Masthead header

I met the French family in the late 90’s when the kids were tiny and Annemarie was still baking.  We have met up a couple of times and this time around was extra special.  Their oldest is currently a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point.  Their girls are in high school and middle school.

Even though we lived on the same army post we only saw each other at promotion ceremonies or at the Tiki Bar on weekends.  I was lucky enough to be in attendance for Jeff’s promotion to Colonel with my camera.

CP4A0783

She mentioned that she would like to get family photos done but it would have to be coordinated with, not only all the family members but also mother nature.  It was a very long winter and she wanted green.

We finally came up with a date that worked for all and it was still a couple of weeks before we were to move to Texas.  We headed out to a beautiful location right where we all lived at Carlisle Barracks and fought off the annoying gnats to get some great shots.

CP4A4375Gorgeous family.

CP4A4399

CP4A4456

I went back and forth with the kids to give them each a break from the camera and my crazy location ideas.  I will start with the Kyle.  He was a good sport with the bugs flying all around him.

CP4A4430CP4A4438What a handsome young man.

The girls were ready for their turn and I love how easy they were to photograph.  Meet Sarah…

CP4A4446CP4A4469Beautiful.

Their youngest is a dancer with a beautiful personality.  Meet Annemarie…

CP4A4414CP4A4419Sweet angel face.

The three of them seem to have a great relationship.  I am sure that they have their moments but I spent two hours with them in the gnat infested area and they were amazing together.

CP4A4386

CP4A4412

They do have one more child.  Ellie must not be forgotten and I managed to get a couple of her before she tired of me and left.

CP4A4482CP4A4483

Kathy and Jeff are a beautiful and loving couple whom we all admire.  Their love radiates off of them and you can feel it when you are around them for any amount of time.  She is a “member” of what West Point calls the 2% club because she has been with Jeff since he started as a cadet at West Point.

CP4A4493“A true love story never ends.”

CP4A4494

Thank you so much, Jeff and Kathy, for asking me to photograph your beautiful family.  I am so happy that we were able to spend a year together at Carlisle and I truly hope that the Army will bring us all together again.  I especially need to thank my wonderful husband for assisting.  He kept us all laughing and did a wonderful job because, as he likes to say, “It’s all about the light.”. 

Siggy

I met Heather 10 years ago at Fort Leavenworth, KS.  Before moving to Carlisle Barracks I saw her picture on the Facebook page for our new location and kept telling my husband, “I know her but I can’t figure out from where.”  It drove me insane.  Upon our arrival we went to a social and she was there talking to my hubby.  I told her that she looked very familiar and it had been driving me crazy trying to figure out where I had met her.  She looked at me and said, “I was at your baby shower at Fort Leavenworth.”  Great!  I quickly blamed it on pregnancy brain and hoped for the best.

This place is small yet the only time I see them on post is at promotions.  We have been to several together.  At one of them, in the fall, as I was taking pictures, she asked me about my photography and if I shot seniors.  I LOVE to photograph seniors.  We discussed the possibility of doing this once spring and green grass came around again.  Who knew it would take forever to arrive.  It’s May.

I was watching the weather like a hawk because it was iffy.  Sure enough, the morning of the session it was foggy, chilly, and threatening rain.  We were working around crazy schedules and didn’t want to have to reschedule.  It worked and we were able to get some great shots of a handsome young man.

We headed out to a great location on post that I had recently discovered to start the fun.  When I picked them up she was excited and Zach was cooperative.  I promised her that by the end of the session he would be acting and posing like he was going to be in GQ.  The candid shots at the beginning are some of my favorite ones.

CP4A2112bwHis mom’s reaction… “This is soooo him!”

For me the beginning is all about getting him comfortable with the camera and my directions.  I want him to have fun and not feel like I am killing him.

CP4A2113What a great smile.

Now the fun really starts because it’s time to start moving around and finding different areas for some different looks.  No eye rolling or deep sighs coming from him so I was thinking that I could really get some great stuff out of him.  He did not disappoint.

CP4A2121He was already relaxed.

