the massey family • lubbock, tx

I cannot believe the beautiful fall weather we have been having here in Lubbock (as I type a snowstorm is forecasted for tomorrow morning…West Texas, everyone!). But really, it has been so gorgeous- all the leaves are in various shades and I've just been eating it up!

The morning of this shoot was so nice- just a slight breeze and in the high 60's. Adding to my joy was this sweet family. These little boys were so great the whole time, and I loved getting to play with them (and their parents!). Haha- I joke that in family sessions the parents have to work harder than I do- but it's really the truth. 

Here are a few of my favorite images of this gorgeous family!

the tompkins family • lubbock, tx

It is the season for family portraits- which means I get to see faces that have grown a whole year older and enjoy the beautiful fall weather we're having around here. I first met this awesome family last year, and couldn't wait to photograph them again. These four boys are all so different and so much fun. I had a great time talking dinosaurs, ninjas, and throwing stuff. It was much like my home. :)

Seriously, though- what a great bunch! We had a great shoot and here are some of my favorites! 

Rissa Takes the World

"Rissa Takes the World". That would be my title were I to write a book about miss Marissa, who is turning five next week. This little girl is clearly the heroine of her own life story, and it's no coincidence that she loves to read. 

The Tidwells booked one of my Haiti Mini-Sessions and wanted me to capture their oldest as she grew a year older. I had (and always have) SO much fun with this crew. Baby Duncan is looking so much bigger, but just as adorable.

Here are some favorites from their session!

baby tate • newborn

There is nothing quite like a brand new baby. Seeing little Tate reminded me just how incredible it is to see those tiny fingers and toes...clearly a miracle created by God! Sweet Tate did not feel like napping during his session, despite his mother and grandmother's best efforts :), but I think it may be a sign of what his personality will be like- there was too much action going on! And he loooooved to be held close by his family. That's a wonderful thing. 

I also enjoyed photographing big brother, Timothy, who is the sweetest kid and sure to be an awesome big brother.  

Enjoy these images! 

the tucker family • lubbock, tx

It rained the night before our session. And the morning of. And I even had my windshield wipers on while I drove to meet them. But not once did I hear a voice of panic from Sarah or Mark- parents to three awesome kids. ​

This family drives in every year so that I can photograph them- and knowing that they'd made the trek made it almost impossible that we'd be able to reschedule due to the wet weather outside. Luckily, I brought a couple of umbrellas and a quilt- just in case- and I was SO thankful that this family was outfitted in boots so that the semi-muddy field was not a problem. ​

And, looking at the images now, I am so thankful they trusted me! I know I would have been a little worried- but sure enough, right as we began shooting the sun pierced through the clouds, and it was a beautiful morning. ​

Thank you, Tucker family, for letting me capture these moments for you! I can't believe how quickly the kids are growing. ​

the ziegner family + a few canines • lubbock, tx

Growing up, our family had 2 Scottie dogs and 2 litters. Now, Shawn and I have 2 Scottie dogs and we have had 2 litters. ​

The Ziegners have 2 Vislas, and 10 puppies! (Or rather, they did- they are all at their new homes now.) ​

I love, love, love this family! I have been photographing them for a few years now, and each time I get to see them is even more fun. This time, they had some adorable Visla puppies, and so we had to include them in the family photos. 

We shot this session at their home and let me tell you- shooting at someone's home is one of my favorite settings, because it is so personal and sentimental. Now that my parents have moved from my childhood home, I cherish the images I have of us in and around that house. 5 of their puppies had already gone home, and so I got to photograph the remaining 5. 

jeff + nanci • maternity • lubbock, tx

Jeff + Nanci met me on a windy day in West Texas, and were so completely nice and excited for their baby's arrival- it made me all that much more excited about ours! There is just something about a pregnant woman that is so beautiful- and to see her husband by her side who is eagerly anticipating this little one's arrival...so much fun- it's one of the most beautiful things in life! 

Enjoy these images of Jeff, Nanci, and a baby bump!​

the dietz family • lubbock, tx

I'm not sure I'll forget the conversation I had with Shanna when she said, "...it looks like we may be moving. We're putting our house on the market". At the time, I was in a bit of shock- which turned to anger after I decided to stuff my ugly emotions deep down into my heart instead of dealing with them. These are some of our closest friends. They made the move to Lubbock with us. How could they leave? They'd been praying for God to provide a job at a church for Zach. But really? Did they need to put their house on the market? At the time they didn't even have any serious job prospects. 

I found myself in the middle of a worship set a few weeks later, ​when I had a conversation with God I'll never forget either. I told God how frustrated I was that they would put their house on the market. Sure, they're doing it in faith, but they had just had baby #2 and the last thing they needed was the added stress. It just didn't make sense. 

And God said to me, "Wouldn't you rather have friends who are listening to my voice rather than pursuing their own selfish ambitions?"​

Whoa. Yes, yes I would. ​If they are listening to God, he'll provide everything they need. If they are listening, and they do move, God will take care of everyone- including me. I don't know best. God does. And He's interested in my best- and theirs.

Fast forward to a few Sundays ago, when I found myself in that same place where God and I had our first conversation. Zach and Shanna were missing from their typical spots in the worship center. I missed them. But the word "restoration" came to mind, and it was clear to me that His provision in their lives was just a taste of how He wants to restore all of our lives. God had taken our friends from a frustrating, stressful position and placed them just where they needed to be.  They'd remained faithful to trust His promises for them. It wasn't easy- but I am so thankful I got an up-close view. 

Zach led worship at their new church last week and I wish I could have teleported myself there for it. Thankfully, they didn't land too far away so we will still get to see them! We shot these images just before they left. I was excited to photograph Dax and baby Gus, who is changing so quickly!​

Love you, Dietz family! So thankful to have lived life in the same town with you for so long. Here's to many more memories.​

the schermerhorn family • lubbock, tx

This family is a perfect example of why I feel so honored to do the work that I do. I had the pleasure of photographing John + Victoria's wedding, Colton's newborn pictures, and now he is approaching 2 years old! There is nothing quite like getting to document a family grow and thrive in all stages. This awesome family is so much fun and quite stylish as well. :) 

baby duncan • newborn • lubbock, tx

Let me just apologize now for the amount of images you are about to see of this adorable family. Baby Duncan and his older sister Marissa are some of the cutest kids on the planet and their parents are pretty cool, too. We had a wonderful session in their home just before Christmas, and I am so honored to have had the opportunity to capture this stage of their lives for them. Enjoy!