Good Stuff for Kids (with busy moms!)

I have been thinking! My blog has been a little frustrating for me - first of all I don't make much time for it, and second of all, it's seeming really one-dimensional to me. I love using it to show clients previews, and it's great for giving people location options. But I really think I could/should be doing more.

In that interest, I thought through my hobbies. I am one of those people who has a million hobbies - my husband too, we like to try lots of different things. But what is most important to me? MY KIDS! :) I have 3 kids - two in elementary school and one in preschool (but not for long!) and we have found some really great things in our pursuit of fun, projects, learning, and life. This seems like a great forum to share some of those things.

Since I have two girly-girls, we are fans of hair blogs.  Neither of my daughters has  lot of patience with having their hair done.  And both of them have kind of tricky hair - super fine and slippery.  Anyway we have looked through lots of hair blogs and my favorite is http://www.girlydohairstyles.com/ - she has a facebook page also where you can search through hairstyles. 


I like her blog best because her daughter has short hair (some of the time) and her styles work for my girls better than the other ones I've read.  She does great messy buns (which is not my strength, but we just don't have enough hair in my family to do any other sort).  My little daughter has super thin wispy hair still, but I have hope because her sister eventually grew nice thick hair.  Eventually.
 

My little daughter was so thrilled with this hairdo that she actually kept it in the whole day.  Shocking!


My older daughter is growing out her bangs.  Awkward!  We need ideas for keeping them out of her eyes and there is some cute stuff to work with.  She doesn't have much patience for fussy styles, and her hair slides out of them a lot anyway, so we go for pretty simple.


The next picture is my older daughter a couple of years ago at my brother's wedding.  She consented to let me work on her hair for awhile on this one. :)  In fact she picked this one for the occasion I think.  (Okay, ack, she is growing up so fast!)


I know some of you will already know everything I might have to share, but that's perfect, because I want to hear from you! What are some of your best successes or best finds for your kids? 

Spring senior session - graduation is coming!

It is almost graduation time! I am doing some last minute senior sessions for some seniors who wanted pictures when it's green out (or maybe they are thinking they want a session with no horrible wind!).

This amazing senior is one of my very favorites.  He is smart, honest, & hardworking.  He's got a plan for his future.  He can fix cars.  He's been taking care of our house & dog for us when we go on vacation for a few years, and our silly dog has never been less paranoid when we're gone.  I mean, anyone who goes out of his way to be nice to a really goofy dog - good person.  Now - how many senior boys are actually - really - happy about going to get senior portraits done?  Raise your hand?  I know.  This guy - happy, for real.  These smiles are not faked.


We went to one of the petroglyph parks, and it was BRIGHT out.  In my brain there was going to be shade in the late afternoon - there was not.  But luckily 1) it wasn't actually hot out, 2) I'd brought some flashes and could work with the sun.  What a great location for high desert natives. :)




I am so happy that the bosque is starting to get green.






We made one last trip - up to the mesa top at sunset.  Perfect light.  And we timed it just right too.


I love it when the sunset really works.  Much better with a few clouds.

If you or someone in your life is looking for senior portraits, you can get a lot of information on my sessions on my website: http://seniors.etherdox.com, including how to book a session.  I'd love to work with you too!

I love doing sessions at great places like this these, but for lots of other session locations, see this blog page here.

April birthday portraits - {Albuquerque children photography}

I had so much fun with my birthday portrait party earlier this month! I have some fun images to post here, but I first want to announce my May birthday portrait party date: May 18th. I am going to do them in my yard (weather permitting) - my husband welded me this amazing big screen that I really want to use. So plan on outside pictures, and email me or call if you have someone with a birthday that would like to come!


I had a great mix of ages, some old friends and some clients I hadn't seen in a long time. Thanks to all of you - it was a huge pleasure. I love your kids!

My daughter had to get into the mix.  Here she is showing how fairies hold their hands.


This next one might be my favorite of the day.  How sweet is she???






"How old are you?"










Both sisters have April birthdays!


And this gorgeous girl turned 16 in April.  I love that she brought some of her favorite things with her. 



In general these sessions were about 5 minutes long, really quick & easy!  I scheduled 15 minutes just in case, because I know some children have a warm-up period.  We really never needed it.  Looking forward to seeing more of you in May!

If you're interested in more information about a family photography session, my website has lots of info about how I do sessions. Or you can call or email me if you have questions or would just like to chat about it. For lots of ideas for other session locations, see this blog page here. 

One year old home session - {Albuquerque baby photography}

I love this family - I first met them last year through Operation Love when they had a military deployment and a new baby all at the same time. This little guy has grown so much, and he is ABSOLUTELY DARLING. We did this session in their home and it was perfect.



On the technical side it is tricky to keep glare off of glasses, especially when I use window light like I did here.  His eyes are so bright and shiny - I couldn't let them be hidden by glare! 


Their family had just celebrated his first birthday party - a Lego party, isn't that a great idea?  There were still some legos on the wall that I had to include.


Also his mom was looking for a picture of him and his (really nice) dog looking out the window together.


They live across the street from a park, how perfect is that?  We used to live across the street from a park - I miss it.






Then it was back home for some Lego cake. 


He enjoyed the cake - he didn't devour it, but he did really seem to have a nice time playing with it.




When his darling sister got involved, he got even more interested in the cake.  Mmmmmm!  And though most cake sessions end in tears, not him!  He was still happy and perky as he was carried off, covered in yellow frosting, for a nice bath.


I have a bunch more baby photography, along with some info on my baby plan options, on this blog page - check it out!

I offer four different options for baby photography collections. If you are interested for yourself, or if you have a friend or family member you might like to gift a collection to, I have an online magazine with more information that you might like to see. You can send me your email address below and I will email you a link right away.

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Newborn baby princess - {Albuquerque newborn photography}

I am so happy to present this darling new little girl! I met her big sister when she was first born also, so it was a huge honor and pleasure to get to see all of them again.



There is nothing like a not-quite-two-year-old with a new baby!  They were so darling together.




After a couple of false starts, the baby fell into a really good sleep.


Over the winter, I accumulated some newborn props, wraps, headbands, etc. and I was excited to get to use them.  I actually went a little overboard... I need a baby boy too!  (Luckily there are some on my schedule coming up!)






Once she was really soundly asleep, she was even happy to be on her tummy, which was NOT the case earlier. :)  I love how cozy newborns sleep!  It is worth the wait every time.














 I have a bunch more newborn sessions, along with some info on my baby plan options, on this blog page - check it out!

I offer four different options for baby photography collections. If you are interested for yourself, or if you have a friend or family member you might like to gift a collection to, I have an online magazine with more information that you might like to see. You can send me your email address below and I will email you a link right away.

Submit your email address to receive more information

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

Last Name