I ♥ Faces: Sun Flare

Throwing my image into that hat again! :)

I love this picture because the kids were just being kids, taking a break from the photo session we were having. The sunset was gorgeous and they were just playing in the grass with twigs and pine cones. Utterly ADORABLE!

Strathman Family

My darling friend Susan. What can I say about her? She is a manager extraordinaire (the best I've ever had), she is an amazing athlete, a loving mother, devoted wife and cherished friend! Her insight into life and sense of humor make our Saturday runs the highlight of my week. In addition to all that, she was my very first photography customer almost two years ago already! I've grown as a photographer and she's done nothing but encourage me. THANK YOU, SUSAN!
I had the pleasure of taking pictures of her family again this weekend.
Her son and daughter are such a joy. Susan's son is a sweet little chatter box who loves sharing stories with those he knows.
However, Susan's daughter is a little bit on the shy side with new people... Susan shares these AMAZING dialogues she has with her daughter, but I couldn't remember the last time I had heard her speak.
Never fear, Susan had the fantastic idea of having Dan and I over for dinner the night before to warm up the kids for our pending photo session.
It was a FABULOUS idea!
On her own turf, this little girl opened up! She is so verbal once she is past the shyness. Both children had a great time showing me their rooms AND their favorite toys.
Having spent some time with the children before the picture session made for some great pictures.
I have to tell you, one of the best parts of my job is making kids smile their true real smile AND hearing the tinkle of their sweet laughter!

I love my "job"! Thanks again, Susan, for sharing your darling family with me. :)

3.2 Mile lazy run

SO cold this morning! Did NOT want to get out of bed (especially cuz the window is open so our bedroom is FREEZING!). Alarm went off at 5:30 didn't get up till after 6 am! I was so pleased to run into darling friend Tracy on the run this morning! We chatted for a few before heading our separate ways. So blessed to have met such amazing women through our San Francisco training. :) Activity Route: -- Elev. Avg: 0 ft Location: Chandler Heights, AZ Elev. Gain: +0 ft Date: 11/19/09 Up/Downhill: [+0/-0] Time: 06:15 AM Difficulty: 0 / 5.0   Weather: Clear   43 F temp; 48% humidity   43 F heat index; winds N 5 Performance Distance: 3.23 miles Time: 0:35:32 Speed: 5.5 mph Pace: 10' 59 /mi Heart Rate: 158 bpm (Avg) Calories: 336 171 bpm (Peak) Notes COLD So hard to get out of bed! Hip is super sore, side is injured, too... from pole dancing??? Elevation (ft)

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Joe's Turkey Day Song

I so enjoy when Joe learns new songs at school. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE when he sings them for me. He's got such a great voice...



Oh a turkey knocked on my back door
So I invited him in
It twas a chilled November Thursday
So I invited him in
Won't you come in to my kitchen
My Friend,
I'll boil some water for tea
Won't you come into my kitchen
We'll chat
Have a cookie maybe two or three
He answered No, No, No, No
I won't come into your kitchen
He answered No, No, No, No
I'll see you another day...

Light Play

Playing with some strobist stuff tonight. Single flash through umbrella overhead. White reflector under model just out of frame's sight.
Seriously, child, what is on your shirt? It's a black shirt.. how did you find bright white dirt??? Is it dried milk? What is it?
Maybe I DON'T want to know...

...Soo.. How does one get a child to stay still for approximately 20 pictures while you play around with light's strength and position, framing, shutter speed and aperture? What bribes does one use?
In this case, watching Dan play COD2 sees to be working...
Yup, I'd say that's a look of contentment... well as much as can be found when posing for mom!

Awanas

Joe was SO excited when I picked him up after Awana tonight! He had memorized 4 scriptures and answered the final question in his own words to receive his t-shirt and book! He bounced and leaped down the church aisle in his excitement to show me what he had earned. I'm so glad he enjoys Awana and is learning about Jesus in the process. Here he is, trying on his new shirt!

5.5 Miles

I love running with Susan! She's just amazing... keeps me rocking. This was an especially great run because we kept the pace a bit slower and talked almost the whole way. Usually we focus in and GO!!! I don't even think I turned on my iPOD the whole time we were out there. :) Thanks Susan! Activity Route: -- Elev. Avg: 1222 ft Location: Sun Lakes, AZ Elev. Gain: +0 ft Date: 11/08/09 Up/Downhill: [+6/-6] Time: 06:00 AM Difficulty: 2.2 / 5.0   Weather: Partly Cloudy   52 F temp; 56% humidity   52 F heat index; winds E 10 Performance Distance: 5.60 miles Time: 0:59:35 Speed: 5.7 mph Pace: 10' 37 /mi Heart Rate: 165 bpm (Avg) Calories: 670 170 bpm (Peak) Notes Nice cool morning! Map   Elevation (ft)

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