Over the Years: The Wimer Family

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

THE WIMER FAMILY

I met the Wimer Family in November of 2018 when they hired me to photograph the adoption of one of their children at an adoption ceremony at the Baylor Law School in Waco, Texas. The ceremony was held on November 16, 2018, which was a day that one of my younger children happened to have an early release from school so I had to bring her along. I asked the Wimer Family if my daughter, Lily, could come with me and they assured me that she was welcome and would enjoy herself at the event. They definitely were not kidding! The inside of the building was decorated in a Polar Express theme complete with arts, crafts, games and various activities. The best part of the entire day was the adoption ceremony for each family, including the Wimer Family. Through this one event, Lily and one of the Wimer children developed a friendship. To this day the two are friends. They don’t see each other nearly often enough (they have lots of children and we also have lots of children so we’re both very busy), but friendships were definitely made that day. I adore this sweet and fun family so much and look forward to photographing them for the years to come.

Lily made a new friend!

November 16, 2018 - Adoption Day for the Wimer Family!

Just a few weeks later on December 1, 2018 I would see these cute faces again at their Christmas Mini Session. Mom had one request - she wanted a picture with all six of the children together AND have each one actually looking at the camera! Challenge accepted.

December 2018 - Christmas Mini Session

Exactly two months later I saw them again at our Valentine Mini Session event at Cameron Park in Waco, Texas. I loved the themed shirts!

February 20019 - Valentine Mini Session

Later that year in June, I discovered that the Wimer children LOVED watermelon! Our Summer Mini Sessions were all about watermelons and smiles!

June 2019 - Summer Mini Session

November is recognized at National Adoption Awareness Month and in 2019 I decided to celebrate by offering discounted mini sessions to families that have adopted at least one child. The Wimer Family adopted SIX! The Wimer Family had something come up and they were no longer able to participate in our November Adoption Awareness Mini Session event and asked to reschedule for a Christmas Session. What better way to wrap up 2019 than seeing these sweet faces at our Christmas Mini Session event in McGregor, Texas!

December 2019 - Christmas Mini Session in matching pj’s

I continued to photograph the Wimer Family throughout 2020. The COVID pandemic hit the United States in March and everyone was staying home as much as possible in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. In June of 2020 I ventured out to meet the Wimer Family for a Summer Mini Session. There were so many laughs during this session because one of the children refused to cooperate by looking at the camera. The plan had to change if I was going to be successful at capturing a photo of all six children. Instead of looking at the camera and smiling I had the kids interact with each other, just like they would if they were actually have a picnic in the park.

June 2020 - Summer Mini Session

In August of 2020 the Wimer Family contacted me asking for a quick session while family was in town. I had a Fall Mini Session setup I wanted to try out so I asked for her help in return. A win-win situation for both of us!

August 2020 - When cousins are visiting, a quick photo session is a MUST!

Fast forward a few months to our Christmas Mini Session event in December. The Wimer Family came to the future site of our studio for their session. All of the children have grown so much since 2018!

December 2020 - Christmas Mini Session

I have captured many memories for the Wimer Family over the past three years and I absolutely LOVE being their family photographer! I am looking forward to capturing many more memories for their family for the years to come.

“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.”

— Dorothea Lange

THIS IS THE FIFTEENTH FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES. CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!

1. The Wier Family

2. The Lopez Family

3. Tana and Layla

4. The Dale Family

5. The Craven Family

6. The Carpenter Family

7. The Leonardelli Family

8. The Spence-Waldrop Family

9. The Schmedthorst Family

10. The Milstead Family

11. The Erwin Family

12. The Cardwell Family

13. The Harringer Family

14. The Coslin Family

Over the Years: The Coslin Family

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

THE COSLIN FAMILY

I have known the Coslin Family for several years - after all, we are family! Kelsey and Hunter live in Ennis, Texas so we only saw them a couple times of year at family functions. I had the opportunity to spend more time with them when they got engaged and later when they exchanged vows. Fast forward a few years and they are now a family of four! They make the drive from Ennis to Ben Hur throughout the year to have updated photos of their family taken at various mini session events. It has truly been a pleasure to get to know this family as they continue to grow and I absolutely love being their family photographer.

