Visiting.

My brother-in-law, his wife, and their 7 kids came visiting a few weeks ago. They drove 3 hours across the mountains with the sole purpose of having some pictures taken. I felt quite flattered they were willing to go through all of that effort! And then it went and POURED on us all afternoon. I called and asked if they wanted to come a different weekend, but there weren't many other choices. So we decided to just make it work. Luckily I have been practicing a LOT with my flash and an umbrella, so we set up a mini studio inside and let the rain pour outside :).

We did individuals of all 7 kids. It was almost like an assembly line. C'mon in. Sit here. Smile. Click. NEXT! Okay, not quite like that, but it certainly was a lot of individual shoots in a short period of time!

I have a few absolute *favorites* that needed to be showcased on their own:




We also had fun getting a little silly with my collection of hats and funny glasses:

By the time we were done taking all of these pictures indoors, the rain thankfully paused for a moment and we ran outside to get a few shots:





And then it was back inside for general mayhem for the cousins and game playing for the adults. Lots of fun. Glad you guys made the trip!

More silhouettes on the beach

The night after I shot {these} silhouette shots, my sister-in-law Jeanette asked me if I would do some for her as well. She loved the idea of a family picture where no one was required to be in coordinating clothing and no one needed to smile. The kids loved it too! The lighting wasn't quite the same, but I still think we got some fun ones!


And sorry once again that I was so intent on the picture that I didn't pay attention to the water ... it did seem to rush up awfully fast and soak your shoes!

Danny + Andrea

Beginning of July. Oregon Coast, enjoying some time family reunion-ing. I was taking pictures of sand and waves and footprints and other randomness when I hear the request, "would you mind taking a picture of us?" Of course I can't turn down family ... well I could, but I don't ... but the "golden hour" had certainly passed. The sun was setting and in a hurry. I flipped on the on-camera flash and grabbed a quick snapshot:

But then the photographer in me took over. "Want to have some FUN now?" Because I certainly couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a few of my absolutely, completely, most-favorite-ever type of shots. Yep, you guessed it.

Silhouettes.

If I ever got to the point in my photography career where I could completely focus on one type of photography, it would most definitely be silhouettes.

We started out with silly ...

and sweet ...

and then came ...

Simply Amazing.


And yes, I love this shot so incredibly much that of course I had to create a brand new blog header just to include it. It was time anyway :).

Sabrina is a Senior

Way back before I left all my readers high and dry ... and went out of town for an entire MONTH (Yes, it was fun. YES, I am glad to be BACK!), I previewed Sabrina's senior pics in this post. Well it's finally time to show off the rest!

We had a great time taking these photos ... laughed a lot ... left camera gear and flip flops scattered all over the beach (thank you all you kind people who didn't come along and steal it) ... had some crazy clothing changes behind towels and partially shielded by bushes ... yep, lots o' fun!

Here are some of my favorites!







Thanks for the fun evening, Sabrina!

Nelson

A few weeks ago I posted the pictures of {the fabulous Warner family}. Well I was able to get together with the oldest boy again this past week for a "mini wish" session to capture him looking all grown-up and ready to take on the world. He is leaving TODAY on a 2-year mission to Japan for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Good luck Nelson!





Want more info on my "mini wish" sessions? Just visit my portfolio site at wishfulthinkingphotography.com and click on "session fees".

Michelle. {Maternity Shoot}

It is very fun to shoot with a friend. It is even more fun when that friend is a talented photographer. Who knows all sorts of cool tricks with lighting. And brings along a big giant reflector for you to practice with. And shares lots of tips and teaches you things.

Yeah, you can pretty much say I was thrilled to bits when my friend Irene Jones invited me along on a maternity shoot she was doing for Bump magazine. And brought along the cutest mom to model for us. After three girls in a row (including a set of twins!), she is expecting a boy in just a couple of months. So exciting.

We started out by capturing a few shots in the baby's nursery. I was trying my best to be "eager assistant" during this portion, and didn't get a whole lot of shots in. We were using 2 off-camera flashes and a gigantic scrim (Seriously. HUGE.) to mimic window light. Both Irene and I were on the same group and channel so we could just share the flashes, but that meant I couldn't shoot at the same time she did ... and since I was just tagging along, I also couldn't hog the flash. So I snuck a few shots in here and there whenever I could. Here are two of my favorites:


Then it was off to the beach for some natural-lighting shots. This is when Irene pulled out her big ol' reflector for me to play with. And let me tell you, it was fun! I loved being able to direct the light onto Michelle's face. Definitely going in my shopping cart next time I go wild at B&H.

And can I just say ... I really love all of the beautiful beaches we have near my home in Washington ...







I am absolutely, completely, head-over-heels, in love with this last shot of Michelle with her girls. Is it okay to love your own photography this much?!

This was my first maternity shoot I have ever done, and I have to say I had a ton of fun, so thanks Irene and oh-so-cute-mom Michelle for the great afternoon together!

(Want to see Irene's shots from this afternoon? Visit her facebook album {here}

In my front yard ...

... I can really get inspired.

I just love taking pictures for the pure joy of playing with my camera.






I would love to hear which of all of these any readers love the best. Leave me a comment and let me know!