I know, I’m a terrible parent because I’m just getting around to this post and school started 2 weeks ago. As all of you overwork and stressed out mom’s out there know, things are really crazy right after school starts. You have the typical 400 pages of emergency contact information forms to fill out not to mention the effort it takes just to get the kids in bed at a decent hour.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting all of Gage and Lindsay’s teachers and I have to say that I couldn’t be more lucky. Living in a small town is so great because by the time your child reaches the next grade, you already know the teachers and they are already familiar with your child. So I really already knew most of their teachers but it was nice to catch up with them and to see what the new year had in store for them.

Now that Gage is a sophmore and driving (I can’t believe I’m saying that) I’m sure it won’t be long before he is gone all of the time. So I’m soaking up every bit of quality time we can get together before he can’t stand to be around me. I know it’s coming…it’s just a matter of time.

And my baby girl is growing up so fast. She’s in 5th grade but she still feels like my baby. I remember how grown up I felt in the 5th grade….and I’m sure she feels the same way. She is my fearless, go-getter. She never backs down and always stands up for what’s right.

My goal as a parent is to cherish these small moments because I know they won’t come around forever. It’s the every day giggles and hugs that I’ll miss most when my kids are all grown up and have lives of their own. And it’s then that I will look back at the images I took on the front steps of our home on the first day of school and wish I could get every one of them back.

This past weekend has been one that my family has anticipated for quite a while. We always do. It’s the weekend of the 13th Annual Antioch Community Center SCHRA Rodeo. Every year, a few weeks after school starts, we get to dress up in our cowboy (and cowgirl) wear and head to the rodeo. Because we live in such a small community, it seems like everyone in our town and the surrounding areas are there. This year was no exception. We saw family and friends and got to meet a few new people. I can’t explain why but this event is one of my favorites of the year. I love all of the different competitions but the barrel racing is what I love the most. Just watching the girls put everything they have into guiding their horses around the barrels and then back through the gate is so exciting. I think that it has something to do with my secret dream to have a horse when I was growing up in Charleston in an apartment. Anyway, this year’s competitions did not disappoint. I actually got really close for the bull riding competition which was kind of scary. The bulls are definitely a lot bigger in person than they look on tv. Thankfully none of the riders were seriously injured this year as were in the past. Our family had a wonderful time and I’m already looking forward to next year.

Here are a few of my favorite images of the night.

When Little C’s mom called to schedule his 2 year portraits, she let me know that he was getting his very first hair cut the day after our session. All of the little baby curls were going to be gone and she wanted to document all she could while she still had the chance. This was such a fun session to do even though we chose a day that happened to be over 100 degrees. But really, those aren’t hard to come by in the south during the summer. Now, when you are dealing with this age group, you really have to find ways to draw their attention to you. Otherwise, you only get pictures of the backs of their head. So, I have no problem making goofy faces or silly noises to get the shots I want. Sometimes they laugh and sometimes they look at me like I’m a crazy women but at least they are looking at me. Little C was no different than any other 2 year old. We walked and walked and he taught me how to make dinosaur noises along with monkeys and cows. I had so much fun with him and I can’t wait to see how adorable he is at 3!

Yes, I know it’s not even September yet. But the Holidays will be here before you know it. And do you really want to be running around at the last minute trying to plan a session just to make sure that your Holiday cards are sent out on time. And let’s face it, running back and forth trying to set the timer on your own camera trying to get a perfect family portrait is not easy. I know how terrible it is because I tried it ONCE.

Our Holiday Cards this year are so much fun. We’ve got 4 Collections to choose from with several different versions in each one. You’re sure to find the perfect one for your family. We also design custom cards for our clients that want something that no other family will be sending out. Just give us a call and we’ll be glad to work together with you to design a totally unique Holiday card just for your family.

Merry and Bright Collection

Card 1

Card 2

Card 3

Candied Christmas Collection

Card 1

Card 2

Card 3

Snow Kissed Collection

Card 1

Card 2

Card 3

Classic Holiday Collection

Card 1

Card 2

Card 3

Card 4

Believe in Magic Collection

Card 1

Card 2

I have been soooo excited to share these with you. I just sent this set out to a recent client that LOVED them. I almost didn’t want to part with them and they weren’t even images of my children! Each album set is custom designed for you. The album is 3″ x 3″ and actually has a magnet inside to keep the front and back secure when it’s closed. They also come in these adorable little clear cases that protect it when you carry them in your purse, etc. I also love the idea of using them as fridge magnets. I’m sure there are plenty of other great ideas but I’m sure Grandmothers won’t need one as long as they can reach into their purse and pull out this little gem! We are going to use them for all different types of sessions/events such as, newborn, families, seniors, weddings, engagements, bridal portraits, child sessions, pet sessions, maternity and boudoir portraits. I can’t wait to start handing these little babies out to all of our clients.

Babies are some of the most fun sessions I have. I know, I know…some photographers really gripe and complain about having to deal with babies crying and not wanting to cooperate. But let me tell you, capturing the spark in a baby’s eye (or a even the trembling lip during a temper tantrum) is one of the best feelings ever. Baby C did not disappoint. I had the pleasure of photographing him when he was just 9 days old 7 months ago. He was adorable then and even more adorable now. He was so much fun to play with, I didn’t want the session to end. He gave us smiles, tears, drool, giggles…how can I not love my job?! Here are a few of my favorites from Little C’s session. I had a really hard time choosing the ones I was going to post. He looks so cute in all of them!

When brainstorming on a good location to take the H Family’s portraits, I immediately thought of this farm that I know so well. Boys always look great in a farm setting and there is lots of fun to be had. There is nothing better than happy boys for me to take pictures of. We had such a good time and these boys are super cute. I believe they might have been born to be on the cover of magazines. Just look at them!! Here are a few of my favorites from the session. Thanks so much H Family for letting me spend the morning having fun with you guys!

This newborn session was an extra special treat because Miss Chloe is Daniel’s first great niece. I’ve been waiting to get my hands on her and I just couldn’t stop loving on her. She’s such a cutie pie and a GREAT baby. She pretty much slept through the entire session and even smiled a few times for me. I can’t wait for Chloe to get a little older so we can babysit. The wonderful thing about having babies in the family is we get to love them and spoil them rotten and send them back to their parents. I can’t wait!!! Sorry Courtney….

While my sister was visiting, we took a few minutes and had a mini-session with my nieces. They are so incredibly beautiful!! I wish we would’ve had more time but the weather was not cooperating. The girls are growing up so fast. It’s really hard to only get to see them once a year. They change so much in that span of time.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far. I really did not want to get back to reality after the great weekend we had at the beach. I decided before we left that I was going to concentrate on having a great time with Daniel and the kids (well, one kid…Gage decided he would rather work at the farm than come with us to the beach) and not stress about anything. And my plan really did work. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves just kicking back and relaxing. I brought my camera but declared that I wasn’t going to try to get all arty on my family like I usually do and just take the normal snapshots that grace every family’s photo albums. Here are just a few…

Lauren and Lindsay at the Beach

I couldn't help but take this picture.

Lindsay playing in the waves

Watch those waves girls!!

Yummy shrimp!!

Lauren, Lindsay and Grant playing cards after a hard day

Lauren and Lindsay at the water park...the bestest friends

Lindsay playing putt putt. Golf is definitely not her game.

Lindsay coming down a water slide at the water park. I actually got on this one and I screamed the entire way down!