Courtney wanted some Arizona desert pictures with lots of back light and harsh black and whites.  Well, I love what we got…they were exactly what I envisioned.

my favorite

Courtney has been dancing since she could walk…I love that we included part of that into her pictures…

I really LOVE doing senior pictures.  They are really more magazine cover ready, which I love.  I can’t wait to photograph more this fall.

Love you, Courtney!!  I can’t believe you are graduating in a month.  You are beautiful inside and out and this was such a privilege to be able to capture you as you end one journey and begin another…

Blessings!

Janelle

Here is part 2 of Courtney’s Senior Session.  She really wanted bold colors, fun and a little more urban feel, so we headed downtown for the afternoon.  We got lucky because there was just the right amount of cloud cover for the day.  Some of these spots in the afternoon are in full sun which can cause a few issues with light, eyes, etc., but it worked out just perfectly.  The wind was a little breezy that day which made for some fun too.  I think that Courtney is an absolute natural in front of the camera and I just loved all the expressions that came out!!

Courtney is currently the reigning Miss Hartford, so of course we had to get some pictures with the crown!!

This dress was just stunning…

Get after it.

I {heart} this pink wall…

One of my favorites…

Part 3 to come…Arizona Desert.

Blessings!

Janelle

Meet part of my husband’s amazing extended family that I married into.  Uncle Freddy, Aunt Gale, Courtney, Olivia and McKenzie.  At the beginning of April they all piled into a less than big enough rental vehicle and traveled roughly 1900 miles to Arizona for me to capture Courtney’s senior pictures.  Honored?  I think so.  Of course, I think that my children were the real draw!! 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this family.  We already miss them so much {tears}!!  They blessed us throughout the week with loving on our children and just being with us.  The last time I saw the girls was when Gage was eight months old and we took him to Michigan in December (Hello, I am a true Arizonan - why did we go in the winter??  I was an ice cube the entire trip!).  So, to say that they have grown up a little would be an understatement.  Although here in these images you get to see their outward beauty, make no mistake these girls are the real deal inside and out.  They too have a passion for Jesus, dance, softball, family and possibly boys!  ;)  Girls, we were so blessed by you and can’t wait to see you soon!!!  xoxoxo

Uncle Freddy & Aunt Gale, what can I say…your girls are beautiful a reflection of your love for them, each other, Jesus & life.  You both are amazing.  We enjoyed every moment we had with you and are praying for what God will have for you in the future.  Oh to have you closer to us would be incredible.  Thank you for making the trek all the way here for Courtney’s pictures it was a great excuse to spend time with you.

We love you!!

Ok, because they traveled so far…they will get some extra love…we did three separate shoots, so throughout this week you will get to see their family AND Courtney’s senior session.

First up, part 1 - The Family (& a few with us too!!)

Courtney

Olivia

McKenzie

Beautiful Sisters

The start of Courtney’s Senior Pictures…

Family…(Thanks, E for the pic!)

Hard to believe that these two girls were the flower girls in my wedding when they were just turning FOUR!!  BTW, Gracie is a dead ringer to McKenzie at this age!! 

More to come in the next few days!!  Have a great Monday!!

Blessings!

Janelle

Natalie is one amazing young woman.  First of all she is graduating a year early from high school, not to mention taking college level classes now.  She has passion for many things and God has given her some incredible talents.  She is an extraordinary pianist, and now is adding guitar to her list of instruments.  She is creatively talented photographer, which on top of taking amazing photos adds, website design, code writing and making videos to her repertoire.  I would guess that all those things are high on her list, but what I love about Natalie is that she knows who blessed her with those passions.  AND her BIGGEST passion is for Jesus and the things He has for her.

After graduation, Natalie will be stepping way out of my comfort zone and heading to Africa to do mission work 7-8 months.  Her heart is for the people of the world that need to know of our Savior.  I LOVE that about her.  I can’t wait to see the amazing pictures that she will be taking in her time there.

Recently she sent out a letter about what this trip is all about and ways that those of us here can help support her as she goes where God leads.  I hope that it’s ok, Nat that I am taking some of your letter and adding it at the end of this post so, that others can be a part of what you will be doing whether it be prayer or support.  We know you’ll need both.

Natalie, I am so proud of you.  To know even at your age that all your talents and abilities come from Him and to choose to use them specifically to bring God Glory is amazing.  You bless me in so many ways.

I love you (and as you know my kids do to, Miss Natalie!)

This is one of my favorites…I feel it captures Natalie…barefoot and ready to go where God leads.

Another Favorite, Love your smile girl…lights up a room.

