Fantastic Four - Soon to be Five

Bonnie and Homer have four beautiful children, one boy and three girls. I first met Bonnie at Bible study and have grown to love her vivacious spirit and positive outlook on life.  Bonnie ends all her emails with her trademark closing of "Superlove".   Not everyone can pull that off without sounding over-the-top, but it fits Bonnie to a tee.  After reading her emails I always end up feeling just that - super loved.

I've photographed Bonnie and Homer's family on four different occasions now.  From staged Easter Egg Hunts to Bathing Suit Bubble Baths Bonnie has had some of the most fun and creative ideas for their sessions.  I truly have the BEST time when I'm with them - it's a total HOOT! 

Before I show you my top picks from their latest session I thought I'd share one of my favorite images from my very first session with them. You may have seen this in the B&W gallery in my website.  This was taken at Hannah's newborn session just under two years ago.  

It doesn't get any better than this - a totally devoted Daddy loving on his newest baby girl!

That was Hannah then.  Here she is today.  Full of smiles and giggles!

Isn't she precious!

Hannah is soon to be a big sister herself.  Baby #5 will join the family later this summer.  You better believe Hannah's big brother Jesse is looking forward to finally having another boy in the house.  And, with all these fluffy skirts around, I'd say another little man in the house to rough and tumble with is the perfect fit for this growing family.  I can't wait to meet him!

Now, it may just be my wild imagination, but for some reason I think the rain brought the best out in these little ones.  This was the last of my three sessions in the rain from two Saturdays ago.  It was so fun to watch these four walking through the puddles and running through the mist.  I'm just loving the fantastic shots we got of these four beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed blessings.

Here's Jesse.  You may recognize those famous blue eyes of his from the Children's gallery in my website.

After seeing some of Jesse's portraits, Bonnie admitted that she's a little sad to see how grown up he looks.  Kinda tugs on a mommy's heart to see your first baby all grown up.  I know.  My son just "graduated" preschool today.  (This second pose was Homer's idea.  He was going for a staring off in the distance look with the light shining in his eyes. Cool, huh?)

Here's sweet Abbi.  She looks more and more like her mother each time I see her.  

Playing peek-a-boo with Ella and her umbrella.  Hey, I'm a poet and don't even know it...

Thanks again, Bonnie and Homer!  What a fun session!

STAY TUNED FOR SOME FUN PHOTOSHOP ACTIONS FEATURING THE FANTASTIC FOUR IN THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS.  I'M EVEN GOING TO SHARE A LINK TO SOME FREE ACTION DOWNLOADS.  (I know.  I know.  It's been WAY too long since I've posted any "tips".  The wait is finally over.)

McKenna Rhae

McKenna is the daughter of one of my very dear friends.  She is also turning out to be a favorite playmate for my daughter Alden who affectionately calls her, Miss Kenna.

McKenna recently fell on a windowsill in her new home losing a front tooth in the process.  We are so blessed that she wasn't hurt more seriously.  While Angie wasn't anticipating documenting her first lost tooth for another couple of years, she wasn't going to let a little mishap get in the way of getting some great Easter pictures for her sweet little girl.

Missing tooth and all, Miss Kenna sure is a little Princess.  You give Cinderella a run for her money, my dear.  Take a look!

Alrighty, Miss Tammy.  I'm finished!

Jr., Alden, and Stephanie

Dina has a nasty cold, so we'll all have to wait a couple more days for her answers to my last couple questions.  In the meantime, here's some eye-candy for you while you wait.   Hope you feel well soon, Dina. 

I took my two children out for a little photo shoot two weekends ago while my friend Stephanie was in town.  She's interested in photography as well, so it was the perfect opportunity for her to observe what's involved in a typical child's outdoor portrait session.  (Although I think she was more concerned about keeping my children warm than practicing her camera techniques.) 

We also fit in a little shutter speed and aperture "class" before her flight left, so I'm expecting great things from her!  Maybe someday I can post a few of her images on my blog as well.  Now that I think of it, she did take quite a few pictures of me during our shutter speed class.  So if she approves, perhaps I'll share a few with all of you. 

Miss you Stephanie!

Ellie

Ellie is one of those little girls that loves to pose.  She made this photo session so much fun.  I rarely had to tell her what to do.  In fact, many times, she was the one giving me ideas.  The flower behind her ear...Ellie's idea.

I wanted to post some pictures from her session to show you two things.  1) Off center framing, and 2) The use of backgrounds to create emotion.

In these first two images you will notice that Ellie appears to be in the center of the image. Take another look and you will see that she is just slightly off-center.  This is another trick photographers use to get their images noticed.

The use of different backgrounds helps to create emotion in your images.  As in these images below, the gazebo setting evokes a tranquil, peaceful feeling.  In contrast, the urban alley backdrop brings energy, edginess, and spunk.  

When selecting locations, it is also very important to keep the colors of your backdrop in mind when assisting your client in making their wardrobe selections.  The outfit can make or break the shot - as can the backdrop.  So, plan ahead and be prepared to offer your clients a variety of suggestions in coordinating the two.  

Whether it be the urban alley or the tranquil gazebo, Ellie rocked this session!  Personally, I think she is one of the most adorable little girls ever!  

FYI:  Need help keeping your young clients happy?  The oversized sucker you see below brought out the brightest of smiles!  (Just be sure to check with Mom first.)