dreamland with jenny and her boys

So very first thing that happened when I pulled out my camera at the start of this shoot and asked to get a picture of the two brothers together was they immediately cuddled up to each other close, wrapped their arms around one another so sweetly, and flashed me these smiles that made my heart break all over the place. That's when I knew this session would be an absolute dream. And it was. There's something about the way these images turned out that have a special ethereal, dream-like quality that is just so perfectly fitting for how being with this family felt. Gosh I love film. And how these boy love their mama! With good reason, too. Jenny is warm and gentle with her love for her family. Her kind willingness and enthusiasm for every. single. pose I suggested during the session was the stuff photographer's dreams are made of. There's that word again: dream dream dreamy!

Mamiya 645 ProTL, Canon eos3, fuji 400h, kodak tri-x

david miller (and family!) of alpine film lab

Having David Miller of Alpine Film Lab (the lab I use for all my processing and developing) ask me to do a family session for him was basically the highlight of my film shooting experience thus far. Hands down. And can I just say that I have a small crush on this family? Because I do. I thought I was going to be a nervous stress wreck the whole time- knowing that David is an amazing film photographer himself and would be developing the film and thus seeing alllll the frames I shot (for better or for worse). In fact, this is the guy who actually first taught me how to even shoot film. Anything I know about my camera, technically speaking, is thanks to him. So no pressure at all shooting his family, right?! But surprisingly, this session was probably one of the most relaxed and flat-out fun sessions I've ever shot. Still not sure how that happened but I'm thinking it had a lot do to with how amazing these guys are together. They are the coolest and so mellow. All the expectations and pressure I was putting on myself just melted away and, before I knew it, our time together was over and I was left wishing I had brought lots more film just so I could keep hanging out with these four.

Mamiya 645 ProTL, Canon eos3, Fuji 400h, Kodak Tri-x

the taylor family's light

I first met Jalene about 18 months ago when I first started dabbling in photography and hired her to teach me how to use Lightroom. So you can imagine my excitement when, a few months ago, she asked me to do a family session for her! Jalene is one of the best (and busiest!) wedding photographers in Utah. She is lovely to the core. Soft-spoken, unassuming, and genuine. The love she holds for her little family is inspiring. The Taylor's happiness and contentment together just radiate outwards so much so that being around them makes you feel surprisingly peaceful and at home. Thank you, Taylor family, for letting me into your beautiful circle of joy for an evening.

Mamiya 645 proTL, canon eos3, fuji 400h, kodak tri-x

softness, silliness, and patience at the lake

I'm so, so glad I got to meet the Evans family. Both Nic and Whitney are amazing parents. I loved witnessing the gentleness and kindness they hold for one another. The boys adore their dad- and for good reason. He was so patient and sweet with each one of them. And, of course, was just the right amount of goofy and fun also. And when cute baby Grey cried for basically the whole session, Nic and Whitney just rolled with it so gracefully and kept their cool. Instead of getting overwhelmed, they simply hugged him and comforted him- never once seeming stressed or anxious about it. Few parents could do that.

And all those boys! Just watching them interact with each other, help each other, and encourage each other- all the while holding fishing poles and fishing nets- it made me feel like I had stepped inside a Norman Rockwell painting. When I asked the second oldest to think of something that makes him happy as I was taking his portrait, he told me he had thought of his youngest brother. And that's when my heart melted into a puddle on the ground. Again.

Thanks for letting me be a part of your wonderfulness for an evening, Evans family.

Mamiya 645, canon eos 3, fuji 400h, kodak tri-x

learning about love and happiness from the ahlstroms

I first had the pleasure of photographing the Ahlstrom family last year. I love that they asked me to be their photographer again. There's so much I can say about this team. They are the total definition of LOVE. Eden and Britain are exactly one year apart and the sweetest of friends. They skip around talking about all things girly and searching for acorns. Man, they loved finding those acorns. And boy do they know how to have FUN! When I was thinking about possible locations for their session, I just knew we had to come to this park because it has a little hidden amphitheater and a stage. I remembered from last year's session that the girls love dancing and are experts at "posing." And, just as I thought, the stage was a huge hit with them! Cuties to the max.

And then there's Russell and Shyla. I adore them. They are just flat out loving and kind to each other every single second. Sneaking little pecks in between photos and soft giggles. So wonderful to see and feel just a small portion of the quiet love they share. And the calm, patient way they are with their girls? It's just the cherry on top!

I walked away from my time spent with these four feeling better about life and wanting to be more like them. Thank you, Ahlstrom family.

Mamiya 645, canon eos, fuji 400h, kodak tri-x

Jenna and love at the beach

Jenna is from the San Francisco Bay Area. I first met her at the Yan Fam Way workshop in Salt Lake City last spring. During introductions, when she described herself as a "go big or go home" type of personality, someone who does something 110% once she puts her mind to it, I knew we were made for each other. Jenna is an amazing photographer and, since April, she and I have been each other's secret film photography cheerleaders- at least that's how I like to imagine it! I was beyond excited when Jenna asked me to come out to California and photograph her family. And was I so thrilled that everything could come together to make it happen! The stars had aligned and with not a cloud in the sky, we enjoyed a dreeeeeamy evening at the beach with her family.

