Danielle, Zane, & Brandon: Black Hills Portrait Photographer

Danielle called awhile ago to talk about photos, and after rescheduling twice due to rain and a high fever, we finally made it happen last week.  I don't think she could have chosen a more beautiful day or location. Brandon is graduating high school in a few short weeks, and will then be joining the military. Danielle wanted to have a group picture taken before he left, and it didn't take long for me to see why.

Brandon and Zane are brothers, though not in a typical way. They tease each other, and laugh together, and one looks up to the other, just like brothers do. Three year old Zane doesn't remember Brandon ever not being there, so to him, the line between family and family friends is blurred. 

Brandon crossed the creek, and Zane followed...at least until he called Brandon over for help. Brandon sat bent over with his arms on his knees, and Zane thought it best that he do the same (this was so funny — see pictures #6  and #7). In the group shots, where I had Zane sit closest to his mom, Brandon was never so far away that Zane couldn't reach around his neck, as if to let me know they were best buddies. Although the three of them are not technically related, there is an apparent sense of family between them—and to Danielle that's a perfect reason for portraits. 

Danielle, thank you so much for inviting me to take these photographs. I had such a great time hanging out with you and the boys. I hope you enjoy my favorites.

Colt turns One!

Today is my friend's birthday. He is one year old, and I'm not quite sure how that happened. In just a short time he went from a tiny, wrinkly newborn to a roly poly infant, to a boy who has teeth and can walk and say the name of his puppy.

I'm happy to know him.

Alexander Family

It wasn't a warm day, like we had hoped. In fact, it seemed like the coldest so far, and pictures on the deck with a view of Harney Peak just weren't an option. But it didn't matter. They were together, and the view wasn't what was important.

I arrived before the grandkids, and felt welcome immediately. We decided on the fireplace as our backdrop, and I soon found myself surrounded with laughter from girls in hot pink shirts. They were excited, and shy, and hungry, and curious, and so very funny. And with the promise of warm brownies from Grandma, they behaved (and photographed) beautifully. 

Thank you Sherryl, Vic, Kelly, Jason, Stacia and Jason. I appreciate you for thinking of me to take your family pictures, for being such good sports, for finding those adorable pink shirts, and for saving me a brownie.

Sisters

I dare you not to smile when you see this twosome. It can't be done.

A few weeks ago I was able to photograph this pair of sisters. Older sister Jaelyn helped her mom with baby Aliyah, and played with Dad on the swings. She loves her new sister, and thinks she'll keep her. Jaelyn will dazzle you with her smarts. She will melt your heart with her imagination. And she will make you laugh. A lot.

Aliyah is absolutely beautiful. She was a little on the sleepy side, but not sleepy enough to risk missing much of the excitement. Stacia was able to get her to rest for a few minutes, but she knew we were up to something. I didn't realize until I got home how many photos I took of her hands and feet. I can't help it. They're just so tiny.

Thank you, Stacia and Jason, for letting me come over and play with the girls. Here are a few of my favorites from the afternoon.