The Serda Family

I get so nervous before appointments with new clients! I have a million things running through my head! What if I forget a picture idea, what if they don't like my style, what if I say something that upsets them, what if . . . what if . . . what if . . .??

This past weekend both my sessions were with new clients, talk about stress being at an all time high for me. I was driving from Lake Isabella Sunday morning so of course I allowed more than enough time to arrive at my appointment on time. That was a mistake! It allowed me to sit there and stress myself out even more! So when Wendy pulled up I wanted to run to the bathroom and hide, but instead I got out of the car, walked up, and introduced myself. She looked so familiar, but I couldn't pin point where I knew her from. I told her how familiar she looked, and she said, "well that's because we were all in a wedding you photographed last year". Instantly, I felt my nerves calm and my head get screwed back on! Thank goodness it's someone I relatively know.

When we walked down to the river I asked her kids their names and told them I would do my best to remember them! The girls started . . . Lauryn, Taylor, . . . and then we came to the boys (I prefer to call them punks) . . . Brock and Brady! They switched names on me, you think it wouldn't be a big deal, but seriously this time of year I am lucky to remember one name let alone six! The boys set the tone then and there. I knew exactly what this family was about, and I loved it! Inside I screamed,  "YAY"! I can be myself and play around with them.  It was so much fun to use more adult humor. I am so used to being around young kids so I definitely had a blast being a brat right back to them. It wasn't just the boys though . . . Lauryn (the 9 yr. old) was hilarious. The things that came out of this little girls mouth had me rolling! Thanks guys for taking the panic out of me, and allowing me to relax and enjoy our time together! I had such a great time with all of you!

"Just A Little Bit of Silliness!"

Brogan and Grace have sooooo much personality. They kept us laughing the entire day! I had to share some of this personality and silliness from the day. I could not help myself, and I am sure you will understand why! Brogan had just woken from a nap when we started our session so I knew I needed to do something to wake him up. I told Brogan he could do whatever he wanted to his sister to help bring out his personality right off the bat. Great idea Brogan, tackle your sister!





The many faces of Grace!






Brogan has this hilarious eye raising stunt he does that his family likes to call creepy eyes, so he kept doing it for me! I wish I could show it in action!






I told Brogan to give Grace a kiss on her cheek! He decided to go in real slow for his smackaroo! It was a crack up! He is a total character!






Bet you can't guess who thinks they are the next "America's Top Model"






Too much fun! Thanks for all the laughs guys! When I am having a bad day all I need to do is come look at this post and it will instantly bring me to laughter!

"AH-MAZINGGG!"

I'm a firm believer in pictures being about the subjects I am photographing. I mean people come to me for their family pictures, and the picture should be about telling the story of the family, not too mention I don't have the best eye for landscape pictures. I would love to be able to photograph scenery, but I just don't have that eye. So I typically could careless what is in the background of my pictures as long as I captured the subject truest to themself.

I learned from this session that the above statement holds true for me only 90% of the time.

I had this amazing family book a session with me last minute, and all I can say is I feel like the lucky one! Typically during this season I use the same places over and over again and get bored with them, so I suggested to them we take a short trip out of the area for pictures. Never in a million years did I think the day would turn out so well. The scenery was amazing and the family definitely stood their own against the beautiful backgrounds we had that day. I finished the day feeling very jealous that I haven't bothered to take my family to these sites for pictures. Even with these amazing backgrounds I still made sure my focus was on bringing out their family dynamic. I am pretty positive I accomplished this! Their kids have larger than life personalities, and because of it I will have to dedicate a whole seperate post to their silly fun side.

Josh and Janae, thank you so much for trusting me with your family portraits this year. I had such a wonderful time with you guys!

"Downtown"

"Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city
Linger on the sidewalk, where the neon signs are pretty
How can you lose?
The lights are much brighter there
You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares
So go
Downtown, things will be great when you're
Downtown, no finer place for sure
Downtown, every thing's waiting for you"

Breanna had an amazing idea this year for her family's session. She wanted to hit a few well known historic sites in Bakersfield. I loved the idea and was so happy to meet up with her and hit a few of these places. 

For the second half of the session she wanted to incorporate something that she loves to do, and since her and the girls love to shop they incorporated shopping into downtown. It was such a fun session and I was so excited to use her ideas. Thanks Breanna for making this a fun sentimental session. Can't wait to see what you brainstorm next time!