On the Bayou: Part Deux {The R Family Photographer: Slidell, Louisiana}

Think of a two lane highway, a wobbly old bridge, parking on the side of the road. Think of unloading babies and tip-toeing through slick mud and briers, sand and grass all mixed together. Think of a clearing, and a fast moving river named for an oyster's treasure. A clear sky, happy little boys running around, and a couple who is married, but flirt like they are still dating. I felt so lucky to be the one to capture these moments. Its like I was peeking through a window into their precious life. The boys were in the sweetest moods. And the chill mood everyone seemed to have really fueled it. They played in the sand, waded into shin deep water. We were entertained by a shrimp boat with a curious puppy. A puppy, who upon seeing those gorgeous little boys, hopped right out of that shrimp boat and swam right up to us. And Momma H and I cringed, because we all know what wet dogs do. They find the cutest, cleanest person, and shake all their(muddy river) water off. But this puppy just sniffed a little and went on his way. I saw amazement in little eyes so many times during our session. It really was a play date.
It was such a pleasure taking your family portraits again, especially on a bright day with smiling kiddos. (Our original session was plagued with mosquitoes, tropical downpours, and, well, the sun going down.) I would say that we had everything right going for us this time around:





























It's just easy to take beautiful pictures of beautiful people.

Thanks so much to the R Family!

Miss Maggie turns Two!

It was only recently that I found the true meaning of a birthday celebration. Its easy to get lost in the commercial aspect of "every one's designated day to get gifts." But to really, fully, enthusiastically, joyfully celebrate the anniversary of ones birth can be... overwhelming. Its the day that Chris and I became "Daddy and Mommy." It was Day #1 of our brand new life together. A life of babysitters, vacations, car seats, baby food, happy meals. She started it all. And she's this funny little person that chases me around, says the most unbelievable things, and just blows me away with some of the things she comes up with. So with her becoming more and more aware, we were faced with a "bird-day party" and what exactly the "theme" would be. Being that she feels like anyone with red hair and a crown is "Princess Maggie," in her own words, we thought that a princess party would be fun. And somehow cupcakes got involved. And so it morphed. A Princess Cupcake Decorating Party at Princess Maggie's Palace. We celebrated two beautiful, healthy, hilarious, loving, amazing years of this little person's life. And it was happy and quite honestly, could not have worked out better. The kiddos did an amazing job. There was no real serious mess (especially thankful to the two wonderful nieces who cleaned up the whole place!!), just imaginations hard at work. Which cupcake flavor, which icing color, and for goodness sake, which sprinkles?! There was almost a hush that came over the 20+children and adults working on their creations. It was beautiful. I had a natural high for about 3 days after that party. And although she was a tad overwhelmed, and slightly embarrassed when we sang "Happy Birthday," she really enjoyed her day and all her super awesome presents. Thanks for a wonderful time everyone!



















Oh, and is it just me, or....


Yes, she is my darling little cupcake.

Down on the Bayou {The R Family Photographer: Bayou Liberty, Louisiana}

"Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and file' gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio.
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou."


Thank you, Hank Williams. You always know just what to say.

Every time I drive into Bayou Liberty I sing this song in my head. This particular location is what I would describe as "So Louisiana." For example: I met the R Family and while we were getting set up, we watched as a fisherman hopped out of her truck just as the rain stopped, and with her cast net and fishing pole, plucked a few perch and a few bait fish from the water. And just as fast as she was there, she was gone again. So Louisiana. We waited for the last of the rain to finish falling, and got settled on the docks and piers for some truly stunning shots. Rain clouds still in the sky, silhouettes of Spanish moss hanging from the cypress trees in the background, we got our shots. Since we waited for the rain to stop, and we were losing light so rapidly, we decided this would be just a "mini-shoot" and would reschedule the other half for another day. Heidi, her fabulous husband and gorgeous boys were perfect models. The older boy is a little comedian, and you can tell how much he loves his mommy and daddy. The little man is about as adorable as they get. Its so refreshing to see a couple so in love and that adore their little ones so much. Can't wait to get some more shots of such a beautiful family.

