Cookies!

I'm sure you've heard of the Muffin Man. But, have you heard of the Crazy Cookie Lady?
What? ... You haven't? ... Well, let me introduce you.
      "Hi! My name is Stefani. Also known as the crazy cookie lady."

Let me give you the brief background on why cookies took over my life for the past week.
     My kids wanted to par-tay this summer. It was listed on their Summer Bucket List. So, me being the wonderful mother that I am *wink, wink*, thought it would be So Much Fun! to invite all their friends over for a cookie decorating party.

So, for a week I made dough and baked cookies. The grand total was over 30 dozen golden sugar cookies ready to be used as a canvas for all of the little artists who would fill my home. Never in my wildest dreams would I have considered that 28 children would invade my house to get their cookie on. Yikes! At first, I thought I may have bitten off more then I could chew. Thankfully it all worked out and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

I was so blessed to have an amazing friend step in and make all the frosting for the event. It was awesome! I was also thrilled to have a gracious friend stay behind and clean up all of the cookie work stations. Again, awesome. Another thing I was so thankful for was my powerful vacuum! Without it, I would still feel sprinkles between my toes.

Words cannot acurately express the creative chaos that filled my home that day. So, I have a few pictures to share. Enjoy! ~Stefani

 

 

{C} Family Gender Reveal

     I love surprises! I love planning them. I love receiving them. I love being a part of them. I just really love surprises! (Well, except for the snake I found in my master bedroom this past week. Yuck!! )
     I was bursting with excitement as I prepared for this session. I was one of the select few who was on the inside loop and was granted the opportunity to be part of the big reveal. It was awesome! When you have two cuties, one baby bump, and an epic beard to work with you know that the announcement has to be fun. So thankfully they trusted my vision and let me go for it.
     And here it is:

     I had a wonderful time hanging out with the {C} Family celebrating the anticipated arrival of a little baby boy into the group. There was a lot of love and laughter during the session. A wonderful family to join if you ask me.
     I was even giggling during my editing process as I came across photos to retouch. Here are just a few examples.



Even though those images warmed my heart and made me smile, I found a few that I thought would capture their message perfectly. Here are the images I used for the final triptych.

I cannot wait to meet the newest {Mr.C}. Congratulations to the family. Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to be part of your big surprise! ~ Stefani

{Miss S}

My session with little Miss S was the calm in the middle of a storm. Quite literally!

The day had started off with a bit of panic, and a mix of stress, all held together by a tight schedule. My three kids had different places to be at certain times that morning, all of course nowhere near the other, and I was on taxi duty alone as my hubby was at work. Then of course, I had to be at my clients house on time and be cool, calm, and collected.  I may have entered the house composed on the outside, frazzled on the inside, but all that changed once I layed eyes on this beautiful baby. The cares of the world melted away and I couldn't wait to work with my newest model. Miss S had a power of tranquility that washed over me and eased my day.

In fact, I was so enamored by the cutie that I was completely unaware of the summer storm brewing outside. This storm hit in the middle of the afternoon, stole all of my natural light, and caused many flash floods in the area. On the bright side, it seemed to lull Miss S to sleep. The curious little babe was wide awake at the start of the session with no signs of drifting off to dream land. Once the storm arrived slumber set in. Calm, in the middle of the storm. She may not have been excited about posing but really loved to be swaddled.

This little beauty was a delight. The storm did not put a damper on our session even though I left drenched.

I look forward to watching this sweet girl grow! ~Stefani

My Little Diva

   As a photographer, it is always beneficial to practice. So, I decided to take advantage of the warm summer glow just as the sun started to set. But, who do you call to model when it is a last minute decision? Hmmm. Thankfully, in my case, I have three beautifully stunning (I may be a little bit biased) subjects that are always available. Of course, I'm referring to my children. Fortunately for me, I have models at my beck and call whenever I get the itch to practice. Unfortunately for them, they don't always have a say. (But, that's what bribes are for! Right?)
   Well, this time around I decided to take my youngest out to play in the light. I wanted some gorgeous back lit photos to capture what a little angel she truly is. The session started off smoothly but soon the diva emerged. Did she want to pose? No. Did she want to look at Mommy? No. Did she want to run away from the camera, even though she loves the camera? Yes.
     I had to think of something quick before I lost all of the magical light. The sun does not wait for a 20 month old to cooperate before it sets. {Lightbulb!} Cellphone. Yes, a wonderful distraction so that hopefully she would stay calm long enough for me to do my thang. Pro: It worked! Con: She wouldn't let it go and it only added to her diva-ish mood. After everything was said and done, I was able to capture some lovely images (even if there is a cellphone in most of them) in  the warm summer light. Then it dawned on me: My normally cooperative child did not have a nap that day. Sheesh! No wonder there was a little diva on the set. Oops!



And this folks, was the end of our session.

Happy Campers

     3 Kiddos. 2 Adults. 1 Tent. For some that could be a recipe for disaster. But for us, it was the start to amazing memories and overall happy campers.

     My husband and I love to camp! Unfortunately, with his wonky work schedule we don't get to do it very often. The last time we were able to escape to the wilderness, I was enormously pregnant. Okay maybe that was a bit of an exaggeration, but I did feel humongous.

I was 8 months pregnant at the time with our youngest. This time all of our kids could enjoy the exploration, delight in discovery, and be captivated by creation.
     One of my favorite things to do, as an artist, is just to see things. I mean really look at them. Observe textures and patterns that most people will ignore entirely. Find colors and shapes in minute details that are quickly overlooked. Recognize shadows and reflections as an extra level of illustration. This past weekend of camping and hiking, I found my share of eye candy. I have to admit, the kids were relieved that I found inspiration in nature and kept the camera out of their cute little faces (for the most part.)
     Here are just some of the amazing sights that caught my eye. Enjoy!

Tinkling bells. A sound of relief for a mother and a sense of freedom for a 20 month old.

My oldest daughter found a rock in the creek with what looks to be fish eggs on it. 

These roots were so close to getting a drink, but not close enough.

I'm always amazed by the beauty and intrcacy of spider webs.

This is an example of why I need a macro lense. (Hint, hint, wink, wink Hubby!)

Stunning reflections. (And of course, a sweet little man too.)



This tree grew strong despite its original path for life changing.

A cool live cave by our fishing hole.

I taught my son how to catch dragonflies. He was so impressed! This was his proud catch.

Ripples on the creek.



I was completely mesmerized by the roots of this tree. Twisted, gnarly, strong, and stubborn.





A close up of some of the roots.



Lush and green with a cool breeze and brief cloud coverage.

Beauty comes from above. Praise God!

Gorgeous color and texture.

Breathtaking details. (Oh how I wish I had a macro lense.)

      Hiking, camping, exploring, smore-ing, laughing and loving all equate to our idea of happy campers. ~Stefani