There were several times during the editing process for this recent lifestyle session where I thought my heart would burst out of my chest. I am not kidding. I’m talking about joy that made it hard to keep my butt in my desk chair. I should also mention that I had a McLatte on my way home from dropping my son off at our sitter’s house so I could get some work done. But this family just oozes cuteness…and they are celebrating little McKenzie’s first birthday with a lifestyle session at South Park.

And I know that the way I’m writing this might sound a little braggadocios, but let me stop you right there. I can’t take credit for this gorgeous family or the lovely surrounds, and I won’t take credit for the skills God has given me to capture these sweet moments. I just feel blessed getting to be a part of all of this loveliness and want to say, thank you, Jesus!

Ok, thanks for sticking with me. I just felt like I really had to say that. Here are some more photos…

McKenzie was a little angel. She lasted the entire 2-hour session without as much as a whimper. I can tell her mama and daddy are proud parents because she was very comfortable with having her photo taken.

Even Tyson, their friendly bulldog was a champ. He posed when we asked him to, and when he wasn’t in the photos he patiently waited by my side. I’m hesitant when clients want to bring their dog along because a mischievous pet can wreak havok on a photo shoot. I understand why families want their dog in their portrait, but unless the dog is content to sit and listen to its master, it can bring a crazy energy to the shoot that just frazzles the parents and the kids feed right off of that. But not Tyson, he was a star!

Here’s one of my favorites. I can’t put my finger on just why, but I love this next one.