RAD pixels photography

Being the 80's kid that I am and a die-hard brat pack fan, I can't help but think of Sixteen Candles and Samantha loves Jake Ryan.  :) I've never met this guy, but I've known his mom for awhile.  She wanted me to take some casual senior photos some time ago, but we're just now getting them done.  Thank goodness for warm, beautiful Sundays.  And wouldn't you know, this session helped me remember how much I like working with teenagers.  The world is their oyster, and that youthful excitement about the future can be totally infectious. Ok, so Jake came by himself and met me in downtown JC.  I love shooting here, by the way.  Wonderful textures and contrasts.  Anyway, having never met this kid, he talked without any awkwardness, and he entertained my ideas without question.  We walked quite a bit and it was a little chilly, but he never complained or showed any reluctancy at all.  As we talked, I learned how ambitious he is.  While ...

I've taken photos of sweet Emma and Randall before, but this time is different.  She's wearing an extra accessory!  A shiny one, too.  A diamond just as unique, classic, and beautiful as Emma. Ok, so I'm over here, like, OMG, I'm really getting old.  My students are getting married.  When will I be taking their babies' photos?  BUT...catching up with my former students shows me just how wonderful they are, how happy they are, and how successful they are becoming.  Meeting with Emma and Randall today was not only fun for me, but also this meeting was a chance for me to once again reflect on the young lives with which I've come in contact.  I needed this. Emma and Randall are planning a fall wedding for next year.  While these photos are not their engagement photos, they are a celebration of this young couple and the next step in their lives together.  What I learned about these two, though, is that they complement each other very well...

Cookies and milk are easily a favorite of my little Izzybella's, so trying to come up with a creative session was easy this year.  For some reason, Izzy just all of a sudden has become a camera hog, wanting to take selfies quite often and leaving the evidence behind on my phone.  While I haven't had a good session with her in a while, she was more than willing to participate in this one.  Perhaps the cookies helped!  These photos were used for Christmas cards and gifts for grandparents.  So sorry to spill the beans, but I figure we are close enough! Some of you will remember this bear; she has been around since before Izzy was born.  My sister's mother-in-law, with help from my nieces, made it out of a blanket that was my grandmother's.  The blanket wasn't in the best of condition then, so we keep the bear put up on a shelf so that she doesn't get hurt.  We use her only for photos to show how much Izzy has grown over the years.  As a newbor...

This family is so much fun!  Not only do they have amazing kids ready to steal the show, but they live on a farm complete with chickens, goats, cows, and ponies!  Yes, these kids really have their own ponies!  I've photographed the baby and the family before, but this was the first time busy head coach dad got to be in the pictures, too.  I'm glad it worked out that way. Even though the session was in the middle of December, we all were hot before we finished.  I even had to persuade Jackson with some candy so that I could get a few more shots.  Then, there was Lane. Lane was much happier minding his own business rather than getting a camera snapped in his face.  I did a lot of running chasing this little guy down.  Hannah was all smiles showing off tricks on her pony and loving on her brothers.  Overall, I think we had some fun! Merry Christmas to this wonderful family!  I hope Santa is extra good to these kids! ...

First Christmases are so exciting for parents!  Ultimately, this starts parents' journeys of creating Christmas magic for their families.  Easton's idea of Christmastime will forever be shaped by the traditions that his parents create for him now.  I know Jessi and Matt will have the best Christmas ever watching their precious little boy play with bows, paper, and boxes, and their own holiday traditions will begin.  Enjoy this time! During this session, Easton was curious, but content.  He was also easily intrigued when his Paw came over to have a little talk.  I say it so much, but I really can't believe how much this little guy has grown since our first session.  His hair is getting lighter, like his momma's, and he is sitting up on his own like a champ.  We had a good time with each other, even though he wanted nothing to do with my hats.  We made it work, though, thanks to momma! Thanks to Jessi and Matt for letting me work with Easto...