I know it’s not Friday (bummer), but we’ll do this week’s Favorites post a little early…just because it’s fun!

I’m not going to do a lot of yammering, because the families I had the opportunity to photograph this year know how much they mean to me. And for that, I’m grateful and ever so humbled. I’m honored to have been part of your family story, and be able to give you inspired ideas and ways to share your images in your home and with others.

So. With a very heartfelt thank you, and the promise for more beautiful images in the future with your gorgeous faces, I give you my favorite newborn, children and family portraits of this past year. (RSS readers, click here)

It was awesome to see this family again this fall after Ryan and Melia’s wedding! Their little guy was a total heartbreaker, and we had such fun getting together again to photograph their family portraits on the Kansas State University campus.

Bundles of energy and filled with joy. He exudes happiness.

Some children are really what I’ve heard called “lens-aware”. They know when a camera is poking in their face and what they are “supposed” to do. In some cases, that’s great. In other ones, however, my intention is to break down that barrier of having the barrel of a giant 24-70 mm lens staring them down. To encourage little ones to instead, not do what you think you should do. In making children less intimidated and conscientious of the camera, do we really find out who they are and the things that they love.

I think this session is a great example of being lens-unaware, and with it comes great spirit and freedom in the images. (I could go on and on about this topic, and if you’re interested in hearing more, let me know in the comments and I’ll feature it in an upcoming Behind the Image post!)

A very sweet moment with momma…

Mom and dad shared a quiet moment together, too.

In a word :: joy.

Young family–it was so much fun to spend time with you! Enjoy your beautiful portraits!

What a great time at Grand Mère Village this past weekend! A huge thanks to everyone who came out and helped kick off the holiday season. Santa was amazing (as always) and we photographed TONS of beautiful families. Here’s a peek at a few of them!

I’m also happy to share that a percentage of the proceeds for the event will benefit the Flint Hills Breadbasket :: the need is so, so great right now and we can help make the holidays a little brighter for another family. Just another way we’re paying it forward in our community!

My love for these four peeps runs deep….I talk about friends being my chosen family, and these four epitomize that as much as possibly exists. We get together often (some of us, more often than I see my own family sometimes), share SkinnyGirl margs and compare our latest shoe purchases. Or solve the world’s problems. Which we are kinda good at. Got an issue? We’re on the case.

A new venue in Johnson County was calling our name for some updated family portraits — and it did not disappoint one bit, with lots of beautiful buildings, a little campsite, a walking trail and a red barn to. die. for. Fall color around us, grey skies above us, and the light was smooth and buttery. Photographing on cloudy days is like having a great big natural softbox at my fingertips. Looooove.

I love this six year old and her scrunched up nose.

A few treats to keep their chocolate lab’s attention also meant for a few frames with drool hanging from her mouth. (But I didn’t figure you’d really want to see her slobber.) Hilarious!

Eleven years together and happier every year.

Love you guys!

Hello, cuteness!

This little punkin just celebrated her first birthday, and is a total delight to everyone she meets. Sweet, a little silly, and a smile that will melt your heart.

Dad loves to dress her in mismatched outfits–and she pulls it off so well!

She was a little shy at first…but that didn’t last long.

I love this truck! A 1946 Ford pickup…shiny and beautiful. Fern loves to ride on adventures in it.

And sit in the back too with mom and dad.

Happy birthday Fern!

Among others, she’s sweetly shy. At home, she sweetly chatters and tells stories to anyone who will listen. She’s full of life. Inquisitive. Curious. Delightful. Patient. Dainty. Maybe even a little mischievous at times too.

We had so much fun photographing miss Madeline in celebration of her second birthday! So hard to resist those sparkling eyes and mile-long eyelashes…. oy, I’d be in serious trouble if she asked me for a pony and batted those baby blues at me!

Some really cute moments with daddy…and a great game of peek a boo.

Thanks P family! It was SO much fun!

She made her pregnancy look so effortless :: carrying herself with grace through every movement and flow as she stood in front of her yogis at Orange Sky Yoga for another practice (while the rest of us, sweaty and breathless, might have momentarily considered trading places with her! ) And as a mom, she has the same natural grace and ease, her love and adoration evident every time she locks eyes with Indie’s sparkling baby blues.

In the backyard where Indie’s mom and dad will promise forever to one another later this week :: the same backyard that has been part of family weddings, celebrations and gatherings, we photographed their beautiful family…and those sparkling baby blues. I’m totally in love with this hat (and matching diaper cover!) :: she had just started rolling over earlier that day, so keeping her stable to get the shot was fun!

Indie was so patient. Clothes on. Clothes off. Hat on, hat off. Nary a fuss or a whimper…. she just rolled with it.

Love those baby legs!

So cute.

J, S & Indie :: Quite simply, although it doesn’t seem like enough, thank you. Thank you for sharing these moments with your daughter, who embodies the very best of both of you. I’m honored to be part of your lives and celebrate the joy and spirit that Indie brings to your family. See you on the mat. Namaste.

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