When I think about it, I can hardly believe that this family came back to work with me again. Surely they thought I was bad luck! At our last photo session about 2 years ago, sweet Jackson was still a baby and it was “one of those days” where everything seemed to go wrong. Ellie Grace wasn’t in the mood to take pictures that day and little Jackson was stung by a bee…in NOVEMBER?! It was a mess. When I mentioned this to their mom, she said “of course, I’d come back. Because even with all that you still managed to get some amazing photographs!” Awww, so sweet! See? I do have the best clients ever! Within the first three steps out the back door at the Botanic Gardens on this past Friday, little Jackson fell down and busted his head. His mom, dad and I just looked at one another and started laughing….really?! 🙂

Working with children definitely has its challenges. But, I wouldn’t change what I do for the world. Because, I have learned that with patience and perserverance comes some beautiful results. Jackson and Ellie Grace…you are beautiful!

Well, as if you haven’t noticed…summer has definitely arrived in Memphis! I went out last Friday morning to the Botanic Gardens to capture some One Year Old portraits of Miss Ann Dawson! And it was H-O-T!!! The humidity just about did us all in, esp. Ann Dawson; but, we stuck with it and captured some gorgeous shots of this little beauty. Her smile was infectious and her laugh was just adorable. Happy first birthday, pretty girl! The fun has just begun!

Oh my golly, don’t you just wanna give her a kiss?!

Sweet newborns…ahh, soo adorable. I could just shoot newborn sessions every.single.day and never tire of them! I love it! Little Bryant was no exception. His mommy told me that she had been talking to him for several days about how he needed to be good and behave for me when I came to take his photos. He obviously is going to be a very well behaved little boy! Russell and Heather, you’ve done good and God has granted you with an amazing gift! Bryant is gorgeous! Congratulations!

Bryant’s nursery was decorated in Sock Monkey decor. It was beyond cute! 🙂

And, the icing on the cake is below. All you moms and dads and photographers out there know that it is very rare to catch a little newborn smile. This day, I just happened to be there at just the right second to capture this little gem! Loooove it!

Last week was full of brother and sister pairs! Again, this sweet family is a loyal customer…thanks y’all! I first photographed Olivia when she was three and she just is becoming more beautiful by the day. What makes her so wonderful, though, is that she is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Just a precious little girl. And little Carter is right there with her. For a one year old, he was so cooperative and mellow! And, he is a little looker, too…just like his big sister. Loved working with you all again! You should be so proud of your children…they are amazing! 🙂

Megan and Connor really make me laugh. They are such fun and I love how their Mom is constantly laughing along with them. They are such a wonderful family who I have had the privilege of working with for several years. I’ve said it before and will say it again. I am always very honored to have such loyal customers who continue to return to me year after year to capture memories for their family.

The main purpose of this session was to photograph Miss Megan for her two year old portraits. Big brother Connor came along for just a few, too. Megan didn’t really want to have anything to do with having a portrait made. She was much more interested in this great, big beautiful world that was out there to explore! However, we persevered and ended up with several great ones that really showcase her personality.

Megan and Connor, thanks for making my job so fun!

Check out this little man…isn’t he just gorgeous? I loved his serious personality because it allowed me the chance to capture his amazing and huge soulful eyes. Those eyes just speak to you, don’t they? I knew Timothy’s daddy in high school and it was such fun to catch up. Congratulations, Ryan, on having such a beautiful family. It was touching to see how proud you were of them and how very much you love your wife and son. And why wouldn’t you? They are wonderful!

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time passes by. I have so enjoyed getting to know Chace and his wonderful parents over this past year. Chace is one of our fabulous Little Gifts Newborn Club babies. Things I love about Chace: his smile, the quiet way he takes in the world, the way he makes me work to get what I want! He is such a cute little guy. I can hardly believe he has gone from this…

To this handsome fellow in just a few short months time. Thanks, Chace, for letting me share your first year. You are one handsome guy! You make me smile!

And this one just melts my heart for some reason. Can’t really pinpoint why…I just know it speaks to my heart! 🙂

I cannot believe this little man is already four years old. I have been photographing his gorgeous self since he was just a few months old. Look at these gorgeous eyes from his Six Month Session. Even then he was stealing my heart!

Now Kade is four years old and such a charmer. He is such a little people pleaser! I love that we have known one another for as long as he can remember. I love that his momma is now someone I am proud to call a friend. Without 1:17 Photography we might not have ever met, and she is such a great lady! We always have such a fun time working together and creating some wonderful pictures. Kade, you have grown up so quickly! I adore you, little guy! Keep on being adorable you! 🙂

I adore photographing families at their homes. It gives such a special significance to the photographs and the children are so comfortable as well. The other night, Brooke and Bo played with me at their home. The home was perfect for photographs…especially in the spring with the the gorgeous azaleas. We laughed, played peek-a-boo, follow the leader, and Miss Brooke even found a minute to color with her sidewalk chalk. When I saw this I snapped it quick and I think it is now one of my new favorites. I just love when kids “make their own pose”. I just happened to be lucky enough to be there as life played out. 🙂 Beth and John, your children are adorable. I can see why you treasure them.

I love this idea! Betsy contacted us to photograph a Generational Picture to include herself, her mother and her daughter. What a wonderful thing to have! Having just lost my precious grandmother not too long ago, I can only imagine the joy and treasure that these photographs will come to be for this sweet family. I had such a great time with these ladies. Miss Grace had me laughing the entire time with her spunky personality. I loved her because she actually kept laughing at me…wow, I actually can be funny…to a four year old. See, I know my place. 🙂 Family is such a gift and one of the best things about life!