McKenzie Turns One! Lifestyle Session at South Park

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.

And here, they’re reading Snuggle Puppy, a favorite book in our household. I think McKenzie likes it too!

And last but not least, I love how McKenzie is looking into her mom’s face. That is love.

Thank you, Leslie and John, for the opportunity to capture your sweet family! Enjoy McKenzie’s first birthday and God bless your family!