Leilah

When I grow up I want to be Leilah. First, there's her name – anyone who grew up in my generation (and loved music) will remember a certain Eric Clapton song by the same name. But then there's the cool way they spell it. Most of all, however, I want to be Leliah because she's a bundle of pure joy. I dare you to try and look at these photos without smiling, especially when you get to the ones where she's dancing around and laughing hysterically at her mom (Joni, what were you doing behind me to elicit such rapturous smiles?)

Leilah has an older brother, and when he was two years old their mom had a photo session done for him. She had every intention of doing the same for Leilah, but life gets crazy (especially when you have two kids.) Joni realized that Leilah's third birthday was stalking them and so she called me to do her daughter's two year-old shoot. And boy am I glad she did! It would've been tragic not to have captured this stage in Leilah's life. There is a time when little girls become more self-conscious and less able to throw themselves into every moment. But this ain't it. Leilah, thanks for reminding me that there is joy and delight to be mined from every minute of the day. I can't wait to photograph your little three year-old self at your Aunt Laini's upcoming wedding!

Lily

I remember when she was born. My good friends Jay and Dayne already had an adorable little boy and would've been thrilled with another one. But when Lily came along it was obvious that their family wouldn't have been complete without her. What I remember most is that she had a super contagious smile, one that – if directed at you – would turn the corners of your mouth up regardless of what kind of day you were having.

If I were trying to explain to someone what southern beauty and charm are all about, I'd just introduce them to Lily. She's incredibly sweet, but not the saccharine, syrupy, paint-a-frozen-smile-on-your-face type. She's the kind of sweet that radiates from a heart of pure gold. I didn't get to spend much time with Lily as she grew up, but hanging out with her recently for just one afternoon confirmed what I suspected all along: Lily has become an amazing young woman.

In May she'll graduate from Hendrickson High School in Pflugerville, and from there… who knows? She's pretty much got her pick of universities (did I mention she's beautiful AND smart?) But it looks like she'll stay somewhat close to home: as of last week she had narrowed it down to three probable choices: UT, Baylor, and Mary Hardin Baylor. I love you Jay and Dayne – thanks for letting me be a small part of this momentous occasion. And a huge congratulations to you, Lily, as you say goodbye to childhood and head into the next chapter of your life. I have no doubt the world has a lot to learn from you.







I love this one because she is the spitting image of her mama. Dayne, you contributed more than your fair share of DNA to this kid!








At the end of our session I told Lily I wanted her to bite her mother. Ha! Got just the reaction I was looking for: "F'real?"

Joyous Jessie

It seems like I've known Jessie forever. I don't know exactly how old she was when I met her family, but I'm pretty sure she was a preschooler. And as long as I can remember she's been smiley, bubbly, happy and soooo easy to love!

Jessie's dad is my longtime miracle-worker chiropractor, and her mom is one of the most kind, amazing women on the planet. When Jessie asked me to do her senior photos I knew it would be a fun session. What I didn't know is how incredibly wonderful she would be in front of the camera. You see, she too is a photographer, and most photographers who've landed on the other side of my camera are very uncomfortable and not sure what to do with themselves. Not Jessie. She is more of a natural in front of the camera than ninety percent of the people I've worked with!

Jessie, I am so happy that I've gotten to see you grow up, and I look forward to seeing you grace the world with your numerous talents and gifts.




This little kitty popped her head out of the barn where we were shooting. Once we gave her a tiny bit of attention we couldn't get rid of her!

The Parker Family

Marnie is one of my mom's dearest friends in the world. She has been a phenomenal support to all of us as we have helped our mother battle cancer over the last several years, but more than anything she's been a present, compassionate friend to all. She is truly a gift. Marnie and her husband John have three children who are scattered all over the country, so when they learned that everyone would be together in the same place they asked me to do a photo session for them. What a joy and a delight! They were so relaxed they made my job easy, but then if you take one look at this crew you'll realize that even if they hadn't been so fun they could've gotten by on their sheer good looks! Thanks, Marnie and John, for sharing your family with me; they are indeed a treasure.