LEO | Tucson Newborn Portraits

{Leo | Backyard Newborn Portriats | Tucson, AZ | December 2011} I don't do very many newborn sessions. Newborn photography is a whole amazing ball game on its own. Props to the pros and mommies who patiently wade through 3 hours of nursing, coddling, nuzzling, adjusting, stripping, dressing and working in a room 10 degrees warmer to assure that the babe feels most comfortable and stays asleep long enough to get the perfect perch of the head, curl of the toes, tuck of the legs and maybe even a lil' yawn while wearing that perfect hoodie to nail that amazing newbie portrait that'll grace the walls, wallets and wedding day slideshow in years to come. (breath) now, while you recover from that rediculously insane run-on sentence, I share with you a mini backyard session I had with a local Tucson family for their first grandbaby, LEO. It was a quick session. Minimal props. And while I focused on capturing little Leo most of all, I have to admit my favorite part was mom and dad's expressions--their wonder, curiosity, fascination, anxiety, fear?? (grin. i know that feeling!)--all of it. The newness, awkwardness, sheer, absolute, unabashed, die-hard love for their new addition--it's brilliant. Such a treasure to be welcomed into these moments. | lkm

Happy Birthday Jasmine! | Tucson Children Photographer

 {Jasmine | Fellowship of the Cross, House Church | November 2011} This young lady is hosting a mighty fine birthday party tomorrow at a cool pizza place in town. And honestly, i'm really excited about going. One, it'll be awesome to see my kids eye's bug out of their sockets as they experience Peter Piper Pizza/Arcade for the first time. But more significantly, this little girl impresses me so much. She and her family are part of my FIL's house church that meets out of our home on Sunday mornings. During the 'big people' discussion time, kids shoot back to the kid's room to find new things to do with princess dress up clothes, thomas the train tracks, half naked barbies and all the mysterious games you can create with those mixed together. (note to self: work on building a more diverse toy box). She's just a wee little one, but she is so attentive to Judah & Jordyn on Sunday Mornings. Judah adores her. She's got an enormous amount of gentleness and graciousness and is, by far, the best 'share-er' I've ever seen.

(above) those were definitely Jasmine's toys that she gracious let my kids...strip. Again, note to self: get Judah more boy toys.

This is me saying 'thank you' Jasmine. (And to your mama, 'Bravo, Debbie. You have done a great job!') You are a beautiful young lady and I delight in seeing your attentive little heart grow and engage with those around you. :)

Griffith Family | Tucson, Arizona | Family Portraits

{Grifftith Family Portriat Session  | Auga Caliente, Tucson, AZ | November 2011} This family is extra special to my heart. Derek, the dad, was one of the first guys at Second Mile to chase Lawson down and befriend. Jen, the mom, has rocked my world with her testimony. She was introduced to Jesus less than 4 years ago and it changed her life. She radiates a bazillion tons of joy and belief that makes my head swim and my heart intrigue. Even Lawson has said on numerous accounts, 'Laura, you should rub up again her. A lot'...(beat) uhm, he probably said it a bit differently. that just came out weird. But point made. We would rub up against the Griffiths every day if we could. It's true Griffiths. We are so excited about getting to know you guys better! (P.S. I've never had a client plaster their home with their session's pictures as fast and as die-hard thoroughly as Jen did. It's awesome! I mean--it'd be awesome even if it wasn't my work. I just love pictures. But the fact that i took them--so cool. So encouraging. In fact, I believe an MVP award might be due...)

Miley...gosh her little smile just makes me beam :)I had to warm Abby up a little. I warned her, 'So Abby, you will feel uber cheesy, silly -- but you gotta nose dive ok straight into this lil' project? So...i'm gonna say 'snap' and every time i do, you have to whip up a different pose, pop a hip, make a silly face...lets just play. It took 20 'snaps' and we landed some GREAT keepers :)sisters...guh. i love sister shots. yes owen was genuinely gnawing on Derek's nose. he's such a beast.

Lukavich Family | Tucson, Arizona | Family Portraits

{Lukavich Family | Agua Caliente, Tucson, AZ | November 2011} When i initially spoke to Joni about setting up the family session with her clan she hesitated before telling me she had SIX kids plus a foster baby. Three of which are red-headed triplets. I gawked and grinned for half a second and then said, 'oh please oh please let me photograph you guys!' So they showed up in their enormous white van, all kids were dressed to the nines with an extra wardrobe hanging neatly in the 'extra row' at the back of their 'bus.' The kids were great. They followed direction amazingly well and Joni and her hubby just helped the kids laugh the whole time. I was so impressed with their joy. Even the little baby (whom i can't post pictures of because of system rules) was a gem. (Its killing me not to share his little cheeks and constant 5 month old grin. His name is even Leonard. For reals. Coolest little smiling ball of pudge ever.)

i'm pretty sure this special 'father-son' set  will be treasured for a long time. It took a little urging for them to be cool with the 'hand holding' but then i told them to RACE on the count of 3 and all smiles and giggles were unleashedno joke, the exact words were, "can we please pose in front of this cool door. It matches the girl's hair.' And then out came the fancy pants. I have never seen a family change so fast. this little guy's 3 piece suit just killed me I'm pretty sure this little munchkin could star as a model for a whole series of illustrated children's books. I'd call them 'Munchkin Maddie & Her Sweet Mollases Madness'...or something like that.  one of my favorite from the whole dayand then there were three... Joni... your family is delightful--one big pod of delightfulness. thank you so much for letting me be part of your family memories! | lkm

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!