Andrew : Class of 2018

As a middle school student, Andrew took on one of the most challenging bass clarinet solos and nailed it. Though his high school career has taken him a different direction from the band room, I have no doubt that Andrew will take that "can do" attitude and approach any other challenges to nail 'em. While he debates between business or education at Iowa State, I'm sure his senior year will be nothing short of wonderful. 

In between the rain clouds, we snuck in his senior photos on a particularly rainy Saturday. Thanks for your patience with the weather and for braving the bluster, Andrew! 

We went from Ewing Park to the Capitol and then across the street (roughly) to the Judicial building for the view and sculptures. 

We were headed towards Grey's Lake when I saw this brick wall and I'm sure Andrew and his mom Katie, were a little confused, but they followed loyally and I love the results! 

Andrew: I know you're going to be successful when you put your mind to something. I've seen the perseverance and determination fire up your eyes and that will take you quite far. Keep at it and enjoy your senior year!
Blessings, 

Carrie

PS You can view more of our time together HERE. 

Barrin : Class of 2018

This is probably a first in my business: photographing a senior the day his dad gets married. What an opportunity! Barrin is a senior at Johnston, plays hockey with Dowling Catholic HS and his dad just happens to be (now) married to a college friend of mine that you've seen on the blog before. Who needs 6-degrees of separation? We're running about two lately. :) We started our early morning session at the hockey rink where Barrin has played so many times. Thankfully, the cold ice didn't hinder my gear from working-though things fogged up once we stepped outside!

Barrin plays defense so he "skates backwards a lot" as he explained to me. Another great spot for his photos was actually the penalty box. This is the main reason I love doing senior shoots-I always learn something new and get to shoot something new. What a fun challenge!

After changing out of his gear and my gear clearing out of the fog, we stepped out to a partly cloudy morning and did a few just outside the hockey rink, beyond it's parking lot. We had just enough time between rain storms to knock out some more downtown too, so we made a dash for it!

The rain clouds were holding off just a liiiiiiitle bit longer so we did one last change and Barrin broke out his suit he'd be wearing later that day for his dad's wedding.

Barrin + Ben: Thank you so much for daring to do this session on such a big day! I'm honored to have documented both momentous occasions for your family. Best wishes as you complete your senior year and navigate the decisions beyond!

Blessings, 

Carrie 

PS You can view the rest of our time together HERE. 

Elena : Newborn

Oh how excited I was to meet this little peanut! A sweet girl with three older brothers to protect her (and make her rough n' tough)! You've seen this family numerous times on the blog, so they really need no introduction. Elena Grace however, is making her debut and our session started after a yummy feeding with Lauren. So, we just kept her in Lauren's arms and let her get good and asleep....I love the few that we got with just Lauren and Shawn but you can see their boys in the background in their kitchen-coloring, doodling, quietly keeping themselves occupied waiting for their turn...

Then we got Nathan, Christian and Zeke in the shot. We made sure that each brother got a turn holding Elena too: 

Lauren took me upstairs to Elena's room and oh, it was so sweet and girly! I loved the blossoming trees and fun headbands with matching swaddle blankets. We caught Elena mid-sneeze and she doesn't like to be swaddled, so we moved quickly!

Lauren + Shawn: Thank you so much for your laid back approach to photos and for trusting me so lovingly with your children's milestones! Elena is a beauty and I'm so glad we got photos in when we did. :) Praying for your continued good recovery and transition to a family of SIX!!
Blessings, 
Carrie

PS You can view more of our time together HERE. 

Jason + Rachel

I've been running this photography business of mine since 2008, so I'm starting to be reflective of the families I've photographed over the last (almost) decade. This family is one of them and when they were first in front of my camera, their oldest was one year old. Now, six children later, here are Jason & Rachel in a mini session to document their family at this stage, give each child an individual photo and get all the kids together!

One quick outtake because Ezra was seriously, the most smiley baby the rest of the time! And one quick shot of all kids together!!

Way to go Cunninghams!! You guys are awesome and I so enjoy seeing your family grow and in front of my camera! 

Blessings, 

Carrie

PS You can view the rest of our time together HERE. 

Lorelei : 6 (ish) months

I love watching this little peanut grow! Her little-ish cheeks and double chin never cease to make me smile. We did a quick mini session, honestly, in our front yard, because this cutie is our girl next door. :) 

When Katie walked over with Lorelei, Jericho and a few props, I about jumped for joy to see her orange bow and baby pumpkin. We added a few props from my arsenal and had Katie "spot" Lorelei as she sat on the crate. :)

With Jericho behind me, we definitely got those dimples to shine:)

Katie, Jeremy, Jericho and Lorelei: Thank you so much for being such wonderful neighbors-you're truly wonderful. Thank you so much for trusting me with Lorelei's 6 month mark! It's so fun to watch her (and her rolls!) grow. 

Blessings, 

Carrie

PS You can view more of our time together HERE.