August 2017 - Hunter and Kelsey’s engagement session

Hunter and Kelsey wanted to have their engagement session on Hunter’s grandfather’s property in Personville, Texas. Since their engagement session the family property has been sold, making the memories captured here between Hunter and Kelsey even more special.

August 4, 2018 - Kelsey and Hunter became Mr. and Mrs. Coslin!

Their wedding took place at the J Bar C Cowboy Church of Palmer in Palmer, Texas with the reception to follow at the family property located near Personville, Texas. It certainly was a beautiful summer day!

December 2019 - Christmas Mini Session…with their little boy, Fisher

January 2020 - Fisher’s 1st Birthday

Fisher celebrated his first birthday at the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. He was O-Fish-ally ONE!

December 2020 - Fisher LOVES to run! And he ran nearly the entire time at their Christmas Mini Session!

As 2020 was coming to an end, Hunter and Kelsey were looking forward to all that 2021 had in store for them. Within a few months they would be welcoming another baby boy to their family. Fisher was going to be a big brother!

April 2021 - The Coslin Family is now a family of FOUR!

Westin arrived in the spring of 2021 so a bluebonnet field was a perfect location for their family session. They live in Ennis, the home of the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails so it just made sense to enjoy the view in Ennis. Fisher still loved to run and actually fell in a nasty mud puddle during the session! Never a dull moment with this bunch.

July 2021 - Fisher and Westin enjoying a day of fishing at our Summer Mini Session event!

Want to know the trick to keep Fisher from running around during this session? Make him be barefoot!

I have captured many memories for the Coslin Family over the past four years and I LOVE being their family photographer! I am looking forward to capturing many more memories for their family for the years to come.

“Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters.”

— Muskan Kumar

THIS IS THE FOURTEENTH FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES. CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!

1. The Wier Family

2. The Lopez Family

3. Tana and Layla

4. The Dale Family

5. The Craven Family

6. The Carpenter Family

7. The Leonardelli Family

8. The Spence-Waldrop Family

9. The Schmedthorst Family

10. The Milstead Family

11. The Erwin Family

12. The Cardwell Family

13. The Harringer Family

Over the Years: The Harringer Family

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

The Harringer Family

I have known the Harringer Family for several years. The Harringer boys played youth baseball with my oldest son. We would visit as parents who had kids playing on the same team in Riesel. In May of 2015 I was finishing up my first year of being in business and I was debuting a senior model program. Eric was one of the senior models for the upcoming school year. Since this first session I have continued to work with members of their family capturing memories during their years in high school. It is truly an honor to be their family photographer.

May 2015 - Eric was one of my first senior models.

September 2015 - Eric loved playing high school football in Mart, Texas.

May 2016 - Eric’s final senior session.

Later that year I had the pleasure of photographing one of their other boys, Mike. He was no enjoying his senior year of high school and also played high school football in Mart, Texas. I photographed Mike for the first time during senior night at a football game in November of 2016.

November 2016 - Mike with his parents at Mart High Senior Night during a football game.

April 2017 - Mike’s senior session took place in Personville, Texas.

A couple of years later in 2019 I was asked to photograph Eric again when he learned that he was going to be a father of a baby girl. During this session we also decided to include some photos of Eric wearing his bull riding gear.

February 2019 - Eric is going to be a daddy!

February 2019 - Eric wearing some of his bull riding gear. He competes in several rodeos throughout the year.

In 2020 COVID swept the area - as well as the rest of the world. This pandemic forced many closures of public gatherings, including schools. With that came the cancellation of school activities, such as prom. Mike’s girlfriend, Scarlett, was a senior and was going to miss out on her senior prom, but the mothers of Mike and Scarlett put their own prom together for the two.

May 2020 - Mike accompanied Scarlett to her senior prom.

November 2020 - Mike and Scarlett had a photo session in Personville - the same location Mike had his senior session.

I have captured many memories for the Harringer Family over the past six years and I LOVE being their family photographer! I am looking forward to capturing many more memories for their family for the years to come.

“We take photographs as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.”

— Katie Thurmes

THIS IS THE THIRTEENTH FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES.  CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!

