When Megan contacted me back in September to book a shoot, I was flattered (like I always am with each and every email I receive). But I was even more flattered to find out that not only is she a photographer herself......but wanted to come down from Sacramento for a shoot with me :) We've kept in touch through emails and Facebook, so when I finally met them last week, I felt like I knew them already. On top of being ridiculously adorable, they were dressed to perfection! 

 

Jacob......

 

Abby.........

 

Check out Abby's supermodel pose here ;) 

 

This one was hilarious because as mom and dad were smooching, Jacob suddenly grabbed Abby to try and kiss her....and the look on her face was like "GROSS! ARE YOU CRAZY!? YOU'RE MY BROTHER!!!!!" :) It's ok, he gave up on her and right after this shot, he ran full speed to ME and planted one on me ;) Such the ladies man ;) 

Have a FUN weekend....and check back next week for more! :) 

Just from emailing back and forth, I knew Alyssa and I would hit it off and share laughs at this shoot. She was up for anything I asked...which including walking in super mushy (from the rain) areas, splashing around in a puddle, sitting on the dirty ground, jumping, etc. Not a single complaint....and smiles non stop. Oh and check out her awesome eyes!

 

 

Alyssa's family came along as well, so we snapped a few photos with them in the first and last 5 minutes (we sent them off to go hang out during the rest of the shoot), and had some fun with the whole fam as well. 

One of my favorite ways to get REAL emotions for older kids. Mom and dad were having A LOT of fun here ;) .....

 

One of my favorite shots from the day :) 

*ALSO* - Don't forget that the "Location Contest" ends THIS FRIDAY (3/5), so get me those entries A.S.A.P!! :) ....and remember this can be ANYWHERE (yes, including out of state, etc...as long as travel fees are covered!)....from a cool bathroom to a cool backyard, awesome playroom, gorgeous bedroom, YOU NAME IT! :) The info is here: http://www.lot116.com/blog.php?id=1030

When Kristen contacted me about a shoot last year and mentioned it would be her, her husband (Dan) and a toddler, I assumed it was the typical family shoot. Well when I met them last week, out from the car comes THE most adorable little african american boy EVER. "J" (which i'll call him for privacy reasons) has been their foster child since August....and they are hoping and praying that they are able to adopt him. The bond that these 3 have is AMAZING. You would never know that they weren't blood related besides the color of their skin....and to me...skin color means nothing. Love is love.....and the love that I felt being with this family was unbelievable. I captured some of my favorite images to date with them.....but unfortunately (for legal privacy reasons), i'm not able to share any of them. My sister can vouch for me though. When I returned from the shoot with a heavy heart, I explained to her all about "J" and showed her some of the photos. The entire time was accompanied by "Awwwww! Look at them!" and "Oh my gosh, he's SOOOO cute!". "J" was smiling throughout the shoot and was SO happy. I can only hope and pray that little "J" is able to be adopted by K+D and live the most wonderful, safe and loving life he deserves. 

Since I can't post any of the photos with "J" in them, I can still post a few of this amazing couple. It takes a HUGE heart to be a foster parent......and not only did they have "J", but they also temporarily have an 11 week old newborn - baby "C". To add fuel to their awesomeness fire....they are frickin' adorable too........

Shortly after I posted, I received the sweetest email from Kristen:

"Oh Julie. Perfect. Just Perfect. What you wrote brought tears to my eyes--thank you for such a generous intro to our photos. It's funny because I've been wanting to make J a shirt that reads, "Love is Color Blind"...therefore your take on our "family" flittered my heart + soul. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you. God forbid, we lose J, we will have the most amazing photos of him EVER.

You rock.

Kristen"

There are many clients I just KNOW I will love from the minute I start corresponding with them. This family was one of those clients. A super cute couple, a gorgeous newborn, a well behaved dog, all kinds of music equipment AND a vintage car?? Put a fork in me....i'm DONE! On top of that, it ended up being a gorgeous day (almost "hot" because of the sun) and we got to venture outside with miss Isla. I absolutely LOVE taking outdoor newborn shots since it's not the "norm". Anyway, prepare yourself for a beautiful family...........

 

Little miss lump on a log ;) 

 

San Oso is one of the most well behaved dogs ever. He is their "first baby" and was a rescue dog :) 

P.S. - In Lot116 news........

(1) There are only TWO ONE spot remaining for fall/holiday *MINI SESSIONS*. This is the the LAST spots I will be booking in Oct/Nov, so if you know you'd like a "holiday card shoot", this is it!: http://www.lot116.com/blog.php?id=1021

(2) Don't forget to enter my *CONTEST* for a FREE SESSION (it ends on MARCH 5th!): http://www.lot116.com/blog.php?id=1030

(3) To keep up to date with Lot116, join the Lot116 Facebook page! Thank you to everyone who has joined! :)

Thank you!!