High School Models | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

High School. Style. Hair. Make-up. Friends. Weekends. Texting. Shoes. Sports. Cars. Dates. Fun. Talents. Sleep. Work. Play. Laugh.

I am searching my brain for more words but I am drawing a blank there.  I recently did a photoshoot with several high school students and the first to make it on the blog is this darling girl.  She is spunky, as a matter of fact I think her nickname is Punky!  She has a contagious laugh, her hair is a gorgeous brownish red and she has got serious style. She is a dancer (probably since she was three) and is sweet to all those around her.  I love those curls and have wished several times since this photoshoot that I could sport that with my hair but apparently 2 inches isn’t much to work with.  She woke up early for this fun morning and patiently sat while Patrick, our make-up artist, completed her make-up and lashes.  My goal with this photoshoot was to back-up.  I have a tendency to get tight crops.  All the time.  I wanted to be certain to capture her shoes-that would mean that I was backing up!  I used my 70-200mm and loved the flexibility of the zoom.  You may think (like her mother) there is added red but I assure you there is no boost in color!  : )   I did a custom white balance before each model to be certain I was on target with colors!  Those red bricks really show off her red tones!  She is adorable!

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Eating Lunchables

My conversations with kids during pictures is nothing short of entertaining!  I loved his answers when I asked him how he is growing so big and strong…  “I eat Lunchables!”  We had lots to chat about but I was most impressed by his dedication to lunchables.  : ) 

Dirty at the junkyard | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

Talk about energy!  He had energy oozing out from him.  I tried to keep up but you see, I am much older.  : (  He is so handsome and so is his mother.  Ok, not handsome but gorgeous.  When we met at the junkyard, I knew that he would be interested in everything!  His hands show that he did indeed play and probably climbed on some things that haven’t been touched in years.  I loved it… no fear-just curiosity!  The nice man who owns this junkyard brought out a bucket of water and some Tide soap so he could clean up.  Now, that is a hostest with the mostest!

Fields forever | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

There are probably less than a few things about AZ that attract others from greener parts of the world.  I always found it slightly odd that east coast (of even midwest folks) love the look of cactus, white wash, kokopelli, dream catchers, and other southwest trinkets.  But to each their own.  To me, these cotton fields from the southeast part of AZ are lovely and so strange.  How do you understand the white ball of fluff growing on a bush-in gigantic fields? 

What’s next? | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

Each time I have the privilege of photographing this family, I count it as a blessing.  It is a session full of laughs and jokes.  They always keep me smiling and I never know what they will do next!   Their youngest is a gem-ready with a sassy pose at all times.  She is front and center-ready to roll.  The others… the are occupied.  : )  Thank you for such a great time at the classy junkyard.

Happiness is… | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

Why do we (parents, mothers, etc.) try so hard to plan extravagant vacations, introduce and expose our children to activities, spend our money in the meantime?  Well, I am taking notes here… 1. go to the store and buy a swing (or make one). 2. put your child on the swing.  3. push your child for 10 minutes.   BUT, I have to be honest and say that swinging (or pushing) is on the bottom 5 of my “what I love to do as a parent” list.  Until I saw this.  Maybe I should reevaluate and give it another try.  Her dad was pushing her and she couldn’t be happier!

Jilly and Mia | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

Let me tell you a story about these two ladies… they are quite the duo and will keep you laughing all afternoon if you let them.  Their talent is exploding, especially when they work together.  They are devoted mothers and wives and always designing or baking something (just ask to see their to-do list)!  The projects are endless and their creations are amazing.  Their thrills come with perfect finds and an opportunity to create a trinket of treasure.   They work together, play together, and celebrate together.  It is quite a pleasure to know these two, and a gift to have them as friends!  To see what they are up to and experience their humor and personalities, you must visit Girls With Good Taste! 

Family Photo Day | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

With a new addition to the family, it was time to update!  This year, Paisley surprised me with her interest in photos.  She was curious about the camera and looking back at me through the lens.  I kept telling her to see what would happen in there (my camera) and she looked and looked and looked.  Nothing happened (good trick, right?) but I had fun getting some pictures of her in the meantime!

A good dad | Queen Creek, AZ Photography

He loves his daddy, his daddy loves him.  There’s not much to come between them except for the motorcycle :) I was just happy to capture this moment full of realness.  (I looked at the original version and decided to convert it to black in white because it is timeless and tender.)  

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Lindsey | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

Funny how I always have my camera with me and funny how somebody in my family is always in need of something having to do with my camera.  : ) Meet Lindsey.  She’s a little goofy, she’s a little serious, and she is a very busy wife, mother, student, and employee (well, and aunt, sister, daughter, friend, neighbor, etc.).  I always love when we get together-we have some serious competitiveness going on.  She wins at Scrabble, I win at Qwirkle.  ; )  Honestly, I never thought the day would come when we could mature beyond our sibling rivalry-we always seemed to be on two very different pages.  Then, we grow up-amazing how that happens to all of us.  Marriage, wifehood, motherhood and the like can put us all back on the same page.  Linds, I love you-you are beautiful.