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I have had a tough time deciding on how to start this blog because I am in complete awe of this young man who is about to go off and do some amazing things with his life.  He is a great student, athlete, and person.  He is, as a friend said on this image, “our All American in every way”.

It just so happens that Jakob and his family have lived across the street from us for 2 years.  I knew that he was a runner but if you were to see his family you would automatically know that they are all runners.  I run vicariously through them and I wouldn’t have it any other way. .

This year my 6th grader was having trouble in math after missing a few days due to an illness and we were unable to help her (she didn’t want our help).  Jakob began tutoring her in the evenings after his track practice.  He had his own homework and responsibilities but he was always here when she needed him and with a smile.  He was patient and she loved having him here helping her.  We can never thank him enough for his assistance.

I had secretly hoped that I would get to do his senior photos and was jumping for joy (inside) when Yvonne asked me before Christmas.  Our only obstacles were the weather and his schedule.  He is one busy senior.  Once we the date we needed the location.  For some reason they like to run up McKelligan Canyon so I figured that would be a great place to start.  I will begin with one of my favorite images from the canyon.

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CP4A7683It’s not easy getting a shot of him not smiling.

CP4A7668I do love his smile.  It’s infectious.

CP4A7679It was fitting that the rays of light were always on him.

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We finished in this area and started walking up the canyon some more.  I have only been to the amphitheater so I was just looking for spots with possibilities.  Done!

CP4A7716Had to stop on the steps before continuing on.

CP4A7720CP4A7721“I’m getting in touch with my softer side.”

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I wanted to get some shots of him moving so I sent him on up ahead of us.  This makes me teary thinking of the very near future as he prepares to start a new chapter in his life.  However, he had us laughing as he came back towards us.  All I told him to do was act like he was talking to his friends.

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It was time to move on to our next location but as we were walking back down the trail I saw something and had one of my brilliant ideas.  “See this slope?  Carefully lie down with your arms relaxed in front of you.”

CP4A7754Mom had to help.

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Next we were off to Chapin High School to take some photos on the track.  We arrived and realized that due to construction we couldn’t get to the track without going inside the building.  Not going to happen on a Sunday.  For a split second Yvonne and I thought about jumping the fence, not that high, but were reminded by the 18 year old that it wouldn’t be a good idea.  So, the track would have to wait for another day and I decided to use the school’s courtyard as a backdrop instead.

I mentioned at the beginning that Jakob is quite the runner.  He’s our track star and has the medals to prove it.  He brought them along so we could incorporate them in some images.  My favorite from this group is on my Facebook page.  Did I mention that he has broken records?  Well, he has.

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CP4A7778_BWUSATF Junior Olympic All American

Track Nationals    Summer 2015    Jacksonville, FL

Cross Country Nationals    December 2015    Albuquerque, NM

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It was time for another wardrobe change and a few more shots before finishing up for the day.

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J- I just want to bite it.

M- So bite it.

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Just a couple of more images before heading home with two very hungry passengers.  I always have to get a shot the parent who has come along with the senior and I think Jakob may have misunderstood the intent of the image.  Nah, it’s just a mom and a son with an amazing relationship.

CP4A7849“The most precious jewels you’ll ever have around your neck are the arms of your son.”

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Fast forward 4 days and we are at the Chapin High School track for his final images.  I had my friend, Kris, with me for assistance and we had a good laugh making our way through the gym side of the school to get to the track.  I had forgotten that lovely smell after a practice.  Luckily, we would be outside on a beautiful day with a slight breeze that would become a cold wind as the session progressed.  Jakob was cooperative and smiling as long as I kept him running.  One of my favorites from the track can be seen here.

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I threw him off when I asked him to stand and start from the number one instead of on the line.  Again, I am not and never have been a runner.

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The wind was strong and had a bit to it by this point and it’s when I had him stop running and sit still.  He kept on smiling for me.  I love this kid.

CP4A8119He couldn’t stop laughing.

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Just like that we were done.  As we were getting our stuff together I asked him what time they lock up and did they know we were still out on the field.  He didn’t know the answer and you can see by his posture he was in a hurry to get there to find out.

CP4A8146CP4A8151Doors he checked were locked.  I got a quick shot of him while Kris went to check the door we came out of…success!

Thank you, Yvonne, for asking me to do this for you.  I had such a good time with you both and Jakob is such a kind and gracious young man.  I look forward to finding out where he decides to go to college.  He has a few offers on the table but has not yet made a decision.  We are all waiting for the big announcement later this month.  I’m sure he will succeed wherever he chooses to go.  I will miss you all and hope to run into you again.

“You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

You’re on your own and you know what you know.

You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

~ Dr. Seuss ~

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Siggy

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  • Dolores Loza - You did fantastic on my grandson’s pictures.ReplyCancel

My latest family is friends with another family I recently photographed. You may have seen them HERE. She contacted me about a session that she wanted to get done before the holidays. It was probably the easiest session ever when it came to finding a day to meet up. It was also amazing weather and we all know that is hit or miss around here. There were some serious wind storms leading up to their session but it cleared up just in time.