CP4A2134What attitude!  Love it.

I was done with this spot and it was time to move on to another section.  The best part about my find is that we parked and never had to get back in the car.  It was all in the same location.

CP4A2147Does anyone need a male model?

CP4A2153When did he grow up?

It was time to change again and head over to one of my favorite spots.  He had to carefully make his way there but you do what you must to get the shot.

CP4A2166This is one of my faves!

CP4A2174Time to take of the shoes.

CP4A2175Mom told him she should have taken him to get a pedicure.  I’m thinking, no.

CP4A2176There’s the Colgate smile.

CP4A2180Working on the sexy look.

CP4A2185New spot = new look.

I turned around and saw another spot that I knew would be perfect for Zach.  Hey, I let him put his shoes back on.

CP4A2195

CP4A2199I know he is loving this now.

CP4A2206How can you say no to this face?

CP4A2216Wow!  Just, WOW!

It was time to finally get back in the car and head to the soccer field for the shots he really wanted.  I was packing up when I looked over and said, “Just one more.  Sit here.”

CP4A2220What a great sport.

We headed out to Indian Field, still on Carlisle Barracks, to get his soccer photos.  We lucked out that the goals were still out on the field for an upcoming game.

CP4A2235Love this look!

CP4A2236In his comfort zone.

CP4A2237Ouch.

CP4A2240I got it!!

I have no words for the next few shots.  He looks amazing and, thankfully, proved me right.  GQ!

CP4A2261CP4A2255CP4A2258CP4A2274See what I mean?

None of this is possible without some great help.  I had my hubby out helping to make sure that Zach could be seen.  Heather was also a big help and made sure that Zach was looking good.  Zach was a big help just by being such a great cooperative model.

CP4A2190

Thank you so much for allowing me to photograph Zach before he heads off to Virginia Tech.  He is an amazing young man and will do great things with his life.  He is definitely not the 8 year old from Fort Leavenworth anymore.  I can’t believe we are all moving do different states again.  Enjoy the photos and, as we say in the Army, see you later.

CP4A2140 “Mothers hold their child’s hand for a moment and their heart for a lifetime.”

CP4A2141

Siggy

All of my sessions are special to me but this one means so much more emotionally.  I had the honor of photographing my nephew/godson over the Christmas holiday.  I had always hoped to do this but was not sure it would happen since we have moved around so much and are currently in Pennsylvania.  Brandon lives in South Texas (Rio Grande Valley) which is a good 1800 miles away.  As luck would have it we were able to make it home for a couple of weeks and worked in a session.  Where there is a will there is a way.  I carried my gear with me on the plane, had some packed in my luggage, and shipped a few things ahead of time.

I keep going back to “I can’t believe he is a senior!” mode and am not sure it’s real.  I may be in an alternate universe right now and will find my way back to my current reality soon.  Sherri was 8 months pregnant when Paul and I got married and I know we are not old enough to have an 18 year old nephew.  It is just that simple.

Brandon has always been a natural in front of the camera.  I think it’s because my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law were constantly taking pictures of him.  He was the only grandchild in my husband’s family for several years and they loved to take pictures.  To this day it’s hard to get a shot of him not smiling.  One of my goals with this session was to get a variety of expressions.

So much has changed back home that I had no idea where to go for this session.  Sherri, his mom and my sister-in-law, asked for suggestions on Facebook and had a great list going by the time we arrived.  We decided on a popular location in a neighboring city, the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse.  It has several interesting areas for photos and luckily we arrived hours before other local photographers.

A few days prior to the session I went through his closet with him to see if a shopping trip was needed.  Brandon is an awesome tennis player and his wardrobe showed that he lives in his tennis attire.  Sherri and I headed out to find some other types of clothes.  We do what we must for our children.

The day arrived and Brandon showed up at his grandparent’s house (where we were staying) with tons of clothes for me to go through again.  It didn’t take long to get it all sorted out and a few outfits chosen.  With that done we were able to load the cars with clothes and assistants and head out for this very special session.

