God Bless Little Boys

Anyone who has tried to take pictures of little boys will appreciate this one :)  I was fortunate enough to hang out with the Cope family a few days ago.  Mom, Dad, Addie, Mia, Jack and even family dog, Maggie.  I've photographed younger kids (newborns and those who were just starting to walk) and several older kids (I use the term loosely as they were couples who were engaged or expecting babies of their own).  But an almost 2 year old?  I think this was a first.  Jack was seriously too cute for words and in such a good mood, but man, did he have energy.  LOL, I remember Mom picking him up a couple of times and he would quickly say, "Nup, nup," which was his version of "nope".  Why be in Mom's arms when he could use those two fast legs of his?!  He made me laugh several times and I was lucky enough to relive the moments as I was editing.  Here a couple of outtakes with Jack making an appearance :)

Oh, you know, Jack just wanted to see what everyone was up to...

You found us, Jack!!  Good job, buddy!!

He must have found something fun to get into :)

Yes, I know no one was looking at me in this one.  Here's the story behind it... Erica and I wanted to try a pose of everyone laying on the blanket, looking up at me.  Super cute in theory.  And we tried.  But Jack wasn't having it.  I particularly love Erica trying to get a headband back on Addie, only being able to see Mia's legs and of course Maggie in the background, wishing she could join in on the fun.

I love kids, but I think I love photographing them more.  At least for now :)

Mother's Love- Rylee's Shoot

No matter how much teenagers don't want to admit it, they love their mothers :)  The other night, I had the opportunity to shoot Rylee's senior pictures.  She was so fun and a natural in front of the camera.  I remember talking with her the day before and she told me she was nervous- I can't imagine why!  We started on the Pitt State Campus and found several more spots in town.  Funny story... Rylee had seen an elephant, coin-operated machine in someone's lawn and was adamant that she wanted a picture with it.  We hopped in our cars and headed towards the infamous elephant.  At a yellow light, Mom barely made it through and I had no idea where this elephant was, so I had to go through the light as well, knowing 100% that I was starting to cross entirely too late.  I'm not sure if it was even yellow when I started, but I took my chances.  What do you know, the second I zoomed past the light, I see a police officer frantically pull out from where he was hiding and was stopped at the light I had just sped through, sirens and lights in full force.  I had no doubt it was for me.  I knowingly ran that red light and had nothing to argue with him about.  Instead, I slowed down and pulled over to the side of the road as I anticipated what was coming while he was still stopped at the light.  Excuses quickly started forming, fake tears were ready on command and I could feel my hands starting to shake.  He finally gets through the light and ZOOMS PAST ME!!!  LOL, I was now scared that he was about to pull over for Rylee and her mom, but instead, he pulled over in front of her and was getting out of his car for a man in front of a house... possible arrest?  Boy was I counting my blessings!  The three of us finally got out of our cars and were laughing about how we were certain the cop was going to pull me over.  Whew!  Back to the story... Rylee's mom was so helpful and constantly was there to brush her hair and offer suggestions on places to try and poses.  I know she is loved and I couldn't help but capture a few shots with Mom helping.  So sweet.

Rylee had to get in the tree for a few shots (which turned out pretty cute in my opinion).  Mom was such a trooper!

Mom doing an exceptional job at making sure Rylee's hair looked great.  Couldn't have done it without her :)

P.S. If you want to see Rylee's actual senior pictures (and even one with the elephant), they are posted on my page at www.facebook.com/arekeworkuphotography.