As a photographer I have no excuse not to have my family photographed at least once a year! I truly believe in the gift that I’m able to give to people as an artist, as a professional, as a photographer. I always hear excuses like, “Well, I want to loose weight first.” Or, “We want to wait until….” To me, people shouldn’t wait. I believe families should be photographed as often as they are able to. I’ve heard stories of people saying, “this is the last/only photograph I have of my parents… grandparents… loved one….” This life is short and to me, photographs are a way of remembering the people you love. It was only last Christmas that I was able to take a handful of photographs of Lee’s grandfather. It was the last Christmas he was here for, and I’m so thankful I have those photographs to remember that wonderful time!

Ok, I don’t want to get too heavy! But bottom line… I do this for a living, and I need to put my money where my mouth is! Yes?! I think so! Not only to I value photographs and the amazing photographers that have taken them… But I also think (as a professional in this field) that I should step into my clients’ shoes! I have to remind myself how stressful it can be to arrive to a photo shoot on time, with all the clothes picked out, pressed, and packed up… etc. And then there is being in front of the camera. Woah… My comfort level is definitely behind the lens… So it’s good to remind myself what it’s like to be photographed so that I can better relate to my clients when they’re the ones in front of the camera!

This past summer we hired my dear friends Michael and Carina for a photo session. There was really no reason. Lee and I hadn’t had a professional photo session since the wedding, so as an early anniversary gift to ourselves we decided we were past due and did it! With Christmas quickly (like warp-speed quickly) approaching I realized we needed to schedule a Christmas photo session! Ah! Thankfully Ashley Relvas was available and kind enough to work with us! I love our photos and thankfully we had an unseasonably warm day!!! Here are a few of my favorites from our season!!! <3