Sending Christmas love to Afghanistan

I've been sitting on these pictures for awhile.  Kyle is a Navy Corpsman currently serving in Afghanistan.  I was honored to shoot Kyle and Brandi's wedding awhile back.  When I found out they would be apart on Christmas because of Kyle's deployment, I wanted to do some, small something for them.  I contacted Brandi and we got together for this shoot.  Brandi and Kaylie along with Brandi's Mom (Kayla) showed up with a plate of Kayla's incredible homemade cookies.)  Oh, how yummy they were.  But anyway, back to the shoot for Kyle.  We shot for 3 hours and quickly went through the proofs.  We put the pics in a book and mailed them with hopes Kyle would get them for Christmas.  About a week before Christmas, Kyle's unit was moving and all mail was shut off so our Christmas surprise was put in a holding pattern.  I got word today, January 5th,  that Kyle finally got his Christmas present.  

Special Requests

Even though I would like to claim them, some of my best shots aren't my ideas.  Many of my customers come in with ideas for shots.  Some have a specific plan while others have an idea in mind that we are able to take and run with.  I love it when they have an idea and tell me I can use it as inspiration for a unique memory for them.  Here are a few of those inspirational ideas:

 

Kyle is proudly serving our nation in Afghanistan.  Brandi brought in his boots for us to use in our surprise photo shoot for him.  While we were looking at his empty boots trying to decide how to use them, we realized the empty boots told the whole story.

This photo is an example of a not-so-perfect shot becoming perfect.  Who would want a picture of a child not looking at the camera.  I was getting ready to chop this picture from the final proofs when inspiration hit again.  I think it is perfect as she looks over to the words on the side.  Can't wait til her Daddy is home safe to say her evening prayers with her.

This spunky young lady and her Dad came in with Mom and her new little brother for a newborn shot.  Her Mom had seen a picture similar to this and asked.  I think it turned out precious.

And here he is....that sweet new baby brother of the dancing feet in the above picture. 

 

The Guthries

It's always so much fun to take pictures of families but this one was even more special because this family is part of my own family.  I got to take pictures of my baby brother and my favorite sister-in-law with my spunky niece.

For my Mom's Christmas, I promised to try to get family pics together for her of everyone of her kids, grandkids, and greats.  It is a challenge to get everyone in to the studio for a shoot but I am up for the challenge.  Jim and Tammie and Gab were the first to come in for their family shoot.

Miss Braeleigh - 4-years-old

How about some sassy pics of an adorable 4-year-old.  Miss Braeleigh is always fun.  We've come a long way from her 1-year-old photo shoot in her purple tutu. 

My new painted tires!!!

The last ones were some of my favorites.  We just turned her loose into a field right at sunset and let her run and play.  Just absolutely gorgeous!

Poppy and Marigold - Twin Newborn Photo Shoot

So excited today!  Got to do my very first twin newborn photo shoot.  After searching for lots of photo ideas, it was time to get to work.  I've found that with a newborn photo shoot you can have a plan buy you better be ready to adjust to what works.  I love working with the Scraper family and they blessed me with this opportunity.  I also was able to go with them to the hospital on delivery day to take memory pictures for them.  I will blog and post those later.  Here are a few shots from today's session.

Christmas Card Frenzy!!

Ok...so I'm a little behind.  Christmas time always involves a lot of Frenzy around our house but family photo shoots and Christmas card orders make it an even busier time.  The Williams family donned their awesome bright colors and met me at SS Park for their family photo session for 2011.  Crissy knew she wanted to do the Merry and Bright Christmas them so I got excited and started working on the card.  It was unique and different to add all of the bright colors rather than the traditional reds and greens.  I thought it turned out awesome.

 

Another one of my favorite families contacted me about doing some Christmas Cards.  Siloam Springs  Park was our destination of choice and we had a blast getting shots of little Mr. Wyatt.  We went with a beautiful green and cream color theme on the cards with snowflakes all over the card's front and back.  This view is the front of their cards with the back of the card sharing the news that next year, there would be an additional family member in the holiday photo.  Congrats!!!!

 

When another good friend contacted me in November about doing Christmas cards with their photo shoot images, I immediately started snooping on her Facebook page to get an idea of possibly what design would work.  Lo and behold, I found this wonderful and incredible artwork by her father-in-law, Mark.  I've always been a fan of Mark's work so I knew that I wanted to include it as part of the Bradford calendar.  I loved it!

I enjoy designing and wish I had more hours each day to work on cards, photo editing, and more but my teaching schedule keeps me pretty busy.  Before I sign off for the day, I want to leave you with my absolute FAVE picture I took from this holiday season.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Country Wedding Fun - Kyle & Brandi

I have to say that having someone ask me to shoot their wedding is very special.  Yes, it is a business but I don't think you can look at your wedding as business.  When I shoot a wedding, I feel like they have allowed me to be a big part of their day.  We laugh together and sometimes cry together.  We have mishaps, wardrobe malfunctions, unpredictable guests, and more.  I'm not going to lie...shooting a wedding is stressful because you want to make sure you get every shot.  You don't want to miss a thing for your bride and groom.  Once you get past that stress, it is an incredibly rewarding shoot.

Yesterday, November 19th, I got to be a part of a country wedding.  One of the fun parts about this is the best friends in the wedding.  I've taken pictures of these girls for several years from when I was their teacher until now when they have gotten married and been in each other's weddings. 







I knew that I would get to see some creative stuff when they first asked me to shoot the wedding.  Kayla and Brandi didn't disappoint. 

The hand painted signs all around the wedding and reception added a wonderful rustic country flare.

 

I think my favorite thing was the Mason Jar Toasting Glasses .

But you also had to admire the Mason Jar Chandelier.

From the Smores station (complete with an outdoor fire pit) to the memory corner it was all so creative and memorable.

It was a beautiful, fun day and I wish Kyle and Brandi the very best. 

Thank you for letting me share in your special day!