Here is another cutie pie athlete from our PHENOMENAL local high school team. 

The 2015 senior class that I have had the priviledge to shoot have been some of the smartest, and most talented kids ever.

His mom was a sweetheart, and his uniforms, baseball equipment and outfit changes all ready to go. We started at the high school, then hit a couple of my go-to locations for seniors. 

And Drew was a doll. So sweet and respectful. I have 2  boys that play Little League. Drew was patient and put up with all my questions of playing baseball at the high school and college level. 

He has already signed to play baseball at college in the fall. I know his parents could not be more proud of this young man. 

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. 

    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!

Remember that time back in high school when you were self-assured, poised and beautiful?? Um...Yeah......me neither.

But Terrica is all that and more. She is sweet, kind and on her way to a bright, wonderful future.

Seniors are fun to photograph anyway, but this session was a blast! Here are a few of my favorites from that day.
 

A musician, a reader and a future Aggie. Sounds like a perfect girl to me!

Seriously, just how pretty is she anyway?

 Terrica, go and set this world on fire! (and by the way..... "WHOOP!")

I had a core group of friends in high school, who are still some of my best friends today. There is something about those scary, wonderful, confusing, carefree days and the people you share them with.

 I got to spend an afternoon with some of the best and brightest at our local high school. They comissioned me to take "personality" pictures for the yearbook. Most of these kids are in the top 10% of the senior class this year. Don't believe the hype that kids these days are sullen and disengaged. These young people were funny, respectful and scary smart! Best of all, they were all best friends. Love that.

With kids like this, I have no doubt that the next generation is gonna do just fine. 

PS. I am a member of a local group of photographers who blog on the 10th of the month. We form a circle to each others posts. So please jump on over to the lovely and talented Jenne Vasquez
It is a great way to gather inspiration, and to discover new talent. 

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!

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.