Hayley's BFF Photo Shoot - Gilbert Photographer

I've always been a firm believer that friends can make you or break you during the teen years.  And I am so grateful for the amazing friends that my daughter has!  They are beautiful on the inside and out and beyond talented.  They are so supportive and encouraging of each other, constantly building each other up and boosting each other's self-confidence.  

For the past few months, Hayley has been asking (begging) me to do a photo shoot for her and her cute friends.  Now that the senior photo season is over, it was finally time!  We had a blast shooting these photos and how fun is it that they all own their own ukuleles?!  We had to incorporate these into the shoot and I just love how they turned out!

Told you they were cute!  Hayley is sure blessed to call these sweet girls her friends!

Class of 2016 Senior Photos - Gilbert Photographer

What an amazing senior photography season!  These were some of the most talented, intelligent and accomplished seniors I've ever had the pleasure to photograph.  {And they could all have jobs in the modeling industry as well!}  Senior photos are some of my favorites.  I love capturing their personalities, their interests, and a piece of who they are as they are about to enter into adulthood.  I think it's the most exciting time in life...a whole future of opportunities ahead of them!  Here is just a sampling of some of the talented seniors I had the privilege of photographing over the past couple of months!  

And just like that, they've graduated and are on to bigger and better things.  Can't wait to see where life takes them!  Congratulations, class of 2016!

Catholic Confirmation Photo Shoot

Had the privilege of photographing this beautiful young lady as she prepares for Confirmation. Such an exciting time for her and I loved getting to capture her at this stage in life!

All American Seniors!

Sometimes I show up for a photo shoot and when I meet the family for the first time, I instantly feel like we are friends.  This is how I felt when meeting these darling twins and their cute momma.  Brother and sister couldn't have been any cuter, but what I loved most was their relationship with each other.  So sweet!  Loved that we got to capture the above photo on their school football field.  She lettered in Cheer and he lettered in Track.  

I almost wanted to cry FOR their mom when I found out they were her two youngest of four children.  Her babies are going to be leaving the nest.  I know how quickly it seems my own kids are growing up and I can only imagine how she must feel that her babies are almost done with school.  

Try and savor each moment.  I remember when I had babies, other moms would tell me that they will grow up in the blink of an eye.  It's hard to believe when you're a sleep deprived mom with a newborn.  But now that my oldest is 15 I know it's true.  And I'm trying to hang on to every minute with her and my other kids before I'm taking THEIR senior photos.

The L Family - Chandler Ocotillo Family Photo Shoot

Another beautiful family on the inside and out! And another family where I meet the mom for the first time and feel like I've met an old friend.  I sure love my job and all of the people I get to meet.

The W Family - Gilbert Family Photos

I first met this family when I was asked to photograph their 8 yr old for her baptism photos.  You can see that here:  Baptism Shoot

  Was so excited when they asked me to do their family photos in the fall.  Talk about a picture perfect family! 

Scottsdale Family Photos

Holiday family photo sessions are in full swing!  Had so much fun photographing our good friends up in Scottsdale.  They definitely look like they could be on the cover of a catalogue.  So beautiful - both inside and out!

Another beauty turning 8....

Loved meeting this cute girl at the Gilbert temple for her baptism photos.  Her mom wanted to make sure we captured her fun personality and had mentioned that she had even thought about bringing her scooter to the shoot.  When I found out how much she loved the scooter, I told her to run home and get it!  Mom was able to get in touch with her older daughter who brought it to the park for us.  And we ended up with some of my favorite baptism photos ever!  Totally captures her at age 8!

It's Great to be Kate Turning 8!

A little late posting, but had to share my own daughter's baptism photos!  Sad that my baby is growing up so fast, but so grateful for the person she is becoming!  She brings so much joy to our family and always has a smile on her face!