Brrrr...

I think it was a chilly 75 degrees the day we shot this! I really do love the cozy look and feel of hats, boots and scarves, I just wish I had more opportunities to shoot this look. MAYBE this year we'll actually get some cold weather! I'm not asking for much, but something cooler than 55 would be nice. Anyway, pregnant mom was a trooper - you know she was burning up in that scarf at 8 months pregnant - and big sister-to-be J rocked her fabulous hat and boots. Can't wait to meet little brother!

Look familiar?

Back in March, I posted a session with this little one, and announced that her lollipop photo made the cover of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. Well, she's back - urban style, with a new lollipop and a funky polka-dot set. I thought her first lolli photo was the best one ever, but these are my new faves. I'm just hoping mom will sell me the set when she's done with it!!

"Winter" Session

So I guess it's not really a winter session when you are two degrees away from sweating, but it was fun to pretend anyway! I keep imagining a session where everyone has cozy cable knit sweaters and rosy cheeks. This is the closest I'll get this year. It is always a treat to see this family, and we usually walk away with a funny story. This year was no exception. I can't tell the story here, but trust me, it was funny.

Lock Up Your Daughters

Yes, the title is supposed to be clever (and was lifted directly from the youngest's shirt earlier in the photo shoot), but it's also sage advice. I mean look at these boys--they're beyond cute! These sweet, polite, handsome boys are some of the most well behaved kids I've ever photographed. And I'm not saying that because these are dear friends of mine, but simply because it's the absolute truth.

It was so fun to do something completely different with this family. I've been photographing them since the "beginning" (the mom is the reason I'm doing this today), so we've done the beach, park, etc. All of us wanted a new approach, and since I LOVE urban family sessions, I suggested it, they jumped on board and ROCKED it! The boys were especially into it. I really appreciated their enthusiasm, and always love their company!

BIG Personality

This little man was BIG on personality and it shows! We had such a fun time in downtown Bradenton, and he was such a trooper. If you're looking for something different for a family "portrait", the urban session is the way to go.

My assistant

This beautiful girl is my new assistant! If you have a holiday session scheduled you'll probably get to meet her. She is a high school student currently taking a photography class, so I'm excited to have her as my sidekick! We went scouting for new locations a few weeks ago, and these spots are what we found.

Engaged

These two were an absolute riot, especially Reggie (that's not his name, I just like to call him that...long story). ;) They were so cute and willing, and came up with some of their own shots. We had a blast and I've been so anxious to get these edited and share a few, so here they are...

Sorry for the delay

I have a few clients who are waiting for proofs or other products right now, so I want to apologize for the delay. I had a wonderful, unexpected visit from my two beautiful nieces. They decided to come down and stay for a couple of weeks, which was a rare opportunity to spend quality time with them since we only see them once every year or two. As my long-time clients know, I spend most of my nights and weekends working on my photography business, so I had to make a choice between getting that work done or making memories with "my girls". Since I encourage people to hire me because it's important to make and capture memories with your family, I figured I should take my own advice. Now that they are gone (sniff, sniff), I will be working diligently to catch up on all of my sessions. I see some late, late nights (even for me) in my future, but "K" and "A", it was so worth it...I wouldn't trade our fun and chats for anything. Love you both and miss you already. :(

This is "K", rockin' her new hair (when she arrived it was long, blonde and bangless). Doesn't it make her eyes pop? Gorgeous! She's the more glamorous of the two. Very sweet, kind of quiet, and oh my, I can't believe how grown up she looks here...I remember teaching her how to swim one summer, so cute how she'd nervously jump in and rush to me. She's now 20...sigh...

This is "A" in her all-natural beauty. She looks like the quiet one, but, ummm, no. Just as sweet as "K" and very outgoing; can't sit still. Although I can recall a time when she'd sit on my lap and whisper in my ear "I love you Aunt Niki", melting my heart. Now she's graduating high school...amazing how time flies.

And here they are together, two sisters...so different, but equally loved...

Last '09 Senior

I'm so sad my senior season is over for 2009, but it ended on a great note. Senior A was a fabulous subject, and we had a fun finding new locations. We spent a lot of time in the car, which gave us a chance to get to know each other. Oh, and it was her idea to mix the heels with the soccer ball - love the creativity! I truly loved working with all my '09 girls, and I'm so excited to see who they become...I know each one will be spectacular in her own way! So, on that note - 2010 seniors - you NEED to call and book your session now! Space is filling up and I can't do them all in the spring of your senior year, so we need to start very SOON! Call me at 727-434-4414, or email me at dayinthelifephotos@gmail.com.