Apel Fam

This family is so special to me. I feel like I've practically been there for every stage in their lives (almost:).

I first knew Charlie through church. He was a single lad at the time.......a very popular single lad.

And then along came precious Kirby. She made her way into our hearts and has stayed in mine since I first met her.

I was blessed beyond words to be able to take this couple's engagement pictures. They were my first ever engagement session and took the risk of letting me experiment (thanks guys!) . They made 'the pose' famous. The pose that I shot of them on the railroad tracks with the rr centered and them off to the side with Kirby looking lovingly down at Charlie, has been requested by many couples. And what I really can't believe is that I shot all their e-session with film- 3 whole rolls to be exact! Praise you Jesus for digital.

And then I was super stoke to be able to take Kirby's bridal portraits. She was a stunning bride as you can imagine.

I was at their beautiful wedding when they said 'I do' and here they are.......parents! They are amazing parents.

See, I told you I've been there for a lot of stuff with this couple.

Asher is their adorable 1 year old. He was all boy at the park picking up every leaf, rock, and stick insight. We caught a lot of him in action.

This goes along with my philosophy of taking pictures of kiddos- especially 1 year olds! Find something that they enjoy and let them roam. It is so difficult to get a picture of a new walker when you restrict them to a studio. I say,"Let them play!"

Here are some of my favorites. I hope you enjoy!

Carter

This little guy is precious! He belongs to some very dear friends of ours.

Photographing him was a sweet moment for me because the first 'real' photo session that I did as a professional was Carter's brother and sister. They have since added to their family and allowed me to capture their newest addition.

I had the blessing of photographing him on Sunday along with another sweet family that we are friends with (stay tuned for that one also).

Babies are always extremely interesting to photograph because you don't quite know what to expect. You just have to be prepared for anything and willing to hang out and wait for the right moment.

We used tons of great window light. This is always best in order to capture a more natural look. If I can avoid using my flash, I will at all cost. All that you need is a really great lens and lots of good light and you are good to go. Remember: a camera is only as good as the lens that is on it!

He was a great little model. We managed to get some really great shots of him. His mommy and I were both sweating by the end of the session.

Check out Carter!

Her Cuteness!

My sister and bro-in-law came to Brenham to visit us. They only live 30 minutes away, but it was fun that they came to hang out on the farm with us for a few days.

Of course I couldn't resist taking pictures of my adorable niece, Ava. This girl is precious. I just look at her and start smiling. Ava has the sweetest personality and is the most laid back baby in the ENTIRE world.

Laney Rae and Ava are in the same preschool class at church on Saturdays. When I dropped off Laney Rae at her class, Ava was sitting in the Bumbo chair as happy as can be. And........when we came back to pick them up after church was over, she was still sitting the Bumbo chair. The teachers in there said that she didn't even make a peep the entire time. Typical.

Here are some recent pictures of her! She will be 6 months in a few days.

Enjoy! She makes me look good.