Joyful babe || Bend, Oregon Photographer

This little guy turned 6 months old today (the same day MY baby hit the double digits!).

He is SUCH a happy little one, and this photo really captured that. He worked really hard today - and I'm sure napped a very long time for mama after... 

Many more to come - but I had to share this one first!

Bend Oregon Photographer || Bunny Encounter Sneak Peek

There was a whole lot of bunny cuteness happening at Studio 3 today - but I do have a soft spot in my heart for boys.. so, how could I resist sharing this sneak peek of this house of boys?

Sweet, tenderhearted, boys. 

And bunnies. 

And a belly bump? 

{sigh}

This should be a crime. 

Capturing Action in Low Light – AKA Living Room Antics || Bend, Oregon Photography

Since I'm in the middle of teaching my beginning photography class at Studio 3, I've had lessons on the brain! When my youngest mentioned he was a STAR, and proceeded to jump up in the air last night - I went for the camera, and thought about how I could create a lesson for my students. You'll just have to sign up for a class for the FULL lesson - but suffice it to say it involves HIGH ISO and a lens (and aperture setting) that will allow a lotta light in!

That said, here are my super STARs, as well as the ensuing game of leap frog (I'll have to ask Sam's permission to publish the shot taken immediately after his failed jump - it's fairly hilarious...)

Dessert first || Bend, Oregon Photography

There are many things on my agenda today - several sessions to edit, kids to feed, I have to prep my photography class and work with a few design projects. Not to mention think through my incredibly busy week next week.

So, what am I doing, peeking through my session from this very morning - before I've even fed my kids lunch? 

You got it, dessert first. 

Aren't these delicious?

Amazing story. Close to home. || Bend, Oregon Photography

My dad is my number one fan (who's dad isn't right?), and I love that we have a common interest & love of photography (you should really check out his site... ). For that reason, it is pretty common for me to call him on the way to a shoot, particularly the extraordinary ones. It's fun for me to dish about any exciting details - or get a pep talk from my number one cheerleader when necessary.

This was a shoot I was anticipating in particular, for a number of reasons - and made my customary phone call beforehand. I explained the details, the story & got an immediate "Oh shit. She's you."

It's true - while, Jen Thompson's story could be any one of the beautiful women I know - our similarities are certainly present. I was thankful for the opportunity to work with such a talented and well respected colleague - but at the same time, I couldn't deny how personal her story is. I hoped that I would not only not make a fool of myself during the shoot - but would be able to capture images that were worthy of such a meaningful article.

If any of you know Jen, you won't be surprised that she was gracious, warm and kind - which immediately set me at ease - her two boys were just as fun and spunky as mine - and the shoot went off without a hitch.

I've certainly spent some time thinking of Jen and her challenges - and how, so very selfishly, I am grateful for this opportunity to reflect on my blessings. Not only my health - but my family and more. And what's more amazing, this beautiful woman celebrates that in me, as I help share such an all encompassing challenge in hers.

And for that... I am humbled.

UPDATE: Jen is continuing her battle with this horrible disease. Please take a moment and check in on her - and consider a donation as she prepares to participate in a clinical trail out of state.

Also, if you are interested in article for this story from True North Parenting, you can find it here.