SENIORS rock

I had the opportunity while in Tennessee to photograph 2 beautiful Seniors: Olivia & Christoph. We went to the historic town Cumberland Gap (where I'm from) to take the photos. I knew there were beautiful buildings there but I had no idea what I would stumble upon: an old train tunnel!! It was truly amazing. The tunnel served as a pitch black backdrop. It was so neat because the walls of the tunnel were so vibrant in color. It was a little scary though. I fell in love. I so wish I had one here to use. After this session I found that Seniors may be my favorite to photograph. They are just so much fun... and they totally bring out the kid in me. I look forward to photographing many more Seniors. Congrats to the Class of 2011. Thank you Olivia & Christoph, you are both such stunning souls- I wish you both all the happiness in the world.

SK8R boy

Sooo... today I got a little bored. Well, I wouldn't say bored... there's always SOMEthing I should be doing- since I'm not going to call it bored I'll just say some of my creative energy was building up and needed to be put to some sort of use.  This happens quite often and frequently leads me to photography. Sigh. When Ariston woke up from his nap today I conned him into letting me take some pictures of him ;) What a sweetheart, right? Before I decided what sort of pictures I wanted I did know this:

1. I didn't want to drive anywhere.. feeling like a lazy kind of day

2. I just bought Ariston a really cute shirt that I LOVE and want his picture taken in

3. I need some practice using props

4. Hmm, I've been wanting to use a skateboard... Ariston has one!! Yessss. (Napoleon D. voice)

5. It's hot so we're going to have to make this quick  :P

Knowing all this, I quickly threw Ariston in my new fav shirt of his, demolished his closet to find the skateboard & headed out on the property where we live to try and find some photogenic backdrops.

The first photo below is my favorite and one of the first I took. We practically stumbled upon this sewer tank thingy, which turned out to be perfect for the look and feel I was going for. The others were taken in the field (which I use way too often but is just so convenient) and against the grandparents' brick house. 

SIDENOTE (typical): [Ya know, it's very random moments when you realize your children are changing and growing on a daily basis. Looking through these photographs turned into one of those moments for me. I am in "awe" of my son- for multiple reasons. Not only for his kind demeanor and handsomeness... but for the young little man he is growing into. It is unbelievable. Truly, a miracle happening right before my eyes. What a blessing!]

I'm back...

and man, it feels great!

Preparing for vacation, vacationing and unpacking have made me a busy little lady. I'm finally back and oh so ready for action! I've missed the blogging world mucho grande ;)

So, I just got back from Costa Rica, Central America. My family has gone on excursions each summer ever since I can remember. Before I got married and began my own family I was always apart of those trips. This is the first year Brandon, Ariston and I have had the opportunity to join them and I am so grateful that we did. 

Because we stayed at an all-inclusive resort there really was no reason to leave, we had everything we could imagine right where we stayed. We did take a canopy tour zip lining and sunset cruise while we were there. SO MUCH FUN! Thinking back, I believe the greatest experience was getting to see the wild monkeys. They were everywhere we went and so fun to watch. Below are a few of my favorite "nature" photos from the trip.