CELEBRATING LIFE!

What a Spring! These past few weeks have been filled with the celebration of life as I’ve been busy capturing different stages of a few babies’ first year. A shout out goes to the parents of these little dolls and one new father’s white shirt that was christened! (Hope the stain came out.) =)

I’m most excited about the opportunity I have to watch and capture these adorable kids as they grow. Besides my Asa having me photographing him as he grows for the rest of his life whether he likes it or not, THREE of them are involved in my “Growing Year Package” that’ll allow me to capture different stages of their first year of life. It’ll be fun to see how they’ve grown and changed by the time they turn one. Here are just a few of my favorites from each shoot. Enjoy!

My Asa with his big brothers!

REFLECTION & RECONNECTING

In the spirit of Valentine’s day and the awesome work that I get to do with loving couples and doting parents, I thought it quite fitting to post a few questions to encourage reconnecting this holiday (or at any time)!

What holiday do you most enjoy celebrating as a couple and why?

If you could relive one moment of time knowing your spouse, what would it be and why?

What do you most hope to improve in yourself that would better meet the needs of your beloved?

Which of the vows you made on your wedding day do you see your spouse most faithfully fulfill?

What quality in your spouse do you most look forward to or hope that your child(ren) will carry with them?

Explain the character quality in yourself that your spouse most helps to encourage or improve.

If observed in a counselor’s office for fifteen minutes, what immediate observations would he or she make about your relationship.

Tell your spouse what would be the most amazing way for you to celebrate your birthday.

When in a room full of unfamiliar people (i.e. office party), how do you still feel a connection to or appreciation for your spouse, while across the room?

Why do you believe your spouse chose you as a life-partner?

Describe what you believe would be your spouse’s dream job.

Recall your first impressions when meeting your spouse.

• Please note that I cannot recall exactly where I got this list. Some marriage book or study my wife and I did together once? So sorry to the original writer; if you recognize it—feel free to post credit.

Being a good sport, here is one of my personal responses:

A few of the qualities I most enjoy in Rebecca that I look forward to seeing develop even more in my own kids is her awareness of others' needs & the ability to remember a name and face from one meeting and remembering all the details about that person while blowing them away with those exact details the next time their paths cross - even if it's ten years later! In other words -- she truly cares!

2010 PRO BOWL PRACTICES

The past few days of being on the field as the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl teams have practiced has been both inspirational and entertaining. I've enjoyed overhearing the interviews with many of the players and am inspired by the amount of athletes giving credit to God and sharing their favorite bible verses, as did Aaron Rogers. I've also enjoyed many laughs from the comical Donovan McNabb and the atmosphere of the practices, as seen on many of players faces as they're goofing around and just enjoying the moments. I tried to capture those moments and had to narrow down 500 of my favorite moments/shots in order to fit the slideshow. It wasn't easy! Click play below to view the show. Enjoy!

NFL COMMUNITY BLITZ!

On Friday, January 29^th, NFL Pro Bowl players, coaches, and literally hundreds of AMAZING volunteers spread out to take part and make a difference in the local community. I was fortunate enough to be able to capture the event that took place at the RISE ACADEMY School of Science & Technology. It was amazing to see how quickly this playground was put together and the difference we can make…with our own two hands. Click on the play button below to watch the slideshow of the event!

PRO BOWL PREVIEW

I've been blessed to have an amazing opportunity to capture the Pro Bowl up close and personal! Here are a few shots I've played with so far. Stay tuned for more photos and slideshows from the NFL Pro Bowl!

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PICTURES IN THE WORLD!

I've taken some amazing photos of some of the most beautiful people in the world, but none of them compare to the beauty captured in the photos of this family below. This family has been blessed by God in many ways with another bundle of life expected to enter this world around the end of March. The affection the kids in this family have for their Mama and baby can not only be seen in the images, but can be heard through the stories and prayers they pray upon their arriving sibling. From the belly kisses to the slobbery zerberts, this child needs to be prepared to be showered with love. The number one reason why this family is so precious to me... is because it's mine!

A Perfect End to 2009!

What a way to wrap up shoots for 2009! I’ve been blessed to have known these boys since their birth, thanks to a great friendship with their parents. This gives me the unique joy of fully appreciating how much they have changed (in real life and from previous shoots). Now it may not be obvious to most, but I loved seeing their personalities in these pics. The shots where younger stands over and leans into older doesn’t surprise me in the way these two will certainly keep one another sharp. The sideways expression and occasional tiptoe shots are a classic look for older. The unprompted poses and facials of younger express a distinct independence. They are a blessing in our lives and obviously easy to photograph—nice work Mom and Dad (not to mention the unparalleled look of handmade sweaters by Mimi K)!

Be sure to check out the video below for some more great shots!