Enjoy!
















Thanks to the R Family for asking me to take their portraits. I can't wait to do the other half of our session!

Sweet Girls {Family Photographer: Slidell, Louisiana}

So I'm sure I've made it abundantly obvious that I am just madly in love with my two little girls. They are the sunshine of my life. They make me happier than I have ever been, and every breath I've taken since they were born has been sweeter. My little bitty one is Mollie. She's just turned 6 months old. And I just can't believe it. I remember clear as day when I found out we would be having our second baby. I remember the way she felt in my arms when she was first born, all wrapped up and warm against me. Once she started smiling, she never really stopped. She's such a happy baby, and already has us cracking up. What a lovely little being she is.
With a handful of new props (a gorgeous brown and cream floral background and one fabulous floral accent)we took a few minutes to try to capture this magical little person. And she SO delivered.

Here are a few of my favorites from our little shoot:










And of course big sister, all graceful and statuesque:





I love these gorgeous girls of mine so much. And I love so much how they love each other.

Miss Busy Body {Children's Photographer: Slidell, Louisiana}

Well, my little darling is about to turn two, and everyday I feel like she's getting closer and closer to being a big girl. She gets so excited about new things, and she is the definition of a busy body. She's constantly getting into something. She's the funniest little person, and I just can't get over how much she's changing. I'm pretty sure she's the curse my momma always threatened me with. "I hope you have one JUST like you!" Well, mom, all I can do is tell you, based on all the stories about myself that I've heard of mischief and curiosity, I think we're there. She's got a such a strong personality already. And she says some of the most hilarious things. When I yell from the kitchen, "Whatcha doooin'?" she's already answering "nooothing!!" So with her being at such a fun little age, I thought it would be just the right time for a photo shoot!

She was waiting for her daddy to get home, and insisted on wearing her tutu and fairy wings. (Alright, mommy might have encouraged her a little...) Special thanks to her fabulous cousins, Kassy and Sarah, who helped so much with getting these pictures. Their photo shoot will be posted soon!!
These are just a few of my favorites.















Lovin' this life. One day at a time.

D.J. and Will {Senior Photographer, Slidell, Louisiana}

D.J.

So I'm 25, and I graduated high school in 2002. It literally feels like yesterday to me. But it wasn't yesterday. It was 8 years ago. And if I told you how hard that is for me to believe, you'd kill me. Because 8 years isn't really that long ago, and I know that. But let me just tell you, hanging out with two guys that are about to be Seniors (with a capital S, because they are the Big Dogs on campus.) in high school for some reason made me feel really old and I don't really know why. Probably has a lot to do with one of my subjects, D.J., being my oldest nephew. He's grown up so much and has become one of the nicest, most sincere people I know. Never thought I'd say that after years of watching him as a little guy swiping toys from my mom's house to bring home. But the best part of that is he had this great little baseball cap that he'd have to fit on his head juuust right. And this little baseball cap was his vehicle for smuggling out toys. He'd get home, and take that little hat off and three or four little figurines would be perched on the top of his head. It makes me smile to think of how much of an adult he's already become. He's become so humble and mature, I can't wait to see what incredible things he'll do with his life. Here's some of my favorite shots of D.


(the teaser)















You've become such a handsome guy, and I know the future has so many wonderful things in store for you. Congratulations, D.J.!!


Will

Will and D.J. have been good friends for a while, and I had the pleasure of meeting him to do his Senior pictures. He's as polite as you can be, and although initially I thought he was quiet, his personality was shining through before I knew it. He's also another looker, and has a style all his own. It was so nice meeting you Will, you were so fun to work with. You and D.J. are such a hilarious pair. I wish you all the best! Congratulations!

Here's some of Will's fabulous shots:















Good luck guys!