Where to begin? We were neighbors with the Hesters in Carlisle, PA from 2013-2014 but didn’t meet Katie right away. It took Jingles (Jinx if Mike is calling him) figuring out how to open his door and getting out while no one was home for a proper meeting. You see, he is a sweet and loving dog unless you are wearing a police/security uniform. I heard barking and a lot of talking outside my door so, of course, I had to go on the balcony to see what was happening. The poor security guy was trying to catch Jingles but he just kept barking and one of our neighbors was trying to lure him back in to his home. When I saw that things weren’t getting better I went inside and grabbed our building roster to call Katie. She was on her way home and as I hung up I looked out and Mike was walking across the field. Jingles was put back in his house and Katie was told at the gate that her dog was out. Whew, long but funny story and the perfect way to start a friendship.
Fast forward a year and the Hester family found their way to Fort Bliss. For those who don’t know Katie, she is superwoman. Her world revolves around her faith, her family, her military family, and the army. I don’t know how she does it but I am in constant awe of her devotion and energy. She needs that energy to keep up with Mike and Gus. Mike is, in his own words, “A grumpy old Colonel” (yes, I saw the interview at the El Paso Thanksgiving parade) who loves his family and works hard to keep Fort Bliss standing and connected to El Paso. His Boston upbringing shines through whenever you talk to him and he can make the most serious person laugh. Gus is always on the go and keeps his family on their toes and entertained. Gotta love ’em!
Katie got in touch with me about family photos as it had been several years since having them done. We were able to set a date when everyone was available and waited to see if the weather would cooperate. Texas is famous for its crazy weather and has not disappointed us as we can go from warm to windy to flurries in a 12 hour span. True story.
As the day arrived she was quick to warn me that her boys would be there under duress. Jingles is not included in this as he is just happy to be. I figured I would need a different kind of assistance so I brought my husband, Paul, along to not only help me with the photography side but to keep Mike company and hopefully, make him lose track of time. It worked. By the end of the session he was GQ Mike. I love it when that happens.
We stuck to Fort Bliss to capture the post and the Franklin Mountains. Old Fort Bliss Replica and Noel Field were witness to a lot of laughter and fun for this session. Warning… this is going to be long with a lot of images.
Poor Jingles had to climb up some logs and didn’t want to sit.
Like father like son.
I can only keep the boys in one place for a short time so I had them move so I could try something else. I absolutely love this spot and have used it in so many different ways. It looked like the perfect spot for a boy and his dog.
Waiting for Jingles.
“A boy and his dog make a glorious pair: no better friendship is found anywhere.”
~ Edgar Guest ~
Love! Love! Love!
This is Gus.
Unexpected candid moments are the best!
There is a lot of back and forth with individual, family, and couples shots but it’s the only way to keep a mutiny from happening. As much as I would love to share in groups I am too OCD (chronologically only). Not once did they question where I was placing them and they made it work. On to the weeds.
Jingles was listening to the bird (Paul loves making a bird sound).
I figured that Mike needed a break so he went off with Jingles while I had a mother and son moment.
“So there’s this boy… He kind of stole my heart. He calls me mom.”
I sent Gus off with Jingles and brought Mike back in to get some shots. These are some of my favorite shots and the only part that was staged was where they were sitting. The rest were candid moments of them interacting and the first one I shared can be seen here.
They started out with the standard Mike look and Katie smile…
I can only imagine.
Those smiles.
“I choose you. I’ll choose you over, and over, and over, without pause, without a doubt, in a heartbeat. I’ll keep choosing you.”
I didn’t want to push it so I suggested we move on to Noel Field to get let Gus and Jingles have some fun. They had a quick wardrobe change and then they were ready to really let loose.
Some quiet time while the boys play.
Boys playing.
He was having so much fun running.
“I’ll catch him.”
Under control.
Love.
Down they went.
She tackled Gus and down he went.
I wanted to get a few shots Gus and Jingles playing so Mike and Katie stood off to the side and waited. I had my zoom lens so that I could keep my distance and not distract them and that’s when perfection happened.
He tried to get him to sit or lie down, anything and it wasn’t happening.
Dad to the rescue.
Maybe not.
I had Mike take Jingles so I could try for some shots of Gus before bringing them all in.
Rolling, rolling rolling…
I thought about getting him up but this family is up for anything and before I knew what was happening they were on the ground with him and Jingles wasn’t feeling it.
Waiting on Jingles.
Photo bombed by Jingles.
Now to get his head up.
My favorite from this group can be seen here.
Gus was being Gus and when they were getting up he jumped on his dad. Katie couldn’t pass up the perfect moment to get them both. Now Jingles doesn’t want to move.
Before calling it quits I asked Katie if she wanted a shot of just her. She was all for it. The most shocking part of the session is what happened when I was done with her shots…
Beautiful lady.
Are you ready for the shocker… Yes, he asked for his own!!!!
You have no idea how much fun I had at this session. Thank you so much for trusting me to capture your family and freeze these moments in time. I know they mean the world to you and I hope you love the images as much as I do. You are a great family and I am honored to call you all friends.
Thank you, Paul, for helping me out with this session!