1. The Wier Family

2. The Lopez Family

3. Tana and Layla

4. The Dale Family

5. The Craven Family

6. The Carpenter Family

7. The Leonardelli Family

8. The Spence-Waldrop Family

9. The Schmedthorst Family

10. The Milstead Family

11. The Erwin Family

12. The Cardwell Family

Over the Years: The Cardwell Family

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

THE CARDWELL FAMILY

I first photographed the Cardwell children in 2015 when I took their school portraits. I continued photographing the children in the school setting for three years. In December of 2018 I finally had my chance to photograph their entire beautiful family! Since that time I have continued to photograph their children both in the school setting, as well as outdoors when I offer mini sessions. It is such an honor to be their family photographer.

December 2018 - The Cardwell Family had their first family session in Downtown Waco

Two months later the Cardwell children were again in front of my camera for their Valentine Mini Session. That year they would actually participate in THREE of our Mini Session events - Valentine, Easter and Christmas!

February 2019 - Valentine Mini Session

April 2019 - Easter Mini Session - and the Cardwell family brought along their real bunnies!

December 2019 - Christmas Mini Session

Throughout 2019 I also photographed them at school for spring and fall portraits, basketball portraits and class portraits.

I continue to photograph them in 2020 and so far they have already had two sessions - one was a surprise A & M session for their dad as a gift and another was a fun summer session. We hoped to find a big field of sunflowers, however they were mostly gone by the time the session arrived. Their mom decided to let them have a fun summer session and they got to pick their own clothes and just have fun…and it was very HOT outside!

February 2020 - Surprise session for their dad with the kids wearing Texas A & M shirts

July 2020 - Fun Summer Session on a VERY HOT day in Texas!

I have captured many memories for the Cardwell Family over the past five years and I LOVE being their family photographer! I am looking forward to capturing many more memories for their family for years to come.

“We don’t remember days, we remember moments.”

— Cesare Pavese

THIS IS THE TWELFTH FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES.  CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!

1. The Wier Family

2. The Lopez Family

3. Tana and Layla

4. The Dale Family

5. The Craven Family

6. The Carpenter Family

7. The Leonardelli Family

8. The Spence-Waldrop Family

9. The Schmedthorst Family

10. The Milstead Family

11. The Erwin Family

Over the Years: The Erwin Family

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

The Erwin Family

I first met Jnette and Kenneth in 2015 when they hired me to photograph their wedding in Hubbard, Texas. Jnette had a bridal session as well so I was able to spend time with her and some of her family before the actual wedding day. Her bridal session took place on her family’s property outside of Hubbard and it was absolutely beautiful - nearly as beautiful and Jnette in her bridal gown! Since this day, I have photographed their growing family many times and it is such an honor to be their family photographer.

February 2015 - Jnette’s bridal session took place on her family’s land outside Hubbard, Texas. There were so many beautiful areas to capture gorgeous bridal images!

Jnette’s bridal session was soon followed by a wedding! In March of 2015, Jnette and Kenneth would exchange vows at one of the best weddings I have ever photographed. It was definitely a celebration!

March 2015 - Jnette and Kenneth tied the knot at a church in Hubbard, Texas.

Fast forward two years, Jnette and Kenneth now had a son named Mason and he was quickly volunteered to be an Easter/Spring Model for me in 2017. Such a cutie with an infectious smile for sure!

April 2017 - Mason modeled for our Easter Mini Session advertisement.

Later that same year, Jnette and Kenneth would welcome their second little one, Chase, into their family. Mason was officially an older brother!

August 2017 - Chase’s newborn session took place in the family home. Such a cute little guy!

Another two years went by and Jnette took advantage of our Annual Anniversary Sale (which is held June 1st of every year). She purchased two sessions and wanted to use one for a session to photograph the cousins together as a gift for their mother. It was a bit of a challenge, but in the end it worked out and their grandma loved the end result.

July 2019 - Session with all the cousins together for a special gift for their grandma.

The second session purchased from the anniversary sale was used on a children’s session. Jnette said she wanted a session to capture her boys doing what they loved…feeding cows and being boys! We did exactly that! They fed cows, blew bubbles, stomped in puddles and ran around the yard.

January 2020 - The Erwin brothers fed cows during their session. They sure love those cows!

I have captured many memories for the Erwin Family over the past five years and I LOVE being their family photographer! I am looking forward to capturing many more memories for their family for years to come.

“A photograph is the pause button of life.”

