Right at Home  {Austin Children Photographer}

Two sets of girls - both almost the exact same age as my two girls?  Come on - could I feel any more at ease with these adorable children?   And, their mamas are just beautiful (I think it may run in the family).  And, their daddy's were the best assistants ever...putting their muscles to the test holding up blankets to make shade and making their children laugh so hard I could see their tonsils through the lens.

Thank you for such a fun session.

PS -  I LOVE these tall grasses.  I wish they were "in bloom" all year long.

One of My Cheerleaders  {Austin Children Photography}

This mama is one of my biggest cheerleaders.  I love her for it.  It doesn't hurt that her family is gorgeous!  Thank you for waking up early and being such good sports!

Running So Fast!  {Austin Children Photographer}

Mom's quote to me was, "He likes to ruuuuuunnn!".  My girls didn't walk until almost 17 months.  So, I though, how much can a 12 month old run?  Um, well, almost an entire session.  Running to Daddy proved to be extremely fun.  But, once Mom starting singing and quoting children's books he sat still and was just enamored with his Mama.

And, while he loves to run.  I'm pretty sure tunnel slides are not his thing.

Thank you for running through the grasses with me!!

Autumn Has Arrived!  {Austin Children Photographer}

Finally!!  This beautiful family got to pull out their cute sweaters and layer!  Oh, and a baby in a winter cap?  Isn't he delicious!?  And, mom, who is totally model material, was so absolutely good natured the entire time.  I guess that's what happens when you're the only girl in a house with four boys!  Thank you for the opportunity to capture your family at such a fun time!

She Gave Me Flowers  {Barbara LeGere  |  Austin Children Photographer}

It's the first time I've received flowers at a session!  I am so excited!  And from such a sweet little girl too!:)

Well, these girls are certainly fun and after our spring session in the bluebonnets, you know we couldn't resist some fall florals.  Their baby brother has grown up so much and his big brown eyes will just suck you in and take your heart.  And, mama, you know I think you are gorgeous!  Thank you E family for such a happy session!

A Morning by the Lake    {Barbara LeGere | Austin Children Photographer}

A new location!  I love new locations!  They keep me on my toes and, more likely than not, they mean something to the family.  Mom picked this location because she says she spent countless hours here when her firstborn was little.  He even has a brick here to prove it! 

Such a sweet and energetic family.  All four of them kept up their enthusiasm and mom never ran out of creative ideas.  Well, that was, until the little one ran out of lollipop.  Who can blame her?  I get sad when my lollipop is gone too.

Buger Bar {Austin Children Photographer}

My friend Mike Reed and I decided to trade sessions this year to get family portraits for ourselves and for most excellent practice and location scouting.  I have to admit, it was a really good experience being in front of the lens instead of behind it.  Mike made it super easy and our family was relaxed and happy...I want to make my clients feel just that way!

Mike's family was awesome and so much fun!
Here, we all giggled at "Hop Daddy" and even more funny, is that I didn't notice the eldest son blocking the "r" in "burger"...hee hee.

Perfect for my Blog  {Austin Children Photographer}

I made the mistake of saying "Oh, she is soooo cute!  She'll look great on my blog!"  Dad's reply was something to the effect of, "Maybe you should be paying us!"  Well, she is cute, and she does look great on the blog, but let's not push it too far:)...

And, wow!  she is one loved child and grandchild!  Mom rounded up the both sides of the family to make sure everyone was documented with her beautiful daughter.  It was such a great idea!  Not only were there enough adults to entertain the children, but there were enough adults to be fantastic assistants!  Way to hold the "sun"/reflector!  You're hired (as an intern:))!

One last note...I love costumes!  You look interesting and more importantly, you feel interesting!  I encourage everyone to bring a costume or over-the-top clothing for their children (and themselves) for their sessions.  If you feel glamorous, you will look glamorous!

Perfect Light and Storyboard Sizes  {Austin Children Photographer}

I love shooting in the evening.  Sometimes, we hit it just right. 
I also love "fall" in Texas, where, it's not really fall because none of the leaves are falling and it's still blazing saddles hot during the day, but it's margarita weather cool in the evening.  (Just right for sipping margaritas on a patio, any patio, in the evening.)  It also happens to be ballerina weather too.

And, I now offer storyboards in larger sizes!  I would love to make this into a canvas and put it in our hallway....

Set Up for Success {Austin Children Photographer}

We knew we needed to set Nolan up for success.  He's adorable and spirited, and sometimes takes a while to warm up to new people.  Since I'm good friends with Nolan's super cool mom, we decided to have a fun playdate before our official photo playdate.  I brought the camera so he could see it and play with it.  Not really play, but at least touch it.  You know touching it is not enough.  But, getting to actually take pictures with it turned out the be the best reward (read bribe) ever! 

And, he was awesome!  He handled the photo session like a real pro, both in front of and behind the lens.  You know how kids show you up all the time - especially with anything electronic - and it really gets under your skin cuz it's so easy for them - well, check out Nolan's work in the last frame.

just for the record, Nolan is the first and probably the last child to ever touch my equipment.  but, it was worth it.:)