I decided to stop off at his high school on the way out.  I have to add that he is a student at Memorial High which is the wrong school.  Well, it’s wrong to us since his mom, uncle, and yours truly all went to McHi.

Class_Of_2014-2He attends our rival school.

Class_Of_2014-4The future…

A few days before the session Brandon asked if I would be willing to take a few shots of his girlfriend, Betzey.  She just wanted a few good shots for her senior year.  She is a sweet and beautiful young lady.

That would be the school mascot with Betzey.

That would be the school mascot with Betzey.

A natural beauty.

A natural beauty.

This is the first of many images of them together.  They are so sweet together and I love the way they interact.  As the session was ending my hubby, Paul, told them that they are not allowed to break up because we are not going to be removing anyone from the photos.  My response was, “What do you mean WE?”.

Mustangs

All of that time spent searching for the perfect clothes, ironing and I have Brandon wear one of Paul’s white t-shirts.

We were done with the school and headed out to find the Pumphouse.  None of us thought to do a recon of the location before hand and took off with Paul’s directions.  We took a few detours but eventually found our location.  I had both of them change and since Betzey finished first I started with her.

Class_Of_2014-13Class_Of_2014-15grin

Brandon was ready so we moved on to our next location.  It doesn’t look like much but I saw its potential.

Beauty is everywhere.  You just have to open your eyes.

Beauty is everywhere. You just have to open your eyes.

Don

What a handsome young man he has become.

Some of his expressions are priceless.

Some of his expressions are priceless.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt

It

It’s all about the boots.

I get some ideas that make others look at me like I have lost my mind.  Luckily, Brandon is kind enough to not look at me that way and just go with the flow.  I did find out that he is not fond of heights but he loves his Aunt Mel so much that he climbed up to the top without any complaints.

Class_Of_2014-35

I was done with this location and it was time to move on to the next area.  It’s a good thing that we had a gorgeous Texas day because I had them remove their shoes for some water shots.

Cold toesies.

Cold toesies.

 Class_Of_2014-48Class_Of_2014-39

I love when they are goofy.

I love when they are goofy.

It was now time to let their toes thaw out so we grabbed our stuff and headed to the next spot.

A model in the making.

A model in the making.

Betzey was so much fun to be around and up for anything.

Betzey was so much fun to be around and up for anything.

 

"Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" Dr. Seuss

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” Dr. Seuss

She was twirling for me.

She was twirling for me.

 

Photo bomb!

Photo bomb!

Class_Of_2014-60

I quickly realized that I had no close ups of Brandon so I found a spot that would allow me to focus in on his handsome face.

Waiting.

Waiting.

His smile is so perfect that I have a hard time distinguishing between real and forced.

His smile is so perfect that I have a hard time distinguishing between real and forced.

Class_Of_2014-63

I adore this look.

He is up to no good.

I had all of the close ups I needed (there are many more that I didn’t post here) and it was time for a change of outfits so I decided to have a little fun as they were heading back to the car.

So innocent.

So innocent.

She apparently walks too slow.

She apparently walks too slow.

What?

What?

Sweetness.

Sweetness.

It

It’s still all about the boots.

They changed into their sporting attire to finish off the session.  Brandon is the captain of the tennis team and Betzey is a cheerleader.  Very fitting couple.

Sherri was a cheerleader in high school and was also my details assistant for the session.

Sherri was a cheerleader in high school and was also my details assistant for the session.

Class_Of_2014-95Class_Of_2014-98

District Champs

District Champs

Class_Of_2014-92

This is how it

This is how it’s done…after he lowers it a bit so that it’s on the grass.

Class_Of_2014-107

Way to go, Brandon!

Way to go, Brandon!

I love this image.  It is so rare to capture him with a serious look.

I love this image. It is so rare to capture him with a serious look.

Class_Of_2014-106

These two are so much fun to watch.  They were comfortable around the camera and just having some fun.

He claimed that he could lift her.

He claimed that he could lift her.

This was a bit smoother and not as dangerous.

This was a bit smoother and not as dangerous.

So much for giving him a quick peck on the cheek.

So much for giving him a quick peck on the cheek.