One of her many passions…you can check out Natalie’s work through the links in her letter below.  She is one talented lady.

Here is Natalie’s letter, I invite you to read it & consider helping out this amazing young lady with her passion and her love for people & Jesus.

Dear Friends and Family,
As some of you may know, I was blessed with the opportunity to be able to do online school beginning in high school, with the intention of having more time and flexibility for mission trips. Freshman year I took a trip to Sierra Leone, and sophomore year I took two trips to Hope Academy in Kolkata, India. My passion and heart for missions has grown with each trip, and God has really worked in and through me to do some amazing things. I have worked hard to finish high school and graduate a year early, and plan to attend Biola University in the fall of 2012.
As I began to plan for college, I really felt that God was leading me to take a year off and pursue a long term mission trip. On the short term mission trips I have been on, God has filled me, broken me, stretched me, used me, and blessed me. My life means nothing unless it’s all for Him, which is why I am very grateful to have the opportunity to travel to Rwanda to serve for 7 months with CALM, Christian African Leadership Ministries.
CALM has many different ministries in Rwanda. They work to provide pastor, leadership, and vocational training for Christian leaders who are working to reach their communities for Christ. CALM helps families, through monthly sponsorships, to have the opportunity to have food and shelter. They have a program that provides goats to widows and families in need of help. The goats can be used for milk, cheese, or meat, and the offspring can be sold for extra income that is needed for the family. Another ministry, New Hope Homes, takes in orphans and abandoned children and rescues them from poverty and despair. For more information on CALM, you can visit their website: www.calmministries.org.
Chad and Kortney Bannick, the couple I will be working with, are moving to Rwanda in April. I am excited to be joining them in September 2011. While in Rwanda, I will be working with CALM by taking photos, videos, and creating a blog to keep sponsors in the U.S. up to date on the various ministries that they are supporting. Outside of working with CALM’s ministries, our prayer is to build relationships with the families in the area we will be staying by getting involved with the local church and schools.
Please pray for me as I plan and prepare for this trip. I would also appreciate your continual prayers as I serve in Rwanda from September 2011 - April 2012. To make this trip possible, I will need to raise $12,000 for living and travel expenses. Please prayerfully consider becoming a part of my support team to do the work of God in Rwanda. To see various ways that you can help, visit my webite: www.shoplikemorningsun.com.
May you also be blessed as you continue to pray for this incredible opportunity that God is leading me to.

Thank you!
Natalie Crane

I remember seven years ago very clearly.  Well really seven years ago yesterday, ;)  I think I remember everything SUPER clearly since I felt EVERY contraction!!  That’s right, this kid came out without any pain meds. I kept reminding myself, especially at the end of my labor that this would end and I would be holding my first born in my arms.

At 7:47pm, Gage Warren was born placed on my chest and it was everything I imagined it would be.  Relief that the pain was mostly gone, that my son was healthy and so thankful for this amazing blessing.  It’s still hard to believe it really was seven years ago because I feel like it was just the other day.

The first week was spent like this during the day, but at night baby Dracula appeared. 

But then he started to do something that I said he couldn’t, his first act of rebellion…he started to get bigger.

and Bigger…

And then little sister came…and Gage became a BIG brother.

Here are a handful more of Gage as he has grown…

One of his FAVORITE things…CAMPING with family!

And here he is as a BIG brother to three siblings…God knew he would be the perfect fit!!

We are so proud of Gage.  He has a kind spirit, loves others, makes good choices, loves his family and loves Jesus.  We love you, Gage.  Happy SEVENTH Birthday!!

(on a side note, remember mom said to stop growing, now would be a good time!) 

Oh wow.  Where do I begin with this young lady?  Well, how about almost ten years ago?  That’s when I first met Jordan, she was eight.  Who knew back then that her oldest sister would marry my brother?  I love this girl and I love her family.  They are forever part of my family.

Jordan is absolutely beautiful on the outside, but she is a knock out on the inside.  She has a heart for Jesus and isn’t afraid to share it.  The first time I heard Jordan sing, my eyes welled up.  She has been blessed with an amazing voice that she consistently uses to sing praises.  Oh, how I love to hear her sing.

Jordan, I know that God has amazing plans for you.  One of the things I love so much about you is your open heart to where He leads.  You are going to lead many to the foot of the cross with your sweet spirit and love for people.

I love you (and so do my children).

Btw…there are a TON of pictures, but these were just SOME of my favorites.

I’m pretty funny apparently

Using my new lens!!  Love.

We had a windy day, but we made it work and I love how it turned out!

Told you I was funny.

Rawr.

How can I not love a girl that shares my deep love for Starbucks?

