Adrian Johnson Senior Portraits

Adrian Johnson's senior shoot was quite possibly the longest non-wedding shoot I ever done but it was a lot of fun. With a half dozen wardrobe changes and at least as many different locations, we nailed some incredible photos of this graduate-elect. Mom, big brother and boyfriend accompanied Adrian as she climbed an enormous bridge cross-tie (in heels no less), and braved the frigid temps in just a slip of a dress atop a motorcycle that her sweet boyfriend loaned as a prop for one of her series of shots. Adrian is an incredibly sweet girl with killer gorgeous eyes and really great style which she plans to use in her future plans in cosmotology. Good luck girl! You'll knock em' dead!

The Lees and Kinseys

Leslee Lee and I weren't all together sure that this photo-op would happen as typical MS weather threatened to shut down the shoot with rain. But fortunately, the rain stayed back. The cold however did not and Lesley, her husband Heath and their daughter Madalyn along with Lesley's brothers Ryan, Ross and his daughter Kylan braved the chilly air to work their family for the perfect shot as a special gift for mom this Christmas. While Lesley was definately the one in charge of this brood and kept everyone focused and going, Heath kept little Maddy calm (she was in no real mood for the cold OR for picture taking) and Kylan rocked the lens like a true champ as her dad and his twin brother often assisted me in trying to elicit smiles from the little tykes. This was a really fun family to photograph and I love how you can "feel the love" in each and every one of their shots.

AnnaKate and Cole

These cousins are only 9 weeks apart and though little Cole is actually the older of the two, it's true what they say about girls maturing faster because even at this young age, Anna Kate took on this photo shoot like a pro. She braved the frigid air, climbed up fences and into buggies at the Ag Center in Jackson where we did this shoot and gave me her most solemn of smiles for each frame while Cole on the other hand had to be rounded up at every turn. But oh wasn't it worth it when you see how breathtaking those beautiful baby blues are. I love to photograph small children for the express purpose of capturing that innocence in their eyes. No matter what the color, they all scream of new beginnings and curiosity that always seems to grab me as I view them through the lens. Leave me a line and tell me what you see in these gorgeous kids. Oh, and check out Ms. Anna Kate's mother's website that specializes in children's clothing: http://www.cupcakesandgumdrops.com/ - Her name is Andrea and she has got great stuff for both boys and girls. Needless to say, her excellent taste made the fact that she called me for this session a really great treat!

Powell Family Portraits

OK. So this shoot was different than the others because it was the first time I've ever shot in weather so cold as it was on this morning. Darrin, Marilyn, Darra, Darrin Wesley and Drew were total sports about it though and put their game faces on (albeit though that may have just been because they were frozen in place)! The Powell family are such sweet people and were so patient with me as I moved them up and down the streets of Columbia for their early morning photo-op. Occasionally, I have a "star" from each shoot that I do and most often I am surprised as it typically winds up being the last person I forsee stealing each frame but this one I pegged rigtht from the start. While 5yr old Darra with her sapphire blue eyes and 3yr old brother with his pouty red lips are just adorable, it was baby brother Drew whom I fell for the minute he bounded out of the family SUV. Full of different expressions and so lively - I constantly found my lens zeroing in on his infectious grin. And now, in spite of the challenge of the less than stellar weather, here are a few of my favs from the shoot.

Larry, Susan, Max, Grady & Sam

Larry and Susan Hill have been friends of mine and Mitch's for about seven years or so now. And sadly, it is our mis-fortune that we only get to see them a few times a year as time and distance have separated us more than great friends would ever wish. So, when Susan called me to ask me if I had an opening, I worked it out with my hubby where we could swing through their home city of Tupelo on our way back from Thanksgiving break to do this family's photo-shoot. (Their very first "professional" shoot as a family btw...) I met this great couple shortly after the birth of their first son Max, and was then honored to be present on both the arrival of their second boy Grady, followed by baby sister Sam. All three of the Hill kids have the most unique personalities and I thoroughly enjoyed tagging along with them to see what expression they would have me snap next. The result are as follows - photographs of an incredibly beautiful family that are guaranteed to be shared for a long time to come!