That

That’s better.

This was unexpected and I am so glad I caught it.

This was unexpected and I am so glad I caught it.

Crazy kid.

Crazy kid.

I wish I knew.

I wish I knew.

The perfect pair.

The perfect pair.

Back to a mild form of seriousness.  Well, as much as is possible with these two.

A sweet moment.

A sweet moment.

Class_Of_2014-120

Class_Of_2014-114

My favorite moment was when I talked his mom into taking a picture with her oldest baby.  I love the bond between these two.

There has never been, nor will there ever be, anything quite so special as the love between a mother and a son.

There has never been, nor will there ever be, anything quite so special as the love between a mother and a son.

I hope you have enjoyed the photos.  I am beyond thrilled that I was able to be there long enough to get this done and glad that I had the opportunity to meet Betzey and photograph her.  She is a sweet young lady and I am sure that she will go on to do great things.  As for Brandon, he is a wonderful young man and I am proud to call him my nephew and godson.   I can’t wait to see how this new chapter in his life will unfold.  Elmo loves you very much!

 “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.  Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.  And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”

Steve Jobs

Siggy

  • edward stclair - I would like prices us 8 x 10’s and 5 x 7s
    These are the shots im interested in
    *Some of these expressions are priceless
    *I love when they are goofy
    *He is up to no good
    *I love this image. It is so rare
    *This is a bit smootherReplyCancel

I had no idea what was going to happen with our lives when I signed my daughter, Karina, up for riding lessons.  I met a woman with a heart of gold and her wonderful family.  Karen quickly became a friend to me and “mom” to Karina.  Needless to say, I was thrilled when she asked me to take their family photos.  Unfortunately, Karen’s son, Lance, was unable to be here for the session.  She had hoped to be able to get this done with him in the photos but the Army had a different idea and I was moving cross country in just a couple of weeks.  She was extremely sad that it didn’t work out and I really wish I had been able to accommodate her wishes.

Karen taught Karina discipline, responsibility, and, most importantly, that horses can love unconditionally.  Her daughter, Tehya, was always kind to Karina, took her under her wing and showed her what it would be like to have a big sister.  Her son, Kayleb, was a typical boy only wanting to annoy.  I wish that we had more time together.

They have 4 beautiful horses who all have different strengths when teaching kids and adults.  Haylee loves her boys and hugs.  She has to get her hug before a ride or it won’t be very pleasant.  Diva, well, her name says it all.  She can read you like a book so make sure that you know exactly what you want when you are on her.  Before you know it you could be in a cantor and jumping over obstacles.  Emma is a firecracker.  Everyone thinks that since she is a pony and small she is the calmest one .  Not so much.  She loves to go fast and if get her around rocks she turns into a mountain goat.  Av8r is the baby of the family and Emma’s saving grace.  After her loss she wanted nothing to do with anyone.  It was heartbreaking to see such a vibrant and loving pony quit.  Thanks to some wonderful volunteers and donors they were able to have Av8r, an orphaned foal, transported from Kentucky to California.  He helped bring Emma back and loves people.  He seems to be under the impression that he is a lap horse.

Karen has a love for horses that rubs off on anyone around her.  The love between Karen and her babies is very clear when seen together.

IMG_1805You can see the love.

Her kids have been lucky enough to grow up with horses and it looks like they are taking after their mom.

IMG_1776Tehya is always resting on Diva.

IMG_1802Love his comfort.

IMG_1756You can’t help but fall in love with Emma.

When I first met them, their pony, Emma, was pregnant.  Unfortunately, Emma’s filly didn’t make it and she went into a depression.  Meet Av8r, Emma’s adopted colt and everyone’s favorite baby.

IMG_1745Av8r is very loved.

IMG_1828So loved.

Karen’s cousin, Kathleen, and her husband were visiting and joined in on the photography fun.  Not only was she with her husband but she also managed to get in some images with the sweet Emma.

IMG_1840Newlyweds…

IMG_1750“Friends are forever but cousins are for life.”

The family images were some of my favorites.  I had to take full advantage of the willingness of the kids to get these done.

