gussman family

I met Lacie on my birthday at a friend’s house.  She had recently seen the photo book I had made of the McFarland family session and mentioned that she may want to get some photos taken of her family.  I didn’t see Lacie for some time after that evening.

My daughter started to play with a cute little girl in our neighborhood and I quickly realized that it was Lacie’s daughter, Lilly.  Once summer arrived our girls started to play a lot more and the topic of a photo session came up again.

We found out we were moving and the session plan went into high gear.  Due to the training schedule here at Fort Irwin, CA we had to make sure that her husband (Air Force) could get away for a couple of hours.  The stars lined up for us and he was able to come in and join the rest of the family.

Beautiful family.

We started out in the open field behind our homes, yes, there is grass in the desert, and somehow managed to keep the kids focused and clean.

The sweetest faces…

There was a large bird flying and he kept pointing to it and telling us to look at the Eagle.

What is going on here?

Shhh.  Just look at the camera and smile.

Such a happy baby.

Sisters are forever friends.

I was trying to get his attention so she decided to help.

Little girls love pretty flowers.

Since Edward is at an age where he gets bored quickly I had dad take him away to hang out and play until they were needed again.

I can only imagine what he is telling his daddy.

I called them back so that I could get some images of Ed with the kids.  They were all so cooperative and cute.

She was staring at the flowers.

We finished off in the grassy area and loaded up our cars to head out to our next location.  There is an area on Fort Irwin that I had seen before and Lacie’s outfit made me want to go there for their photos.  You never know where your inspiration will come from and you just have to go with it.

I am starting to lose their interest.

This got their attention.

He is now refusing to even look my way.

She is also done.

Once we were done I had an idea that I was hoping Ed would be willing to do.  I lucked out and he was game.  We loaded up the kids and I shot as quickly as possible since the kids were wiggly.

What a great daddy… Wait, where’s mommy?

There she is!

In case you are wondering where these images were taken it was at one of the ranges used during the day.  They have that great wood wall that was a perfect backdrop.  By this point the kids were getting restless again so I had them run around and play.  It made for some great action shots of kids being kids.

They are off and running!

Pure joy.

Daddy showing them how to jump.

I love that she held his hand to help.

Once they had released some energy it was time for some special mom and dad time so Lilly was in charge of the two littles.  Not to worry, Katie, my awesome assistant, was there as well to help out as needed.  It’s a good thing because Lilly didn’t look too thrilled.

What a look.

It was worth it since these two were wonderful in front of the camera and I was able to capture so many special moments.  All I would do is tell them where to sit or stand and the rest was natural.  Amazing!

I love the way he looks at her.

It was finally Lacie’s turn with her babies and it was another easy and natural process.

I wanted to try and get Edward with Maria before the end of our session but he was done with me and my camera so I shot what I could and was able to get a couple more of Maria, she is the one who can’t get away.

We didn’t do it.

Still happy.

Thank you Gussman family for asking me to capture some special moments for you.  I had a wonderful time and hope that you are as happy with the images as I am.