More of these photos are on facebook

I graduated with my Early Childhood Education degree a little over a year ago and I am not a teacher.

Even though I really love what I get to do now, it still sometimes bums me out that I haven’t put the degree to functional use aside from my parenting.

I studied children with a passion.  I delved into readings on cognitive development and learning styles. I often take for granted how much I enjoy being around children, and getting to interact and relate with them.

But today I understood that photographing children is the little niche where my interests can come together.

On this photoshoot I felt those nuances of child observation seeping up.  I spent some play time with each child individually, looking for their personal little traits to come through and for them to get comfortable with me.   Then I could just watch for the moment that they reacted to the fun time we were having.

In those moments of play children become themselves.

I felt so privileged that these children wanted to hold my hand and give me hugs and enjoyed spending some play time with me.  And I got to bond some with two new loving little people.  I hope I gave them them something they can look at when they aren’t so little and still make them smile.

More Krav Maga photos on my facebookpage

Today my neck was super sore and for half a moment I thought “hmm…I must of slept wrong”.  Then I quickly reevaluated my day and realized that I spent the morning being repeatedly put into a headlock and flipped around.

And I did this voluntarily.

And regularly do.

Just another day at Krav Maga: my favorite stress relief/entertainment/physical exercise/cognitive exercise/skill set/way to spend the morning.

Krav Maga and I found each other about 6 months ago and have been inseparable ever since.

As I get more comfortable toting my camera around fighters I will post photos and share with you more about exactly what goes on in my adventures in ninja training.

Here are a couple from today’s class.  We went over Headlocks from the side defense.

It’s been a while since I had photographed these awesome kids.   It’s often shocking to see how different kids look in such a short amount of time.  I guess they all have to grow up, but in my mind they had stayed exactly the same as when I photographed them the year before.  I had a lot of fun with this group, and they got along sooo well!   Good job mom.

Also…I’ve finally created a facebook fan page.

Thomas and Ami were a very delightful  couple with a great sense of humor and love for each other.  Ami’s low key nature came out in the simply beautiful touches at this wedding.   Nothing over the top, but everything just right.  As refreshing as a glass of cool lemonade on a warm summer day!

Lovely bride, lovely couple, lovely venue, lovely people,

LOVE my lovely job!

Register here to see all of the photos when they are available.

It was really a photographic dream to be able to document this wonderful celebration.  This wedding had it all-beautiful people, colors, food, traditions, details, laughter, singing, dancing. Much thanks to the family for making me a part of this beautiful day.  Register here to see all the photos when they are available. 

This wedding was very special to me since it was my best friends sister getting married!    Randi was a stunning bride, gushing about the “dreamy” groom she had.   Every part of this day turned out beautifully.  The perfectly blue skies and fields of wildflowers were the perfect backdrop for a country drive out to the venue: Hacienda del Lago overlooking Lake Travis.  The private little getaway even had albino peacocks and pygmy goats.  Every element of this wedding was more significant by the family and friends that combined talents with food, decorations, music, and love.  I was so honored to play a part in a wonderful family’s wonderful day!