Two Sundays ago I had the pleasure to photograph a Super Cool Way HIP Family. me2 session style. Alexa, Ryan, and little Luke were so comfortable to be around. First off…a session goes ah-Mazing when (1) a client gives me the opportunity to scope out a location I have in mind for them…meaning it’s usually something totally unique that I haven’t ventured out to yet, (2) when all they can think about is their session & go shopping or plan out their attire, (3) most important…they allow me total CREATIVE REIGN when directing & photographing their portraits. Yep then magic happens & my artwork comes alive. That’s why I really really enjoy my clients. They trust me and my visions. Love it. I knew when Alexa first contacted me that this was going to be a fabulous shoot! They live in Scottsdale, Arizona and I was able to shoot at a brand new modern ‘retail/residential loft living hot spot’ -Safari Drive. My husband Eric first brought up the idea & I am so glad he did! I *heart* being an artistic couple…awwww. The location combines everything I love within a shoot. An ah-mazing atmosphere. The lines, color, space, and textures make me wanna jump for joy. And now I’m doing exactly that after seeing these images. They scream ‘purple nickel style’. YIPPIE. Now if I could just find more locations like this in Tucson…ugh. I really like road trips though. Thanks again Bowen family. I know you’re not gonna stop staring at them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Woo Hoo…another fabulous day here in Tucson. The weather has been perfectly photogenic. LOL. Not to mention the people as well. The look of this session is completely different from my regular urban/architectural sessions. Which is actually great. The trees, leaves, dirt, and fresh air are quite the nice change. Don’t get me wrong I could shoot urban all day believe me. I’m a city girl at heart but I also have the nature/wilderness side that creeps out of me from my childhood days out on the desert acres. I love to be outside. I could eat outside, sleep outside, and well I guess play outside. That’s why I love my sessions. Who could complain?. I’m not. Ok so back to what I was saying. Mt. Lemmon is where we traveled and ventured out to for the shoot. We all definitely consumed our fresh air & sightseeing. Ohh and rock throwing…hee hee.  Don’t tell anyone.  It’s great to escape to places we rarely go. Thanks again Lydick family for playing along…we had a fab. time.

 

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So wasn’t Sunday the windiest day ever?! Gezzz…we have the craziest weather sometimes. One week it’s 95 degrees out and then the next it’s 72…and with no warning. It was so chilly but the sky & clouds were ah-mazing. When Gina & Jeremy suggested going out to one of their most favorite spots ever I was like ‘ok where is it?’. That’s when Gina said ‘oh about 50 minutes away!’. I’m always game for new and exciting locations that I’ve never been to before. This one is picture perfect. I know I sound lame o’ right now but it’s true. It’s called ‘Madera Canyon,’ have you heard of it? If not I highly suggest a little road trip. You go back in time where the cattle & horses roam free (well ok maybe not free but everyone’s acreage is huge so you can’t really tell) and the hills are endless. On one of the dirt roads yes I said ‘dirt roads’ we spotted an old windmill out in the field.  Eric & I immediately knew we had to get out there.  So we kinda hopped & climbed over the steel gate which is usually not locked according to Jeremy.  It was fun.  Rebel-ish. Ha.  Ok so I wanted to put this one up first. I know your saying to yourself…but where are the kids. Yes they have two little boys who are definitely adorable but I wanted to show off this one first since it captured the essence of the day!

 

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All I can say is Little Nolan is crazy… smart, funny, silly, and totally a ham!  Can’t you tell.  Oh and he can brake out a good ‘ABC’ song whenever you want him too.  Gotta love it.  So as we ventured all around downtown… I kept finding killer spots that I hadn’t photographed in.  And got to experiment new posing ideas that I’ve been meaning to accomplish… with some oh so fabuloso lighting.  I am totally thrilled with what I got.  Ah-mazing variety & expressions filled the air. First off I want to thank the Himes family for being themselves.  I know it’s awkward at first to have someone staring you directly in the face with some large obtruesse metal piece of equipment (ha I like how I try to describe my camera as if it’s this huge expensive ‘don’t get in my way’ thing… cause it’s NOT) … but then it just sort of becomes one of my limbs. Seriously.  Then you don’t pay any attention to it and can be yourself.  That’s also why I don’t pose people… I direct. Yep that’s it. That simple & laid back.  I didn’t tell Nolan to stick out his tongue, to do the cutest most irresistible smirk that makes you chuckle every time you look at it, or better yet have adult conversations like… “Casia… where’s that guy that lives with you?… where did he go?!”. Instead of saying ‘your husband’. Yes that’s what we asked when Eric was hiding trying not to be in the shot.  How silly is that… I thought it was so cleverly witty coming from a 3 year old.  Kids say the darn-est things and when you least expect them. That’s why I LOVE doing me2 family portrait sessions.  I feel that ever since my days at the old portrait studio (which will remain name-less) I have always had a way with kids.  Maybe it’s because I’m not this tall-overbearing-stern-adult. I’m more on their level. Sometimes I wonder if they think I’m just a more mature kiddo.  If that makes sense?.  Plus it gives me a super duper advantage of getting the shots from their point of view. Maybe this is my style and the best way I can describe it.  mmmm I’m on to something. Anyhow Tim, Sara, and Nolan you ROCKED it and I can’t wait to see you guys for many more me2 sessions & gatherings to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Wham bam OHH thank you!  Yes that’s right it’s a sneak peek & another ROCKIN me2 family portrait session.  I just had to get these images up… can you say cover of ‘Dwell’ (for those of you who don’t know about this magazine it’s basically the most design inspired sustainable living modern chic journal/guide there is out there).  I can’t get enough.  Ok back to what I was saying… the architecture, the lighting, the textures, and of course the expressions & spirit were ever present.  When Alexa first contacted me I knew that their session was going to be explosively creative and way unique with little miss charm(e) tagging along.  She wasn’t on a lesh not once. How cool is that!  She chases pebbles like no other.  When I suggested a new place up in Scottsdale filled with color and structured lines… to my delight they were game… I was ecstatic. Everything couldn’t have been better. Not only is the family cute, adorable, and way HIP… they are so nice.  Awwwww… I LOVE my JOB!  During the shoot I found out that Luke loves his dolphin ‘Spongy’ and definitely enjoys silly dance moves.  I hear he likes to bust these out (you can’t tell this from the image… but you’ll see) at random times of the day and in front of complete strangers while his mommy is shopping.  How could I you not laugh at that.  

 

Bowen family… we had an absolute fabulous time and I thank you for letting me experiment no matter how crazy and silly my visions may have seemed.  Remember these are the shots that make the shoot all worth it.  Even though it’s still a sweltering heat outside.  No pain no gain… I guess?

 

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