Still, I love the colors and light we were able to get towards the end as the sun was going down. Bonus that we were able to find a cache of some desert flowers in bloom – March is so gorgeous in Phoenix!

I wish you the best, Austin. Good luck in the trial and error that will be the rest of your life.

Cloudy days do not happen very often in the Valley of the Sun, but when they do it definitely does not mean pretty pictures are not possible.

I think every session that I do becomes my new favorite session, and this one definitely became a favorite. The drama of the clouds and mist coming off the water was far from the normal intense blue skies and bright sunshine we get here.

Another session at the Riparian Institute – this time in the high sun brightness that is Phoenix. We searched out all the shade that could be found and took advantage of it. I especially love this tree in the first image – the way it arches over them is lovely.

I wish I had more time with them! The session went WAY too fast!

Here are some of my favorites.

Aren’t those boys so cute! I love little boys. So much energy! Though since getting my little girl, they are growing on me too.

Here are some of my favorites from a family session I did there. The boys were a little sleepy in the beginning, but were quick to wake up and have some fun with it. They were quite entertaining, actually!
Like bright colors, pretty stonework, water, and the promise of shade for your entire session? The MAC may be your location of choice. I especially like the shade part, though I do love playing with the light at sunrise and sunset. Not having the sun beating down on you in AZ is always a good thing!

That is what makes photography special to me – a recording of a memory. The photos that I choose to hang in my home aren’t chosen because they are particularly good. I choose them for what they remind me of. A time in our lives that I want to remember and treasure. I am reminded of them every time I look at those images. A collection of memories hanging on my walls. Our life.

But what made me pause today, at that image, is that my husband and I were married in 2005 – almost eight years ago – and I think that those pictures are the most recent of him and I. It doesn’t help that I am the picture taker in our family and anyone that could take a photo of him and I together is a bit short for the job still.

Which brings me to the point of this post – a Valentine’s Day Photography Special (and a giveaway!).

A Special

For more from Ron & Jen’s engagement session see this album on Facebook!

The Fine Print

• You must call to schedule by February 28th, and sessions must be scheduled prior to March 31.
• A couple can be any two people with any type of relationship (engaged, mom&me, in love, married, brother/sister, etc.).
• Cannot be used for any other type of session (family, newborn, etc.).
• Session fee includes one digital file, one 8×10 and two 5×7 prints.
• Digital files are fully edited and come with a print release.
• Additional digital files can be purchased for $35.
• Additional prints can be purchased starting at $15.
• Images will be available for viewing within two weeks of your shoot.

A Giveaway

I am giving away one couple’s session this year. Follow the directions below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Fine Print

• If you schedule a session and then win this giveaway you can either be refunded your session fee or use it as a credit for additional prints and/or digital files.
• If you live in a state I plan on visiting this year (NY, MI, and NC), I will shoot your session when I am there. Email me for dates and to make sure this will work for you.
• You CAN gift this session to another couple.
• If you live in AZ, your session must be scheduled prior to March 31.
• A couple can be any two people at any point in their relationship.
• Cannot be used for any other type of session (family, newborn, etc.).
• Includes one digital file, one 8×10 and two 5×7 prints.
• Digital files are fully edited and come with a print release.
• Additional digital files can be purchased for $35.
• Additional prints can be purchased starting at $15.
• Images will be available for viewing within two weeks of your shoot.

Claire Evelyn was born December 10 – one day before her due date and hopefully far enough away from Christmas to avoid the birthday-Christmas mash. She is very sweet and I love having this time home with her.

She is also a very willing model, though I may be misinterpreting her not knowing what is going on with willingness. I am taking advantage of her not being able to get away while I can. Unlike her brother, who doesn’t stop moving, and her sister, who refuses to be photographed though her photos turn out great when she actually lets it happen!

I am still answering emails, comments, and scheduling sessions.

Looking at running a special and/or giveaway in the next month. Watch Facebook for it!