New Home...

Art and Soul has big news! A new home is in store! A new and improved website is in the works - and should be finished and ready for the new year. So excited to showcase all the beautiful children, families, and weddings I have had the honor to capture. Here is the new logo, courtesy of Erik Jackson. Keep a look out - fun sessions coming up this weekend. A fun family session and I am so excited to take the first pictures of Collin Patterson (congrats Beth, Josh and Charter :)

My Little Lisa Loeb...

I have always called her Lisa Loeb. I am a fan of the singer and of the amazing Meagan. I have had Meagan as a student for four years now and think the world of her. She happens to be one of the most talented watercolor artists I have ever seen. The girl is a true talent with color! ( I will also throw out that she received the best of show award a few weeks ago at a state level contest) I know, teachers are like bragging mothers... Her pictures were very her...Meagan knows herself. She wore her great hats, wonderful boots and even her poncho. She is a free spirit who is kind to all. I will truly miss her next year when she is off coloring the world.

Workman Family!

It was a chilly morning, but we did not let it stop us. You know it is pretty cold out when you are the only people doing pictures at the Gardens - and it is usually packed! I was so happy to shoot the family pictures again this winter for the wonderful Workman family. They were so cute in matching grey and white - they are always awesome at coordinating outfits (and loved the boots) Thanks for a wonderful shoot - we had crazy wind last year for pics - I will take the cold any day over wind :)

Perfection.

Some children are so wonderful that I tell them they are simply perfect! These four adorable cousins were just that...Perfect! They were adorable, loving, and cute as can be. I don't know how I get so lucky as to get to photograph all the most adorable kids - but I am happy about it :) It was a pretty cold day - even snow in the forecast, but it did not stop us! We got plenty of smiles, hugs and laughter! I could not have asked for more. I was so happy to meet this wonderful family that met in the middle for the photo shoot.(one from the big D and the other from T town) You all were amazing! Workman Family shoot bright and early tomorrow morning - we all better bundle up - I would LOVE some snow pictures!!!

Favorite Family!

There is no family like the Schovanec Family. I got some wonderful shots out of them all, shots they may not have given anyone else - but I happen to know ( and love them) Looking at these shots it is plain to see they are all going to be heart breakers someday. They are ADORABLE! All five of them are right out of a magazine! Each one shines so bright. They all have a personality to call own. I share such great memories with each of them. Little Andrew (green shirt) is not so little anymore, but I can remember watching him his first year of life while I was still in college. He is such a smart kid, and an amazing athlete! Carl (blue shirt) stole my heart from the day I met him. Full of life and a story to go along with everything. He was adopted on my birthday and I got to share in the special moment - I will always treasure that. Reid (in the pink shirt) is a doll! Those blue eyes can stop you in your tracks! I always think about what a wonderful baby he was - such a cutie in every way! He is going to have all the girls hearts - I can see it now! Graham (brown shirt) was giving me all sorts of poses. Running around finding great spots and yelling "angel take my picture" he has the cutest little voice and sweetest eyes! Little Lily, sweet baby girl...She is delight. She can be rough and tough with her brothers one second - and the next sporting her purse around like a true diva. I can never say enough about these wonderful kids and amazing parents who are all so dear to my heart. A special and unique family who I cherish.

Twins Turn Two!

I had the pleasure of photographing some sweet twins! It was birthday number two! I also shot the first birthday party they had - so it was special to see how they had grown. It was a great party filled with bright colors and lots of cute kids! Cutest birthday cake you will ever see! Thanks Jack and Sydney - you were tons of fun!

Had to share..

Had to share some pics of the baby girl. Since we have all been sick the past few days, it was so nice to see the little sunflower full of energy and smiles. She melts my heart...Heading out to a birthday party shoot and so excited for the Schovanec shoot on Tuesday :)

"What to Wear?"

