Senior 2013: Jess

I met Jess and her Mom on a typical July afternoon in Colorado: thunderstorms looming on the horizon. In fact, every time I meet with Jess's family, it is a rainy day. That's just how we roll. It's a tradition of sorts. But on that day the rain and clouds didn't stop us from having a great senior photo session. We walked in downtown Parker, Jess's hometown. When the rain was coming down so hard I became nervous about my equipment, we sat in the car and talked. Jess is a wonderful human being. She has been to Haiti several times with her Mom helping those affected by the hurricane and destitute. She dreams of opening her own bakery. She is unpretentious and beautiful. Just before the sun hid behind the mountain range, the rain stopped, and everything glistened under the last sun rays. Jess's Mom took us to a bridge for last photos, and I will never decline shooting {photos} on a bridge. Despite the mosquitoes attacking Jess (I even had to Photoshop one out), we got some more beautiful images, and then said goodbyes. Now, Jess is already in college and living on her own. I am looking forward to continued friendship with Jess and her family.

Senior 2013: Nick

I admit that often guys are not nearly as enthusiastic about their senior photo shoots as ladies are. One senior was blunt, "I'm doing this for my Mom." Fair enough (it was still a great photo session!).
Not with Nick, though. He was happy to see me at a small park, ready to get some great shots. And even though his Mom did hold his saxophone for him, most of the images were Nick's own ideas. I just loved the pop of orange (it is a color of energy after all). Nick, thank you for being my client, and I am sure you are having the time of your life in college!

Senior 2013: Missy

This beautiful red-head is already in college! I love female clients who are not fussy about their photos and know exactly how to look poised and elegant in front of the camera. Missy was just like that: joking, laughing and enjoying the moment. Hope your first year of college is wonderful!

Girenko sisters

A month before my sister's-in-law birthday last year, I had a super-secret photo session with her three daughters. Kidnapping the three-year-old from her Mom for a few hours was not an easy task. My sister-in-law admitted later that she was confused where they were going all dressed up and in a hurry (to catch the golden hour!) without giving her much information. It was all worth it when we presented the Mom with a 16x20 canvas of the three people she adores the most. There were tears, let me just say that.

The Saenz family

Suzanne has been my friend, colleague, and confidant for many years. If I ever need a parenting advice, she is the first person I go to, as her four daughters are some of the kindest, loveliest, smartest siblings I know. They still write each other notes expressing sisterly love. When we met, we discovered with surprise that we both named our daughters Katya, and that's where our bond started to develop. I miss teaching with Suzanne. We have such a seamless rhythm and harmony in classroom, and we joked and laughed every day with our students. Here is her beautiful family from 2012.

Zara+Donald=Adventure

My dear friends are moving away. I'm still in denial and pretend that my frequent coffee dates with Zara at the bookstore will not end. Of course, I am also proud of them packing it all up and moving to a hot desert. It's a great adventure for a young family, and change is good, and these two will survive and thrive, as they are ridiculously in love. I only demand that they come back often for photo sessions and coffee!

The unseasonably warm November afternoon with the rich sun rays flooding through the pine trees  lent itself to hugs and cuddling. The yellowed leaves crunched under our feet and smelled delicious. I am happy that I could capture these moments for Zara and Donald and hope they look at them often and treasure forever.

Emebet and her Royal Family

"Emebet" translates "queen" from Amharic, the language of her native Ethiopia. Emebet, a poised and kind woman with killer jewelry, has traveled quite a journey. She is married to a gracious and gentle man. She has two darling, beautiful daughters, who couldn't get enough of posing for the photos. The girls went out to get their hair done and bought new outfits just for the photo session. Seeing them giggle together and whisper into each other's ears melted my heart. My camera loved the gentle love of this family.

Holiday Mini-Sessions: Kate and Matt plus Two

I met Kate and Matt when they were just newlyweds, completely smitten with each other. It's easy to get goofy around these two. They listen to Depeche Mode and Gogol Bordello. Matt drives a gas-free car. Kate gardens and bakes bread. Besides our shared love for Depeche Mode, their family and mine are SHORT, which is a sure way to become friends! Their two boys are seriously adorable, in a very serious way. Darth Vader, nuff said. At the photo session, there was lots of giggling and singing "Manah-Manah." I was thrilled with their clothing choice, especially the boys' hats and Kate's legwarmers. Hip.

Klebanov Family

This photo session symbolizes to me the end of the beautiful fall season with the still warm sun, luscious foliage, and the gorgeous light. It also symbolizes a mother's love. This Mother is strong and beautiful, while also very tender and loving with her three boys. Lots of long hugs and gentle kisses, which is not easy with teenage boys. The Father helped everyone relax with his good-natured humor. 

The eldest, Moshe, is a smarty-pants in high school and is a gentle, quiet soul.

The middle child, Ari, a sunny, confident guy with a busy social life.

And Leeb, a darling, talkative boy.

It's reassuring to me to see genuine love and tenderness between two people after years together and while raising teenagers. Raphael and Irina look after each other and look at each other with adoration and respect. 

Thank you, Klebanov family, for giving me a glimpse into your lives and for allowing me to capture the love between you. 

Gore Family {cool four}

Teenage actress, tween twins (yes) and father a.k.a The Rock (not the actor, figuratively). It's amazing how a simple photo shoot, mere two hours spent outside, reveals volumes about the family's dynamics, and often not through words spoken, but through the tacit: the body language, the eyes, the touch. It became clear fast that in this family the father is the magnet that holds it together and loved without loud words. This family is cool. They are avid travelers, bikers, and readers.

The elder sister acted mature and succinct with me (I appreciate that in teenagers). The twins. I find twins fascinating (any twins, really). These two have obviously found their unique un-twin qualities, successfully. The brother is sweet and laid back (a lot like his Dad); the sister is bubbly and curious. The three siblings are tight.

The children admitted, unanimously, that the younger sister (and the older twin), is Daddy's princess. I was touched and thrilled by capturing this relationship, with its tenderness and closeness.

The older twin sister also loves to be in front of the camera the most, and the camera loves her right back. It was amazing how in an instant she changed from a goofy kid to a poised teenage girl for my camera. She loves books, gymnastics, dance, and Tae Kwon Do.

The brother was the most relaxed and non-nonchalant about being photographed, which resulted in pure, authentic, revealing images. He is a black belt (Taekwondo) and loves to cook (a perfect combination!).

The older sister is an aspiring actress and singer and dreams of studying theater in New York. Isn't it grand to be so young, full of ambitions and energy, and have wonderful adventures ahead of you?

It was a beautiful day that turned cloudy and cold, but we all braved the cooling temperatures, and even enjoyed the sight of a family of deer elegantly crossing the bike path. I am grateful that I had a chance to spend an afternoon with these four awesome people. Thank you.