really didn't care for each other...I know that deep down they love one another and just didn't want me to know it. I begged them to hug for a picture, but got a 'NO WAY' look.

Thanks Mona for asking me to take these pictures. Paul, thanks for being our chauffeur in between downpours. And Ian and Aaron, thanks for putting up with my dorkiness...I had a great time!

Flowering Trees. My favorite.

I love spring. I love signs of spring. I especially love the flowering trees.

It feels so good to welcome spring!

Twins Turn One

Oh my stars, do you remember Joe and Kora? They just turned one. I can't believe it! To celebrate the big occasion we took a few pictures to capture just how precious they are at ONE!

Isn't she darling?!

And Joe, he is too cute!

They are starting to walk, but crawling still seems to be the faster option at times.

Look at them SO big. Adorable. Joe must of found his pocket and I'm sure he is telling sister all about it.

There's nothing cuter than a baby, I mean big boy, in overalls without a shirt. Nothing.

Well, maybe so...A little girl in an overall skirt and no shirt with her brother.

What can I even say about this picture? I love it. She was so content to just stand there and pose. I really need a girl...or at least one I can barrow and dress up this cute!

He couldn't quite figure out what we were doing in a wheat field, but all you had to do was call his name and he smiled right at you.

I'm sure they thought we were crazy.

Joe wasn't fond of this hat. Doesn't he look handsome in it though?!

One of my favorites.

Joe and his hat again...Kora just couldn't figure out why we kept putting it on and running.

And this is my absolute favorite picture from the session...I'm not sure why. I just love everything about it.

Thanks Justin and Jolie for asking me to be apart of such a fun moment in time for these little ones! I can't wait to watch them grow and change even more.

Baby Briggs...6 months old already!

Do you remember baby Briggs??

Of course, you do! How could you forget a face like that?! And those bright blue eyes?! He was only 3 months old here...so precious.

I was also asked to document his 6 month milestone. It's always good to have a returning customer, especially when it means I get to watch these little ones grow!

I am so excited to share these pictures with you! He is such a handsome little chunk! Be forewarned, viewing these may cause you to have extreme baby fever...or maybe just me.

He can sit up now and has the cutest rolls...

Look how his little cheeks have filled out...I'm sure they are kissed frequently.

He thinks his mom and auntie are a little out there, but that didn't stop him from laughing.

It took him only seconds to figure out that the baby in the mirror would smile back.

Isn't this the cutest hat ever?! It sure caught Briggs attention. His Auntie is somethin' else when it comes to knitting!

Yummmm. Forget the baby in the mirror, this is interesting!

Ankle rolls, chubby toes...

Babies, overalls, and no shirt...sigh.

Love, love, love these eyes!

He has a tooth. One tooth. He worked very hard on it.

And this is my absolute favorite picture. Why didn't I take pictures of my own kids sooner? I could frame this for myself and claim him as my own.

I have been practicing with textures and frames...I really like how this one turned out. Wait. Who am I kidding? I LOVE how this one turned out! There is something about an old photo that tells a great story...and so does this picture.

Thanks again Clay and Mariah for asking me to take these pictures! I enjoyed every moment of it!

new experience.

I was asked to take pictures of a motorcycle...It was my first time photographing a still life that was SO shiny! I can honestly say I learned a lot about still images and clear coats on newly painted motorcycles.

#1 Don't wear your sky blue scrubs from work to take the pictures in outdoors because your reflection can be seen in all images!
#2 Make sure your kids are NOT staring into the fender at the same time you are shooting. They WILL show up.
#3 Dust is a clear coats enemy. Choose a non-dusty road to have pictures taken at.


This was my favorite picture from the session. The guy that painted this is an incredibly talented artist at JostruX. I would show you more pictures of the actual artwork, but to get the full effect you must visit his website to see all the updated pictures of his latest piece of work. You will be amazed. He also does upholstery and I have an antique rocker that is his calling his name. I am SO excited to get it reupholstered and showcase it in the new house (if it's ever done, the house that is).

If I only had his talent...oh, the thinks I could think. Name that author...we've read it too many times today.

Free Photoshop Actions.

I have recently come across some really great blogs that offer a ton of freebies for Photoshop that include brushes, frames, textures, clipping masks, fonts, layer masks, and many tutorials. As a thank you to these generous artists for their time and talent I would like to link them to share with you. It's always nice to leave them a comment to say 'thanks' or even to send a quick email to share your creations you've made with their help. Just click on the pictures below for a direct link to their blog! If you find any of these blogs helpful I would love to hear about it and see your creations!



















And this one, well, it's not free, BUT, it is a GREAT website for learning! I'm NOT kidding! I know I have a few of you out there in blogland that are passionate photography enthusiast just like me. JOIN this site! They have forums with every kind of tutorial imaginable, constructive critique of any photo you want advice on, lessons, and challenges. They have photography vendors that offer amazing discounts to members and donate big prizes for contests. Many, many galleries to browse also. Just click on the link below or the one in the upper left hand corner of my blog. They also have a special right now for $5 off a new member if you enter the code FRIEND while signing up!! So go, right now, and sign up!

I have a quite a few more photography blogs that I like to check in on every now and then, so if you found this post helpful let me know and I will post some more links! Enjoy!