Same locations & same pose

Many times when going to shoot a session, the family, engagement couple, and high school seniors like the same locations. As a photographer, sometimes I think "how can I make it look unique?". It's really not an issue to me to shoot at the same place over and over. I've come to find out that the family and the people in the photo are what truly make the image anyway. Yes, the location and background settings help to define their style but more importantly.. it's the people.

Take for example "The Hill". The hill is located in Springfield, Missouri at a park downtown. It's been used a number of times. Not only by me but by pretty much every other photographer in Springfield. Either way, the images are always cute and unique to the family. No matter how many times an idea has been used, photographers have to remember that this family you are working with didn't use the idea or maybe even the location before. So to them, it's awesome, unique, and special.

Another example is the jumping shot during weddings and family sessions. How many times have I done a jumping shot... I can't even remember. But, the bride and groom enjoy them, the bridal party usually has fun and they all end up laughing. It's also a good way to break the "I don't know how to stand or I'm so shy" pose. I try to approach them differently so they aren't always the same kind of jump but in the end... it's unique to that wedding party. They don't care if it's been done before because they aren't in the photo of the wedding party taken the weekend before. They are all in the photo that is about to be taken now. So therefore, the jumping shot happens over and over.

Just remember, that when you go to a session, be YOU. Wear clothes that express your style, taste and personality. Show who you are, what your family is like and the rest will fall into place. When all is said and done... you will be happiest when you are relaxed, no matter how many times a session has been done in that same location or the same pose has been done before. Because YOU are the one who is going to rock that session.

The true meaning...

It's that time of year. yay. Our thanksgiving came and went and it turned out to be a nice day filled with lots of yummy food and family. My sister, her husband and their new little addition came over. I can't believe how fast that time came and went. I promised myself that this year I would be done with all the shopping, gift buying, card making and sending before the first of December. And you know what?, I did it!! Woo hoo. My cards are addressed, the presents have been bought, and the gifts are mostly wrapped. I wanted to be able to spend the month of December spending time with my kiddos doing fun crafts, baking cookies and watching Christmas movies. I wanted this season to be more about what is important rather than what so many people get wrapped up in.. "things". 

Yes, I'm one of those crazy people that go out on black Friday and this year I actually went out on Thursday evening when my kids were in bed.  No, I don't go to fight with others and push and shove my way to the best prices. I go strictly for the movies. This year, I got three for the kids. That's it, no more than 3. They will be getting them on Christmas morning and I'm happy that I could save $25 by doing so. So now, I'm done. Santa has spent all his money and will be waiting to see the three of them open their gifts with bright big happy eyes! 

I love this time of year and more importantly I want to share the true meaning of the season with my kids. That Christ was born and HE is the only reason for Christmas. We are celebrating HIS birth and that by him coming to this earth we have the ability to live eternally with HIM. It always makes me think of this song...

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

St. Jude Give Thanks Walk : Richmond, VA

On November 16 of this year, 5 years ago from the day, my son was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It was news that was devestating and changed our entire future. We had no idea what to expect and we had no idea what was in store for our little boy. St. Jude was where we were sent. We spent Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year in an unfamiliar place that would eventually become our second home. Everyone who works there is friendly, kind and helpful. The patients are willing to share their story and the parents can comfort one another. It truly is a place of hope. We were beyond blessed to have Montana be cared for by the staff at St. Jude. This year, we celebrated how far he has come with an ice cream cake and a happy dance. He is a hero and inspiration in our eyes... always will be. Our cancer fighter.

On November 17, this past Saturday, my family and I attended the St. Jude Give Thanks Walk in Richmond. This was our third year doing it here and this year I was asked to photograph some of the event. This was also the first year for it to be held outside. I wasn't really prepared for that but it all worked out... AKA: I didn't bring enough warm clothes for the family. Luckily, it warmed up a bit and they had a good time. The St. Jude staff are always a blast to be around. They know how to have a good time. :) If you haven't had the chance to participate in the walk, you really should give it a try. It all benefits and AMAZING cause... saving children's lives. Here are a few images from the event. Enjoy.

Yorktown, Virginia Engagement Session : Krista & Josh

Krista and Josh, oh where to begin? They are cute, and sweet and kind and so perfect for each other. They both have a passion for the Lord and when they look at each other you can see the love that radiates from their smiles. Josh is smitten over her and I can totally see why. Krista is beyond gorgeous and her personality is just as beautiful inside as she looks on the outside.  Josh will be deploying soon, so they are getting married next month in New York and will be having a small wedding. Please be sure to keep him in your prayers as well as all of our military men and women who fight to keep us safe and free. 

All the photos below were shot in Yorktown on a chilly day but Krista was brave. She toughed it out by wearing a sleeveless and strapless dress....kudos to her! She did amazing though. You would never guess she was shivering or had goose bumps. :) 

Colonial Williamsburg Maternity Photography

A couple of years ago I shot Veronica's photos for her as a surprise gift for her husband. Well a few weeks ago she asked if I would shoot her maternity photos. I was so excited to find out they were pregnant. At the time I shot her images she had been trying to get pregnant but things don't turn out as we always plan. Needless to say... she is pregnant!!! yay. They are going to be having a little boy due the day after Christmas and are naming him Alexander. I'm just beyond happy for the both of them!! They will be wonderful parents. Congrats to the both of you and many blessings in the coming months!