As Karin and I were talking we put some pieces together and it turns out she works with my neighbor and I have photographed quite a few from the Combat Aviation Brigade.  Sheldon was active duty at one time but decided to get our of the Army and go back to school.  He now has a GS job and sure does look happy.

She loved the look of the Heinrich Park/Hitt Canyon Trail so that was our meeting spot.

The kids were cute and so fun to photograph. Little miss made us work for every smile, when we could get one, but her eyes speak volumes. Little man had a million different facial expressions at the ready. I can’t wait for you all to see the images of this great family.  I know you will find yourself smiling like I did as I put this together.

CP4A4252Clara wanted nothing to do with me or my camera.  She was very cautious.

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We moved on down the trail to take advantage of the gorgeous East side sunset.  The first family image from that spot is HERE.

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I have a stuffed reindeer with a bells that kids seem to love so we brought it out to get some smiles.  Well, Clara loved the reindeer and held on tight.

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CP4A4285He tried to get it but one look and he kept on walking.

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Since she seemed to have warmed up to me a bit I thought it would be a good time to try and get Warren and Clara together.  It sort of worked.  One thing was definite…she did not want to be touched and he knows when to keep his distance.

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Since Mom was right there next to them and they wanted to stay close to her I went ahead and got a couple of them all together.

CP4A4308CP4A4314That look…

Since Warren wanted to look around I followed him (from a distance) to get some shots of just him.  His personality shines through and I shared one HERE.

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Little miss hung out with mom while she waited her turn.  I went ahead and decided to try for some Dad and kids shots.

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During the daddy daughter shots Warren had a bit of an accident and got a boo-boo so mommy did her thing.

CP4A4358Doing what mommies do.

CP4A4406CP4A4410CP4A4408CP4A4411CP4A4407“You’ll be his first kiss, his first love, his first friend.  You are his momma and he is your whole world.  He is your little boy.”

It was time to give the kids a break so Yvonne, my great assistant, went off with the kids so I could get Mom and Dad alone.

CP4A4370CP4A4374CP4A4378CP4A4386CP4A4389“They told me that to make her fall in love, I had to make her laugh, but every time she laughs, I’m the one that falls more in love.”

While the kids were playing with Yvonne they found some mini “pumpkins” to pick.  It seems that, like most things in the El Paso desert, there were stickies on these so Yvonne had to clean them before letting the kids collect them to show mom and dad.

CP4A4393CP4A4421Still looking for more mini “pumpkins”.

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Mommy daughter photos are so different from daddy son photos.

CP4A4417CP4A4418CP4A4423CP4A4424CP4A4425“The love between a mother and daughter is forever.”

CP4A4431CP4A4438CP4A4440CP4A4441CP4A4442CP4A4447This may not end well.

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I wanted to get these little ones up close so I had to tell them about the magic lens.  It worked.

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Time to head back up the hill and go home.  The kids were ready and I’m sure mom and dad were, too.

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It was time to head home from another successful family session.  I sure hope that ya’ll had as much fun as we did.  Yvonne and I are still talking about Warren’s favorite saying  when getting ready to smile… “Cheesy cheese ball head.”  Enjoy your images and thank you so much for asking me to help capture your family’s personality.

Siggy

Thank you for your help, Yvonne.  You rock!!

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Every summer there is a mass exodus on military installations. That is the most popular time to move in order to cause as little disruption as possible to school age kids. A year and a half ago we were a part of this craziness along with our neighbors. We moved in next to each other a few weeks apart and will probably be here together for a bit longer.

I have mentioned before as to how nerve wracking it is to move and wait to see who your new neighbors are and hope that you will all get along. We lucked out with amazing families next door to us. I have already told you all about one side and you can find her story here. On the other side is the Combs family. They have an amazingly beautiful daughter who is graduating from high school this year. Her older brother is in his Sophomore year of college so we are about to live next door to empty nesters. I can’t even imagine what is going through their minds as the time nears.

Not sure as to where Penelope will end up for college but I know that she is not following in the footsteps of her parents, her brother, and her boyfriend. There is no United States Military Academy in her future. However, she is hoping for the East Coast. Wherever she ends up going I know she will do amazing things with her life. This young lady is as beautiful inside as she is on the outside.

We had to reschedule her session due to weather, thanks to some unseasonable wind and rain, and that affected our 3rd location idea because it fell into Thanksgiving break and crazy traffic.  We kept two locations and they were perfect for what she was looking for and I hope she agrees once she sees her photo journey in El Paso.

Heinrich Park/Hitt Canyon Trail was our first stop and just happens to be one of her dad’s cycling trails.  We were headed down the trail when I saw the perfect spot for with a gorgeous mountain backdrop.

