I got to break out my new backgrop at Lynne and Frank’s portrait shoot–I was glad I’d put it in the car, because the colors worked well with what they were wearing and the formal feel of the shoot!

photographer1

We did a couple of headshots for them too.  It’s always handy to have a good picture of yourself!

photographer2

Posted in Family PhotographerGrown-ups

 

I met Cyndi and Niko at a stables in Castle Rock to take some family pictures with their horse. It was so much fun to do something a little different and I can’t wait to photograph Cyndi’s horse show next weekend!

colorado springs family photographer

(Did you catch the horse sticking out his tongue at me?!)

colorado springs family photographer

colorado springs family photographer

colorado springs family photographer

colorado springs family photographer

Posted in Family PhotographerGrown-upsToddler Photographer

 

One of my favorite brides-to-be hired me to shoot her grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary party this weekend as her gift to them.

Talk about a thoughtful gift!

It became quickly apparent that Bernadette gets her infectious good humor and lovable personality from her family! They were a wonderful group to spend the afternoon with, and it makes me even more excited for the wedding–I already know the important players!

I want to begin the sneak peek with my favorite shot of the day (which was actually my last). I was all packed up to leave when they announced a special grandfather-granddaughter dance, and I unpacked my camera and ran to capture a few shots. I am so glad I did, because when I saw this photo this morning, I admit to choking up a little (which Bernadette will no doubt find fitting for her family)! :D

grandfather granddaughter dance

I was very close to my grandpa and lost him as a teenager–first to a stroke, and then when he passed away a few years later. I would give anything to have a picture like this with my Poppa, and I know both Bernadette and Bob will treasure this one…that is, until September when it will no doubt be replaced with one where Bernadette is in her wedding dress! :)

Bernadette and Haydn’s engagement shoot is coming up in a few weeks, but we had to get a little practice in:

colorado springs engagement portrait

Poor Haydn was incredibly sick, but managed to make it to the party anyway. I kept telling him that if they are this photogenic when he is ill, I can’t even imagine how awesome their engagement portrait shoot will go!

I adore expressive people, and as a photographer, I love them even more. Nothing is better than people that show their emotions so vividly–it makes it easy to capture the excitement and happiness of an event:

wedding anniversary party grand entrance

When the guests of honor Bernie and Bob heard music announcing their arrival, they started dancing in the foyer! (I was in heaven–that kind of impromptu photo op is a photographer’s dream!)

dancing at Colorado Springs party

And then it was time to reveal that the beautiful singing was not a cd, but rather Colorado Springs’ own entertainer Randy Rodriguez.

See what I mean? Bernie and Bob make being a photographer easy!

The party was filled with a ton of emotion–from hysterical laughter to happy tears:

We did a few quick formal group shots:

The party was held at the beautiful house of a family friend. I used this flower arrangement to test my exposure before everyone arrived, and ended up loving the photo:

colorado springs party

A huge thank you to Bernadette (the youngest) for asking me to photograph the party, to Haydn for doing his best not to look green in the pictures, to Bernadette (the second) for throwing such a fabulous party, to Sharon and Scott for hosting it at their beautiful home, and to Bernadette (the original) and Bob for sharing their wonderful family with me and shining with such fun and love in their photos. I can’t wait to see you all at the wedding!

Posted in Family PhotographerGrown-ups