— unknown

THIS IS THE ELEVENTH FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES.  CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!

1. The Wier Family

2. The Lopez Family

3. Tana and Layla

4. The Dale Family

5. The Craven Family

6. The Carpenter Family

7. The Leonardelli Family

8. The Spence-Waldrop Family

9. The Schmedthorst Family

10. The Milstead Family

Over the Years: The Milstead Family

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

The Milstead Family

I first met Bailey and Jack in April of 2017 when they asked me to photograph their families on Jack’s family land in Kosse. I distinctly remember driving up to the house and I couldn’t believe how many trees they were surrounded by. Truly stunning property and I was really looking forward to their session! As I walked from my vehicle to meet Bailey, she quickly gave me a head’s up that Jack’s mother had dementia. Later on in the session, Bailey and Jack told me that these photographs would be so important to their family and they wanted these to showcase the love their family has for one another. They also expressed that it was extremely important to have these taken while Ms. Milstead was still able to enjoy the session. Since that first meeting, I have photographed their family the following year and then later I was fortunate enough to photograph their stunning wedding. It is such an honor to be considered the family photographer to the Milstead Family and I’m truly looking forward to capturing many more memories for them!

April 2017 - So much love in this family portrait…even though little man was not happy about photos at all! We finally realized he would be happy if he ate applesauce. So he ate applesauce :)

During this session, I enjoyed spending time with the family, but we did end up capturing some fun images of just Jack and Bailey as well. Jack’s father had an antique car that we even used for some of those images.

The following year Bailey contacted me about a family session at the same beautiful property in Kosse. I remember this session as vividly as the first. It was a cloudy, windy day. So windy in fact that we contemplated rescheduling, but decided to go ahead with it since Jack had such a crazy work schedule. A good portion of the photographs were taken up close to the shrubs around the house because they were blocking the wind.

March 2018 - Kaden sporting his cowboy outfit on a very windy day.

A few months later Jack and Bailey decided to have their engagement session on my husband’s family land near Personville. The weather was amazing! I love being around their family, but it was great to spend some time with just the two of them. It was a great way to learn more about them before their wedding later that year.

June 2018 - Jack and Bailey’s engagement session in Personville.

The week leading up to the wedding of Jack and Bailey on Saturday, September 15, 2018 was filled with tons of rain. The forecast was even calling for high rain chances for that Saturday. As the week crept by, those high rain chances slowly begin to decrease. As everyone continued to cross their fingers, Saturday arrived and those rain chances were pretty much gone. The sun was shining and it was a perfectly calm day. It was a picture perfect day - literally!

That Saturday at 6:30 pm, under clear skies, Jack and Bailey would say, “I Do,” at the beautiful Wind Dancer Retreat in Bryan, Texas.

September 2018 - Jack and Bailey had a stunning wedding in Hearne, Texas.

I have captured many memories for Jack and Bailey over the past few years and I LOVE being their family photographer! I am looking forward to capturing many more memories for their family for years to come.

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

— unknown

THIS IS THE TENTH FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES.  CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!

1. The Wier Family

2. The Lopez Family

3. Tana and Layla

4. The Dale Family

5. The Craven Family

6. The Carpenter Family

7. The Leonardelli Family

8. The Spence-Waldrop Family

9. The Schmedthorst Family

Over the Years: The Schmedthorst Family

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

THE SCHMEDTHORST FAMILY

I first met Mark and Adria in April of 2016 when they were referred to me by Adria’s sister. Mark and Adria wanted to have a session to showcase their daughters at that moment in time. I had a great time getting to know them and still to do this day I can remember just how different the two girls were from one another. One is very silly and outgoing while the other was extremely shy! Even though their personalities were (and still are) completely different, they are both equally gorgeous. In the spring of 2017, the Schmedthorst Family booked a Bluebonnet Limited Edition Session for their family portraits. Their youngest daughter cried for most of the first half of the session because she was so nervous about being photographed. We continued with the session in hopes that she would warm up to the idea at some point before the sun set for the day. Sure enough, she did indeed warm up to the idea and even began to enjoy herself! I suggested to Mark and Adria that we could go back to the main bluebonnet patch to “reshoot” the images of her crying from earlier on in the session and we did just that. Over the year, I have had the pleasure of photographing this amazing family SEVEN times and I’m looking forward to many more sessions with the Schmedthorst Family!

