{Expecting: Renee and her little ones}

I had an absolute blast meeting Renee and her two beautiful kids, and bun in the oven! I was warmly greeted with smiles and down right amazing lighting. Her walls consisted of wonderfully large windows- which is my favorite for having to shoot inside. I must confess- there are a lot of photos of Renee and her children so it wasn't solely a mamma's maternity shoot, but those kids just exemplify who she is! Willing to do whatever I asked, Renee was an awesome model. I can't wait to work with her and her family in the future! Renee- thank you so much for welcoming me into your home. 

Valentine's Day Memories

So I did some quick edits of past photographs, some couples and families, ones that I love and think encompass the idea behind "Valentine's Day." 

Hopefully you've had a love filled day making memories with the meaningful people in your life.

I'm still booking Valentine's Day couple's sessions, check out the info here, I'll be in Vancouver this weekend. Then the last weekend I'll be in the Canby/Salem area on Saturday and Vancouver on Sunday.

I know V-Day isn't the easiest for some, today definitely hasn't been a stellar day for myself, but a friend posted this on Facebook and I think it's worthy of being said again: "To all those that are really struggling this holiday due to relationships or even death, just know that God's love isn't seasonal."  So if that's you may you be comforted by God today and know that tomorrow's another day.

But to those of you who have had a fabulous day, I'm glad, because Valentine's day really should be a happy day if there ever is one in a year. I can't wait to start doing more couple sessions, they're beginning to become some of my favorite shoots. And remember, you don't have to be engaged or married to get some fun couple portraits!

From a maternity shoot last year.

A little bit of fun from a family session this winter.

Hannah & Kyle's engagement session.

A re-post of my Valentine.

Cousin love at a family vacation.

From a family session.

A candid photo on a hike to the Ilwaco lighthouse.

My parents- eww (;

Amazed what my 50 mm can do on it's own- I love the texture.

From a beach walk last summer.

Enjoy!

Family Laughter

It's 11:33 pm and 11 adults are currently playing Balderdash and laughing to beat the band. I love my family. Once 9 pm hits the drinks, food, and games come out and by the end of the night we have so many good one liners we could write a book. I love sitting back, listening to everyone and what crazy movie plots or acronyms they come up with.

Every year, on my father's side, we pool our Christmas money and rent a beach house for a weekend in exchange for Christmas gifts for individual people. So it's it's my two uncles and their wives and kids. In all there is 14 of us, 4 of those being kids. It's an absolutely blast getting to spend quality time with them instead of trying to buy gifts. 

Earlier today we took family photos and then set up a black background. I'm the official family photographer which can be nice and not so much at times. I love taking photos for everyone, but sometimes the editing afterwards can be overwhelming, but in the end it's so worth it... Many of my best portfolio pieces have come from family vacations. My favorite thing is to take candids of everybody and capture the funny moments. Here are some of the photos from today. I have such a beautiful family!

Hey eyes are stunning. No editing!

So enthralled with the card tricks.

Baby Bears

They are SO beautiful, it's a bit ridiculous.

The Crazy Cousins.

My man.

The parents.

The newest addition!

Enjoy!