stafford family

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.

You 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.

Tehya is always resting on Diva.

Love his comfort.

You 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.

Av8r is very loved.

So 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.

Newlyweds…

“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.

Sassy girl and studly boy.

Haylee is such a beauty.

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

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

A beautiful girl inside and out.

This kid makes me laugh.

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

Not bad.

Much better.

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

Perfect!

Awwww.

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.

Typical brothers fighting for mom’s attention.

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

Mom 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.

Getting Av8r ready for picture day.

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

Everyone has a job to do.

Headed 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.

I just love this family.

Gorgeous!

Tehya on her girl, Diva.

Mother and son.

Something 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.

Step 1 ~ Foot in stirrup.

Step 2 ~ Push!

Step 3 ~ Adjust.

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

So 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.

Stinker.

I love that they were all ready for the camera.

Best friends.

I see a smile.

Love.

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.