Photography is my outlet for self-expression, but it also opens the doors for new friendships to form.

I have known this sweet family from our church for awhile. But during our session, I got to know them on a deeper level. Between shots, we talked about the weather (it was HOT!) how tough and rewarding parenting is, our jobs, our lives. I want to remain friends long after the photos are taken. 

It was a blessing to see such a young family committed to the Lord and each other. Their children are stunning.....obviously.

But to see how loving and patient they are with their babies, just made my heart sing. We are all so worried about the "next generation"...but with young people like this, I think we will be just fine. 

Mother Teresa said, "Want to promote world peace? Go home and love your own family". 

That being said, there is a point in the session, where things naturally start to come to a close. Usually, I start to lose the kids and they give me this face...."Miss Nikki, we are DONE!" LOL! 

But he had nothing on his baby sister, who straight up told me, "Yep,..... I'm out!" Haha!  

It was such a fun day. And I am humbled they allowed me to capture this time in their lives. 

Everyone sing with me, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...."

Has it been a long, hot summer for anyone else but me? I love my babies more than life, but it is time for them to GET OUT! Ha!

We all want those nice, first-day of school portraits of our kids. But I will let you in on a little secret. I always take ours the day before. The first day is crazy and stressful enough without momma breaking out the camera at 6:15am.

The Sunday afternoon before school starts, I have the kids pick out what they plan on wearing the first day, and drag them to a field behind our house and shoot away with very little resistance from them. Well, actually that is a lie. They kick, scream and feign illness, but at least its not first thing in the morning and I can handle it much easier! LOL. 

My most important criteria is to capture their new outfits, backpacks, ect. And of course to see how much they have changed from last year. It doesn't matter to me if it takes place on the OFFICIAL day, know what I mean?

So ease some of that back-to-school stress, and snap away the day before. Now you will have more time to take candids of them walking/riding their bikes, getting on the school bus, or "gasp" driving themselves to school. (Wah!!!!) Those pictures are important and someday (in a land far, far away....) they WILL thank you for taking the time to document their lives. 

    When working with my fabulous clients, I try hard to capture the images they want. I ask for their input, any ideas, "must-have" shots, props, ect....... focus on what they want during a session. I also try to keep my editing clean, and natural for them.  

    But once in a while, I like to take on a personal project. One where I can break rules, try out new editing techniques and chase images that make my heart sing. In doing so, I believe it will make me a better photographer for my clients. I will have new skills, and a fresh vision to bring to a typical session.

     Luckily I have a bunch of kids who I bribe, yell at, pay, and generally force to model for me. Haha!  I am also blessed to have best friends who have beautiful kids that let me practice on them.
   
One late afternoon, in downtown Houston rules were broken, inspiration flowed and children were bribed!

I have never been accused of being fair and unbiased when it comes to my own children.

Because seriously, how pretty is he anyway?! LOL!

"What God has joined together, let no man tear asunder". 
 

What a priviledge it is to witness strong, Christian families who love each other. And, to capture small moments in their lives and record that love.

Ugh! Could they be any cuter?!

How precious is it that she brought her dolly?

George Bernard Shaw said, "A happy family is but a sooner heaven." 

I could not agree more. 

Blessed. That is what this little boy is. He has sweet, godly parents who love him to pieces. Not to mention, he is a cutie pie. 

Ah....sweet little boy, surrounded by love. Blessed.

I had such a good time photographing this family. Laid back, fun and easy. 

No....."Freeze, everyone say CHEESE!" Nope.....not how I roll. I will get you a "smiley" shot, but then, I like to follow you around, and observe. Watch how your family interacts, and then, capture a moment. I have limited sessions available. 

Contact me, and lets plan a time to capture a moment in your family.