Wyatt and Briggs
Having two daughters, I had no idea what two boys would be like. They kept me running all over the place. My girls love to stop and pose, these boys loved running free. I had a blast taking their pictures, I learned to be quick and to never stop snapping shots. To get them to stay in one place long enough together, I sat them on top of a saw horse (luckily their parents are very laid back). I love these two pictures because it shows that they are already bonded in a way only brothers can be. You can tell by their expressions that they truly get one another.
Briggs was everywhere...I was absolutely amazed at how quickly he could disappear. I loved this shot of him because it shows him still. I love his hands in this picture.
Those blue eyes...
To get the boys to follow me, I told them there were "surprises" at each place. Wyatt responded, "can you eat them?" He is ALL boy...
I have a picture on this blog I titled "sister feet." I titled this one, "Brother Boots..."
Jed, Quinn, and Kale
These three belong to one of my best friends (since the sixth grade). Her husband's family, (one of my husband's best friends since birth, a gift of living in a small town), have this amazing "retreat cabin" near Caesar's Head. He was telling me that it was an old church that was brought by his family via horse and buggy and re-assembled. Their family still spends many a Spring and Summer together here and it was only fitting that we took pictures of his children there. While there, I thought of how many generations have and will enjoy something that began nearly a century before...talk about a legacy.
I love how the ancient trees surrounding this home cast a shadow against its side...if those trees could talk.
Big Brother...Jed is the perfect big brother for two sisters. He is very patient and sweet with them and in older sibling fashion, gets the blame for most everything and takes it well.
Quinn and Kale are twins, but couldn't be more different...
Kale is a miniature version of her mother.
Her mother is a very talented interior designer. She used this Louis Ghost chair to bring a modern element to this old cabin. I absolutely love how it all turned out...
Quinn is her dad's side of the family. She is very laid back and easy going.
I fell in love with this picture. I love how my camera focused on the stalks and faded her out.
This picture was an unexpected gem. I was trying to see what the view would look like on the other side of the lake and captured the whole family. I love everything about it. This is Stone Lake and the dad has many great, childhood memories here.
One of the things I love about doing this is getting to see places like this off of the beaten path. Hearing stories that shape who we become as adults and as parents. Memories and moments that we can pass onto another generation. The other thing is that I got to share this experience with one of mine. Jess came along as my "assistant." I got a shot of her enjoying a makeshift boat (leaves and sticks) and watching it pass from one side of a creek to another (via drainage pipe)...
Baby Ames
About a month ago, Will's cousin and his wife (a dear friend of mine), had their first baby. Meredith is an incredibly gifted photographer so I was beyond honored when she asked me to take the first shots of their new family.
The picture below moved me when I saw it. I loved how Jack was holding baby Ames and how Meredith was holding onto Jack...all I could think is there is a lot of love in this picture.
...and there is...
This next picture reminded me that there is nothing like a dad and his baby girl (this I know), what a great image to begin that story...
This next picture is Ames with her little hands wrapped around her mom's finger. That life holding on to the one who gave her life...precious.
Ames is a beautiful baby girl. She is lying on a blanket that her mom gave her dad while they were dating...
A brand new family, on a brand new path...
...there are few things in life more precious and beautiful.
Capturing these moments has blessed me more than I could have ever imagined. To get to share in others' blessings just makes my own that much better. The other night, Jess asked God to bless her blessings. I get it. He has blessed my blessings by giving me this opportunity. All of these pictures tell a story. These children are loved so much and that alone blesses my heart. They are being raised by incredible men and women and taught to love and to recognize God...they are so blessed.
Mine
In the meantime, I try to still capture my own as much as I can. Usually it is with my phone. But it is always good.
Reagan is a master photographer on my phone. She got this picture of Jess while I was taking pictures of baby Ames. Wild and crazy, having the time of her life in some imaginary world. She should still be Ames' size.
This one I took today. The last day of Winter. I hope every Winter is as mild as this one was. Goodbye Winter, hello Spring...
Luke 18:16
"But Jesus called the children to Him and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
FYI: The name of the photography class I took is called SnapShots. You can get more information on it on ashleyannphotography.com
To see Meredith's amazing pictures of Ames visit her blog, meredithward.blogspot.com
Happy Spring
