Adrea: Sophia

This is a slightly different version than the image on facebook...

Adrea: Ava Smiles

Sigh, there is no point in separating these if Facebook only updates once every few weeks. What an annoyance. And now theres this whole other share option. Hmmm.

Anyway - third and final post on Ava (even though there are about ten more that are my absolute favorites). I did Ava's family's Christmas shoot last year and was frustrated that I couldn't capture just how incredibly adorable Ava was at the time. So I have been pestering her mom to let me try again since and whoo, our schedules finally meshed. I'm satisfied finally... for now...

Adrea: Ava Magic

I don't remember getting Ava anywhere near anything blue. The asphalt just changed to match her eyes apparently.

Adrea: Hang in There

Oh come on, you all were thinking of the kitten hanging from the tree branch poster too - admit it. And she is easily as cute as a kitten...

Adrea: Maggie at the Blue Door

Adrea: Maggie @ the Fountain

Adrea: Happy Accidents

love when a photo goes out of control

Adrea: Charley

This guy got diagnosed with some bad news a while but, but he's living a charmed and loved life at the moment.

Adrea: Ellie

Who says babies are hard to photograph until they can sit? Oh, right, I usually do. But luckily, I'm getting the hang of it and Ellie just happened to be a star.

Adrea: Beaches are Moody

And I love a little drama in my photography... even if its ever so litte

Adrea: So We're Just Walking on the Beach...

Adrea: Asher Has a House

Adrea: Asher is One & Likes Dibs

Adrea: Neighbor Sweetie

Adrea: Neighbor Baby

I spend a LOT of time at my mom's house which is attached at the hip so to speak with her neighbor's house. A new family moved in recently and I keep thinking 'wow' what a difference to know they are nice and well.. neighborly (as opposed to the previous owners). So, of course they have a baby and I of course take out the camera.

Adrea: Early Morning

This little girl has so much cute energy it bursts from her. This is a quieter moment.

Adrea: Samantha Portrait

Happy Birthday Samantha Sue!

Adrea: Ryan Helping Out

It was Ashley's shoot mostly, but Ryan was so so great. As I was about to leave, I realized we'd finally built a rapport and I asked him if there were any other shots I should get. And he said yes and posed for me.

Adrea: Ashley is One

Adrea: Portrait of Julianna

There was another portrait this day that was more beautiful, but for some reason, I LOVE this one more. Now if we just had some text on screen to fill up the off center wonderfulness... our watermark would have been a good idea!

Adrea: Sibling Week #3

So technically this is several sets of siblings... but it counts.. right?

Adrea: Elise

Adrea: Portraits

I'm learning more and more that portraits are my favorite things to do... and yet I wouldn't want to get penned in to only portraits... I don't think... maybe I would...

Adrea: Megan Portrait

I am eternally switching back and forth between focusing here or on facebook. Repeat alert for facebook users! Maybe I'll try a different processing version to post here than I have posted on facebook.

Adrea: Sibling Week

Okay, you all know I love my kids. Adore them; Think of them and love pours into my heart. That being said, I have a mom crush on these kids. Twins: Abby& Ben, Little Sister: Emma. They are just sweet decent kids. I tell them to mash together and they mash together. I pull them apart and they go about their business. They're not desperate to have their picture taken, but they bring joy to their faces when pictures ARE being taken. I'm sure at home they have their moments... but I'm only saying that because its the obligatory thing to say - actually I think they are probably sweet and adorable and wonderful all the time.

Adrea: Siblings and Me

I love to get siblings together in portraits, but wow, have I realized how very much I canNOT control that dynamic. Heck, even as adults, getting you siblings to get close and loosen up can be tricky. And it's only been in the last few weeks that I've really understood why.

Listening to the insight that comes "out of the mouth of babes" has been breaking my heart. When I ask a 3 year old to put their arm around their 2 year old sibling and that 2 year old throws off the gesture, I can see the rejection in the other - very clearly. When the kids are older, the words confirm my suspicion, "She doesn't like me!" says one younger brother out of the blue. I'd have never, never guessed that his refusal to follow my direction was based in self-consciousness.

Now I know... now I can maneuver better. I am also more willing to let the artsy shot happen - get them in the same frame.. sometimes who they are creates an interaction even when they aren't even near each other. It's not the perfect hug, but I like it. Bring it on siblings!