April 2016 - First session with the Schmedthorst Family

One month after our very first session the girls participated in a Fairy Imagination Session. This is still one of my favorite fairy photos!

May 2016 - Fairy Imagination Session

One year after our first session I finally had the pleasure of photographing the family - mom, dad and girls. The bluebonnets were in full bloom!

April 2017 - Bluebonnet Limited Edition Session

The Schmedthorst Family had a busy 2018, yet they still managed to visit me for their annual family portrait session.

December 2018 - Just One Photo promotion

In 2019 I began offering Date Night Mini Sessions. The Schmedthorst Family took advantage of this session to have portraits to showcase the love they still have for one another after 25 years of marriage. Twenty-five years!! You can read more about this session here.

July 2019 - Date Night Mini Session

In 2019 I offered Adoption Mini Sessions to celebrate National Adoption Day. I still can’t get over how much these two girls have grown up over the years! Crazy how time flies.

November 2019 - Adoption Mini Session

For nearly four years now I have been capturing the memories for the Schmedthorst Family. I LOVE being their family photographer and I’m looking forward to many more sessions in the years to come!

“As time flies, everything changes... The only thing which remains constant is “your” memory.”

— Ishani

THIS IS THE NINTH FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES.  CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!

1. The Wier Family

2. The Lopez Family

3. Tana and Layla

4. The Dale Family

5. The Craven Family

6. The Carpenter Family

7. The Leonardelli Family

8. The Spence-Waldrop Family

Over the Years: The Leonardelli Family

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

The Leondardelli Family

Meet the Leondardelli Family! I first met this amazing family in 2015 at a bluebonnet family session. As a matter of fact, one of my FAVORITE bluebonnet images was taken at this very session!

2015 - One of my favorite bluebonnet photos!

This particular session was important because some of their children were going to be moving away to live with their mother in another state. It was so wonderful spending time with all of them together!

In 2016 I was fortunate yet once again to spend time with them during another family session! I absolutely love Jessica’s vision that she brings to each of their sessions and I welcome the challenge of making those visions a reality for her images.

2016 - Family Session

In 2017, Jessica and Matt asked me to photograph their upcoming wedding in August. I was honored, but shocked! I was shocked because I totally thought they were already married! I was so excited for the both of them, as well as their entire family. I just knew the wedding would be phenomenal and I was looking forward to it! You can read more about their stunning wedding on the blog.

2017 - Jessica’s Bridal Session

2017 - Leonardelli Wedding Slideshow

In 2018, I was asked to photograph two of their children for very special events. Their daughter, Jordan, had an upcoming quincenara and their son, Jose, would be starting his senior year of high school. Two big milestones for the Leonardelli family! It was so much fun spending time with each of them on a more personal level.

2018 - Jordan’s Quincenara Session

2018 - Jose’s Senior Session

Amazing at how much their family has changed over the past 3 years and I can’t wait to see what 2019 and beyond has in store for them!

“The most precious moments of your life deserve to be captured.”

— unknown

THIS IS THE SEVENTH FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES.  CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!

1. The Wier Family

2. The Lopez Family

3. Tana and Layla

4. The Dale Family

5. The Craven Family

6. The Carpenter Family

Over the Years: The Carpenter Family

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

THE CARPENTER FAMILY

Meet the Carpenter Family! I first met the Carpenter Family several years ago even before I began my photography business. Our kiddos went to the same school and played on some of the same sports teams. After a few years I opened Smith Family Photography and the Carpenter Family hired me to take newborn portraits for their first grandchild, Saira. I have taken many photos of Saira over the years, as well as family portraits for them last year…and just this week I was blessed to photograph the newest member of the Carpenter Family, Kelsie’s baby boy named David. The Carpenter Family is truly a blessing in my life! They are full of laughs and honestly genuine. I absolutely love capturing their changing family! As you can tell, families change - quickly! Children grow up way too fast and before you know it they are graduating and have kiddos of their own. The moments fly by and I am so incredibly happy that the Carpenter Family invests in family portraits and understands that they are priceless heirlooms for future generations. I am looking forward to many more sessions with this amazing family!

June 2015 - Saira is born!

December 2015 - Saira is 6 months old!

