One really difficult thing about living in Syracuse, NY is that we live far away from all of our family. And by far away, I mean two plane rides away. What we wouldn’t give to be a 3 hour flight away from family. Heck, I probably would have had more kids if I knew there would be a grandma or a grandpa around to keep me sane.

HOWEVER, it is great to have fun places to visit with the kids when we get to see family. Some family is in St. Louis, and some are in Omaha, NE (much cooler towns than you might image if you haven’t been before).

And–the favorite place to visit when you haven’t seen the sun in months—Arizona! This time, I set up some sessions while I was in town—an adorable baby session with my sister-in-law, and some horse sessions (a first for me).

Here are some of the actual sessions–sprinkled in with some pics of my kids thoroughly enjoying the sunshine.

I rarely get a non-smile photo of my youngest Sadie. I told her to be serious here.

One year old sweetness.

Favorite.

Dogs and baby–an obvious combination for cuteness.

A beautiful family.

My oldest Echo at an Arizona horse ranch–with the resident visiting small dog.

She turns 13 next week and my emotions are worse than when she started kindergarten.

I too struggle to get the “perfect” sibling shot. That is why I like to call these shots perfect.

This is what a horse does right after it gets groomed.

Curious.

One of my fabulous mother-in-law’s (yup I’ve got two) with one of her horses.

I can’t wait for my next Arizona visit.

So, I don’t know about you, but this winter is starting to get to me. The sun might be trying to peek out from behind the clouds today, but I swear I am suffering from some major lack of sunlight blah’s.

Luckily in the winter I mix things up a bit and take on sessions that I don’t really have time for in the summer–like head shots and band photos. And, thank goodness for some seriously adorable babies and kids to smile at me or else I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t get out of bed each morning.

Here is a big mix of what I have been up to recently.

First some head shots for a beautiful, smart young woman who is starting her own business.

And then there was this adorable little guy.

I think he was showing off his muscles to me here.

And, funny adorable boys.

And more babies with big sisters.

And, let me tell you–if photographing a dad singing Insy wincy spider with his daughter doesn’t bring a smile to your face, I don’t know what will.

And adorable sisters.

And finally I did some photos for a local band, The Jeffrey Peppers Rodgers Trio

So–here is wishing that March bring some sunshine for all of us, but if not–give me a call. I’d love to photograph your cute kids.

Next up—a travel post–yeah!

Happy Valentines Day to you all. I hope you find time today to get into a few photos with your kids–they will want those photos later on, and let’s face it you are not getting any younger.

Now, here are some of the beautiful families I have photographed recently.

Winter for me means babies.

This little one was too old for sleepy newborn shots, but on the upside we did get some adorable first smiles.

What a sweetie.

Thanks for having me out at this special time.

If you have stopped by my blog lately you may think I am only a wedding photographer, but I am actually a child and family photographer who also photographs weddings.

I can’t wait to show you some of the sessions I photographed this fall and summer. Up first–a group of ridiculously adorable kids all with their own cute personalities which I tried to capture the essence of.

I love love love this series.

I got some super cute smiles from this guy, but I just love the expression in this one.

So cute.

Another classic family shot from me.

I hope this images give you a good idea what a session is like with me.

And–any more book recommendations from my year in review? I’d love to hear what you are reading.

Happy Wednesday.

Hello blog. I have lots of stuff to share with you. I’ve missed you, and I’m sorry to have neglected you.   First up–the awesome Ellen and Dan.

This wedding was so so much fun. I got to photograph at Green Lakes State Park which is my all time favorite. I got to work with Kate Brown at Lovewell Design, who is amazing. Ellen and Dan were a totally fun and relaxed couple to work with, AND we had a photobooth at the reception.

Hopefully in the images you will be able to tell what a great wedding this was.

Ellen got ready at her childhood home with her mom watching on.

I like getting some found still lifes when I photograph at the home of the bride or the groom. Ellen’s house had many to choose from.

The wedding was on October 27th so signs of Halloween were at the house.

Ellen has two sisters and a younger brother. The little brother with three older sisters made a great dynamic and offered up lots of cute shots.

Ellen looked so beautiful. Her flowers were done by The Backyard Garden.

Can you see Ellen’s dad in the background? He noticed a rope in the background that he wanted to cut down.

While I was photographing Ellen and the girls my amazing second shooter Tara was out with the guys.

We both love the laughing shots.

The kids in wedding were adorable.

These two shots are some of my favorite for the ceremony photos. Do you see the thumbs up the groom is giving the little kids?

Married!!!

Watching the kids scream and play after the ceremony while the bagpiper was playing was so cute.

We headed to Green Lakes with all the family and bridal party for the formals.

Had to photograph the awesome socks.

The reception was at The Links at Traditions.

These two were the most expressive couple to photograph. So cute.

I loved the cake topper.

And dancing photos– When everyone gets out on the dance floor it is one of my favorite things to photograph.

Mr. Expressive.

And dance circles make for the best shots—I love how many people I can get in the shots and the reactions are always awesome and they are never looking at me.

Behind the photobooth were important family photographs–love that.

Congratulations Ellen and Dan. I hope married life is treating you well–I’m sure it is. Thanks again for choosing me to capture these moments.

**next up–my annual book review, and then an amazing wedding I photographed in New Hampshire.

Congrats to Julia and Matt who were married last month! When I first met them I was struck by how attractive they both were–I mean these two look like they could be on the cover of a magazine. What made me want to photograph their wedding was how down to earth and nice they both were. Photographing their engagement session sealed the deal and when their wedding day came, I was excited to document all the moments for these two.

They day started windy and rainy–I packed all of my umbrellas.

The girls got their hair and make-up done and Miracles in Fayetteville and they did an amazing job.

I’m pretty sure Julia doesn’t need make-up, but still. Amazing.

Julia got ready at her mom’s house, in her old bedroom.

Meanwhile my amazing second shooter Tara was hanging out with the guys.

Dress time.

This was the car that brought Julia to the ceremony.

Tara got this shot of Julia heading up to the ceremony–she had to essentially walk under a tunnel to get there.

Love these. Julia’s dad officiated.

Married!!!

Notice Matt messing with his new ring. I get a shot like this at every wedding.

Off to the reception at the Links at Traditions. 

I had to stop for this little fox before I could park my car.

As you can see,  by the evening the weather had cleared. What a great bridal party.

The man waiting to tee off offered to let the groom take a shot.

Love how Julia is saying thanks here.

Some really fun introductions at the reception.

I love the look on Julia’s face here.

Thanks again for choosing me to document your wedding.

Congratulations!

This little lady was go go go all session long. I hope she and her parents got in a good nap after our session.

I had a great time photographing this crew.

How cool is that grandma/granddaughter shot?

Mother/daughter.

Siblings.

Two adorable girls on a beautiful morning with a great mom and dad.  My kind of session for sure.

My baby smile tricks were not working on this sweetie pie. Good thing she looks cute no matter what.

I think the baby’s pose is so funny here.

Thanks for having me out again.