The Lighthall Kids

This was my first time having a shoot at Newport on the Levee. It was a nice change of pace to the usual park shoot! The entire time, the children were bribed with promises of ice cream if they cooperated for photographs (by Mom, not me, I swear). And they were angels! Well, at least they definitely earned their ice cream, anyway. ;) We had met early in the day to avoid melting in the heat, so when our shoot wrapped up at 11am, imagine the disappointment when we discovered the only ice cream shop on the levee doesn't open till noon! Actually, these kids took it like champs (tears of rage would have been flowing if it had been my kids). Despite not being able to follow through with promises, the photos turned out great. I usually don't post so many photos, but as you can see, I had a hard time choosing what to share!! Too much?

 I can't pick a favorite out of these three photos... probably the one on the right?

The "Arcade Games" photo just cracks me up.

Rivers are there for kids to throw rocks into. That is why they exist. Ignore what science says, this is a fact.

The Miller Family

I love doing extended family shoots. Love them! It seems like it would be daunting to photograph 20 people in one sitting. And it is. But in between the posing and placement and shouting, and general chaos, there really is a lot of fun happening. Teasing, joking, laughter, and lots and lots of love. I know I am only there as the photographer, but I come away from shoots like this one feeling like I've really gotten to know the family,  that I was sort of adopted in for a short time. For an hour or two, I was another member of the family, allowed access to that teasing, joking, laughter and love.
Yep. Love it. :)
This family gathering was in honor of the family matriarch's birthday. Happy birthday, Mabel!!