Family Portrait Session in Keller, Texas: The Smith Family

Meet the Smith Family! These guys are no strangers to the blog, though it has been awhile since I have had them in front of the lens. They have been featured before during our Christmas season Mini Sessions with a few other cousins! This go-around would be a little different, just the immediate family for a stroll in the park.

 

We met at Bear Creek Park in Keller, Texas for a few family portraits close to sunset. Thank goodness for daylight savings because we we’re able to have a late (7:15) start time for shooting. I knew we would be cutting it close with the kids getting off school and getting everyone ready but this way we all had a little leeway for that golden hour!

 

As usual, this tight nit group wasted no time filling me in on what they’ve been up to this last year. Between vacations, birthday parties and band concerts, these guys have been busy! 13 years of marriage, 3 kids and a bunch of after school activities will do that to ya!

 

We hung by the water for a few fun shots of the whole family first. I like to get these photos done first because 1-everyone looks there best in the beginning and 2-we always get the best smiles when everyone is comfortable and relaxed. I was glad to get the big shots out of the way first.

 

Ian was his usual self. Like any typical boy, he brought a ball along to play with and even tried to jump in the pond after he almost lost it. Dad helped him out and we managed to keep all the kids dry.  Though quiet and reserved, this kid is always keeping this crew on their toes. Whether he’s throwing the baseball around or climbing to the highest branch on a tree, there is no stopping him once his mind is set on something.

 

Then there’s Kylie! She is so much more grown-up than the last time I saw her. She showed up in this adorable blue and white striped off the shoulder top and a red rose floral headband. I was so impressed by her. She is involved in her school’s band and has a bunch of good girlfriends she loves hanging with. I found myself being envious of my preteen days, when it was all sleepovers and late night calls with your besties. Those were the days!

 

The last one for close-ups was Avery! This little girl is just the sweetest. She arrived in style, wearing a blue and white striped dress, jean jacket and some seriously killer red heels. What a babydoll. She is most definitely the ham in her family. She was doing cartwheels and running around in the flowers. She is always a joy to be around and I was glad to have some one on one time with her.

 

Our last stop was this massive tree near the pond. I joked that I had been saving this tree just for them and in a way, I had. They all just lined up by it and these shots were the result! The kids loved jumping on it and I just love the way the light reflects off the water onto this bunch. I always enjoy hanging out with Crystal, her husband and kids and I hope we have the chance to do it again!

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Fall Mini Session: Little Hippies

A few weeks back, I got to meet up some of my favorite little ladies for their Fall Mini shoot! Zoee, Paizlee and Mia are always down for a night of dressing up and this go-around would be no exception. We met in Keller, Texas with the intention of brewing up a little bohemian magic.

When I first explained to their Mamas what kind of shoot I had in mind, they both were anxious to see what kind of a vision I really had in mind. I kept it simple. Think Hippie, Flowerchild-like, without all the tie dye. I brought my favorite Grateful Dead tapestry from college along and threw a Magnolia trimmed wreath together to match the girls’ floral crowns and wah-la, hippie-chic!

 

Little Mia was up first.  This child could not be more photogenic. Every time we put her in front of the camera, she just shines. She is always such a trooper. Just take a look at her last session with us here. This little lady and her Mama braved trekking through a sunflower field for their Mommy+Me Session. Now, tell me that flower crown isn’t the icing on this princess’ cake?

 

Zoee and Paizlee were up next! These sisters have the greatest chemistry and I am always in awe of their connection. They know how to push each others buttons yet can still finish each others’ sentences through a fit of giggles. Though so very different, their bond is so very complimentary. It’s clear to see that when push comes to shove, these girls have got each others’ backs.

After a few rounds of Ring-Around-the-Rosie, the girls were eager to bust out the Dreamcatchers that their Mamas had brought along. They pranced their way through the park and each girl made sure to blow a few wishes around.

Before too long, the sun began to set and because it wouldn’t be a Fall Mini Session without a chance to play in the leaves, we let the girls dive in. They had a full on war throwing leaves at one other but Zoee really got a kick out of it. She has this contagious laugh that just resonated through the group.

As usual, these girls were the perfect start to a busy Fall Portrait Session season.  This could not have gone more perfectly. The flower crowns, that golden sunlight and the giggles of 3 exuberant little ladies is exactly what I had in mind. I love the boho feel of this moody portrait session and I can’t wait to see where these girls take me next time!

For Christmas Card inspiration, take a peek at these girls’ Christmas shoot from last year! We had a Hot Cocoa party at Bear Creek in Keller, Texas and it was out-of-this-world cute!

And, don’t forget that we have our DFW Holiday Mini Special going on throughout the month of November! The package includes a 30 minute session at a TBD location within DFW, electronic delivery of your downloadable gallery and the print release. For more details, email me (Angelina) at therustienailhead@gmail.com.

 

 

Mommy & Me Mini Session

My favorite little ladies are back up on the Blog this week! Last week, my good friend, Pida, stopped by with her little ones, Zoee & Paizlee, to set up their Mother’s Day shoot! Every couple months, these girls participate in our Mini Sessions and I swear each session gets better and better.

We started the shoot at one of my favorite locations, Bear Creek Park. In all season, this space provides ample light and gorgeous backdrops. This time would be no different. We headed to the park and immediately made our way into the Spring Wildflower patch. Full of Indian paintbrushes, blue bonnets and sweet pea, this spot would be perfect for the girls to run around!

I was a little nervous about heading deep into the flowers. Last time I headed out with these girls, we ended up in a sunflower field. Though the photos turned out adorable, it was definitely a nightmare shoot. Though now we laugh about it,  all of us were badly bitten by chiggers as we made our way through the flowers. For the whole story on how my husband came to the rescue, head to their Summer Session.

After taking a few quick photos in the wildflower patch, we decided to head into West Lake. A short drive up the street led us to a series of water features located on a walking trail near Vaquero. The girls were loving it. They immediately jumped right into the overflowing pond.

We ended the shoot at a series of columns near 121. As the sun set in the west, Mama Bear, Pida, jumped in for a few pictures with her monkeys! They were sweet as ever. It’s always so cute to see them battle for their Mama’s attention. Zoee just snuggles in, always wanting to be closest while Paizlee waits for their Mama to give her direction.

It is always a joy working with these sweet girls. They are always flexible and Pida is the best stylist I’ve got. Her girls always come dressed to the nines. I learn more and more about each child’s personality after their shoots. I’m also learning more about their relationship together.

Watching these sisters love on each other is something I look forward to doing year after year. Each time they surprise me and each time, I find myself loving them a little more. They are so comfortable with me taking their photo and they seem to thoroughly enjoy being a part of the process. In fact, at the end of every shoot, we have a small photography lesson and I let the girls take a few photos with my camera! I hope we keep this ritual up and one day, these girls can become my assistants/stylists!!

If you would like to book your Mommy and Me Session before Mother’s Day, shoot me an email at therustienailhead@gmail.com. I am offering a 20-30 minute portrait session within Dallas Fort Worth for just $100! I’ll include 15 hi resolution images and special surprise for Mom!

***Special note for all the dads out there, I will honor this price and package in the form of a gift card if you want to surprise your special lady this Mother’s Day!