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So Big and So Small

He is the perfect person
I am reminded every day
His brand new smiles
that send my heart racing
Every touch is new
and soft
He is so small
and so big
My eyes fill with tears of joy
every time they meet his
So much love
between two people
Can never be taken away
He is the perfect person
he is my newborn son

- Diana Cole

It’s been such a long time since I’ve had the opportunity to shoot a beach session, so I was so super excited when some of my favorite repeat clients asked me to do their next family session down on the Outer Banks.  I grew up going to this beach and Austin and I were married only 20 yards or so from where we shot this session.  To say it’s a favorite location would be an understatement.

Caleb and his gorgeous wife, Jennifer, and their achingly adorable little man are definitely some of my favorite people to photograph, and this session is a perfect example why.  Besides the obvious eye-candy appeal, they are so stinkin’ likeable.  It doesn’t take more than 5 minutes of time to hang out with this crew to realize that this family is the real deal and that they really just enjoy being together.  I’ve been photographing this family since little Caleb was just a teeny baby dude and it’s been such a treat to see him growing into a busy, 100% boy, on-the-go little man.

If you are thinking about booking a family session this summer, I can’t encourage you enough to think about doing a beach session.  Something about the wide open spaces and the clear crisp light just brings out the best in everyone.  Natural smiles, easy interactions, and lots of fun are a guarantee when you do your family pictures at the beach.  I have some limited openings in July and August, so if you want to book your summer session, get in on it fast before they’re all gone!

Ten things I loved about this photo session (in no particular order):

1. It was a morning session!  For years I have always requested that my clients shoot their photo sessions in the evening.  I was totally missing out on some great lighting and happy toddler temperaments by not shooting in the morning.  Lesson learned.

2.  Miss Melanie’s awesome mop of curly wonderfulness.  Hair envy for me.  For sure.

3.  Getting to talk and pray with mamma Lisa after our session.  So much goodness in those moments, glory to God!  (This would be #1 if these were in order)

4.  Location.  I’ve used the snot out of this spot this spring and i’m still not sick of it!  A reeeeealllly wonderful friend shared this location with me a couple years back and it’s one of my favs around E-city.

5.  No mosquitos!  Always a risk with wooded spots like this, but the little blood suckers were nowhere to be found.  Why can’t they suck fat instead?

6.  My favorite song came on the radio on the way to the shoot.  Good vibes from the get go.

7.  My other favorite song came on on the way back home.  Two in one morning, oh yeah!!

8.  It was a challenging session, exposure-wise, and I love a good challenge.  Dark skin tones with white clothing can be tough to get right.  I don’t get to practice very often and I love getting out of the box.

9.  Melanie has the sweetest little temperament ever and was a piece of cake to photograph.

10.  No mosquitos.  Sorry, I know I said it once, but I must have whatever blood type the consider a delicacy, because when they are out, I look like a red bumped pin cushion after 15 minutes outside.

Ok, the pictures….

This sweet session got cut unexpectedly cut short when little mamma got an owie and needed some caregiving; however, even a 15 minute session can produce some pretty special shots, especially with a family as fantastic as this one.  A make up session is coming soon, so be on the lookout for more from this great crew!!