minus the toddlers {portland family photographer}

Can I just say that it is such a change to take pictures for a family with no toddlers? They want to work with the photographer, instead of doing everything in their power to work against you. Weird, eh?

the hooligans: unplugged {portland family photographer}

I can call them hooligans for two reasons. 1. My sister calls them that and they are hers.

2. I've seen them in action. They are creative spirits and we embrace it.

This shoot was a long time coming because Lia's husband is not only in the navy, but when he isn't on a sub, he is working insane hours that make it impossible to take pictures with. The stars aligned and her husband was able to make an appearance while I was visiting. Can I just say that I think this was the first shoot that I have laughed hysterically at while editing? Let me emphasize hysterically. There are pictures without silliness, but I sure did enjoy the crazy factor.

The lollipops were brought out at the end for a little fun and it sure did loosen things up a bit. (As if they weren't already loose?) This shoot is a sort of "thank you for letting my children overtake your house for the week and supplying me with endless diet coke with a squirt of vanilla from McDonalds and just generally being a wonderful sister and friend." Thanks, Lia.

Sister Sandy Jo {portland family photographer}

The night before Chris' stroke, I went on a walk with the girls. We didn't make it too far, as we met up with 3 people from our ward. One of those was the infamous "Matiaco" and his gigantic dog. And one of the other's was the one that is now referred to as Sister Sandy Jo. We had a lovely introduction where all of the girls were soon considering her a friend. (because thats the way Sandy Jo is. Little did I know that a few hours later, we would be in the ER with Chris and that Sandy Jo would be one of the "first responders" who made my kids a dinner of who knows what as I rushed back to the hospital after a shower and a quick nap. Amazing doesn't begin to describe her.

Now, almost a year later (agh!), her son is leaving on a mission and her kids are all back home, which is the perfect time for a family photo. Thank you, Sandy Jo.

sometimes, bigger is better {portland family photographer}

(keep your glasses close or a certain son might steal them for a shot.)

There is a universal truth of family photography. Although men are normally a tougher bunch than women, they are more likely to complain about getting dirty during a photo session. Why, you ask? Who cares more about the resulting portraits? Yep. You guessed it. The women. We'll trudge through the mud for a good shot, but the men are normally quite hesitant. Maybe the key is that I am doing families. I bet that engagement shots are different. Unmarried men probably prove to be more cooperative. Interesting.

Now, the above comment isn't just about my favorite family, shot below. It is about every guy I have photographed, except ONE. This was my biggest family to shoot as of yet. Big in numbers. (7 kids + 2 adults) Big in size. Compared to little ole 5'4" me, they are giants. You know, size 16 shoes sort of big. It was a fun evening that ended in all of the kids dressing up according to hobby and occupation for a shot. The distraction in the photo below? Shilo, my kids surrogate dog. Why couldn't he play peek-a-boo over my shoulder or something to entertain all? Location? In their fabulous backyard. Green with envy. (you know, the righteous kind of envy!)