IMG_1846Sassy girl and studly boy.

IMG_1817Haylee is such a beauty.

Like I said, the kids were very cooperative so I went with moment.

IMG_1865They weren’t too sure when I told them to do this but it worked!

IMG_1871A beautiful girl inside and out.

IMG_1875This kid makes me laugh.

Not to be outdone, the men got in on the fun.  They did their best at looking cool.

IMG_1879Not bad.

IMG_1880Much better.

I can’t leave out my favorite couple of the morning…

IMG_1851-2Perfect!

IMG_1855Awwww.

Emma came to the Stafford family with a colt.  8 months old at the time Buster was quite the handful.  Luckily, a wonderful friend, Christina, was more than happy to adopt Buster and start getting him in line.  She has done a wonderful job and he made it into the photo session.

IMG_1892Typical brothers fighting for mom’s attention.

IMG_1893I don’t care if you’re bigger than me.  She was my mom first!

IMG_1895Mom wins again.

This session was done at two different times.  We started in the morning and then continued in the late afternoon at a different location.  Here are some random images from the morning session.

IMG_1720Getting Av8r ready for picture day.

IMG_1738Emma giving Av8r some last minute instructions.  She knows what to do when there is a camera in front of her.

IMG_1833Everyone has a job to do.

IMG_1881Headed back to the barn.

The second location was a bit more difficult to get to for the horses.  They had to be ridden to the area so Av8r missed out but Dusty, Christina’s other horse and Buster’s step brother, made it out for the late session.  I absolutely love the rocks and natural light.  We started out with a family shot and took off from there with the different ideas aimlessly running through my head.  I will mention that this portion was definitely more riding oriented.  Most images were taken on a horse.

IMG_1909I just love this family.

IMG_2000Gorgeous!

IMG_1931Tehya on her girl, Diva.

IMG_1966Mother and son.

IMG_2038Something a little different.

No, I haven’t forgotten anyone.  Keith did get on a horse but I have to work up to those.  I looked over and I see Kathleen helping Keith get onto Dusty.  I absolutely love the following images.

IMG_1987Step 1 ~ Foot in stirrup.

IMG_1988Step 2 ~ Push!

IMG_2001Step 3 ~ Adjust.

IMG_2008I would say it was worth every step for this shot.

IMG_2026So very worth it.

The kids were pretty much done with pictures so while the adults continued riding and smiling they went off to do their own thing.  Kayleb ended up with Emma and having to pick up her messes.  She kept knocking stuff off of the table.

IMG_1990Stinker.

IMG_2049I love that they were all ready for the camera.

IMG_2067Best friends.

IMG_2081

IMG_2076I see a smile.

IMG_2078Love.

Needless to say, this was one of the hardest blogs for me to write.  I spent a lot of time with this family and shared in their happiness and loss.  It was a wonderful time and I am so glad that we had the time together that we did.  Anyone who is lucky enough to meet and spend time with them will come out better and with a new appreciation for horses and all that they give back.  I miss them and my barn time.

Thank you for asking me to capture your extended family and especially for your friendship.

Siggy

  • Karen Stafford - What an amazing photographer and writer as well. I couldn’t get past the first paragraph without teary eyes. Melinda you are so talented! You are also, and even more importantly, one of the best friends anyone could ask for. I feel so blessed for the time we shared from watching Karina learn, to watching the circle of life, to capturing our family moments, and everything in between. Our photos shoot posed some of the most obstacles a photographer could imagine and you met every one with a smile and imagination that made the best of things. The photos you captured are amazing and I will treasure them always! One day you will have to come see us again and when you do maybe we can also do a full family shoot with our son Lance as well. He is the one thing missing in our photos to make our family shoot complete. Thank you so very much for these memories captured!ReplyCancel

  • Kat Nelson (Karen's Sis) - These pictures are so fantastic!!!! I have never seen more natural smiles on the kids in pictures. Everyone looks so good, so happy and relaxed. The poses express who they are perfectly too. LOVE your talent. Thanks for taking such great pictures of my family.ReplyCancel