The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

This family is so dear to me. One thing I love about photography is it freezes people in time. This Friday this family will be moving away to start another chapter in their lives. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to capture a small part of their lives here in Pennsylvania. During the shoot I noticed the "Mom" necklace. This little necklace really created a vision in my mind of a photograph I wanted to take of this beautiful family. For those of you who do not know I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Recently, we had our semi-annual General Conference, where we had the opportunity to learn from the prophet, apostles and other church leaders. This was all done via television, satellite, Internet or in person in the conference center in SLC, UT. This conference is always uplifting with MANY inspiring talks. After hearing the prophet, President Thomas S. Monson speak I had a storyboard of these photographs in my mind that I wanted to create. While browsing the church website I found this "Mormon Message" which comes from the same talk given by President Monson. I hope you enjoy listening to this short message. I believe it applies to all of us. As well as puts into words how I feel about this story-board I created for this family.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYhDhiojBPA

BTW I couldn't get it to post. So I attatched the one on YouTube. Enjoy.

Thanks Harrison Family for everything, you are such a beautiful family and you will be greatly missed by many here. Good luck... We love all you!

Kisses...

She was very excited to blow kisses for her favorite boys Addison, Weston and Brandon....

Terrific Two's!

Nothing sweeter then a two year old in a tutu!

DANCE! DANCE! DANCE!

She's definitely got moves!

Imagine...

One of my favorite things to do before a photo-shoot is to scout out an area.  I love walking around beautiful thought provoking places where my imagination can create scenes.  When working with small children executing those visions isn't always easy.   Here are some of the scenes that I imagined...

The fairy tale.

The sky is the limit.

life....

How do they make you feel?

She's got Spunk!

Yesterday, I had my first photo-shoot in Pennsylvania, I absolutely LOVE the parks here! It was a pleasure working with this spunky little 2 year old and her beautiful mother. We definitely got our work-out capturing her cute little smiles. This park provided some great backdrops and YES I am a HUGE fan of the colored photos but these black and whites are tugging on my heart strings as well. SUCH A CUTIE!




Hope you have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY....there will be more to come in a cute little tutu!

POR FIN!

I have finally finished ALL of my nieces photos.  Yes it has taken me FOREVER, because I took the liberty of practicing new things on each photo that I edited.  Sorry Ashlyn and Shea!  The truth is your photo-shoot inspired me and pushed me to do just a little bit more. 

 As I worked on these photos I thought a lot about myself at your age and how I would react to the things you are facing today.  One thing I wanted to give to each of you in these photos was to help you see how beautiful you really are! You both are such awesome girls and I hope you always remember your self-worth.  A quote I had posted to my mirror growing up said "You have been called of God, placed by God, in this time and circumstance.  And he knows you better than you know yourself, knows what you have the capacity to do.  However, God will not be content with you as you now are, fine as you may be, because he knows what you have the power to become." -Elder Neal A. Maxwell  Ashlyn and Shea you have your whole life in front of you, remember that each choice you make reflects the person you are inside.  Remember what you have been taught and stay true to yourself.  We love you guys so much!

The pictures will be in the mail tomorrow. They will be sent Grandma Willardson's home.  I hope you enjoy them!

Lost and Found

Yes I have been MIA from the photography/blogging world!  I have been busy getting settled and being a mommy.  I am sorry to the family members STILL waiting on pictures.  I should be getting them in the mail soon.  

First off I want to thank those who commented on the last post.  I so appreciate the constructive criticism! I definitely have been in a creative funk lately.  I noticed along with many of you that most of my pictures were dark and gloomy, and looking "muddy" from being OVER-edited.  I truly believe your mood is reflected in anything you do that is artistic.  I was feeling a little lost even over processed myself.  So I took a little break and focused on getting my life in balance and now I am itching to get shooting again!  

Yesterday Nash and I went to a fun playdate at the river.  I am sure our friends thought I was the paparazzi because I was snapping pictures of everyone....IT FELT SO GOOD to be back in the photography world.  I love taking pictures of children at play, it is so natural and innocent.  THIS is what my photography is all about! 

Please leave a comment, I would love to hear your views!

More of Shea!

So I am taking forever to edit these pictures of my nieces....reason being I LOVE THEM...and I am learning new stuff as I go.  Sorry Ashlyn and Shea for taking so long, but hey they are looking pretty darn good!

I would really love to know what you all think.  Would you like to see more color or do you like the washed out look with all the textures?  If you visit this sight, PLEASE leave a comment of your thoughts.... GOOD & BAD....I appreciate them both.

My Joy...

Isn't he PERFECT!!! :)  I just love my little brown eyed boy!

Ashlyn...

Ashlyn is the oldest grand-daughter on the Willardson side.  I have to say she has a lot of little Willardson girls looking up to her.  When I joined the family I realized quickly how protective Ashlyn's uncles are of her.  She is a pretty special girl, who is growing up fast, too fast in her uncle Darin's eyes!  We love you Ashlyn.  Hope you enjoy these pictures. There will be more to come I am sure.

T-Ball!

My nephew is finally old enough to play T-ball.  Organized children's games are hilarious to watch!  The children are always more into daydreaming, picking/eating the grass, and playing with the equipment rather than paying attention to the game.  Such fun memories... 

This last picture is such a classic Cosby look! LOL! Looks like he is totally scouting out the competition.