That was the question I had to ask myself for my session with the H family. Many people remember them from last year in their rich red outfits with the beautiful fall colors. M was in love with his trains and brought one of his beloved trains that happened to also coordinate in the great red color. Since then, I’ve also done their maternity session at this park and their wonderful newborn session when J was born. So when Mom and I talked about doing their family fall session, she said she was excited to see what I would do and how could I top last year. Tall order since it was just such a wonderfully memorable session.

We arrived at the park with the sun still up but at this time of the year, that sun disappears fast!! It was a little chilly, but the kids were well coordinated in handsome sweaters and vest. M, I just love him! He is so full of life and loves to smile. He cracks me up, saying “cheeeeeeeeese” a million times. He has the biggest smile and oh how he loves his little brother!

Here are a few shots from their session and don’t forget to check out their fusioned video at the end. I am really thrilled with it. As I said at the beginning of the season, I’m trying it out and practicing with it, trying to get better and better with each session. I’m trying a new software and I love how it turned out. And I know, it’s the same song again, but I love it! I will be searching for new songs to license for next year, but for now, it’s just so appropriate for these fun family sessions I’ve done this year!

I have been taking portraits of Miss A since she was 8 months old. It has been wonderful watching her grow into the beautiful little girl she is. Now she has a baby brother and she is so sweet with him. I cannot wait to see him grow and capture their relationship!

My niece is a 5 -time Black Cat Kenpo Karate champion training with Master Art Beins. I remember when she first started as a ranger, she looked so cute in her white gi and camouflage belt. Looking at her now, not only can I not believe how much she has grown but I am so impressed with her dedication and passion for the sport. Sometimes, you would never realize that she is on the verge of becoming a black belt at the age of 10. She is sometimes quiet, but when she gets her gi on, she is so serious, so dedicated, and honestly, a little scary!  ;-)  When she competes, there are so many rings of competition going on. Yet, when it’s her turn to compete, even up in the high bleachers, I can hear her introduce herself to the judges with such fire and passion. She just blows me away. I am so, so proud of this kid!

In a few weeks, the organization is celebrating 30 years and she will be receiving a leadership award. I had taken some studio shots of her 2 years ago and got some really cool ones. But since then, she has gone from a purple belt to a brown and she won 3 more trophies. So we took more studio shots because the weather just wasn’t cooperating. I got some nice shots of her inside, but I still had a vision and set out to find a way to make it happen.

J, I am so incredibly proud of you!! Love you so much!

Today, we had gorgeous weather and I was determined to get her some shots outside. The trouble around here is getting above the tree line and getting a great silhouette. There is a small hill by my house that faces the sunset and I hoped it would work. We walked up the hill only to discover it’s not as high as I thought! We kept working it and finally got some shots. I just love how these turned out. I told my sister these are going to make an awesome set of canvas wraps in my niece’s bedroom! I’m thinking a 3-image panel across her wall.

Left: (Isn’t she so incredibly flexible?)

Middle:

Right: