sweet boy...

I can't believe it has almost been a year since I met this little guy for the first time!  Happy birthday, little man!

Christmas with a 9 month old...

This family got a little peek at what that is going to look like with their little love.  She is so curious about everything, determined to check it all out- by herself.  I'm imagining that if they put up a tree this year, it will be behind a gate or closed door. 

What do you mean he knows when I've been bad or good?

Family Christmas Session...

I love my annual families!  It is so nice to see them come in each year and to catch up on what the year has brought to them.  This family usually chooses and outdoor location but this year, weather just wasn't on our side for that.  I was so excited that the ceiling tile back drop came in just in time for their session, it was the perfect compliment to their outfits!

Baseball and babydolls...

Two is such a fun age!  Their little personalities, likes and dislikes really develop and they are fun little people.  This little lady ran the show during her session, and honestly, I wouldn't have had it any other way.  We played ball, we took care of baby Abby, and every now and then- when it was her idea- we did our playing in front of the camera.

I wish I could have stopped the clock when my kids were 2 and just held onto those moments a little longer.  There are times when I wish we could go back to this stage, but then- being almost 6 is pretty awesome too (blog post about that to come in the next week).

Engaged...

I only met this couple briefly before scheduling their wedding and engagement session so most of the "getting-to-know-you" stuff happened during the session.  Which is exactly why I love engagement portraits!  I get to see what makes each couple special, the chemistry between them and I get a little peek at what makes them special to each other.  I've also had the privilege of meeting the parents of both of them, his at the consultation and hers came along to the session to help out with the pooch while he wasn't needed in a shot.  I can already see that this is one special family and that they have so much to celebrate when these two tie the knot in 2012!

Family Values...

If you read my post earlier today about the Cyber Monday Special, you saw my little note about how family portraits help instill family values in our children.  This family is a perfect example of what I was trying to put into words.  They come to see me at least once a year for an updated family portrait and we always laugh a lot along the way.  What a great way to show your kids that they are loved, cherished and an important part of the family while making a new family memory!

At the heart of the family is the parents- this year Mom & Dad wanted an updated portrait as a couple.  We are the most influential example of marital life that our kids will experience, letting them see that taking a little time for each other in the midst of family life is just one more way we can make that message a strong one.

If you haven't already, jump on JunglingPhotography.com to give the gift of portraiture to someone you love!  It is a gift that they will cherish for a lifetime!

Last wedding for 2011

I've always thought this church was beautiful from the outside & also wondered what the inside was like, dreamed of being the photographer for a wedding that it hosted and thought about the types of images I'd make on the front steps.  It was a dream-come-true that my last wedding of the year was at THIS church!

This bride & groom decided not to see each other until the walk down the isle.  It was such an important aspect of their day that I thought we'd better do something special to illustrate it.  So here they are before the ceremony, not seeing each other in front of their beautiful church.  The bride just couldn't stop smiling when she heard her groom's voice and when they touched hands.  Truly a wonderful moment and I'm so glad we got to capture it!