Watching Down.

For those of you that don't, though I don't know how you couldn't if you're checking out my blog like you should be ;P, the Wolff family never misses a chance for portrait sessions with me. Hell, even if they aren't in town they bring me to them for shoots. But Kellie and Chris were making a stop in Vegas to break in the new Yoli truck and Kellie can't say no to an opportunity to get the family in front of my camera. Lately I have been doing some really special work for people who come to me for portrait sessions, all of which have lost loved ones. Having seen some of the work I have done, Kellie contacted me looking for the same to be done for her. 

Last March I had the opportunity to fly to Alaska to be Chris and Kellies wedding photographer. The first time I got to hear about the amazing man that her father Gary was while Kellie was getting ready for her wedding. Unfortunately Gary lost his battle with cancer a few years ago, but Kellie was able to include some Gary in her wedding by wearing a ring of his. Talking the whole time about how much love he always had to give. You could feel the warmth in the air as she spoke about her father and what a goof he was. 

The second time I got to do a shoot for Kellie was in Washington last August when we did her maternity photos. In her never ending desire to light her girls lives up with the love that her father taught her, Kellie let me know that baby girl Wolff was going to be named after Grandpa Gary. Once again telling stories about her dad and what a ball of fun he was. Cracking jokes and giving everyone a hard time whenever he had a chance. It was wonderful to see her glow as she spoke about the incredible amount of love she has for him. 

Baby Garyn was born last October and once again I was flown out for pictures. Having been named after Grandpa Gary, he was a popular topic of conversation as Kellie talked about how she wished he could be here to see baby Garyn. Though not here in person, you can often find baby Garyn staring quite intently at the ceiling or a wall or a spot where it seems that nothing is there. It would seem that though Gary is not physically here, he is still watching over his girls and Garyn is set on making it known whenever he is around.

A few weeks ago when we did this shoot, if you have any knowledge about what Garyn is like in front of a camera, she was an angel in comparison. Kellie was on the hunt for a picture of her dad and her grandpa. Apparently they weren't known for taking pictures that would be of any use for a project like this but despite their best efforts, Kellie found the perfect picture of both of them for me to use.

Kellie, thank you for your never ending use of me for all your photography needs. Our paths crossed by complete chance but I would be lying if I didn't acknowledge what a significant difference your family has made to my life. From Alaska to Washington to Colorado and soon to be Texas, I love the time that I spend with your family. I love hearing stories about your dad and the amazing father he was to you and the teddy bear grandpa he was to Karlie in the short time they had together. I see so much love pouring out of you every time you talk about him and how fondly Karlie speaks of him. Thank you for everything you have done for me and for bringing this idea to me. I am so lucky to be your designated photographer and I am so happy I was able to create this memory for your family. Especially for your girls. Although he is gone, he obviously left behind a legacy of love that you are more than fulfilling in his place.

Enjoy.

Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do

A few months ago I was lucky enough to cross paths with two amazing dudes. One I had met through a social network and the other I met through the first. The universe has a way of putting things in front of you that you don't even know you need, and these two are no exception. Chris and Guy have been working for a few years to create a social network that is about the one thing that we as humans have in common. 

Dreams. 

dreamr was created to help people realize their dreams and set out on a course to accomplish them. A majority of social media has been guided in a direction that can be rather draining. While not the intention, we all know how negativity can come in on status updates, news stories, or anything of the like. dreamr is here to change that. 

I have spent several months watching these two build this social network based on positive vibes and following your dream. When you put it out into the universe, the universe gives it back to you. Encouraging you to pursue your dreams, to see what other people are dreaming, and how they're working to accomplish their dreams, dreamr is a place of positivity and encouragement like I have never seen before. Conversations with Chris and Guy are some of my favorite. They have given me a boost in pursing my dream that I didn't even know I needed but I am so thankful for them to have done. I have spent more time on my photography lately than I have in quite some time, and I want to thank them and dreamr for the push, the positivity, and the enviornment to document my journey to accomplishing my dreams. 

Currently only available for iOS, I would like to encourage all of you who can to check out dreamr and see what it can bring to your life. 

Dreamrapp.com has all the information for the app and a link to take you to the App Store to download. 

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. 

We are the future. 

Enjoy. 

Master Chubby Cheeks

Skylars first birthday was two months ago, but better late than never right? This little chunk of love has been victim to my camera since the moment Ryan and Bri found out he was on his way. We have done announcement pictures, maternity pictures, newborn pictures, and finally his one year pictures. I have fallen in love with this sweet boy as I've watched him grow over the last year. A charming little devil like Dad and so full of love like Mom, Sky is already such a gentleman. He loved being the center of attention at the party while he busted out his dance moves on grandmas speaker by the pool, made quite a splash in the pool with Mom, and of course shoved his face in the deliciousness of his first cake. 

Ryan and Bri, you two are amazing parents. Skylar is so lucky to have parents who work so hard to give him everything he could possibly need. I know that things aren't  always sunshine and rainbows with him but it brings me so much joy to see how much love you have for this little guy. He is growing up to be such a character and I can't wait to capture more moments for your family as it grows. I admire your determination to give him such an amazing life filled with love. 

Enjoy. 

Afternoon Glow

I had the wonderful opportunity of doing this shoot with a friends friend who recommended using me for family photos. Sam and Cece were all about a family shoot close to their house on a Friday afternoon. While the heat is no joke these days, we were lucky to run into some pretty ideal weather conditions that resulted in some pretty stellar pictures. It's not always easy getting three kids to be about family pictures, but once Joseph was able to do some tree climbing and his sisters were able to poke some fun at him while climbing in flip flops things started to flow quite nicely. 

Sam and Cece, thank you for the opportunity to capture your family. Your kids are so sweet and I enjoyed getting them to relax for the camera so you could have some rad family portraits. 

Enjoy.