I really don’t think Jordan can take a bad picture!  Thanks for letting me capture this time in your life, Jo!!!  XOXO

On a personal note, today is my Gager’s BIRTHDAY!!!  A whole post dedicated to him tomorrow!!  Stay tuned…but now I am off to enjoy birthday cake!

Blessings!

Janelle

This little guy is as sweet as he looks.  He has been given an amazing gift of two parents that want the world for him, although his parents would say different they have been given the priceless gift.  We all would say that a baby is a gift, precious in every way, but what about a baby that is truly “given” to arms that are longingly open, a gift that is more precious than any stone.  Baby Ethan is just that…a priceless and perfect gift.  I love how God works.

I have said this before, but it is honestly the truth I love it when I go into a home with a new little one and get to know mom & dad in the inbetween time of feeding, rocking and photographing their little one.  Meeting Ethan’s parents was amazing…in the brief time I was with them I felt like Angie and I had been friends for years.  Her eyes light up when she talks.  I love that!  We laughed that we are both talkers, but I told her I hadn’t been out in awhile and I was going to blab, of course those of you that know me personally know how I can do just that! 

Angie & Vaughn, congratulations on this little man.  He is beautiful.

I have to be honest and tell you that Ethan was one of the easiest babies I have photographed, I think he may have given us a dirty look or two, but seriously how cute is that look???

I am a die hard, Coke fan, but if I wasn’t and I liked that “other” brand, this would make me think of switching. 

I’m just saying…

I loved loved loved Ethan’s room…it made me think of the possibilities that are out there for this little guy.

Thank you for sharing your amazing story with me and having me photograph your new son.

Blessings!

Janelle

There is something about the fun colors and eclectic feel that draws clients to this particular location.  It’s not very big, but the set up allows for different looks without going here and there.

Linda asked for pictures for her birthday present this year (hint to your wives that have hesitant hubbies!!) and of course her hubby obliged, along with the kids.  This family was so great and listened to my rambling and spontaneous conversations about nothing (people I do not get out alot, so I am mostly talking to little people - when there are willing ears I kind of talk much like a tidal wave!)

ANYWAY, they were awesome and I we were in & out with some fabulous images that I think made for a great Birthday present, how about you?

Some favorites…

I just love this one of the two of you…and I feel a small victory here with Joe and his smile

Looking good, Michael

Stunning, Deanna

One of the awesome things about this particular venue, you always have some GREEN!!

You can’t go here and not do a blue door picture…it was very bright (sorry Michael, I know your squinting!), but still loved it!!

Thank you so much Joe, Linda, Deanne & Michael…it was such a pleasure to meet & photograph you all!!

Blessings!

Janelle

Well, we were missing one (he is stationed overseas right now), but Deborah said it had been a REALLY long time since they had family pictures.  So, we decided to get some new ones, but we’ll be doing it again soon when Dan gets back!

We met for an early morning shoot, which I am loving more and more these days.  The kids were so amazing, really how many kids really LOVE getting their picture taken.  They could have fooled me because they were awesome and we breezed through a great session.  These were a few of my favorites!

One proud Mama

Meet Jason

and David

and the ever so sweet, Kaitlin

Their beautiful Mama

I have shot at this location so many times and I have never had a peacock show off like this guy!!

This one is for you Deborah…I think that I want a print of it too

Thank you so much for inviting me to photograph your family!

Blessings,

Janelle

Rita & Cameron said “I do” on a beautiful day in March.  The clouds were coming and going, but the weather was perfect.  I thought for a moment there may be a sprinkle or two, but it held out!  Yea.

The first time Rita & I actually met she was buying a couch that I was selling, which suited her house much better than mine, by the way!  She has such a sweet spirit and her family is such a huge part of her life, both her hubby, Cameron & their son, Jayden.  Everyone was smiles & hugs on this special day and I was so thrilled to be a part of it!!  Thank you so much to my sweet friend, Natalie Crane for shooting with me too!!

There was a slight mishap with the wedding flowers (as in one of her bridesmaids didn’t get one, but they were so creative & put her one together in 15 minutes that was perfect!)  The bride’s bouquet was amazing!

I have to give a shout out to the Steel Drum Band, Steele Sound because the man there in the middle, Jerry Lopatin, was MY steel drum teacher in grade school.  I have so many amazing memories from that experience it was so great to see him!!

I think he got a pretty good shot!

Just loved Rita’s face here!!

These two have no problem just having fun with each other!

Jayden looking quite handsome!!

Thanks so much for inviting me to be part of your wedding day, Rita & Cameron!

Many Blessings!

Janelle