March 2016 - Spring Session!

May 2016 - Kelsie is graduating!

June 2016 - Saira is ONE!

December 2016 - Christmas!

April 2018 - Family Session

March 2019 - Meet David, Kelsie’s baby!

“The days go by with so many little things that don’t seem to matter until they’re no longer there and suddenly, they’re all that ever mattered.”

— Brian Andreas

THIS IS THE SIXTH FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES.  CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!

1. The Wier Family

2. The Lopez Family

3. Tana and Layla

4. The Dale Family

5. The Craven Family

Over the Years: The Craven Family

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

The Craven Family

Meet the Craven Family! I first met the Craven Family several years ago when I transferred two of my children to Hallsburg ISD. My son was in fifth grade with their son. Those two became friends and through that friendship our families became friends. We have LOTS in common since we both have large families! From the very first year of being in business, the Craven Family has been photographed by me. They have participated in several of our mini sessions as well as family sessions. Each session is full of laughs and no matter how long we go without seeing each other, the conversation will always pick up right where it left off. They have been there several times when I needed help and I am blessed to call them my friends. Through the years our kids have grown and although that makes me a little sad, I look forward to their future.

2014 - Fall Mini Session

2014 - Halloween Mini Session (We STILL laugh about this photo!)

2014 - Candy Cane Mini Session

2014 - Family Session

2015 - Senior Session

2015 - Valentine Mini Session

2015 - Easter Mini Session

2015 - Fairy Imagination Session

2015 - Fall Mini Session

2016 - Family Session

2017 - Senior Session

2018 - Family Session

TWELVE sessions, y’all! The Craven Family has supported me from the very beginning and for that I am very grateful. Friends such as the Craven’s are a rare gift and I am blessed that I can honestly call them “my friends.”

“Always take note of who supports you genuinely. Those are the people you should always keep around.”

— unknown

THIS IS THE FIFTH FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES.  CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!

1. The Wier Family

2. The Lopez Family

3. Tana and Layla

4. The Dale Family

Over the Years: The Dale Family

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

The Dale Family

Meet the Dale Family! This family is filled with so much love…so much in fact that they have fostered several kiddos over the past few years. The Dale Family is truly generous and always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed. In fact, several years ago my vehicle broke down on the way to drop my kids off at school. Michelle saw us and stopped to ask how she could help. She actually took our kids to school for us so we could figure out to do with our vehicle! I photographed their family for the first time in 2014 at Miss Nellie’s Pretty Place in Cameron Park, Waco, Texas. Since that time I have photographed members of their family four more times and I have photographed seven of their foster children as well. Looking back at the photographs from their sessions over the years it is hard to believe how much their children have grown! I absolutely love being their family photographer! I love meeting the little ones that they foster and treat as their own! I look forward to many more years of capturing the memories of their family, as well as the little ones that feel safe and secure during their time with the Dale Family!

2014 - Family Session at Miss Nellie’s Pretty Place. Look how little those two kiddos are!

2016 - Imagination Session. A young Ashley - she has always been super animated and creative!

2017 - Family Session. And just like that the Dale Family grew by one!

2017 - One Year/Cake Smash Combo Session. Caleb is ONE!

2018 - Family Session. Look how much those adorable kids have grown! This session was bittersweet. It was the first “family session” they had in which they included their foster children (not pictured).

The Dale Family are among my favorite clients! The are genuinely caring and absolutely selfless. Within a few months after their latest family session, the foster children they included in the session would leave their home. This was incredibly tough for the entire family, including the foster children. On the very day the foster children left, they were asked to take new foster children into their home. On this particular day Michelle wrote, “The need never stops. There's always another kid that needs you, that needs a safe place to land for a little while. Today my heart hurts for the ones that just left us, but I also wonder what happened to the ones that needed someone yesterday. We didn't have it to give and I pray that someone else was ready and willing.” And THAT is why they are among my favorite clients.

“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.”

— unknown

THIS IS THE FOURTH FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES.  CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!

1. The Wier Family

2. The Lopez Family

3. Tana and Layla

Over the Years: Tana and Layla

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."

