The old folks - my mom and dad!

I'm so happy to share these portraits - of two of my best friends, who also happen to be my parents, Chuck and Jean Wood. Karen (my twin sister) and I have always been so proud to be their daughters. Soon they will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Besides being the best parents in the entire world, my Mom and Dad are such interesting and giving people. My dad has devoted his life to helping children and their families by working in special education as a school psychologist and administrator; and my mom has devoted her life to taking care of others - my grandparents, her aging aunts and uncles, many elderly people around my hometown, as a volunteer medical first responder, and as a school bus driver.

Today I took a few portraits of them on our family farm near Westphalia, Kansas. I hope to do more in the spring when it's warmer, and everything is blooming, and hopefully get my kids in some of the portraits as well.

I think it's pretty neat that these are the first portraits with my new camera - considering my mom and dad are two of my biggest fans and supporters.

Love you mom and dad!

Last Outdoor holiday session of the season...

... And I ended it in a great way - with a family who I love! I photograph them all of the time, we've become great friend and their kids are just the most wonderful little human beings. Nevermind that my son wants to marry their youngest daughter - even though they are both only 5! Shelly and Scott - thank you so much for being such great friends and clients.

I have to say... I'm sad this is probably my last outdoor session of the year. A new Nikon D700 just arrived yesterday and a 24-70mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens as well. For a Nikon portrait photographer like me, there's nothing better. I may have to run a December special to get people out into the cold, cold world so I can get to know my new camera and lens - all at a very steep discount to make the cold session worth it to you! If you are interested, give me a call, or send an email. I'll probably be sending out a newsletter with a special offer as well.

Beautiful baby girl

This baby is just so beautiful - my camera just loves her! She took quite a while to settle but when she did, the results were pure magic. Mom Lindsey loves my dark portraits - it's such a great feeling to have clients who seek me out for my style of portraits, and then love the results as much as I do. Thank you so much, Lindsey and David, for choosing me to document this special time in your life. I'm honored to be your photographer. Enjoy the preview - your gallery will be ready soon!

Happy first birthday!

I had so much fun yesterday photographing this little man. He will celebrate his first birthday very soon. I can just imagine it - "C" enjoying his birthday cake surrounded by this three "older" sisters. Krestin has the sweetest children - they make my job easy!

Here's a few to look at while you await your gallery. Thank you so much for choosing me for this really special session. (you can click on them to see them better).

Matt & Erica - Engagement portraits

I'm a bit slow - until yesterday I had never done a portrait session in Loose Park. I think I assumed it would be so full of photographers that we would never fine a place for portraits. But goodness, it's a beautiful place, and I've totally changed my mind about it - Loose Park will now be on my list of outdoor session places, thanks to Matt and Erica, who asked me to photograph them there for their engagement portraits.

Erica and Matt - I really enjoyed spending time with you both yesterday. Here's a few proofs to enjoy while I get your gallery ready.

I *heart* babies

I love love love newborn sessions. This one was no exception - mom is a dance teacher at the Academy of the Arts dance studio, and bless her, Laura taught class just a few days before delivering this cuddly little guy. Here's a preview - enjoy! Your gallery will be ready in a few days.

Pinkalicious!

This baby girl is just so incredibly cute. All six-month-olds are, of course. But this little gal - chubby, happy, bright-eyed and with the cutest expressions - was just extra fun. Plus, she looks just like her daddy. She was just a few days old last time I saw her - ohmygoodness, it's always a shock to see them a few months later.

Erin and Dave - thank you for bringing her in - I can't wait to show you her gallery. But until then, a few to tide you over.

Fun family in Topeka

On Sunday I drove to Topeka to photograph a really fun family outdoors. Tara - I know you have been waiting very patiently! I have only started to edit your session, but here are a few that caught my eye. Thanks for being such a fan of mine. I promise to get you your gallery soon!

They all love their Harleys:

Love this romantic one:Mom and Dad have their own moment:

Journeys

As many of you know, this photographic journey of mine started not so long ago. I'm still getting used to this new me - the photographer, not the writer or editor. One thing I loved about writing was being able to tell people's stories. To honor their lives. To say something about humankind. I'm finding, of course, that this new career of mine has put me on a different yet very similar path.

Many photographers talk about an intimacy with their camera. They talk feeling as if it is an extension of themselves. I'm not there yet. Sometimes I still feel like I don't fully understand the piece of metal and plastic in my hand. But I do appreciate my camera, because it gives me something special - an intimacy with the people I photograph - the ability to do something special for people; to tell the story of their lives.

Tonight I was able to document the love between a remarkable daughter and her remarkable mother. What a beautiful way to spend an evening. I am so honored to be able to help tell the story of their private journey.

Thank you so much, ladies, for sharing this evening with me.

Three generations of wonderful women

I had the honor to photograph Loretta and her daughters and mother yesterday. It was so much fun, and I'm just so happy to give Loretta a preview of her portraits. Wouldn't the portrait below look fabulous as a 20x10 panoramic print or canvas?
Thanks, Loretta! Your gallery will be ready soon. (you can click on the pictures to see them better).

One of my favorite girls

I love this girl - I've photographed her many times and it's always fun for me. She's as sweet as she looks, which proves that sometimes you really can judge a book by its cover! Shelly, as always, I appreciate so much that you choose me to photograph your beautiful children. Expect your gallery shortly.

Kristin's Girls

I love close-ups - esp. in the studio when the light is perfect, and I can capture the wonderful details of my subjects' faces - and such clarity in the eyes. Kristin's girls came for a portrait session Monday evening and I got the most amazing close-ups of them (as well as many other portraits as well). Kristin - a preview. Expect your gallery in a few days.

Finally!

Today I was able to do the outdoor portion of this family's session - you will recognize the little people from the "waiting for Santa" post below. The weather was beautiful, and the trees were beautiful. And I think I got some beautiful portraits, too.

Here you go, Tanya -a few portraits to look at while I get your gallery ready. Thank you so much for choosing me for your family portraits - I know how important portraits are to you.

I was so excited to use the little chair I bought an antique store yesterday. I have a furniture-prop obsession.