My fall visit to El Paso was so enjoyable this year. I didn't have to contend with high winds, thunderstorms or mosquitos which was such a relief. The one thing all my clients are waiting for is relief from the summer heat. It was over 90 degrees all weekend...HOTTTTTT! Always so fun catching up with everyone there. There are many anxious parents hoping to get a glimpse of their pictures from that weekend. I always post in the order that I shoot the families but this time I am starting with Grace who was the last of the day on my first day. It is her mom's little bonus as she has been a client of mine since Grace was just a belly bump. Each visit I get to photograph her a few times. I would think I would grow so tired of photographing one subject so frequently but every single shoot is always so much fun with Grace. And I always end up loving so many of the images. This first shoot was done on the grounds of my favorite restaurant in El Paso. Exploring all around, climbing and dancing kept us easily entertained.

As soon as I walked into this little guy's home he greeted me w/ the biggest smile. My heart melted. He has got the best smile AND hair! I'm sure as soon as he gets walking he is going to be on the go non-stop & he will have people stopping in their tracks to check out how cute he is...really he is too much! Just look at him!

As soon as I saw these two little ones step out of their car I knew I was in for a great shoot. Check out their blond curls...seriously adorable. I am excited to share these w/ their parents because I think they are wondering if there were any great shots (a feeling I think many parents have following a shoot w/ young kids). These two were on the go for sure. The first picture was from the beginning of the shoot, he really wanted nothing to do w/ sitting still for a few snaps with his sister. I managed to get one quick picture in before he was off. But throughout the shoot I reassured his parents that I was loving their energy & not to worry. Give me energy any day over crying & shyness. Kids being happy being kids...it is the best! So much fun to capture!

This next shoot almost didn't happen. This fall the weather has been completely schizophrenic and we came so close to giving into the rain but crazily the skies lightened and it ended up being perfect weather. It made my day because I always look forward to seeing these longtime clients of mine. The kids are full of energy and smiles.

I flew in late last night after a really great (but VERY hot) work weekend in Texas a little tired & wishing I could sleep in a little this morning. Not a reality but I am sitting here so glad I didn't because I had such an incredible morning with my boys. Maybe I should go away more often. My day was made as soon as it got started. I was a few houses down from mine walking my dog towards the park when I turned to see my oldest sprinting down the sidewalk toward me with the biggest smile. He jumped up in my arms & layed the biggest hug on me...who needs sleep when you get that after a weekend away? I hope eveyone's week is starting off as great as mine!
Now I have to get to work. I photographed this family soon after my return to Seattle & it was so fun seeing them again. These kids are stunners! And I LOVE the Calvin shot I caught during a outfit change.

So last week I got a new camera which I had for the wedding shoot. I thought I would try out its video capability which is new to me w/ a DSLR camera. Excuse the camera shake...need to work on that a little.

Check out this clip. Listen closely as they negotiate a kiss.

So my youngest has always been a fashionista. He has loved wearing outfits he has created (from camo jeans skirts to full suits & ties) & he has been on the suit, "fancy", in his words, trend the past 5 months. I mentioned to he and his good neighbor friend Friday that we should do a little wedding shoot the next day. I didn't think it would fly because he is not one that is up for many pictures. But the next day he mentioned the shoot & then after we finished Dim Sum he had to get a stick on mustache from the vending machine. I called my good friend/neighbor to see if they wanted to do the shoot and five minutes later after we walked the block & these two were so into it. It was amazing to watch them together. Very serious. It was hilarious. So here are just a few pictures from the shoot. If you want to see more head to the client proofing section of my website and type in wedding for the password.

Super busy, head is spinning, lots to do before I get on the plane bound for Texas tomorrow. I am excited to get to photograph so many great families in El Paso and looking forward to putting my brand new cameras & lens (just arrived today & I am beside myself!!) through the paces. I am expecting great things.
And I'm sure that is what this next family is hoping for from their sitting images. We had fun exploring the UW campus finding little hidden spots along the way. I most enjoyed watching the incredible interaction between the siblings. The youngest was a little on the wild side (which I LOVE but is not a parents favorite display of behavior) & her older brother and sister were so patient & good with her. It was amazing to watch and it is so obvious the love and respect they have for each other. I am including two of the sisters together, I love their interaction in both.