Photography is so special to me because it gives me to the opportunity to capture the beauty of people in love. When a couple loves each other, it shines through and makes photos beautiful in a way that can’t be duplicated. This is why I chose to primarily be a wedding and engagement photographer. It keeps me going; it’s something that never gets old.

So when Katie (whose wedding I photographed just this past weekend) asked me to shoot a family session for her sister’s family, I was a tiny bit uneasy. I rarely take pictures of kids, and Emily and Jethro have…..THREE boys! Three. The odds of me somehow screwing this one up seemed extraordinary. What if they run in circles around me and point and laugh?? What if they see right through me and realize that I have no idea how to take pictures of three little boys? They’d hate me, for sure. Right??

As per usual, my fears managed to far exceed the reality of the situation. Isa, Salim, and Siraj were the most fun, well-behaved, sweet little boys I’ve ever met! And soooo stinkin’ so cute! Why on earth did the prospect of little boys scare me? I’ll never know. What I do know is that I’d love to take these three home with me!

When you think about it, photographing families isn’t all that different from shooting couples. It’s just a slightly larger group of people who love each other. And you really can’t go wrong with that.

Could they be any more fun?!?

Cutest family ever, no?

I really love this photo of Emily with her sister Katie!

Lynn and Glen are two of the coolest people you’ll ever meet. That’s why they make such a perfect couple. Both just so cool, in that intangible way that you want to imitate but can’t quite grasp. Awesome personalities on top of being loving and kind makes for a really great engagement session! They adore each other like crazy, and it’s not hard to see that in their photographs.
We spent another super-hot evening hanging out in Lawrence, and we completely lost track of time! That’s just what happens when you hang out with such cool people.

How sweet is this leather ottoman?? I want.

And last, a couple of actions shots from my lovely friend Julie who came along to help out. I do many squats in preparation for my engagement shoots, clearly. Thanks Julie!

Can I just say praise the Lord…’cause summer is FINALLY here! I’ve spent the last few months reminiscing about the early arrival of warmth where I used to live in Oklahoma. Knock on wood, but I’m thinking it’s finally time to put all my long sleeved duds into storage. And if I wake up to another 40 degree morning (which happened just a couple weeks ago…), I’ll just have to stay in bed!

Chris and Bri’s shoot took place on what I definitely considered to be one of the first real summer days we’ve had. Despite the thick clouds and the thunderstorm looming not far in the distance, it was hot. It was muggy. It was objectively a bit miserable outside, but these two were serious troopers! I always pine for some gorgeous sunlight at engagement sessions, but I think we were better off without it this time!