Krszjzaniek {Family}

"Ok, this feels real now. I can't believe I'm actually doing this." Nicole's famous words as we were booking her family for a portrait session. I knew what she meant. She's thinking about the past or worried about her boys' behavior during the shoot. If it's been hard to get family pictures in the past, then it will be hard in the future, and that includes now. So, the sensible thing to do is avoid it as long as possible. Well, Nicole had avoided it long enough and she knew she needed to move on it. She trusted me, we spent some time planning her clothing, and I found a sweet spot off the side of a road somewhere the day before our shoot (I got inspired and although there were a lot of easier alternatives, I took the risk to use it). I was so proud of her because she kept her cool all day, didn't stress about the kids, the crazy weird location, or their outfits, so the vibe the kids got from her and dad was very laid back when we got there. That is SO hard to do-I know it is-so kudos to Supermom Nicole.

We did the session and she wasn't really thinking beyond "let's just get the pictures done". In the beginning, it's all about hoping it goes well and you'll get a few good images. I am willing to bet there are a lot of moms out there just like her and have been in her shoes. I feel like my family is the hardest to capture for absolutely anyone and I pity the photographer that tries. I've heard that same statement from moms hundreds of times! Everyone thinks their family is the hardest, believe me. Do you know what else I've heard hundreds of times? "I'm shocked at how many good ones there are. How on earth am I going to choose? Thank you SO much!" and it makes my heart happy. Nicole's story is like so many others and yes-it ends the same. Absolute fascination of a job well beyond done- with so much heart and customization. It's my story-it's how it always goes-and I'm thankful for it. I love being in the room to watch them see their images for the first time. I'm not the cyber ghost photographer that shows up for pictures one day having never met you, snaps, and then sends your images on CD and never sees you again-no, not me. I'll sit with you, watch you get teary-eyed, and help you make decisions. Then you get these amazing photos with true professional color, beautiful framed pieces or canvases for your wall and many times I return for a delivery, another planning session, or a get-together and I see them in their display. It is the ultimate reward! Nicole couldn't believe how well the session turned out and now she's excited about her displays! Here are a few from her bigger-than-normal gallery. The boys are absolutely awesome. Each with their own personality-sweet as can be. I loved getting to know them through this shoot!

The location was literally on the side of the road and I couldn't have asked for a better family or day. They were so cool and collected, and the weather was gorgeous. The location will probably never be the same after the yellow wildflowers fade away, but at least we captured what it looked like at one instance in time. Phenomenal is the least I can say about this shoot! Thank you, Nicole, for trusting me with such an important job as this!