We’ve had this session planned for almost a year.  Somehow, each time we were set to do it something would inevitably interfere.  Life with kids is always unpredictable that way!  I finally got to meet up with this fun family whom I have known for many years. In fact, we were neighbors long before any of us had children and Mom and I taught together for seven years before I had Will.  It was so fun to meet up and be able to photograph their amazing kids.   We ran, played, and jumped and I will admit I was a bit worn out at the end of the night… but it was so worth it…

I am so glad we were finally able to meet up, Kerri and Roger.  Your kids are so much fun and it was great seeing you all again.  I hope you enjoy your sneak peek!

When you are ten months old, it is the little things that bring you joy.  Tall green grass, airplane rides, hugs from Mommy.   Meeting this sweet family was such a pleasure and it was evident throughout our time together just how much joy their little man brings to them…

Thank you Dan and Laura for bringing little Quinn to see me. I really enjoyed meeting you and your darling boy!  Such a fun session.  I’ll be in touch very soon…

I always knew what it FELT like to love my family,

Now I know what it LOOKS like.

-Author Unknown

When I look at these images, I smile. They make my heart happy.  This family opened up, relaxed and let me capture their love in a very honest way.   The session was over so quickly I found myself wondering on my drive home if I had ‘missed’ something.  Did I capture it all???  And when I opened the images on my computer, I saw the most beautiful love right there staring back at me.  Photographers know that feeling – the heart races a bit and you can’t wait to begin editing the images because you know you got “it”.

I have written about following my heart recently, and that is exactly what this session is to me… a session full of heart.  You will not see a carefully posed or stiffly positioned family.  I hope what you see is emotion, feeling… love.  Because I know that when I look back on the photos of my family, I want to  feel something.   I want to see and feel who we were and how we loved at that very moment in time…

And not only does this family have a whole lotta heart, they also have a lotta soul….

Thank you, Jacqui and Antonio.  I can’t even begin to tell you what a pleasure it was to meet you and photograph your beautiful family.  Your children are not only gorgeous but just so incredibly sweet. I hope you enjoy your photos and I will be in touch very soon….

Forgive me if I get a bit mushy here, but oh how I love this kid.  Cody is the son of my cousin Scott and his wife Connie, and the hero of my six year old son, Will.   He is kind, gracious and the kind of boy you hope your son grows up to be.  If there is ever something I want Will to do, I simply have to say, “That’s what Cody does.”  And I almost always get easy compliance. ” Eat my broccoli????”   “Yep! How do you think Cody got so fast? He ate his vegetables! “    “Clean my room? ” “Yes! Cody does it every morning!”   Even if these are a bit of a stretch, I am happy that my son has chosen such a wonderful role model.

Cody and I had a great time during his session. We just hopped in my car and drove out to some locations I’d been wanting to try out.  It was later that evening that I realized, he is the age I was when he was born.  Oh, how old that makes me feel! But I’m also very lucky because I have been able to watch him grow up and see what an amazing job his parents have done.  I hope I do such a job with my own children.

Before we check out the photos from this week’s session, here is just a quick blast from the past….  I can’t believe how fast children grow.  Cody was the ring bearer in our wedding at age 5.  Look how cute!  And then on a trip to the beach with his little brother Drew…

And now the handsome guy, all grown up… well, almost.

I am so glad we were able to get onto the football field for a few shots…  Anyone who knows Cody knows he lives and breathes football.

And then we ended the night at his grandparents’ home…

Thank you Cody for such a fun night and letting me shoot for 3 hours! You were an awesome model.  And Connie and Scott, thank you for being who you are and raising such an amazing kid.  I love you all so much…

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You may hold my hand for a little while, but you will hold my heart forever.

A fellow photographer and friend, Lisa Russo has a similar shot hanging in her home. When I saw it, I knew I must have one of my own for my mantle.  My favorite part of this photo is her little elbow dimple…

All who know me, know my heart lies with my family.  Without them, there would be no photos, no blog, no photography business.  But lately, I feel my blog has been a bit disconnected from my life and family – the true heart and soul of my work.  I’ve debated on whether or not to become more personal here and invite my readers into my life more.  I very rarely post photos of my own children here and it’s not because I don’t have any to share! But I just wasn’t sure how much you all want to know about me.  Sometimes I feel a little self-centered I guess in thinking that anyone would care what I have to say.  But I’ve decided to follow my heart and share just a little more of the inspiration that led me to this amazing career.  It is my hope that in learning more about me and my family, you will understand my work more and the direction I feel my photography is leading me….   telling our story and maybe someday, telling yours.

Much love,

~ M

Dylan is my first senior for the 2011 class.  He is actually from California and visiting his family here in Skagit County.   His mom found me by the power of Google and then realized that I had photographed several of her friends’ families after seeing many familiar faces in my galleries.   I love that even as our “small town” continues to grow – we can all be connected instantly by a simple click of the mouse…

I really enjoyed touring Dylan’s grandparents’ property finding just the right places for his photos.  He even braved the nasty mosquitoes that seemed to be out in full force that evening!  I love how by just spending a few short hours with someone you can learn so much.   I think my favorite part of the night was near the end of the session when Dylan was posing for a shot and noticed his great grandma was leaving the house for the evening.  He quickly excused himself,  got up and hurried over to give her a hug good-bye.  That simple little moment spoke volumes about his character and made me smile.   Truly just a great guy.  I’m sure his mom is so proud…

And a few more with his gorgeous family…

Thank you, Jeanine for asking me to photograph Dylan!  It was great to finally meet you.  You truly have such a beautiful family.  And Dylan, best of luck to you in the future. You were so great to work with!

Sweet Miss Teagan is now four months old.  You can see her newborn session HERE.  It always amazes me how the precious little newborn changes into a giggling, smiling, wide eyed little cherub in just a few short months.   Speaking of wide eyes, take a look at these gorgeous baby blues…

And time with her lovely mommy….

I am so glad I got to see little Teagan again! She is such an adorable baby girl, Hailey.  Thank you for sharing her with me!

I had to snap a few of sweet little Jesse when I took the kids for a playdate just the other day.  I can’t believe how big he is getting. He will be celebrating his 1st birthday in just a few months. Jesse is the son of my sweet friend Wendy and has been on my blog a few times before.

I was so happy that Wendy agreed to let me take a few of her with her little man. It just isn’t often enough that we get to be in photos with our children. I know that when I flip through photo albums of my childhood, I am always so happy to see a photo of my mom with me.  But they are rare.  My mom has never liked the camera and always took every opportunity to avoid it.  Be sure and document your history.  You are there everyday for your beautiful children.  Let them see you there in pictures.  Even if you have to set up the camera on a table and use the timer – do it.  That’s what I do! Just catch yourself being in the moment with your kids. I promise you, years down the road you will be so glad you did… and so will your children.