“There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child.  There are seven million.”

~Walt Streightiff

I am working on finishing up this family’s gallery and just thought I would share a few more.  Can’t wait to show you the gallery, B family!  Such sweethearts!

xoxo,

laura

On a recent Saturday morning, we met up with some friends at the Phoenix Public Market before taking part in Jane’s Walk Phoenix.  The Phoenix Public Market is a fab place to stroll your kiddos around, peruse the bounty of fresh fruits, veggies and other goodies and grab a cup of coffee.  We love it!  There are so many different things for kiddos to check out–much more fun than your local chain grocery store!  You can actually chat with the people who grow the food!  Jack had a blast bouncing from one booth to the next–a fave of his was the HUGE candy-covered apples (see photos).  I highly recommend it–you’ll love it, and so will the kiddos.  I had fun capturing some of the local flavor and color on my iPhone…thanks for checking it out!

Jane’s Walk was a huge success with over 80 people taking part in the walk this year.  Although we did have to stop the two hour walk early due to my sweeties being tired, I enjoyed what I did see.  I would love to do it again next year. Hey, if you have children you are quite used to the accommodations you inevitably have to make for them right?  Grumpy kiddos do not make for happy parents, so we had to stop…:)

xoxo,

laura

“Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life.”

~Albert Einstein

I just love this family.  We had such a wonderful time walking around and chatting for our shoot.  It was a photographer’s paradise!  We came upon fabulous nooks and crannies filled with incredible textures, colors and objects.  Big bro rocked out for me–I love these photos of him jamming on the air guitar!    And, wow!  Don’t mom and dad make the most stunning couple?!  Gorgeous!!  Our session ended with a trip to the ice cream shop.   Little L had dreams of pink ice cream and colored sprinkles the entire day.  She got just that.  Sweet little thing. 

Thanks for a fun day!  xoxo

xoxo,

laura

“Life, love, and laughter – what priceless gifts to give our children…”

~Phylis Campbell Dryden

Wow.  This family rocked it.  What a fun, close knit family.  The twins are just precious and so full of energy.  They have such separate and unique personalities, it was fun to observe.  Their older sis was a natural in front of the camera–can you say model anyone?!  According to mom, one of the twins is the “mommy” while the other would be happy to jet off on one of her brother’s bikes!  It wouldn’t be so far fetched.  See, big bro is motocross champ Tanner Amarillas and has been riding since he was two!  What really threw me for a loop is that the older two are what six and eight years old look like these days.  I mean, I know babies.  I know two and three year olds.  From teaching high school, I know what teens look like.  But this is what 6 and 8 look like now?!  Whew!  Maybe it is just me, but they look much older and wiser than I remember myself being at those ages.  What do you think?    Thanks for such a fun session!  It was awesome to meet you!  Enjoy your sneak peeks!

“In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony. “

- Eva Burrows

Do you see that blur?    That’s little brother whizzing past me as I try to snap his photograph.  Whew!  What amazing energy he had–so fun!  When I first met this family and our session began, little bro was reserved and a bit dazed.  I asked if he had just woken up from a nap.  Sure enough, he was just waking up.  In no time at all, he was up and at ‘em.  He loved to zip back and forth and really enjoyed having his loving big bro chase him.  I just love it when kiddos have energy and a zeal for life.  My own son is the same way–always moving.  These are the moments that we fail to remember unless they are captured on film.  The playfulness and the hint of  mischieviousness in the eyes.  What a great family–thanks so much!!

“To the outside world, we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other’s hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time.”

~Clara Ortega

I just love this family!  The kiddos had so much fun exploring all of the fun things at our location.  They were wonderful sports about the whole thing…I don’t think that a bribe–I mean trip to the toy store–had anything at all to do with it!    I sure hope that little man was sweetly rewarded with the best rocket this town has ever seen!  They are so sweet and modeled so beautifully.  They really know how to turn those gorgeous smiles on on cue.  I just love to watch the bond that these two siblings have.  It makes me smile and think of how my own two children will be like that one day.  They already have such a bond, but it seems to get even more fun as they get older!  Thanks so much for braving the slight drizzle and chilly morning weather for our session, C family!  Love ya!!

