a mama's love

any mother with a son of any age is going to love these pictures. I mean really... get your kleenex box ready. The reason that I smile inside (and out) every time I see these pictures is because they absolutely remind me of the bond that I have with my son, Chase. There is just something about a mama & her boy, isin't there, ladies? Mamas, meet Wilson.  I know, he is a heartbreaker already! Now go give your little (or big) boy a big squeeze..... I am on my way up to Chase's room right now:)....

feel the love...

no really... you absolutely can feel it. This family practically radiates love for each other. They were really fun to be around - to say the least! The way that they played, laughed, & interacted with each other made it so obvious to me how much they love being together. I hate to say "you just had to be there" so hopefully these pictures will make you feel like you were. Graham family... I really enjoyed spending the morning with you guys - sweet does not even come close to describing it.... you had to be there:)

scroll down....

if you want your jaw to hit the floor. No, these pictures are NOT posed. I know... these kids make it look SOOO easy & you would think we told them exactly what to do but we really just sat back & let them do what they are used to doing... being TOTALLY CUTE! When I first arrived at the shoot I had NO idea that the Natwick family had a FOUR week old - I was pumped! I used to think that newborns were the hardest age to photograph... now they are one my favorites! If you love photography then you will love these photos. Go ahead & look... but try not to be too jealous:)

the christmas clan

really got me in the mood for Santa, sleigh bells, & reindeer this week. The pictures make it look like it was about 50 degrees outside but believe it or not it was about 75-80 degrees (you guys were really good sports!). Lori & I became very close last year b/c our sons were in the same class & now ironically our daughters (who are only 3 months apart) squeal when they see each other too! Lori has been a really great friend to me & I feel like I have known her & Tripp forever. A few months ago I was able to shoot Lori driving in Jimmy Johnson's car going VERY fast WITH Jimmy Johnson (he was the driver - can you imagine? -Scroll way down to see pictures). Definitely a highlight of my photo career. This whole family has become some of our best friends here in Charlotte so shooting their family was an absolute pleasure! Dru with his spiderman webs & Cameron with her nose-picking kept me rolling all morning.....

DNG

I am so proud of my mom. Years ago she started a ministry called Drawing Near to God. Each week a group of 200 men & women gather to worship, meet in small groups, listen to her teachings, & participate in prayer ministry. She has written several studies which have gone out not only nationally but internationally (Germany, Indonesia, & England so far). She speaks throughout the year at different churches in the US & was recently asked to speak at Falls Church in D.C.! She also just recently published her first devotional book called Drawing Near to God which is available on her website (http://www.drawingneartogod.com), on http://www.amazon.com, & also in the Forest Hill bookstore in Charlotte, NC. She has also started a new blog which is really cool for a woman in her 50's (www.joanneellison.wordpress.com)!!! When I was home (Charleston) last week she asked me to do a photoshoot for her new website.. boy was I HONORED! Here are some photos of DNG in action. I was a part of the DNG bible study before I moved to Charlotte & boy did this make me miss it!!! This posting is dedicated to my mom.. I am so proud of her!!!

MY GRANDMOTHER!!! How cool is it that she is in this class!

big sis sarah

The Roof family lives right down the street from me & Sarah is 100% girl. I usually see her when she is on a walk with her mom or dad & she is as sweet as ever. She so gentle, petite, & sweet like all little girls should be. Did I mention FAST??? When we did this shoot Sarah was EVERYWHERE! I am not even sure how her mom (pregnant w/ little bro) & dad can keep up with her. You can tell she is the apple of her daddy's eye. It is so crazy to think that just a little while from now this family of three will be a family of four!!! Enjoy the 2 on 1 while you have it, Roof family. Before you know it it that boy will rock your world!