Mamiya 645, Canon eos3, Fuji 400h, Kodak Tri-x

wild flower girls

With just a few weeks until baby girl #2 makes her big arrival into our family, I've been feeling a little apprehensive about adding another babe into the mix and still being able to successfully juggle everything in my life. But then I spent a golden evening with these three. Little London and Lucy were darling, emotional, and silly. And, most importantly, they loved their mama and each other. And that's when I caught a small glimpse of the possibilities for my own future with two little girly girls. The anxiety and fear was replaced with peace and excitement. Their lovely mama, Brecca, is an amazing mother. I loved getting to watch how she both played with them and took the little emotional meltdowns in stride. At one point, while consoling a sobbing London, she comforted her by lovingly assuring her that she could just get all her sad feelings out right then and there. Brecca won huge mama respect points from me with that one and, sure enough, the tears passed and the fun continued. (I always assure parents that meltdowns during photo sessions are totally fine!- and sometimes make for some great photos!)

From flower crowns and flowy dresses to swim suits, popsicles, and blowing bubbles, these wild flower girls are the perfect mix of sweet and sassy. I hope my own little family of girls will be just like them someday.

Mamiya645, canon eos3, fuji 400h, kodak tri-x

probably the coolest family in provo

I used to go by "Sami," but that was nearly 10 years ago. Amy and Justin Hackworth still call me "Sami." Justin is an amazing wedding and portrait photographer- you've probably heard of him or seen his work. I was lucky enough to have him photograph my first wedding- back when he wasn't even doing photography full-time. I feel kinda cool that I knew about Justin before he was JUSTIN HACKWORTH. Like loving a song long before it gets huge and is on the radio all the time. My in-laws are also good friends of the Hackworths and so is my family. I'm glad that I'm connected to these guys in so many ways because they are the best of the best. And I haven't even mentioned Amy.

If there was one word I could use to describe Amy, it would be "beloved." Amy is one of the kindest, most beautiful souls you'll ever meet. And you don't have to take my word for it. Anyone who knows her would easily say the same. Amy is adored and loved by all. A wonderful person to have in your life. So wonderful, in fact, that she agreed to be the editor for my book last year. I couldn't have finished such a huge undertaking without her gentle, wise guidance and expertise. I will forever be grateful to her for her help.

I chatted with Justin and Amy for at least a good 30 minutes before and after the session. That's the kind of people they are. They make you feel important and loved. I was so honored to be able to try and capture just a snippet of their family's light and life together in their home.

Mamiya645, kodak portra 800, canon eos3, kodak tri-x

outnumbered 3 to 1 and loving it

I don't think I've ever had a family shoot experience that felt so, so relaxed. I met beautiful Ginger and her boys on a gorgeous evening. The weather was dreamy and the golden light streaming through the spring green leafy trees was amazing. Ginger and her husband, Jon, were...perfect. Not a single ounce of stress exuded from either of them the entire time. Just playfulness, love, and patience. And that  big boy Jonah and baby Riggins? Kill me. Two of the sweetest, happiest little guys I've ever met. I found myself wondering if Ginger realized how incredibly beautiful she is. I'm not sure she does. And that's the best kind of beauty- the kind that's humble and giving. The kind that makes you want to be a better mama yourself after just watching the effortless, calm, and cute way she interacted with her children- especially Jonah. The kind of beauty who texts me precisely as I'm writing this post simply to thank me for the session and calls me "an angel on earth." Meeting and working with families like Ginger's reminds me how much true goodness there is in the world because  these guys are just full to the brim with it and throwing it back out to all who cross their path.

Mamiya 645, canon eos3, fuji 400h, kodak tri-x

a baby with no name

Since switching to film, I've been dying to have an opportunity to shoot a mama with her newborn. And then it just so happened that sweet Kelly gave birth to the most beautiful, yummy baby girl! The stars had aligned and I was able to spend an afternoon with this beautiful mother of five and her tiny, nameless daughter. Yup- at 10 days old, Kelly and her husband were still deliberating on what to name this new baby. And I kinda loved that. There's something so calm and quietly deliberate about being able to just wait until a name feels exactly right. And let me just say a little about Kelly. After talking to her for just a few minutes while I loaded my film, I secretly wanted to be her best friend for forever. She is such a kindred spirit. Kind, genuine, unassuming. There's a gracefulness and love about her that's hard to describe. And the level of calm she so elegantly exuded at 10 days postpartum all while juggling four older children as well??...unbelievable. I feel so grateful for being able to meet her, the kiddos, and smell that glorious newborn baby smell.

mamiya645, kodak portra 800, kodak tri-x 400