The Alford Family

It has amazed me how much time has flown by since I first met the Alford family just a little over 4 years ago. This couple were always so kind and quick to smile and they had this seemingly shy little girl whom you never saw much of. But oh how things change! Anna is now fourteen years old. Her dark hair matches mom's but those twinkly green eyes are directly from dad whom I learned is a real clown on this photo-shoot. But this clown is going to have to get serious when it comes to watching out for his little girl. Anna is gonna be a true heart-breaker. Boys, eat your hearts out!

Darren & Courtney Wedding Teasers

I've enjoyed the editing process on all of this wonderful couple's photographs from their engagement photos and the bridal portraits down to the last hand wave as their get-a-way car left the building. Courtney gave me full permission to be as creative as I like and so I am taking my liberty (and probably to her anxious, my time), on each and every frame. It was a beautiful but warm fall day in Houston, Texas for this sweet pair wedding and a bevy of both friends and family from in and out of state filled the white chairs to witness the occasion. Simple but elegant, relaxed but rich in style - this wedding had all the characteristics of the bride and groom who I've enjoyed getting to know throughout the whole process. Congratulations Courtney and Darren Rose!

The Dunaway's

The Dunaway house was the first location that came to mind when GiGi asked me about doing their family portraits this year. It is a beautiful and stately home with lovely landscaping amidst the changing fall trees. After helping the family decide who should wear what, I got Blake and Bryson to work on hauling out one of the media room chaise lounges for a settee on the front drive island so as to set the perfect backdrop for this family's photo-op. After a quick primping of her hair, sister Blythe soon joined us and a tad bit later, dad T.J. showed up too. I don't know of many parents who are so much in love with their children as T.J. and GiGi are with their three. Evidence of their affection is not only in the constant gifts I know their brood to receive, but more importantly in the support they consistently show along with public hugs and back-pats and how at any time you can find one of these kids with their head leaned up against mom or dad. They're great parents, great examples and in general just truly great people.

Channing Stringer's Senior Portrait

This photo-op took me out to the small town of Foxworth, MS where I was asked to shoot the Senior portraits of Channing Stringer. An all-state champion in track and field, Channing is not only a great athlete but a truly good guy. I learned all this as I got to enjoy a couple of hours while "shooting" him and his amazing smile (thanks to the recent removal of braces). Patty, Channing's mother, bragged on her only child and his level-headedness and good nature. I loved the personal touches of this shoot including Channing's class and championship rings, his brand new cherry red 4-wheeler and his pal, Dusty -the family spaniel. I was also thankful for the time "out-of-town" among the beautiful fall landscape and peaceful property and the company only made it better.

Sophia's Family...

I chose this blog title because of the little redhead who started it all. It has been my distinct pleasure to have photographed little Sophia since before she was able to walk or talk. Now she does both and I was so glad to again be called by her mom Amanda to take the entire tribe's Christmas photos this year. (Grandpa, Grandma, Auntie and Cousins included...) What a truly beautiful family this is. From the moment you pull up to their amazing house you can feel the warmth of true comraderie among this group. I loved observing their interaction as they all teased each other and comfortably showed affection but the one who garnered more attention than all was the unique baby of the group with the midnight eyes, Sophia. On this Thanksgiving day as I attempt to catch up on my homework I've brought with me, I am reminded by these photos of my own family and how blessed I am to have them around me. Be thankful for those that love you today and tell them so. You never know what tomorrow will bring or how much they'll appreciate you putting a voice to your feelings for them.

Olivia & Alex Sinclair

These two babies are just gorgeous and were so easy to photograph. Little Olivia was full of personality and quite the chatter-box while little brother Alex kicked and cooed non-stop for each and every frame. Thanks Tandy (love their mom's name), for making the drive to Columbia to allow me the chance to add these sweet kids to my portfolio!