Helena, Rodrigo & Family.

When I met Helena at Panera Bread one evening, she had told me that she had canceled her wedding photographer after she saw our work on facebook, and that the images gave her goosebumps.  I think I left there both excited to shoot her wedding and overjoyed that our photos were capable of giving goosebumps.  It is perhaps one of the greatest compliments to a photographer, as we endlessly hope to leave an impression and to capture emotive moments in life.  As I am grateful each day that our biggest fans are family and friends, I am touched when others have found our work to be of choice. 

Here are two people in love, with each other and their children.

"The greatest gift is to love and be loved in return."  

Katie.

Here are some images of gorgeous Katie that we took for a book to be published by Silvia Soo.  The book will serve as an inspiration and a resource for young women affected with cancer.  I feel blessed to have photographed Katie, an amazing and gracious individual, and also to have the opportunity to be involved in such a powerful project.

The aftermath of photographing my 17 month old's Christmas photos.

Taking photographs of my son is no easy task these days.  I wanted to do something fun for his Christmas pictures, so I decided to plop him on our kitchen island to help decorate a gingerbread house.  Since I have to still make cards and send them out I'm going to hold off the photos of him.  So here's an image of Landon's work instead.  

Almost 5.

5 years old.  What a milestone! 

Just to let all of you know, Malaya thought up most of her posing!  She was such a little supermodel and swears that she hadn't been practicing for the shoot.  I really didn't give her much direction at all.  She is so gorgeous (looks just like her mommy) and she really showed her sense of humor in front of the camera.    

We all of course had too much fun during and after the session.  Some great things that happened that afternoon:  Malaya taught me Justin Beiber songs, I sang the opening song to the Lion King as she stood proudly on a rock, and we finished the session with a game of basketball.  Malaya and Venus (mom) vs. myself.  The best part was, I was LaBron James (although Malaya insisted on calling me John LaBron), Malaya was Paul Pierce, and Venus was Kevin Garnett.  I really wanted to be Garnett!  I mean, who doesn't?  Maybe she'll let me during our rematch.   

The session and basketball game lasted about an hour, but I didn't end up leaving to go home for three hours.  Mostly because I was warmly welcomed into their home for some nice conversation and a place at the table for a delicious home cooked Filipino meal.  It was just what I needed!!!!

Happy early birthday Malaya!!  You are one amazing little girl!!

 

An original Malaya pose.

 

This is when we played Lion King.  Can you picture Pride Rock and "The Circle of Life" song?  Ha!!!!

 Clearly all warmed up to the camera.

 

Beautiful.

  

Sepia toned.

The Ole' Family Toboggan.

When Jill and I planned portrait session round 3, we had tossed around some fun holiday ideas.  One of them being to use an old sled.  What we got was a lot more meaningful.  An old family toboggan of her mothers when she was a little girl.  I can only imagine what great winter memories were made with it.  So, big thanks to Carol for taking in out and letting us use it.  It was very well-maintained (as is everything they own), and the only thing needed was a new rope (due to us having too much fun during the session).  I would offer to buy it since I've searched high and low for a vintage toboggan, but I know that this one will be passed down to the next generation.  

I love spending time with this family and photographing them.  Cayden was actually my first holiday baby I ever photographed.  Last year we had put him in a basket next to the Christmas tree.  He just sat there being a 6 month old, and giving us big baby smiles.  This year, I got to chase him, make animal sounds (because that's how I get kids to look at the camera), and Jill did what she did best.....made up some pretty awesome jingles.  I swear she could come out with a kids cd of songs that she's made up!  It's pretty entertaining.

Enjoy the preview, the beautiful family, Cayden's breathtaking blue eyes, and the sweet sky we caught in their backyard.