Sweet Shot

Again, I know there are cute faces shots
(my niece & nephew, and goodness gracious, my cousin's sweet little boy).
But. There's something about this one I love.
Maybe it's what the picture doesn't show that I love so much.
The warm weather, warm enough to make the first trip to the park of the season.
The sweetness of these two cousins getting along and even loving on each other.
Girl cousin's wonky fashion that's left unseen.
The nice break from reality that this little trip was. I love it all!

It's worth another look at this week. Plus, Sweet Shot's sponsor this week: Gussy.
I love, love, love, love, love Gussy. I'm in awe of her work. Inspired by her designs.
And in a spending freeze encouraged by my husband.
Thus, Gussy & me have yet to be formally introduced.
So you know I had to link up to Sweet Shots. again.

One More from the Day

But no promises to not abuse photoshop this time.

And there's one more on my project365. He's a doll!

Cousins (without photoshop)

I abuse photoshop.

My sister thinks my pictures look "old."

I'm going to attempt a post with pictures that have not seen photoshop.

Following is that post.

_______________________________________________________

R&I had "personal" days today to take care of some things.

My aunt, cousin, and my cousin's boys were in town.

I was so excited to get to see them!

Here are some (photoshop free!) pictures from our morning visit.

(Yes, I realize Jett is in every picture. They are easier to shoot when they aren't running around! Plus he's cute. Wait till you see his other shots from the day!)

Temporary Post

This is for Lisa. Sorry I didn't get your email sooner. I didn't hear my phone beep. I tried embedding this in the comments on your blog and it wouldn't let me. I'll temporarily post it here but I'll have to take it down before Rusty gets home from watching the game. ;)

This is for you...

The Park

A trip to the park is always the best way to kickstart spring.

Especially when its with these two.

And it's even better when they stop playing long enough (but just barely) to smile for me.

Sweet Shot..... Wednesday?

Okay... so I'm a little late in linking but here is my Sweet Shot Tuesday Wednesday. I literally took thousands of pictures this last week and I know there are better ones from a photography standpoint (and tons of ones with super cute faces in them). There's just something about this one that I love.

Happy Birthday, Jackson!

This weekend, we got to go to Jackson's birthday party. His family always throws such great birthday parties!

They have cute decorations, fun games, and great music. She's a super mom.

And did I mention the cute kids? There's a lot of them in this family!

Happy Birthday, Jackson! (From Dakota)

Lessons of the Week

I thoroughly enjoyed spring break. Not so much in the relaxing, warm beach way. More so in the super busy, working hard, but totally rewarding way. I have photographed a whole lot of little faces in the last week. Following is a list of things I've learned from this.

10. If the youngest baby you've photographed is 11 months, you probably shouldn't agree to photographing TWO newborns. At one time. It will definitely show that you don't know what you are doing.

9. If you do choose to have your first 'newborn' shoot be with multiple babies you should have some Aleve handy.

8. There is a reason it is so expensive to have pictures taken. It takes a lot of time to get good pictures.

7. If you are trying to manage your time well, you should also know it will take twice as long to edit the photos as it took to take them. If you spent two hours taking photos, be prepared to spend at least four hours editing. My Photoshop teacher said it best today, "There is real world time, then there is Photoshop time."

6. No matter how addicted to photoshop you are, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Step away from the photoshop. (I know... I haven't actually done this yet... but I am aware, ha.)

5. You can try to prop yourself on a boppy or bean bag to get good shots. You will end up rolling all over the floor/ground/cement in order to get good shots.

4.You will be bruised. All over.

3. And your abs will hurt. (Though this could pay off.)

2. You will spend a lot of time researching poses, taking pictures, editing pictures, posting pictures, storing pictures, and delivering pictures.

1. When you see the mommy of the little one smile, laugh, and cry when she sees the pictures you took, it will all be worth it. And you will be craving to do it all again as soon as you can.

Zane

Remember Zane from the basketball game (okay, two games if you count the one he was at pre-birth)? His mom & dad brought him up to visit us today (you know the guys were watching basketball) and we got some great shots of little man. He is such a good baby. And my friend Meredith was so patient while I tried new shots. Thanks for the fun afternoon, Little Z!

A Conversation with Rusty

R- "You know how God gave His only begotten Son?"

H- "Yes, I've heard that story once or twice."

R- "Well how bout you give me your only begotten banana bar?"

Thank God Ang sent over the leftover banana bars tonight. Yum! Thanks, Ang!

The boys are back and ready for more basketball. I'm already in my sweat pants and thinking about bed. This new snow is really cramping Spring Break's style.

Johnathan

I really try not to take pictures of every kid that walks (or is carried) through our front door... but when your kid's eyes look like this little man's it's very hard for me not to. Seriously. And those cheeks. What a sweetie!

Jackson {aka Jackamo in the Hicks' House}

Jack and his dad came to watch some basketball today. I was taking Ellie & CeCe's pictures at the time so I snatched him up, put a plain onesie on him, and snapped his shot too. I love this kid. He is such a lover.

The P family was here tonight too. I got one picture of two of my favorite boys. I wont post it though (you're welcome, A! ha).

Sisters {CeCe & Ellie}

A sister is a forever friend.

{You cant get rid of her, even if you try.}

Matthew

I was blessed to spend the afternoon with Matthew and his momma today (she's one of my friends that I beg to let me take pictures of their kids that actually agrees, ha).

And I know I should post sweet pictures like this one.

Or pictures of his contagious gap toothed grin.

Or even pictures that we tried to pose him for.

But my favorite thing about photographing Matthew is this.....

This little face full of personality.

I dare you to try to look at him without smiling.

Cracks me up. Every time.

Thanks for the fun afternoon, Matty J!

Somebody Wants a Break from Spring Break

Yep, he is seriously annoyed with Spring Break.

You would think he would be happy to be out of his kennel all day.

Happy to run and play and to hang out with all his buddies like Maddox, Isaiah, Jaden, & Matthew.

But he would rather sleep.

And we are cramping his style.

Bryse {sneak peek}

Meet Mr. Bryse.

He (and little miss alea) live in the same town as Mr. Maddox. I have a feeling they will be great buddies! I had so much fun with Bryse & Alea today. I'm so glad their mommies drove all the way here for me to meet them!