Backyard Beautiful, Phase 1

When spring arrived, I photographed a young friend just for me, as a creative photo shoot.  You can see a couple here.

Then fall started to show up, and I needed to do another session just for me.  I had an itching to continue the look I had created in the Spring, but change it up a litte.  A different young friend, with an equally amazing ability to blow my mind with perfect expressions. Same dress, same rusty trellises  same natural setting, but something different.

Inspired by senior portrait photographer (a friend who let me use her "real" camera back when I was probably in middle school to take photos of angel statues) who does some incredible and unique work (roddaphotography.com), I wanted to create a tent.  She has done some wonderful work with her senior girls with these whimsical tents in the middle of nowhere.

I had in mind something similar, but more childlike and inspired by afternoons in the backyard playing, reading, and creating your own world.  But like before, I wasn't interested in something that was all playful and fun, but something with emotion, perhaps solemn and compelling. Working with a kid though provides both easily, as every deep stare she threw into the lens was quickly followed by a genuine laugh or bright eyes. I can't get enough of either.

The brightness, a little girl being swallowed up in white lace and sunshine.  Such sweetness, even in the solemnity.

This also provided me with a chance to experiment some with lighting, editing, and trying a few different styles that I haven't done before, or not often with real sessions.

(We did two styles during the session- each with a different set of clothes for my little model- so this is just "phase one"- vintage dress.)

A smattering of favorites.

And a transition to the smiles with a little smirk...

Baby faces

Baby faces are so gosh darn great. They always seem to tell a story.  I've enjoyed photographing this family of the last few years and had to laugh as I saw how similar and vastly different his little fella's expressions are like his big brother's from a couple of years ago. 

Little Gerber Baby mixed with complete surprise!

And I have to say there are some where I think his face is saying, "Uh... Mom, are we done with this yet?  I'm not sure why I'm on my stomach right now..."

Jessi & Jamie

In many respects this engagement session was like many others.  Special locations, colors, and hoping for the cooler fall weather. And for me, the excitement of a "date for three" where I get a special glimpse at a couple for the first time- how they interact together, what they like to do together, and what makes them special.  Though occasionally prompted, I see natural moments of tenderness, respect, and great joy.

But... then there were some differences. When we begin the "location" part of the discussion, we look towards places that I have scouted that seem to fit the couple or towards special locations that have meaning.  This time, the discussion was started for me when Jessi told me we were going to go to a cemetery. I thought a combination of "What?!?" and "Yes!"   Weird confession: I used to have a strange obsession with taking creepy cemetery photos as a teenager, so this seemed right up my alley.  It became a little more normal when I learned what a lovely property it is and how he used to go walking here- and almost proposed there! What a story would that have been?

Throw in some early fall wind.   (Though as I look back on it, we blamed the wind for making Jessi's hair fly, but I think it was more of their continual laughter!  Head-tossing, hair-shifting laughter.)

Then add in another chapter of their story, which was far less of a photography challenge than I expected, to be quite honest.  Jessi and Jamie both use wheel chairs.  Though far different than what I experience on a daily basis being diabetic, we connected.  We've all gotten the comments of "Oh, I just couldn't do it [give a shot, check my blood sugar, get in and out of such-and-such in a chair]..." When really, you can. You just have to. There is no other choice, but non-existence.  Though I have to admit, their skills are pretty impressive!

I think this next one might be my favorite.  I keep thinking, "Killer!" and then think, "That's not something I would ever say in real life."

 And then the wind decides to cooperate quite nicely...

This is moment when we all had to laugh.  Here they are, all set up- chairs across the way, out of reach.  And I, quite round in my pregnant-ness, lay on the ground to "get the shot." They realized they didn't want me to get stuck, because then we'd all be stuck. :)  But isn't it worth it? Check out that awesome trellis!

Then we switched gears. We threw together this little scene (and by threw together, I mean my friend was great to watch our son while my husband was great and came to help me unload this full sized diner booth bench into the middle of their favorite park since with the aid of a passing-by stranger) that visually combines some of their favorite things.  Being outdoors, St. Louis restaurants, favorite park, and general lightheartedness and fun.

I'm looking forward to their wedding next spring!

Abbey & Larry Tie the Knot

Most wedding posts start with the obvious- you know- the bride and groom.  Let's break out of the box a bit and start with, oh, say... me.

This wedding marks the end of my wedding shooting season for 2012.  A little early, I know.  But check it out- me and my #2 are both about to have babies. See? (Just getting to know us? I'm the one in gray, Casey is in green).

But you know what else? We traveled for our last wedding.  Yup, all the way to Indiana. Why would we do that? For family.  The lovely bride is my cousin, Abbey.  So all wrapped up in one "job" was a unique wedding, my final trip, and my family!

My mom and my little gentleman.

 

My dad even officiated.

 Ok, ok, ok... I know. You want wedding photos.

Abbey and Larry were married a few weeks ago at really unique venue in Noblesville, IN called the Mill Top. 

 I love seeing the emotions of family on a wedding day (especially when it's my darling Aunt Julie).

A pre-first-look photo. 

 A quick jaunt about town...

Their honeymoon has them all over Europe, so I chose this little spot because I thought it had a nice European feel.

 I can't get enough of the details here- the greenery, blue door, moss on the ground, ironwork, and of course, a lovely bride to finish it all off.

 I knew I loved this the moment I took it. Father of the bride.

 Small bit of switching gears here... Is this not hilarious?  These socks have capes, I tell you, capes... That flap in the wind.  Though I have to say I giggle when I see it because I think they look like munchkins from Oz.

 And switch.

 Superman & Wonderwoman...

 And easily perhaps one of my favorite silly photos I've ever taken. I just love it!

 Ok, and we've switch back and pulled those pant legs back down...

 About to walk down the aisle.

Casey's view of the wedding was so great! Not every venue has a brick wall next to the spot where they stand, you know...

 First dance.  I know it's a small detail, but I seriously can't get enough of the little curl coming down into Abbey's face.

 Breakfast for dinner (yum!).  That omelet guy and I were a great team. He worked hard to get that omelet up in the air for me!

 And the guests even got to play rock band... Though these guys are pretty much just faking. :)