When a little girl turns four – AND she gets a new Barbie – AND there are cupcakes and candles…well, it just doesn’t get any better. Even for the Dad.

Despite our best efforts, the greatest gift our baby boy snagged this Christmas was Grandpa’s satellite TV remote control. Little did we know, you can eat these! Or at least try.

No pressure. None at all. If you’re going to be a photographer, it should be sooooo easy to crank out an annual family portrait.

My kids are used to me and my camera. My wife graciously models for me so I can try new equipment, lighting, poses, etc. I know what I want from a family portrait.

However, put five kids in the middle of a nature preserve with deer bounding past (no joke), and it becomes perhaps the greatest challenge I have ever had.

The kids were great, my wife has the patience of a saint, and I…I got the shot. I don’t think there was any crying involved – from me or the kids.

Regardless, we really like the final images. We plan on a 24 x 36″ gallery wrap canvas print to hang over our piano, and then individual 11×14″ prints of each of the kids. Here’s the family portrait we agreed on.

I enjoy taking family portraits at a client’s home. Especially when kids are involved. Everyone, especially the kids, feels more relaxed, it’s not a big hassle to get dressed up, and we can get some cool ideas from everyone, especially the kids! Here’s a couple of portraits from a recent session at Steffanie and Scott’s home.

The boys came up with the tree idea on their own. Someday those brothers will say “Remember that picture we had with both of us in the tree wearing our Bears jerseys?” 

Summer may be wedding season, but autumn is the perfect time for engagement portraits.

Last evening I worked with Penny and David  on their engagement session. I photographed them at four different outdoor locations and then in-studio. The two of them were a lot of fun and it shows in the portraits.

The portrait above is from just outside my building. The sun and foliage look great in the background.
 

The swinging bridges here in Pontiac make for great outdoor settings.
 

Penny and David were glad to work on some different poses, including the portrait above. I love this shot.
 

After a quick clothing change, we worked in the studio and created some beautiful, romantic images like the one above.

Congratulations to Penny and David. I am really looking forward to photographing their wedding next summer!