TANA AND LAYLA

Meet Tana and Layla, the gorgeous mother and daughter that I am lucky enough to photograph every year since 2015! At that time Layla was so little, just two years old! She was so full of energy and really made us work for each and every shot! Since that first session at Tonkawa Falls in 2015, I have captured their incredible bond in four other sessions. Layla is now five and has the same beautiful smile as she did when I first met her! This year’s session was a little different for them. And Layla was a little jealous. This year’s session included Tana’s fiance, Guthrie, in some of the poses. The two will soon be married and Layla is still trying to learn how to share her mommy. I absolutely love being their family photographer and I am looking forward to many more years of capturing their memories!

2015 - Family Session. An adorable two year old, Layla.

2016 - Family Session. This session was so sweet! Like momma, like daughter…absolutely stunning!

2017 - Fairytale Session. Layla had a birthday approaching and it was going to be Princess and the Frog (her favorite) themed so she had a session where she dressed up and posed like Tiana.

2017 - Family Session. For this session they ventured out to Limestone County for a rustic session at the family ranch.

2018 - Family/Engagement Session. Layla is a little jealous about having to share her mom nowadays!

Tana and Layla (and Guthrie) are the PERFECT clients! They value photography and understand the importance of capturing the memories of their family over the years. We are comfortable around each other, which really shines in their images. Days after this session I saw a job posting Tana posted and at that time I had two kids (adult kids) looking for jobs. I sent them her way and she put them to work! I can’t thank her enough for that. Seriously!

“Let what you love be what you do.”

— Rumi

THIS IS THE THIRD FEATURED FAMILY IN THE "OVER THE YEARS" SERIES.  CHECK OUT OUR OTHER FEATURED FAMILIES!

1. The Wier Family

2. The Lopez Family
   

Over the Years: The Lopez Family

The other day I was talking to my favorite person (my grandma Jo) on the phone and we ended up talking about the career paths we chose.  She was a nurse for most of her adult working years and I was an elementary school teacher for five years until I decided to resign and begin my photography business.  She told me there have been times when she thought about doing something besides nursing, but looking back now she couldn't imagine doing anything else.  She LOVED nursing!  Then she asked me what I career I would have chosen if I could start all over again.  As I thought, I honestly couldn't think of any other career choices I would have made.  

I loved teaching, but I didn't love the confines of teaching.  I loved that no two days were ever the same.  I loved having to adapt and be flexible throughout the day as different situations arose.  I loved the students and coworkers.  But I did not love the schedule.  I felt very confined.  When I decided to resign I immediately felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I could now breathe freely.  

I absolutely LOVE being a photographer!  I love nearly everything about it - besides paying taxes.  I love making my own schedule.  I love creating wall art for families that will be treasured for years to come.  I love it when clients tell me that my work captures so many emotions.  But most of all I love meeting new people and connecting with them!  I love to capture them year after year and create beautiful wall art that showcases their family!  For this reason I have decided to begin a series which focuses on my loyal clients over the years titled, "Over the Years."  

The Lopez Family

Meet the Lopez Family! I first met the Lopez family in 2016 when they booked a spring session when the bluebonnets were blooming close to the Easter holiday. Even though this session took place over two years ago, I remember it vividly. They are an incredibly beautiful family - inside and out! I learned an important lesson during this session. Be prepared for what could happen if you pose a family under a tree. One word. Birds! After that incident I thought for sure they’d never book another session with me again, but I’m grateful they did! In fact, they book at least one session each year! And I love each and every one of them! I love capturing these kids grow. I love capturing their changing personalities. I am beyond blessed that we crossed paths and I have been chosen to be their family photographer. Here’s to many more years of capturing memories!

2016 - Family Session. I learned two important things this session. Be mindful of birds in trees. And little Ricky LOVES his baby blanket!

2017 - Family Session. I learned that some days, two year old boys do NOT want anything to do with family portraits!

2018 - Family Session. Seriously?!? Look at how gorgeous these kiddos are!

And they already have another session booked for December! Can’t wait to see them again!

For the past few years now I have captured memories for the Lopez Family. And each session has been full of laughs. I love having such loyal clients that are comfortable with me and likewise I am comfortable with them. When we meet for our session we can pick up the conversation exactly where we left off the year before. We have built a relationship that is priceless.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

— Steve Jobs

This is the second featured family in the "Over the Years" series.  Check out our other featured families!

1. The Wier Family