July 4th Fun

In spite of the triple digit temperatures on July 4th, we still spent part of the day outside at an Independence Day bash hosted by the Powers. I didn't get a ton of pictures (too busy chatting :-), but since I don't really have anything newer to post yet, I thought I may as well put these up.

Not the greatest photo aesthetically, but I had to take it.

I missed the 103ºF shot.

Loads of cookies and ice cream for ice cream sandwiches!

All right, Abbe, you asked if this was going on the blog... here you go! :-)

(By the way, can anybody say, "Cute aprons"?)

Volleyball... naturally. It's basically illegal to have a party without volleyball, isn't it?

That's my conclusion after applying observation and common sense deduction.

Can't end this post without a couple shots of my best little model-in-training... she catches on quick, no?

I'm hoping to have some more good posts coming up within the next month or so... perhaps a few portrait shoots, maybe my new blog design, and possibly a wedding. But remember: No promises made. Stay tuned and thanks for stopping by!

Allie | Newborn

Last month Wendy and I were privileged to be able to do a newborn session for one of the families from church. Though this one went a little differently than our previous one, in that little Miss Allie screamed her head off for the first 2/3 of the shoot, I still really enjoyed myself and would definitely like to do more newborns in future. Babies... I love 'em. And I tend to want to adopt every single one that I hold. Thankfully their mothers intervene or I'd have one full house...

Big Sister wanted to help :-)

And remembered her modeling skills from last time! :-)

We convinced Mom to get in front of the camera and I'm so glad she did!

I Heart Faces - Black & White

Has this little guy got some eyes or what?! He's so cute... he used to get a huge smile on his face when someone said, "Say, 'AMEN!'" :-) Maybe he'll be a preacher someday!

I Heart Faces - Hugs & Kisses

I tried taking some photos this morning of my sister and her new puppy to use for this theme, but it just wasn't working out how I wanted. So I sorted through some of my existing photos, and stumbled on this one from December, from the newborn/sibling shoot I did. They were so cute and kept kissing her over and over... it's obvious they love her very much. :-)

Amber | Newborn

I had the marvelous opportunity last week to take newborn photos of precious little Amber, the newest arrival at our church. I've never done a newborn session before, so it was a great learning experience and so much fun! After taking some pictures with Amber's big sister and brother (ages 2 and 3) beforehand, you really appreciate how cooperative a newborn is. :-)

She is absolutely adorable and sweet and... well, I want her. Unfortunately when I asked her mom if I could have her, I got a negative response. *sigh* I guess the pictures will have to do for me. :-)

A favorite. :-)

For the second set of bed shots we put a pink feather boa underneath...

I think I like it better than the plain bed.

Two more favorites... I love how there is the tiniest hint of a smile in the one on the left.

Thanks to Josh & Abbey for letting me come take photos of their little sweetie!

I Heart Faces - Soft & Sweet

I took this picture last summer of a sweet little baby from our church. Their family just has the cutest kids! I loved how sparkly and clear her eyes came out and you can see the reflection of me taking the picture. :-) This was one of my first photos experimenting with very shallow depth of field when I borrowed my friend's 50mm 1.8 before I bought my own. I was hooked! :-)

I Heart Faces - Best Face Photo of 2010

I am so excited that i heart faces is starting up again! What a tough choice, to pick a VERY favorite face photo from the whole year! I was debating between two, but this one won. I just love this little guy's expression, with that raised eyebrow. :-)
EDIT: Thanks to everyone that voted for me! I ended up 81 out of 839 photos... not bad. :-)