CP4A3617CP4A3624CP4A3621Such a natural beauty.

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I could go on forever with photos from this one spot.  We finally continued our trek down to the valley (that’s what I like to call this area) for more amazingness.  Did I ever mention I like to make up words to fit my images?

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One thing Penelope told me was that she didn’t necessarily want green in the images.  I can do that!  She said that she has plenty of images with green grass, trees, etc.  She wanted it to be representative of her time here in the West Texas desert.  She wanted cacti and the dryness that is El Paso.  Luckily, I know exactly where to find all of this in one comfy spot.

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With this request filled I asked her to move behind all of the pokey stuff and she was game.  My absolute favorite from this location can be found HERE.

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Penelope’s boyfriend, Kraig, we in town for Thanksgiving break.  She asked if I could get him in the photos with her at some point.  Now, doesn’t this look like the perfect time and spot?  My thoughts exactly.

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Back to work.  Time to get her up and moving.  Again, so many to choose from to share with y’all.  Here we go…

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Anyone who knows this family knows that her mom LOVES to be in pictures.  I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get them together.  When I saw the results I refused to let them see and told them they would have to wait.  Here you go!

CP4A3688“A daughter is someone you laugh with, dream with, and love with all your heart.”CP4A3691

 We moved on to the field next to us and I was excited when the sun peeked through the clouds.  The first image was Penelope just messing around and the look made me think of the 60’s.

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Her mom has her own posing style and Penelope went for it and gave a Polyxeni pose.

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P E R F E C T

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As we were about to head back up to go to our next location I looked up and saw the amazing sky.  I sent Penelope up without us to get the sky as our backdrop.  My favorite image from this group is HERE.

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Sunset was still a ways off but the mountains hide it from those of us who live on the east side.  It worked out for us as we were able to get a quick shot before leaving.

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Needless to say, we were walking back to the car and I saw the allergy bush (that’s what I call it) and wanted to get her next to it.  I love the one I posted on my PAGE.

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We finally made it to my car to head over to the Scenic Overlook where you can see El Paso and Mexico which was also one of her backdrop requests.  We made it out there before sunset but kept going once the sun was gone.  Most of you have already seen one of the first images from this new location HERE.  There were a ton of folks at the overlook and Penelope was the perfect model and did her thing.

CP4A3778The border crossing is to her right.  A red X marks the spot.

CP4A3782CP4A3784CP4A3785Wow!  Just, wow!

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Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  I had such a great time with this session.  Penelope was amazing and not once did she complain or stop smiling.  I love watching her with her mom and hope that I can have that kind of relationship with my daughter.  You truly are a special family and I am so grateful to have you as my neighbors and friends.  I know that you will miss your baby girl but I’m sure you can’t wait to see her spread her wings and fly.

CP4A3811“This is the part where you find out who you are.”

Siggy

Thank you, Kraig, for assisting me with Penelope’s session.  You were a big part of some of her beautiful images.

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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.

CP4A3323Poor Jingles had to climb up some logs and didn’t want to sit.

CP4A3340Like 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.

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Waiting for Jingles.

CP4A3350“A boy and his dog make a glorious pair: no better friendship is found anywhere.”

~ Edgar Guest ~

CP4A3357Love! Love! Love!

CP4A3362This is Gus.

CP4A3366CP4A3373Unexpected candid moments are the best!

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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.

CP4A3400_BWJingles was listening to the bird (Paul loves making a bird sound).

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I figured that Mike needed a break so he went off with Jingles while I had a mother and son moment.

CP4A3412“So there’s this boy… He kind of stole my heart.  He calls me mom.”CP4A3418

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.

CP4A3424They started out with the standard Mike look and Katie smile…

CP4A3429CP4A3433I can only imagine.

CP4A3434CP4A3435Those smiles.

CP4A3438“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.”

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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.

CP4A3442Some quiet time while the boys play.

CP4A3454Boys playing.

CP4A3455He was having so much fun running.

CP4A3456“I’ll catch him.”

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CP4A3473Under control.

CP4A3468CP4A3492Love.

CP4A3494Down they went.

CP4A3496She 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.

CP4A3500CP4A3507CP4A3511He tried to get him to sit or lie down, anything and it wasn’t happening.

CP4A3514Dad to the rescue.

CP4A3516Maybe not.

I had Mike take Jingles so I could try for some shots of Gus before bringing them all in.

CP4A3518CP4A3523Rolling, rolling rolling…

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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.

CP4A3543CP4A3553Waiting on Jingles.

CP4A3555Photo bombed by Jingles.

CP4A3564Now to get his head up.

CP4A3569CP4A3579My 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.

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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…

CP4A3589CP4A3592Beautiful lady.

Are you ready for the shocker… Yes, he asked for his own!!!!

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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.

Siggy

Thank you, Paul, for helping me out with this session!

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