Hunter, Roper & Bailer

It's easy to forget what it’s like. 

What it’s like to throw leaves in the air on the count of three. What it’s like to show off your new baby brother. What it’s like to not care that your socks are soaking wet. And your boots. And your jeans.

Hunter and Roper made me remember.

Gina wasn’t looking for meticulously posed portraits. She wanted pictures of her kids, who she informed me would have no interest in posing or being perfect.  I assured her that I like that sort of thing. And I really do.

They were hilarious and beautiful and without insecurities. Bailer was calm, bright-eyed, and a little confused about why I would try to put him in a basket. I underestimated his size, but we worked through it and are still friends. Best of all, Hunter and Roper didn’t judge me for bribing them with animal crackers to get one last shot before we called it a day. (I admit it. I felt like a hero when it came time to deliver the goods.)

It wasn’t posed. But the three of them―just being kids―were perfect.

Thank you for the adventure. Here are a few of my favorites.

Alexandria and Dominic

I was a little overwhelmed last week with work and life and an unruly stack of dishes that loomed in my kitchen. Every time I sat down to do something, I would remember something else, and nothing seemed to get finished. I was sure my weekend was doomed to be filled with thoughts of the undone.

Alexandria, Dominic, and flawless Nebraska light proved me wrong. 

I had the opportunity to work with my husband’s long time family friends last Saturday in Chadron, and let me tell you, they were just what I needed. I loved their humor and excitement and ability to be happy in the moment they were in. They joked. I laughed. I heard about school and music, volleyball and weekend plans. They had ideas of their own and trusted mine. To be honest, it was really kind of perfect. 

The light in Nebraska is predictable and lovely — without hills to take it from you before you’re ready. Our session started in the park, moved on to downtown, and then to a hidden gem in the backyard of a generous stranger. We followed the setting sun to a haystack, which called for silhouettes and a spontaneous hay fight. Brother won. 

How lucky am I to call days like this work?

Tracy and Craig, Alexandria and Dominic, thank you for the perfect end to a busy week.

Leslie & Garrett

Sunshine.

That's the word that comes to mind when I think about Leslie and Garret's September wedding.

Yes, I thought about sunshine in it's obvious context when I arrived at the ceremony site.  It was hard to miss. Orange and yellow and red covered an arch and arbor built for this very day. The sky was so deep blue and the air so warm that it felt like mid-July. The lake where Garrett grew up was alive with boaters and swimmers and a certain father getting ready for his son's big day. Sunflowers climbed the dock overlooking a beach, and the custom built dance floor was left open to the heavens - perfect for sharing a first dance as husband and wife.

I had no doubt Leslie would be a stunning bride, and when I first saw her, she was a picture of calm and patience, despite parts of the day not going quite as planned. Light filled the room as her closest friends helped her with her dress. She was radiant. And she was ready to get married.

Garrett had the same calm about him. When he walked down the aisle, his confidence matched his bride's. He turned to see Leslie and her father, and beamed. He was proud to have her.

It was in the way they spoke, the way they moved, they way their faces lit up at first seeing each other.

Sunshine.

Thank you, Leslie and Garrett, for letting me be a part of your day. 

Jessica

I was a little nervous, at first. I happily observed her from a distance, content with the safety that distance provided. Thank you, zoom lens.

My technique didn't last as long as I hoped it would. Jessica is afraid of heights, too, but it wasn't stopping her from wanting her senior pictures taken on the edge of a cliff. I couldn't let her do it alone. I wanted to give her the same effort she was giving me, so, I let out a nervous laugh, switched lenses, and came closer. I was glad I did. The view was worth it, and I was able to get some of my favorite pictures of the day.

I can't take all the credit, however. Jessica made it pretty easy. She is casual and confident - a girl truly comfortable in her own skin. She is funny and bright, and as you may have heard, slightly athletic. (I knew she would have no trouble jumping back to the rock we came from.) On top of all this, she likes to read. For fun.

Thanks, Jessica, for the wonderful day. Looking forward to more this winter!

Erin

The best part of shooting Erin's senior photographs was not her stylish outfit choices. It was not her inspiring locations. Nor was it the fact that the pale pink dress she wore made her complexion look like she just walked out of a Chanel ad campaign. 

All of these things made the day especially enjoyable, but the thing that really stole my heart was the smoothie from Erin's mom. There. I said it. No hard feelings, Erin.

Erin is a girl's girl, and I love that about her. She makes no apologies for golfing in pink shoes and lip gloss, and why should she if she's just going to beat you, anyway? (I hear she's good, and I didn't hear it from her.) Erin came with ideas galore, and chose two incredible locations. She's athletic and fun, daring and fashionable. And cute? Absolutely.

Thank you Erin, (and Sue!) for the exciting (and delicious!) photo shoot.  Here are some of my favorites.