{River @ the Japanese Friendship Garden}

This was a really fun day for me... primarily because I felt comfortable with my subjects. I had the opportunity to shoot candidly, which is my favorite way to shoot. Posing always feels so unnatural to me.

This was my first time visiting the Japanese Friendship Garden, and it's Gorgeous! This is the type of place I would go on a lazy day, to have a picnic & read a book. It's incredibly peaceful! AND -- it's super close to our house, which is an added bonus. It's unusual to find such a Zen-like place in such an Urban part of town!

River's mommy Becca is an old friend of mine. We used to work at an Irish Pub together "back in the day"... when life was more free... and a tad bit more "fun." I'm not saying I wish to be back there again... but, I can definitely say we had some real fun times! Sometimes... I do miss being "young." I know we're still technically "young"... but we're reaching that borderline where these strange things called "responsibilities" sort of interfere with our used-to-be lifestyle...

For as long as I've known Becca, she's always been a fun, loving, free-spirit... and I love that her personality reflects through her beautiful daughter! River is such a pleasure to be around! (Just like her Mommy!)

Thank you to Becca, Wes & River for sharing your time and gorgeous faces with me! I really appreciate all the practice I can get... Plus, the added bonus of getting to spend some time with you!

All My Love!

Here's a few handfuls of my favs:

{Annual Picnic at the Phoenix Zoo}

Annually around March, the law firm we work for holds a picnic at the Phoenix Zoo. This was our 2nd time attending, and the number of guests increased by almost 100 people since last year! There were over 300 guests... and with that in mind, we have to have a huge appreciation for our party planning committee! *Clapping!*

This was a bittersweet day for me... I'll tell you why shortly.
The picnic was complete with beautiful weather, happy smiles, an amazing barbeque buffet, and it was really fun to see everyone in their "everyday" clothes, with their families and children. I'll be bluntly honest, I am typically not a fan of children... but these ones were actually a pleasure to be around... there was one in particular that I may have kidnapped if her parents had turned their head for just one millisecond! ... Okay, I am totally joking - but Hannah was one smart and a totally enjoyable child. She liked me too... which is totally rare for a child. Most tend to scream as soon as I enter a room.

Back to the "bittersweet" thing I mentioned... more like just *bitter* -- my iPhone was stolen / lost towards the end of the day. That iPhone is not *just* a phone to me... It is a mini storage unit of my entire life. Whoever has it, has the capability to invade my privacy in major ways -- not to mention steal my identity. So the end of yesterday was quite tragic for me. I am still recovering...

Anyway... back to the photography stuff. Ty shot all of these photos yesterday... and I am continually impressed by his capabilities and improvement. I edited the photos... but, like I have said before -- when Ty shoots... there's not much to edit. So, sometimes I just toy around with photoshop just for fun...

I'll stop blabbering now... Enjoy!!

{Saturday in the Park}

We did a family session today with Michele and her beautiful children! As you can see - we know where they get their good looks from.

Michele is a really close family friend. She's known Ty's mom since Ty was born, and she even used to baby sit him! She also donated her make-up talent to me for our wedding!

We hope you guys enjoy a little sneak peak!

Reid & Daxen Turning 2!

Today my great friend Melissa let me tag along with her to meet a new family that wanted some photographs of their 2 year old twin boys.

I have a new respect for children photographers (and parents.) Being that I haven't had much exposure to children in my lifetime -- nor have I photographed them, I never realized how challenging this would be! They literally never stop moving -- so, I feel lucky to have even captured a few somewhat good shots!

On the other hand, their energy is invigorating -- and they are just so incredibly precious!  The challenge keeps it exciting and I had such a great time!

Thank you to Reid and Daxen for being such precious little sweet peas! You boys are gonna be some heart breakers -- and I hope you have a fantastic upcoming birthday!
It's no wonder these boys are so great... their parents are awesome and extremely hospitable! After the photos they made us lunch, complete with beer & halloween candy! 


Thank you Kristen & Shelby for sharing your boys with us... and for the warm invitation to your home. 


I hope you enjoy these!