We didn't want the session to end

I had the most amazing maternity portrait session this evening with Amber. She was so fun, and so appreciative of my art, and so willing to try anything, that we didn't want the session to end. I love photographing maternity sessions so much - what a beautiful time in a woman's life, and I feel so excited every time I'm given the opportunity to document it. Amber - here are a few "blog safe" previews, if you know what I mean! Your gallery will be ready soon. Looking so forward to our next session! (click on the portraits to see them better)

Holiday Family Session

Nicole and Mark came to my studio this evening for portraits. Their little 3-year-old was so cute - and this is a first - she turned down getting to wear a tutu or pettiskirt. She's a free-thinker, I guess! I love your idea, Nicole, for Happy New Year cards - perfect for the many of us who are a bit behind on our to-do list this year.

Thanks Nicole and Mark - your gallery will be ready in a few days. I enjoyed meeting you. (Depending on your monitor's resolution, you may need to click on the portraits to see them more clearly.)

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.