The Unseen Moments ~ Your Story Session | Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

For this session, I was inspired by my own every day moments spent with my children. Every time I sit in my rocking chair reading to my baby boy or mix up a batch of cookies with my girls, I think to myself, I really wish I had a photograph of this. I wish someone would document these really special moments for me, and then I could be in them too. I also knew there would be other families who felt the same way, and I wanted to share my eye and my perspective on capturing those every day, unseen moments with them.

I got to know Amber because we were both photographers in the same area. When I met her, she was someone I felt I'd known forever; she is easy to talk to, genuine and a true friend. Recently, she and her family found out they would be moving across the country, and I knew this was a session she would be thrilled to have done before they left. Her girls are the world to her, and we both realize how fast our children are growing up!

Knowing this would be completely relaxed and in their home, I told her to let the kids wear what they wanted (they all wore their pjs, which I loved!), and to just plan on doing some of things they do at home every day, like read books, snuggle on the bed and play. It was truly going to be capturing them having fun doing the mommy/daughter activities they do every day.

My style really is about storytelling. I use different angles, close-up detail shots, and pull-backs to create images that really work together to tell the story of my subject(s).

Even though the session was very laid back, I was still aware of my light sources and where the light was coming from. I also tried to keep my aperature low in order to create as much bokeh as I could to blur the background and make my subjects the true highlight of the image.

The baby is about 9 months and her big sister is almost 3. I knew I wouldn't be giving a lot of direction, but really trying to stay back and capture the natural interactions between them. In this particular session, I let Mom take the lead in engaging her children for the most part; whereas in other sessions I would interact more directly with the children.

 The very best images from each Your Story session are custom designed into a beautiful, heirloom quality, flushmount album. This session was so much fun to do. We all had fun, and Amber was overwhelmed by the story we captured of her and the girls. All the unseen, sometimes forgotten moments, are now preserved forever.

As always if this post receives 20 or more comments, this family will receive a free gift from me!

T Family ~ Idaho Family Photographer

This is such a loving, caring family, and it was a pleasure to photograph them. Mom had received this session as part of my Mother's Day giveaway. They spent most of the time laughing and joking around, which made it very fun for all of us. Sweet baby "M" is the little princess of the family, and everyone was very excited to be welcoming another baby girl into the family soon too. They are all quite musical, so I thought it very appropriate they brought a guitar to play during their session. Thanks T family for a fun fall afternoon! If this post receives 20 or more comments this family will receive a complimentary 5X7 from their session.

Bright and Fun ~ "Your Story" Family Session ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photograher

I had such a great time photographing this family at their home. I was so glad when they called to book their session, as these kids are just darling and full of spunk! I told Mom to just tell the kids we were having a playdate, and that's exactly what we did! We ran around the yard, played with bubbles, visited their calves in the pasture, played in the dirt, went on the swingset, and captured some wonderful family memories. I feel this session was another great example of a "Your Story" lifestyle session with me.

During our pre-session consultant, we talked about how photographing them at their home would let them all be more comfortable, and we would also be able to capture beautiful memories of everyday activities they do as a family. We also talked about clothing options-how they could find coordinating options for each member, but that they didn't have to be all matching. I love the bright, fun colors they chose!

 

Thank you "F" family for inviting me into your home and letting me capture these memories for you! It was a lot of fun! 

If this blog post receives 20 or more comments, this family will receive a complimentary 5X7 Gift print. Feel free to share!

Four on Friday ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

Just some random thoughts on my mind today. Hope you have a great Friday everyone!

Did you know they make Pumpkin Spice marshmallows? Yuuuummy! I also saw chocolate, chocolate mint, caramel and vanilla swirl and strawberry flavored ones on the shelf at the store the other day. I was a little tempted to purchase them all. I'm not a huge marshmallow fan, but I think it would be fun to try them. I decided that might be a little excessive so I refrained, but maybe if I just buy one bag at a time it won't be so crazy. Maybe?! The chocolate mint ones would be fun for hot cocoa! Anyone try these flavors yet?

Speaking of pumpkin...that's what is melting in my Scentsy warmer--well not a real pumpkin, but rather Pumpkin Roll. It definitely reminds me of fall. I also have Dear Mr. Watson in our main bathroom-reminds me of my hubby's aftershave, Silhouette in our bedroom-kind of a musky, sexy scent and Lucky in Love in the girls' bathroom-light and girly smelling. What about you all? Do you have a favorite scent, candle or air freshener you use?