“Cousins are friends that will love you forever.”

~Constance Richards

How adorable are these three?!  I had the opportunity to photograph this little pumpkin when she was born, and now with her two cousins.  They adore their new cousin, and they are just so sweet with her.  Thanks for being my little models–boy did sister know how to pose! 

“Love is what dreams are made of.”

~Anonymous

The gorgeous blue eyed sweetie that graces my website is back, and this time she brought the whole family.    Lucky me, aren’t they some of the most photogenic people?  What a wonderful way to start off the most recent day of Holiday Mini Sessions!  It was a day filled with lots of beautiful and sweet people…so happy to have been able to photograph everyone!  More sneak peeks to come.  E family, thanks for getting up with the sun for a great session.  I must add, too, that you have two of the most polite children.  It was a pleasure!  Enjoy your sneak peeks!

“The finest clothing made is a person’s skin, but, of course, society demands something more than this.”

~Mark Twain

One of the biggest questions that I am asked of my clients is, “What do I wear?”.  There are so many choices out there, and above all I want my clients to feel beautiful and comfortable.  That being said, what you wear can have a huge impact on the look of your portraits.  I’m not saying that you should go out and necessarily buy a new outfit, but these ideas and websites should let you look at your closet in a whole new way!  Some of my biggest suggestions are :

1.  Don’t be afraid to try bright, bold, fun colors.

2.  Accessories are your friend!    Chunky necklaces, colored or textured scarves, cute hats and fun shoes (or no shoes at all!) all are fab-u!

3.  Layers look amazing in photographs, as do different textures.

4.  Coordinate a family, don’t match.  The outfits below are perfect examples.

5.  Little girls love tutus and pettiskirts, and they look great paired with a fun pair of leggings, a simple tank with a jean jacket and a fun beanie or bow.  You will forever remember how much fun your little sweetie had dancing around in her sweet, frilly outfit.

6.  It is always fun to dress boys in a button down shirt with a fun tee over it.  Boys also look so adorable in beanies or newsboy hats.

7.  Try to stay away from black and red.  Try brightness and color!

There are sooooo many more suggestions that I have–be on the lookout for more “What to Wear Wednesdays!”.

Meanwhile, check out some of my favorite places for inspiration:

• The Children’s Place, Gap, Old Navy, Target
• Finley and Oliver Fun and modern clothing for babies and toddlers
• Dolce Vita Mia Adorable headbands, hats and onesie sets
• UnRavelMe Designs Cute beanies for boys and girls and cute hats for newborns
• Sweet Plume adorable outfits and absolutely elegant, one of a kind dresses–you have to check out the Plume Collection.  So unique!
• Forever 21 So many cute jewelry options!

“Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero. “

~Marc Brown

We had so.much.fun with this session!  During a session, I love to just walk around and explore an area, and inspiration hits me at the oddest times.  When I spotted an abandoned shopping cart in front of an old, blue car repair shop, my mind just swirled with fun possibilities.  Luckily, this family was up for the fun and trusted my vision–as crazy as it sounded.  The shopping cart images are some of my favorites from the session.  Don’t they just look so close and fun all piled in there with Dad wheeling them?!

These two brothers are so close in age and love cars, trucks and each other.  It is so obvious…despite the good-natured lip-pinching–you’ve been caught on camera, sweet Finley!  He-he!  Mom Grace is the owner and designer behind Finley and Oliver, and she made these most adorable tees that her boys are wearing.  You might remember her from a giveaway we had earlier on the blog.   They are a stylin’ fam, I tell you!  I loved everything–right down to their shoes!  You all rock, thanks!