This is the toughest part when preparing for your photo shoot. I get the question before almost every shoot. What do we wear?? I was so happy to find that http://www.gap.com has the perfect attire planner for holiday and family photo sessions. I feel it is a little late to be posting this - seeing as the holiday sessions are beginning to wrap up, but hopefully it will help all families prepare in the future. I will also list some ides for Senior shoot - since they are right around the corner :) (Disclaimer...these are my personal opinions and tastes. Wear whatever makes you smile and happy for your session. That is truly the most important thing. But.....in case you do want a little advise , read on.) 1. Be individules! There is a time and place for matching black shirts and khakis, but I am trying to tell your family story with my camera, and I know there is much more to your family than matching outfits. You are unique and beautiful and the greatest part is, when you are together in a single image, you "still" blend as a family. 2. I love kids in bright colors and patterns. Yes Patterns! Polka dots, stripes, kid-like,cheerful, happy, fun and youthful. (my clients rock at dressing the kiddos - check out the children section to get ideas of fun sweaters, hats, scarves and more!) 3. Boys/Men look great in jackets and with a layerd look. A button up shirt with a jacket over it is perfect! Men also look great in sweaters and even turtlenecks. (my husband will kill me for that one - he frowns at the mention of turtlenecks) 4. Girls look simply adorable in dresses/skirts. Try mixing a skirt with some striped tights and a solid shirt. Adorable look! Girls should look fashionable, timeless, but not too frilly. 5. I think moms should be beautiful! Moms should stand out like the most beautiful flower in the family vase. I like moms in dresses and skirts or fashional jeans and heels..yes..heels. 6. Feel free to bring the fun stuff. Unique. If your toddler has one of those "I do my own stunts" shirts and he or she does in fact, do his own stunts. Let them wear it! We can alway put a button up shirt over it later for some more traditional shots. 7. Did I mention texture..Fabrics with lots of texture look amazing in pictures! There are times I can feel that soft sweater just by looking at it in the picture. Bring you scarves, wool hats and plat up the texture - you won't be dissapointed! 8. I LOVE maternity bellies in bright colors and patterns. 9. One more note on the matching family thing. While you don't want to necessarily match, you should be coordinated. Try to stick with similar or at least complimentary color tones. Earthy color look great on families - shades of browns on kids and mom in deep purple, dad in a rust colors and denim. 10. Once again this is just my personal ideas that I have seen work well in photographs. This is your shoot - dress however you would like. Only you know your family and what feels best to you. Listed below are some of my favorite clothing lines for families/kids. If you are looking for some ideas - check them out - gotta love that they put entire outfits together - makes getting "the look" easy as can be! http://www.teacollection.com (amazing texture!!!) http://www.thegap.com love the section on outfits for holiday pictures http:www.bodenusa.com layering masters www.oldnavy.com they are brilliant at putting together unique outfits at afforadable prices. www.gymboree.com www.thechildrensplace.com another layering master! www.janieandjack.com More to come - I will post the Senior session "what to wear" very soon!

Fall is my Favorite!

It is such beautiful weather!!! I cannot get enough of it. After a crazy week having the whole Porch Family under the weather - it was so nice to get out and about to a morning shoot. Adorable sisters that were so sweet and fun! Big sis was lots of help giving plenty of tickles and getting me some cute smiles. Little sis was quite the little model - posing away like she had been doing it for years :) Loved shooting at the Myriad Gardens - might just be my new favorite spot! Once again I fell in love with the fish eye lens - the shots of the girls on it are my FAVE! It was so nice to meet this lovely family - looking forward to the summer shoot already! p.s. look at these two telling secrets in the garden - is that cute or what?!!

Today.

Today my husband brought me flowers...For no reason at all. Sometimes I don't know how I got so lucky. We will be together 12 years in January - since we were 15 years old, and I love him more everyday. He is the kindest person I have ever met. I am so glad he is all mine forever. BTW - how did I ever live without this fish eye lens..Love it!!!