Mine. And some experimenting.

Around the time that I started thinking about taking a few updated pictures of my own son, he recalled this photo shoot, and asked to recreate it. He wanted to wear the same shirt (quite small now, but still in the drawer) and take the same camera.  After some coaxing, we decided to take another broken vintage camera and wear a different outfit, but go for another photo shoot with just the two of us. Thankfully, he remembered that the first location was closed and we can never go back again (silly no trespassing signs...), and so we headed to a few places that I knew he'd love.  Train station & farm store.

 

While at the station, I did some photography experiments.  I felt like the set was having a vintage feel and the more I shot, the more I got to work in some effects.  In this first image, while Eli was adjusting the camera, I adjusted my own to make this diptych of him both out of and in focus. I just love it.

The camera itself lent itself well to being edited in a vintage style.

And most fun of all, and certainly the most experimental, a two camera approach!  I took the old Polaroid camera that Eli was pretend photographing with and placed it against the lens of my own. I messed around with focus and angle, loving the red line in the viewfinder of his and capturing both real life and "in camera" life at the same time. Shooting in a completely manual way while holding two cameras was a little tricky (especially while trying to make sure my pregnant belly was staying covered), but I love the effects.  Here are a few favorites.

 Wonderment.

Fall Family

We've got a gorgeous family session to enjoy today.  It was actually kind of a one year old session with some family thrown in, but what a great family, so it's a nice mix. I'm a fan!  I love this family.

I love laughing photos!

But those serious ones are kind of addicting, too...

Mug 'n Bun Love

This is one of those posts where I am me, and you get a glimpse at my family.  I go on vacation, too, sometimes, though I suppose this one was for work.  And when a photographer goes on a trip, even a lunch stop can mean a whole blog post.

You ready? This is full of Mug 'n Bun Love.

As soon as Abbey & Larry contacted me to photograph their wedding, do you know where my pregnant mind went?  Mug 'n Bun. Yep. Straight to my favorite childhood drive in, where I'd go with my dad when I'd go to work with him at the church as a little girl.  I went right to home made root beer,

some potato wedges, all seasoned and crispy,

 a perfectly made grilled cheese.

So what is Mug 'n Bun? It's Indy's Oldest & Finest Drive In, of course...

 where you put your lights on for service

unless you sit at the tables, of course. And let them take your order with a pencil

but you know what your dad is going to get before he orders it. 

It's where you try to teach your son how amazing this greasy food is, but he's not used to such greasy delicacies and just shrugs, "eh, it's OK, mom."

 Eyepatches are way more cool than french fries.

It's where I prepare months in advance for the extra insulin I'll need that day, and pray it doesn't make me sick; it's where I clear the tray and drink that root beer, every last sip, savoring each flavor, and being thankful Abbey & Larry decided to get married. ;)

Backyard Beautiful, Phase 2

Be sure to see part one of this post here.

After we did the first part of the session, we switched it up.  For a five year old, making things silly sure does make it worth it to go for some more photos!  Who doesn't love a dress AND and skirt with baby leg warmers on your arms with your head wrapped up?

Mostly just an outfit change, and the addition of a few extra props, but a continuation of the dreamy, imaginative afternoon in the backyard theme.  More experimentation on my part, and voila!

Soft and dreamy....

 Light and cheerful.

More somber, contemplative.

And congratulations to you, young friend, as you get to be big sister to three this week! What a treat to snap a couple photos of your littlest brother.