Many photographers affectionately refer to themselves as “lifestyle” photographers. It wasn’t until recently that I really started exploring what a lifestyle photographer truly is. It’s not simply a family or child photographer as I used to think. It’s a photographer that comes into your home or invites a family on-location and captures the family as is. Now, that’s not to say that the families can’t spend extra time coordinating their outfits or putting on makeup, but it’s less posing (notice I did not say NO posing) and more natural. More snuggles, more laughs, more relaxing together on your favorite couch or spot in your home, dancing together, and just doing the goofy things that connect loved ones.  I spoke about wanting that to come across in my photos, and I think this one honed in on that. The R Family wanted to keep the shoot as easy as possible. That’s not normally a “thing” with newborn shoots. This one lasted as long as a typical family shoot and we didn’t use a ton of props.  We didn’t wait for their youngest beauty to sleep. We went with shots whether she was sleep or awake, and I have to say I loved the outcome. Such a beautiful and easy-going party of FOUR now!

Gorgeous Girls!

Thanks for looking! Peace & Love.

I get so very nervous when I “shoot” my closest friends, so needless to say I was sweating bullets when it was time to get a few updated shots of Ciera for her new and upcoming website/blog. It’s just that they’ve supported and believed in my work since the verrrry beginning. They encouraged me to make this business work for me during times when I’ve doubted my ability and talent. They sometimes have more faith in what I’m capable of than I do, so I feel this immense pressure to make their vision come to life when the ball is in my court. Ciera has been there since before Farrahn E. Photography, listening to my stories and encouraging me. Now, her own business has taken off full speed ahead. She’s got an amazing cleaning company, Karma Clean. Their attention to detail and use of natural products is unmatched. I’d mentioned being a little stressed and overwhelmed to Ciera, so they sprayed lemon grass essential oil on our linen, and it really did make a huge difference. What cleaning company takes those measures?! I was blown away by the job well done. I’ve also been using natural household cleaning products, detergent, soaps, and scrubs that Ciera and her mom MAKE. My skin is super sensitive, and their products have been awesome for me! The buck doesn’t stop their for Ci – she is also one of the best mothers I know and a mentor to other young girls. I can’t speak highly enough of the positive spirit that is Ci. I can’t wait to see her business and blog take off. She’s such a beautiful person on the outside AND the inside. I’ve always known she was destined for greatness…

All week my students have been reminding me that we are in the final days of “Summer 16”. It was a busy one, and it zooooooomed by – as all summers do when you’re a teacher! Before it is long gone, I want to make sure that a few of my summer shoots make it to my little corner of the web. First up is Nicole, Richard, and their amazingly awesome and beautiful baby boy, Cruz. I’ve been waiting on Nicole to book a family shoot since she announced her pregnancy. Hehe! I’m not joking about this! I just knew she’d come with some type of cool coordination, and I knew they’d be naturals in front of the camera. I gave them a little direction, but all in all…I simply captured their family interacting with one another. I don’t think the things that they did and said were much different than what I’d catch on their snapchat feed, and I have to say I LOVE shoots like that! I literally teared up during the shoot when Cruz got sleepy and Richard starting singing the sweetest song to him while Nicole tried rocking him. When I think of photographers that I want to someday photograph my own family…I LOVE photographers that capture natural smiles in natural light with genuine laughs/smiles, and sweet snuggles. If that’s the type of photography sessions you’re into – I might be the photographer for you, and I think you’ll enjoy this shoot because that’s the essence of this one! 😉

 

E-Sessions are a liiiitttttttle outside of my norm, but I must say that I absolutely LOVE the way that this session turned out. I’m actually excited to do another engagement at this point. There’s just something about working with and chatting with people about one of, if not…THE upcoming happiest day of their lives. Adrienne and Seith were just so in love, and everything flowed pretty natural. I love that they had so many moments during their shoot. They make a beautiful couple, and they made my job EXTREMELY easy, but don’t just take my word for it…have a look for yourself!

Wishing these two nothing but blessings and many years of happiness together! 🙂

 

Thanks for looking!

How did I NOT blog these pics?! AH. So Pey, my God daughter turned one earlier this year. Having a cake smash was just not even a question. Her mom and I collaborated on the perfect props (tutu’s) and things of that nature for her Cake Smash. Her birthday celebration was a “Winter ONEderland” theme.

The cake smash was going great, and I was just loooving the shots I was getting up until we brought the cake out. I was told that kids either love or hate the texture of the icing. Well, she showed us immediately which spectrum she was on. I should have known that my girl would bring the tears at some point. I still adore the pictures, and it taught me a valuable lesson. ALWAYS get shots (baby and detail) juuuuust in case they don’t like the idea of smashing their cake.

Check out these facial expressions! LOL!

“What is THIS?!”

I can’t wait to have my own kids and put them through this type of stuff, but until then…It’s more than a pleasure to subject my God children to my idea of “fun” (Check out my God son’s HERE) ! LOL! These are the pics that parents will always adore and pull out to embarrass ya! HEHE!

 

Thanks for looking!