Capaccio Family | Arizona Family Photographer

{Capaccio Girls | Agua Caliente, Tucson, AZ | December 2011} Oh my stars I am drooling over all this color. :) When I tell families, 'pop the make-up, bring a wardrobe that offers texture and options, possibly toss in a few props to play with'...I sometimes get a nervous chuckle in return. However--when Christine called to talk shop about a family session, she took up the challenge and even brought one of those HUGE colorful parachutes to play with! I died. Capaccios brought their A-game, I brought my giddy little self, God delivered His sunset---awesomeness on a platter. | lkm

oh to have a sister... I was SHOCKED I snagged this one shot. both of them could NOT keep from bustin' up. tender little mercies getting mom and dad to give me a 'bit o' romance' was one of my highlights from the shoot. we had to warm up a bit, set the girls up right behind me to 'oo and awww' on cue. Soon enough they got through their giggles (cough) (i mean manly laughter) and... signed...

sealed...

...and delivered. :D - Capaccios, you rock. Fiercly like. :) Happy New Year! | lkm

College Roommies | Tucson Senior Portrait Photographer

{College Roomies from L to R: Lauren, Susie, Tori & Erin | Agua Caliente  Tucson, AZ | Deceber 2011} I'm blessed. I really am. I get to call these ladies my friends. Not trying to be sappy. Really. I just didn't expect, AT ALL, to have cool friends in Tucson. But even bigger than me, I watch these ladies trudge through the end of college, reach winter break with such adamant relief and describe the oncoming transitions facing each one individually. I remember those years of change--of ripe independence colliding with oncoming new responsibilities. These pictures snatch a bit of those fleeting moments of carefree celebration; of friendships; of memories that (i hope for these ladies) will be so sweet for years to come. | lkm

cheers to college girls :) ...and all that is thereafter :)

Okongo Girls | Tucson Family Photographer

{Okongo Girls | Agua Caliente, Tucson, AZ | December 2011} Mmmm. A mother's love--ripe, ready and intensely real. I've only had a couple months to get to know Shauna, hear her story and watch her be a mom. She's probably one of the most honest, "take-it-or-leave-it" ladies I've ever met. While carpooling to her birthday party/girl's-night-out the other night, I don't think I've laughed that hard in weeks...(pause to think about it) yup, my side still hurts. I can't quite describe how bummed (but stoked) I am about her upcoming move to Texas. She's  starting a new stage of life. We're happy for her....but there will be a gaping hole left in our 2M community group after tonight. I love you new friend. And your girls. Your family has blessed my own in the short time we've gotten to laugh, listen and learn with you. Forward Ho sister. I'm glad I could send you off with this collection of memories :) | lkm

Tornadoes Flag-Football | Tucson Sports Photography

{TORNADOES Flag-Football | Tucson, AZ | November 2011} If it weren't for an insane amount of realism, i would spawn an entire football team of little munchkins. Wouldn't that be cool? Yup, that's what i said. 'I'm tired just thinkin' about it.' Nate Edwards from Second Mile coaches this little flag-football team. I got a call a few days prior to one of there last practices to see if i could snag a few shots for the team. It was a blast. I mean--you really have to be on your toes with these kinda things. And good thing i have ten of them. Toes i mean. | lkmthat is one intimidating, focused face

Papa Family & Co | Tucson Family Photography | Agua Caliente

{Papa Family & Co | Holiday Portrait Session | Agua Caliente Tucson, AZ | November 2011} I met Andrea (Papa) Malinowski over the summer at Tucson Refugee Ministry's Kids Camp 2011. Her servants heart and incredible patience with her kids were the things that most struck me about this woman. It almost bothered me. I repeatedly wondered, 'how is it POSSIBLE to be so cheerful, giving, endlessly energetic and willing to serve with FIVE KIDS IN TOW??!' But her kids are great, her family is incredible, and her husband Chris leads with a joy and gentleness that warmed my heart so much. With her extended family visiting from out of town,  we nailed a large family session over the Thanksgiving weekend to capture the bonding and captivating spirit of these sweet new friends. | lkm

I love how the girls are thrilled and the 2 little boy look....confused. :) Little Isaiah is probably one of the cutest kids I've ever laid eyes on. Matthew had enough energy for all of us...and then some! Elizabeth was a more quiet subject...but when we got her up in a tree and playing with cousins, she lit up! Like Father like son Grandma & Grandpa seemed delighted to snag a few sweet memories with the kids.When i stole them away for a few sweetheart pics, they jumped right in--no hesitations, no whining, no complaining that they were too old to be romantic. They just smooched away. And i giggled (very professionally mind you) the whole time.There were 3 generations of Joe's. You can only imagine how hard--and hilarious--that makes directing when doing a family photo session.Medium Joe's family was stinkin' cute.  Our attempt to take pictures with the dog (his name escapes me. probably 'joe') despite the fact that there was a flock of ducks waddling directly behind me. I tried to explain that they were not conducive to a photo shoot, but they just quacked at me. the nerve.Andrea, you may never really understand how, even in our short time as friends, you have taught me -- modeled for me -- much about grace. I hope we are friends for a very long time.

Jenkins Family | Tucson Family Photography | Agua Caliente

{Jenkins Family | Agua Caliente, Tucson, AZ | November 2011} It's a small world after all. Thanks to facebook :) Alisha was referred to me by our good friends, the Zunighas in California and then we found out we had a bunch of mutual friends (yay facebook) and hit it off right away. I enjoyed getting to know their sweet family. Piper was cute as a bugs ear (because we ALL know bug's ears are stinkin cute) and God was kind enough to splatter a few special sunbeams right along our path for some great shots!

Appleman Family | Tucson Family Photographer | Agua Caliente

{Appleman Family | Agua Caliente, Tucson, AZ | November 2011} This is my favorite time of the year when it comes to photography. I get to hang out with families like the Applemans and laugh my socks off over the funny things that happen during our time together. With this session, Lucy was our laugh. She brought her 'game face' to the shoot and just kept 'em coming. :) Such a treat to take spend some time with you Applemans!

Announcing: Holiday Portraits in Tucson!

Launched the official Tucson Holiday Portrait Promo today! Go HERE.