Merry Christmas!

2015 has been a wonderful year to learn from fellow photographer friends and really get lost in the festive season with my husband. I have worked with Anna Bella Photography as a second shooter and the advice and positive energy from Ana has propelled my own work going forward. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to photograph Ana’s family and she returned the favor and photograph me and my husband.

We met at the McMurtrey’s Red-Wood Christmas Tree Farm on a Friday. Ana’s family is the sweetest and she, her husband, and son make for a great trio. Let’s not forget Charlie! The cutest white, fluffy, Christmas dog in the photographs. During a family session with a family animal it’s a smart idea to bring treats and patience, especially for a puppy. Charlie did have a knack though for making the entire family laugh and loosen up. Ana and her son wore the most adorable matching penguin sweaters. Chad and Ana cuddled under a white Pendleton blanket that acted as a great reflector, while their son danced around the Christmas Farm with a big long stick and jumping off the metal bucket. I am seriously blessed to be apart of capturing these little moments of their family and I can’t wait to see whats in store for their growing family.

Once the family session was over Ana was at the ready and took photographs of my husband and I. She has impeccable energy and gave amazing instruction on how to pose candidly . I learned a lot of posing advice through being the actual subject and how the interaction between photographer and client can be best implemented. I always feel like a bit of a goof and awkward when I pose myself, but Ana made the fear disappear with her simple and efficient direction. At one point I lost myself having so much fun with my husband, not realizing that Ana was still photographing. What a wonderful Christmas gift she gave us and I am so happy I was able to use the photographs for a nice card to send to family and friends for the holidays.

I hope everyone is enjoying their Christmas because it only comes once a year and truly the holidays are for believing, giving, love, and happiness for new beginnings and old traditions. I am so looking forward to what may be in store for 2016 but until then, I am enjoying snuggles from my husband and dog Benni, watching The Santa Clause (Tim Allen) movie, and baking yummy cookies.

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”