The {L} Family Portraits | El Paso, Fort Bliss Family Portrait Photographer

Fall and winter are my favorite seasons, primarily because my favorite holidays take place then. I adore cooking a big meal on Thanksgiving for several guests and partaking in Christmas traditions with my children.  I'm pretty big on anything and everything that promotes family togetherness, which is probably why it is my favorite time of year to photograph family sessions, too.  The weather is (typically) cooler, which means cuddling is more natural and enjoyable than it would be in the dog days of summer.  That easy connection is so, so important to me when I am shooting, and I know it is one of the factors that people love when looking through their images.

I especially enjoyed being able to take this family's first formal family/Christmas portraits!  They were so much fun, and their oh-so-adorable little one is so at ease in front of the camera that it was impossible to take a bad shot (which made culling the images pretty darn difficult!).  Enjoy the cuteness overload!

The Notebook | Cinematic Inspirations | El Paso, Fort Bliss Stylized Couple's Portrait Photographer

Walking through the streets of downtown El Paso, I found the perfect little area: A somewhat secluded cobblestone street framed by trees and brick buildings. I was immediately reminded of the dancing in the street scene in the popular film adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks novel "The Notebook". It had been a while since I had photographed a couple's session, so as soon as I got home I put out a model call to local friends and started planning.

Models were secured, screenshots were shared, wardrobes discussed, and a date set. Then the cold front came, just in time for session day. It was freezing. And wet. And windy. Not ideal conditions for a shoot inspired by a love story that mostly takes place in the warm, vibrant summertime. So we adjusted the wardrobe and, when the overcast afternoon rolled around, we steeled ourselves against the winter weather advisory and met up. After a small hiccup that may or may not have involved my not packing a CF card in my bag, we dove right in.

And they rocked it.

If they had reservations or were uncomfortable in any way, it did not show. Not one little bit. By the end of the hour, my feet were practically blocks of ice, but when I sat down in my car to thaw them and quickly flip through the images, I couldn't help smiling.

Love is an amazing thing. Even when essentially acting a part, it isn't forced. It flows naturally, and can be captured with breath taking clarity, regardless of obstacles or discomforts.  This family has love in spades.  And, boy, did it make them perfect for their roles.

**The slideshow plays music!  Just a fair warning!** 

El Paso Desert Bridals | El Paso, Fort Bliss Bridal Portrait Photographer

Going into the session, the weather was less than ideal. It was overcast and close to sunset, two factors that often make a time that would normally be a glorious golden hour into an environment about two shades darker than I like to work with. But, with my gorgeous model and loyal sidekick OCF, we photographed through the diminishing light and managed to capture the small sliver of sunset sky peeking through the clouds. 

This session was just so much fun! The car, the boots, the wind assisting in fanning my beautiful client's hair at just the right moments. It was a great shoot, and a lovely night despite the looming rain clouds.

Technically, these "bridal" portraits were taken just before the bride's first anniversary.  It's never too late (and always fun!) to break out your gown and rock a glam bridal session!

Happy Belated Anniversary, Carolyn!  May you celebrate many, many more in happiness.

White Sands Desert Bridals | El Paso, Fort Bliss Bridal Portrait Photographer

You may recognize this lovely model from past sessions.  She has posed in a gorgeous red dress, a full bridal gown, and two glamour sessions.  Really, she looks amazing in anything and is as sweet as can be.  The big difference in these images is that this is her actual wedding gown!  She recently celebrated her wedding, so these top secret images are officially allowed to make their debut!

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Playing Catch-Up! Weeks 3, 4, & 5 - 7/14-8/3 | Project 365 | El Paso, Fort Bliss Portrait Photographer

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind!  My husband was in the field, Lily is cutting her eye teeth, and Alex has been bouncing off the walls because it was too hot to play outside for a while.  Then the first rain came.  We celebrated with cocoa, movie marathons, and some tasty treat-making, and the days got away from me.  Before I knew it, I was two weeks behind blogging my Project 365!  Fortunately, I have not stopped taking pictures, so getting this catch-up post put together took no time at all.



Whew!  There we go!  Be sure to keep going around the circle and check out Tina's week here.