I’ve known the Herr’s since I started to know myself. They are one of the most loving and welcoming families around. On a recent sunny Friday afternoon I headed out to their home to hang out on the porch, under a tree and in the grass – the perfect way to be in the company of Papa Bird, sweet Lia and beautiful Mama Herr…and various animals.
It’s not uncommon for me to tear up when the crowd rises to welcome the bride. It’s emotional. The moment is slowed and you can see clearer, feel the air around you and the sound of a crying baby fades into the distance. When it’s one of my best friends that happens to be in that bridal gown, clasping her Daddy’s arm…well, let’s just say I’m thankful I have a camera to hide behind…as I say a quick prayer that auto-focus is doing it’s job because everything is blurry through the tears. Crystal Folmar was my roommate when she met Brad Fink. After their first date she was long gone in la-la-Fink-land. I knew it was only a matter of time before I would stare at them from behind my camera lens and document their special day. This event couldn’t have been more perfect for the two of them. We’re talkin’ cowboy boots, a barn party, homemade food, the smell of barbecued chicken and pork filling the air, country music, Loretta-style-ruffles, green grass, blue skies, tears of joy, belly toning laughter, endless brew and lots and lots of love. Hit play on your favorite country playlist and enjoy their special day through the photos below.
Jess is an old friend of mine and a mommy-daughter photo session seemed like the perfect excuse to get together for a catching up session. Sweet little Bella was a moving target of all moving targets. But with a swift mama and beautiful spring weather, I didn’t mind the challenge.
I spent one chilly Saturday morning with the Sims family and their precious new baby girl. Their house reminded me so much of my childhood home. This darling little lady filled my lens with cuteness and lots of yawns. What a joyous way to spend a morning. 
Jody and Billie Jo came to my studio on a snow-covered Saturday afternoon for a mini-session. I honestly can’t recall a time when thirty minutes passed by so quickly! I love spending my time with light-hearted, life-loving, genuine people…and that’s exactly the impression I got from these two newlyweds. Their laughter is contagious and I believe their positive spirit is bound to keep them afloat in their life together. Go ahead…keep scrolling…and get ready to smile along with them. 🙂
When I asked Rachel to say something to make Andrew laugh, she uttered “explosive diarrhea” without skipping a beat. Ok, it’s like that. And it worked – we all laughed. Except for Alexander who sat comfortably in his freshly changed outfit with a look of guilt across his face. What a sweet little laundry maker.
Rachel and Andrew invited me into their home to spend some time with them, their sweet dog, Foster, and their new baby boy, Alexander. I love love holding a session in someone’s home. I’ve been a guest in the Jenner house many times but never for the purpose of photography…and that changes things. I love seeing the way people live, unapologetically, on a day-to-day basis. I love the way coats rest and dish towels hang and blankets are tossed and plants bask in the sun. I love the smells. The sounds. The light. And on this particular occasion, the baby and his furry big brother were pretty easy on the eyes too.
Yes, the title is correct. This is a ‘mini’ session, meaning the session was only 30 minutes in length. And yes, that’s the family pictured below with 21 (twenty.one) smiling faces. I don’t typically work with this large of a group in such a short time frame but this gathering of families from as far as Florida was a moment I wanted to help them capture. I arrived on this extra chilly and windy afternoon to catch them just before their Christmas meal. They managed to look completely content through their cold chills and hunger pangs for lots of loving photos. Happy Holidays everyone!
To describe Renee in a word: genuine. If something is funny – she laughs. If someone is in need – she longs to help. If she sees beauty – she declares it…then paints it. I believe her heart is heavy because it’s made of gold. I had the pleasure to do not one, but two shoots with Renee. The first was a casual shoot at my studio. The second was the following day in an old abandoned building near my house. I paired her classic beauty with a fur coat, a hat and some fiery red lips.
Part I
Part II
Meet Angela M. Carter, mother, wife, friend, poet. I recently met Angela at my studio for some headshots for her new book. However when I saw the way her red dress and pearls and lace and dark hair and creamy skin stood out against the dreary room, there was no way I was taking just a headshot. I think I was more ooh-y and ahh-y than ever before behind my camera that evening. That red! Gah! The session was too brief…I’ve already requested a redo. <wink wink> Stay up to date on Angela’s writings on her Facebook page and her website and be sure to check out her book that’s set to release early 2014!
The boy of many faces…that’s Waylon. I had so much fun getting to know Jennifer and her adorable little boy on this Saturday morning in my studio. They share a loving bond that needs no posing or prompting. I simply acted as their paparazzi that we happened to call a ‘session’ and below are the moments I captured. 
Brandy Somers Photography 