Pickleberry Photography: March 2016

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Ben and Rachel's Family Session

"Oh darling don't you ever grow up... just stay this little." The Taylor Swift song plays over and over in my head as I work through the editing process with this film. I cannot say enough the joy I get from this job. But I also want to cry. Today these little ones are just a little bigger. And tomorrow they will be even bigger. They will never again be as little as they were that day. It was a good day. I am glad we have some pictures to remember it :)

Family Photography location at Fly'n B park in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Monday, March 28, 2016

Ellie's 1st Birthday Session

Conversation with my 4 year old while reviewing Ellie prints:

4 year old: "I just have to keep her forever!"

Me: "No, I have to keep her forever!"

4 year old: "Can you share with me?"

Me: *huffs* "I guess so."

4 year old: "We need to share with Ms. Erin too"

Me: "She BELONGS to Ms. Erin. We need to ask her to share with us."

4 year old: *huffs* "I guess so."

Life is hard when you don't have unlimited access to a beautiful squishy baby. We love you Ellie.

Littleton, Colorado and Highlands Ranch, Colorado family photography.

Friday, March 25, 2016

Happy Easter: Capturing Our Family Traditions

The best part of photography? Cementing memories for my family... Capturing moments that I can revisit years from now when my babies are grown... special moments... rare moments... everyday moments... traditions.

My parents are currently living in Ukraine as missionaries. While we miss them dearly, we want to celebrate the traditions they are now a part of. Above is our kid-made Pysanky: wax-resist dyed Easter eggs. Continue reading to see how we put the leftover egg dye to good use.

This is the start of a new tradition. We used leftover vinegar egg dye for magic potions. Add baking soda for instant reactions and throw in some bunny tails (cotton balls) bunny food (jelly beans) and Easter erasers for a special theme.

Does a cup full of baking soda and vinegar taste good?? My 2 year old will tell you. No. It does not.

I adore these blurry moments. Shots that I can't get crisp because I can't stop giggling with my son.

Continuing a favorite tradition with Bunny-on-a-Stick. It's sugar dipped in chocolate with sugar on top. It must be a battle getting the kids involved, right? My eldest son's favorite part is putting on the "bunny butts". My youngest's favorite part is sneaking various parts of his body into the chocolate. Seriously. Chocolate fingers, elbows, and a nose when he was supposedly "just smelling".

Wishing you a blessed Easter filled with family moments and soaking in Christ's love.

Lifestyle home family photography in Littleton, CO

Joe and Rocki's Friends and Family Session

Photographing families with kids will never go out of style. Our kids make a terrible habit out of growing up too fast which results in our memories of their small-ness becoming precious. I LOVE having the privilege to cement some of those memories. One type of photography that I'd like to see more of is preserving memories in our friendships. Joe and Rocki came to me with the idea of doing a joint session with some of their best friends who were visiting from out of town. It was a great morning of witnessing kids and adults alike building on life-long friendships.

Highlands Ranch, CO natural light family photography.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Jared and Lindsay's Maternity Session

Maternity photography holds a special place in my heart. Maternity photography with an older sibling? That is a whole different animal of joy! All of the changes, excitement, fear, and anticipation through the eyes of a child. A child's perspective brings forward all the magic of a "real live human bean in mommy's 'tomach" (words of a beloved 3 year old).

Little girls should be allowed to climb, jump, dance, roll, and play. Even in a dress. You rock on sweet girl. Your sense of adventure while appreciating the beauty around you shines joy everywhere you go. And yes, I think you will have the best Hulk-Smash-instead-of-a-princess birthday ever!

South Denver, Highlands Ranch, Colorado maternity and child photography

Monday, March 21, 2016

Kevin and Karla's Family Session

I could bask and shoot in the buttery golden sunset for days if the sun would sit still long enough. But then, "a thing isn't beautiful because it lasts". Thank you Avengers for some unexpected insight on why I am passionate about photography. A sunset is beautiful, a young mother is beautiful, the small movements of a child are beautiful because it does not last. I don't want to miss a minute of it.

There is nothing in this world with the same flavor of warmth as a mother comforting her child. Karla has a true beauty in the way she mothers. It is wonderful to witness.

And of course, this princess will always be Daddy's little girl. Stay little sweet girl.

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Will and Vickie's Family Session

What a joy to capture and preserve life moments for Will and Vickie! As I looked back to last fall at this beautiful family, two aspects of their relationships struck me. The love between sisters and the love for the family dog. Both showed strong, unique, and true bonds. It was an honor to get to experience their love first hand. And oh my Mr. Will, are you EVER going to have your hands full with such beautiful girls!

Colorado in the fall. Family and pet photography

Friday, March 18, 2016

Jon and Lyndi's Maternity Session

What a glorious day it was to be out in the sun in Highland's Ranch, Colorado. Golden hour sunsets are my personal favorite time to shoot, and this fall evening really delivered. Truth be told, I was a bit nervous over the wrath I would face for pulling this daddy-to-be away from a sacred Broncos game, but we were lucky enough to present him with an even more beautiful view in the form of the mother of his child. The adoring looks between daddy and mommy in a fast changing period of anticipation... These are moments worth treasuring.