Orange Crush {the crystal image photoblog}

{ another oklahoma family }

There are still so many more families to blog from the past few weeks and months—here's one from my trip back to Cherokee, Oklahoma. These little girls have changed so much in the almost five years that I've known them. The younger one, Bridget, has spent that past five years refusing to talk to me, but I managed to get a few sentences out of her at this last shoot! Isn't she cute? And I love their freckles!

{ more of those waiting to be blogged }

Well, so far I've not done so well on the week of families and children. I'll try to make up for that today.

Here's just a sampling of the kids, families and individuals that I've had the pleasure of shooting lately.

More to come!

{ my family of families }

It's hard to believe I've been in business for almost five years. I have always loved photography and had taken pictures "on the side" for many friends and family, but when the opportunity arose to open my own studio full-time, I jumped on it. And I'm so glad I did. One of the most rewarding parts of my day-to-day has been all of the fantastic people that I have come to known—I've been awarded the honor of capturing their memories, as families as a whole and as individuals. I get to watch them grow and change. It's amazing. 

This is one such family. Stacie, Jason and Jaxon came to me beginning when Jaxon was a mere one month old. He'll be three in February and he has changed so much—but yet there are so many facets to his personality that have been there since the beginning. Like how he loves to flirt with girls, and his impish little grin. But he has lost all his irresistible baby fat wrinkles! I'm sure he's happy about that, but they sure made for some fun pics when he was in his teething stage. I'm sure you'll see what I mean.

Jaxon at three months:

Jaxon at six months:

At one year:

And now, at almost three, as Mr. Cool:

Stacie and Jason—Best of luck with the new baby! I hope we can get together sometime after he/she is born!

{ sommer }

And one more senior sneak peek before we switch to a week of families, children, babies and pets.

Meet Sommer, yet another of the many beautiful girls I've photographed this year.

{ it's mariah }

We wrapped up Mariah's senior sessions a few weeks ago and I know she is incredibly eager to see her presentation. She has some amazing options—despite the fact that we weren't able to get some shots with her dogs (there was an ear infection incident that led to shaving that led to the dog not being in picture perfect shape ;)  Poor puppy!) I'm excited for her to see her pics as well, so here are a few of my favorites from her two sessions.

{ meet abri }

Abri started her senior sessions back in June and concluded last month with the turning of the fall leaves—giving her the look of multiple seasons. It's hard to believe that we started four months ago! I know Abri's happy to be done and can't wait to see her pics, so here are a few to tide her over. I'll see you soon Abri!

**EDITED TO ADD** Seniors—if you're thinking it's too late to get great outdoor senior pics, think again! I was just outside this morning with a senior and we got some amazing pictures—and it was a calm 53 degrees (warm compared to recent days)! There are always beautiful days in November and even in January, so give me a call and we'll get you scheduled—there's no reason you have to wait until spring!

{ seniors nick and taylor }

Nick came in this week to see his senior presentation and, while he's a pretty quiet guy, I think he was pleased. I know his girlfriend Erin liked them. Aren't they cute together? 

And a couple of Miss Taylor's favorites:

{ introducing valerie and chloe }

Just two of the many beautiful shots of Valerie.

A little sneak peek for Chloe.

{ oklahoma seniors }

For those of you who may not know, this marks my second year in Lawrence—but my fifth year in business. Unbelievable! The Crystal Image originally opened in Cherokee, Oklahoma and relocated to Lawrence just last spring. While I was excited to relocate to Lawrence, I left behind a slew of wonderfully supportive clients and friends, so in late September this year I headed down for three days of shooting back at my old studio—25 sessions in all. Two of those sessions were senior sessions—I've known Kelsi and her family for almost six years now and James' family almost as long. I can't believe they are seniors already! Thanks so much for choosing me to take your senior pics—it was a blast!

Miss Kelsi:

James (There was some excitement during James' session. I managed to catch a softbox on fire during this shoot—I kept asking, does something smell like it's burning? It was!):

{ meet seniors alex and becky }

When Alex came in for his consult he had a few ideas in mind for his senior photos. I kind of took those ideas and took them one step further. I can't wait to see what he thinks!

Becky has to be one of the most easy-going seniors I've had in here. Ever. We had so much fun and her session time just flew by. I was so excited for her to see her presentation and I think she loved them as much as I do! And look at those green eyes—gorgeous!