Yesterday I mentioned using my crockpot lately. I prepared one of my favorite recipes. In fact, my mom still makes it for me whenever we go home for a visit. It's called Creamy Crockpot-I know not super original of a name, but trust me it's delicious! My mom clipped the recipe out of the High Plains Journal when I was a kid. (As an aside-this was one of my favorite ag magazines my dad subscribed to when I was growing up. In addition to great news and features stories, and editorial columns, it also has a page of recipes and one with house plans. I still have a file of house plans for the home we may--or may not--ever build.) Anyway, onto the recipe:


Creamy Crockpot
1-2 lbs of top or bottom round steak-This is a more economical cut of beef and lends itself well to crockpot cooking, as you want to cook it low and slow. You can cube the meat or cut it in larger pieces.
2 cans cream soup (I use cream of mushroom or cream of celery, whatever I have on hand.)
1 cup each of green pepper and onion cut into chunks
Dashes of Worchestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
Just mix up the soup and spices, pour over meat in crockpot. I usually add the peppers and onions about halfway through cooking. Cook 6-8 hours on low heat. The longer it cooks the more tender the meat becomes. The soup makes this incredibly tasty gravy. I serve it over rice.


I would have taken a photo, but it isn't the prettiest dish. However, it tastes wonderful, is comforting and reminds me of home. :0) Do you have any favorite crockpot recipes?


And because a post without a photo on a photography blog doesn't make a lot of sense, here is a sneak peek to the family session that will be blogged on Monday! I had so much fun hanging out with them this summer! Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

God's Gift to You ~ Fruitland Portrait Photographer

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~ Desmond Tutu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was such a pleasure to photograph this beautiful family. Being teachers, Stuart and Deanna are raising their girls to love learning. And they all enjoy reading together. It was neat to capture something they do every day as a family in a beautiful way for them. One of their favorite books is I Love You Stinky Face, which is a sweet story of the unconditional love of a mother for her son. After hearing the story, I think I'll have to pick it up for my kiddos too!

Deanna is a beautiful expecting mother. She just had that glow. I really enjoyed getting to know her more this year as she was our oldest's teacher. It was fun seeing them all together as a family too; they love each other so much. 

We had a fun time photographing in and around their home. I always enjoy coming to my client's homes and favorite locations, as they tend to be more comfortable and relaxed. We also had some beautiful light that evening during the "Golden hour," my very favorite time to photograph people.

The girls are adorable and are both excited to be big sisters to a baby brother. I was thrilled to get to know them all better during this session. 

So excited for you to welcome a little boy to your family, and can't wait to see you all again for his newborn session!

If this post receives 10 or more comments, this family receives a complimentary 5X7!

Have a great weekend! We're finally having some warm spring weather!

The More the Merrier ~ Midvale Family Photographer

A couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of photographing an extended family session near Midvale. All the kids and grandkids were home for the holidays and they wanted a beautiful portrait of everyone together. The referral for the session came from Slice of Life Photography, who is the family photographer for one of the families back in Michigan. SILP found me through the "Find a Photographer" link on the PPA website. My membership in Professional Photographers of America is my commitment to my clients that I will run a professional, profitable business and am devoted to continuing education and learning all I can about my craft.

With seven adults and eight little ones ranging from toddler to tween, it was a busy morning. But, I'm used to lots of little ones around as my husband and I both have large families. It's also neat to see all the different personalities when you get everyone together. We had some shy ones, some silly ones and some happy ones. And even a little comedian. He kept us laughing with his knock knock jokes. Thanks Mr. J! You helped keep things light and fun!

Due to the weather being so bitter cold, we decided to keep things inside, but the lighting was beautiful thanks to two huge windows. I love being able to photograph families in their own homes or a place they love as they tend to be more comfortable and relaxed during their session.

I have to give a special shout out to my friend and assistant Jodie! She was the extra two hands I needed to get all the kids around and everyone together. Thanks so much!

And for the C and A families: I hope you made wonderful holiday memories, enjoyed your portrait experience and cherish these special memories we captured of all of you.

It was a pleasure to meet all of you!

 Isn't she darling? And here are her big brothers and sisters.

Two sweet little girls.

 This little guy was shy at first, but he sure warmed up when his momma started being silly.

We had some great little giggles.

If this post receives 10 or more comments, the family will receive

a complimentary 5X7 gift print from me!