Family Portraits 2011

My kids get plenty of test time in front of the camera with me being a photographer in my spare time. I often bring them with me to test out new locations:  to get my depth of field, lighting, and timing down. I often disguise it as "a fun car ride with some hiking & playing" thrown in the mix.  

They are awesome sports.  

  You would think they would have down the classic family portrait by now....
oh, but they don't.

#1) Gwenyth has obviously spotted something scary off to the right, unbeknownst to other 4 kids.

#2) Addie can rock a sister on her hip AND the most amazing Christmas gift boots ever.  I told her we were going hiking, but she could not bare to spend a minute away from her burgundy patent leather beauties.

#3) Titus likes to pretend karate chop in every photo I take lately-this afternoon was no exception. That is a tape measure he is holding & yes, he is wearing snow boots, he lovingly refers to them as "work" boots.

#4) Good job Emma and Nehemiah-you pass the family portrait test with flying colors!!

A few days after this photo was taken, I brought an actual family here....no petrified looks, karate chops, or snow boots either.
Their family portraits will be coming soon.
The holidays have me backed up on posting sessions :) So much fun sweetness to come!!

And proof that my kiddos can actually take an orderly, happy portrait....

This photo captures each kiddo perfectly.  They are 5, very different from one another, little people :)

The Martinez Family: 2011

Yee-haw!  The Martinez Family came back for a 3rd round with me and my camera.  I love this family.  They are so laid back and easy!  Wendy wanted to do something barn-ish this year for her family portraits and what's so funny is, I had been wanting to photo a family in front of this red barn/garage in a nearby alley.  She was game and her hubby & kids jumped on board.  As far as alleys go, you never know what you are going to get...peacocks, cars, dogs, people bringing their trash out, etc.  We had many of those things.  At one point, a dog barked so loud as I was gingerly leaning over a parked car, I almost pee'd my pants. I think me eyes did pop out of my head bases on Brenna's reaction to me :)  It turned out to be very funny, especially since the dog was behind a fence. Phew! 

Thank you Wendy for coming back to photo with me every year.  

I love to see your family grow up :)

The Redding Family

Meet the Redding Family!!!  They are a family of 5 and boy do they pack a punch!  

We began the photo shoot in the backyard of their new home and made our way through Christmas tree lots, sidewalks, alleys, and ended in the middle of Glendora Blvd.  Harmonie you are radiant and you simply do not have a bad smile.  Girl, you are gorgeous and your love for your family and excitement for all things, bubbles over right onto those around you.  What a gift, what a blessing to receive.  

Most men are a little wary of having their family photos taken (esp their own photos taken), but Eric you brought your "A" game.  I appreciated your interaction with your kiddos and your tickling efforts to get especially sweet Jannelle to be comfortable.  It shows great love for a man to spend the day honoring their wife in front of my camera, and it doesn't go unnoticed. 

As a photographer I love, love , love to join families and blend in as if I were a part of them for the 2 hours we are together, and Redding family I am so thankful you let me join your family for the afternoon.  At first your kids probably thought I was a little weird, but after chasing them down in the Christmas tree lot, there was no going back.  We were gonna be friends, me and them :)  Your children are each so unique, but each with a personality so memorable and vivacious.  Be proud because they reflect the two of you, Eric and Harmonie, just beautifully.  

Thank you again for inviting me to tag along for the afternoon.  I loved every moment of your sweet & playful family. My heart grows so big when I look through your images and am reminded of all the fun & precious moments the afternoon brought!  

Merry Christmas Eric, Harmonie, Tyson, Preston, and dear Jannelle!

The Redding Family: sneak peek

Meet Preston.  

He rocks, as you can see.  

Just wait until you meet the rest of his family....  

You will have to wait until tomorrow :)

Julie: class of 2011

Julie graduates this week from APU.  Julie has lived in several states, so when it came to her graduation photos she chose one of her favorite places to be in California-the beach!  I was so excited to break loose a bit and head to somewhere new.  We drove down together and had such a great time.  Julie I loved to hear your heart for your family, your future plans of ministry and of course your Red Wings.

I loved being down at the beach and enjoyed every minute-from people in alleys, to bike riders, to having freezing toes.  It was memorable and so much fun! 

Simply put, you are beautiful inside & out.

You are probably studying hard this week.  Enjoy all the pomp and circumstance on Saturday.

May God continue to light your path. 

Congratulations Julie!

The Sacchieri Family

The last time I saw Shannon, she was wearing a navy blue polo shirt and tan khaki's, after all, that was the attire for the private school where I worked and where she was a student.  That was almost 13 years ago.  So much has changed.  For starters, she no longer wears polos everyday :)  She is married to an Army Airborne Ranger and together they have the most darling 4 month old son.  They are stationed up in Alaska, but were going to be in town to see family, so she sent me an email.  It was so wonderful to hear from her and even more wonderful to get reunited with her and her growing family.  

What a special afternoon for me, Shannon.  

I hope your images make your heart surge with love and pride always.  

You are so dear, strong, and kind hearted.  

What a true blessing for me to see what God has done in your life and 

what He is doing through your life.   

Thank you again for asking me to take your family photos.  The privilege was all mine!

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Willmer :)