Family of Five | Hopedale Family Photographer

My cousin and his family were in town visiting, so we got together before they headed back home. Thanks to our mild summer, we had a gorgeous morning to spend a little time together. The sun was so bright, we even had to take some breaks to avoid squinting and rest our eyes {even in the shade}! :) It was great to see you guys again - even if just for a little bit!

Blog That | Goshen Child Photographer

Meet my niece {again}. Her birthday is coming up very soon. At the end of this session, my sister turned to me and said, "Blog that!" If only someone had been there to video this you all would understand. After several emotional meltdowns, we convinced her that it was fun to get your pictures taken. I love, love, love my niece - I was there in the room with her mom when she entered this world...but she was one tough cookie! Despite all that, we got some great shots because when you're photogenic you can't help but take great pictures!

What to Read

Welcome to my first post combining two of the passions in my life - reading and photography. I've been thinking {for awhile} about how I could mesh my endeavors together. It never fails - all great thinking happens in the morning shower. It must me the warmth and all that steam....I decided to start a weekly feature on the blog called "What to Read Wednesday". Each Wednesday, I will highlight a book that is sure to be a kid pleaser {young or old}. I'll also offer reading tips that are sure to help anyone {young or old} become a better reader.

My niece will be turning 6 very soon! So, this week my sister, niece {pictured above with book}, and I headed out for a session. {More of that adventure soon}. She will be starting kindergarten this year, so I thought I would highlight the book, First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg. The story is about a girl who comes down with a case of the jitters as she prepares to go to a new school.

One thing that readers do before, during, and after reading is think about what they already know and how it connects them to the story. In the education world, we refer to this as our background knowledge, prior knowledge, schema, and/or connections to the text. Anytime you're reading anything, find ways to hook what you are reading to something you already know. New information is more likely to have a lasting home in your mind if you hook it up.

Happy Reading!

Backyard Fun | Syracuse Family Photographer

If I only had the ability to take pictures in front of me and behind me. All kinds of craziness was taking place behind me to get the littlest guy in these pictures to stay put and smile. It was definitely a team effort! I loved the colors these sisters chose. Lots of yumminess going on here!

9 Days New | Noblesville Newborn Photographer

This is the newest member of my {husband's} family. We got to spend part of our weekend with him and his family. My sister-in-law and I had a good time taking pictures, feeding, taking pictures, feeding...Maybe I'm just a bit biased, but his cuteness is immeasurable. I'm looking forward to seeing this little guy get big enough to play soccer or baseball or basketball or {insert name of sport} with his big brother.

Teaser | Nappanee Family Photographer

It's so much fun what I get to do! Hang out with friends and take their pictures! These girls enjoyed their time with me posing for the camera. Towards the end, the youngest asked me if I wanted to go to Dairy Queen. Who can refuse that cuteness?

Trying Something New | Westview Senior Photographer

I thought I'd try something new. I made a slideshow of some of my favorite images of this beautiful senior {who just happens to be my cousin}. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Never Too Late | Penn Senior Photographer

It's never too late for some fun senior photos! This young lady graduated this year from Penn High School, and contacted me to take her senior pictures. She'll be studying at Southwestern Michigan College in the Fall. We ventured up to her aunt's lake cottage in Niles, MI. Once again, the weather turned out great {hopefully that trend continues for future sessions}, and the lake was a fun backdrop. I wish her the best as she starts a new chapter in life!

Anticipating | Elkhart Family Photographer

I met this growing family at a local park. The weather had been moody throughout the day, but we were rewarded with a beautiful summer evening. She is a friend of the mother of this little guy, so I was thankful that she sought me out to document this special time in their lives. They were great to work with, and they even went along with a little project I'm working on {to be posted soon}! Thanks H & C!

Couldn't Resist | westview senior photographer

Sunday I got to spend the late afternoon and evening with my cousin for her senior pictures. Everything was perfect - temperature, sunlight, soft breeze, great locations. I couldn't resist posting one of the many, many great pictures we got. More to come later! Thanks B!

Bows | elkhart child photographer

I met up with this cutie and her mom at a county park this morning. Her mom had every detail perfectly coordinated in her outfits. She makes bows and hair accessories that are just too cute! We had a good time walking around finding the light. This little girl is a good friend of my niece (who can be seen in this post, this post, this post, this post, this post). If you want to know more about her mom's bows, drop me a line or leave a comment. :)

Expecting | new castle family photographer

This is my sister-in-law and her growing family. She is due any day now (she's hoping sooner rather than later), and I'm thankful that they asked me to take some pictures of them before the baby comes. I'm super excited to meet my new nephew whenever he decides to come into this world.

4+1 new baby = Family of 5 | goshen newborn & family photographer

Just before I headed out for my 4th of July weekend, I was invited over to document the newest member of this family. He is calm, cool, and collect. After a little negotiation, we convinced his older brother to join us for a family portrait. I always enjoy spending time with this family. I had the privilege of taking some maternity pictures with the oldest two kiddos and mom before the baby's arrival. Here's the link to that post. Thanks family!