Shannon Holden Photography

What a week!! It’s the last week of school. For those with school aged children …  ‘Nuff said. And as if the last week of school did not offer enough activity and chaos of its own, I am attempting to stay caught up on work through it all. Well, last night I hit a brick wall, and fell asleep at 8:00, next to my husband and children during their Bible time. I know God will forgive me – I’m sure he knew how much I needed the rest. I then woke up about 2:30 a.m. and could not get back to sleep. So I am taking full advantage of the dark and quiet house to finish editing this fantastic session.

All of my regular blog readers should recognize these two darling girls. They are two and a half, and cuter than ever! I wish I could record their little voices to play on the blog along with their portraits. Indescribably precious! How my heart melts to see them growing up so fast! These are clients who have also become good friends. We have gotten together for dinner a few times, and our kids completely adore each other. Even my older sons ask often when we’ll get to see the twins again. Another reason I love my job … I’m so blessed to get to know so many wonderful people through my work.

Our session went so well. Even being the busy toddlers they are, the girls were so sweet to sit and pose for us. This is one of those sessions where I can hardly choose my favorite images, much less narrow it down to just a few for the blog. I guess since they are twins, the deserve twice as many blog images, right? Those smiles! Those eyes! I can almost hear the collective “Awwwww!” on the other end of this blog.

Bryan and Tiffany, as always, thank you for the opportunity to be your photographer. Your girls bring a smile to my face every time I see them, and such joy to my family. Your friendship means so much to us!

Yes, I’ve been on a bubble kick! They are just the right “prop” for so many ages. They are classic and delicate, and never clash with an outfit. They bring out expressions of wonder and curiosity in a baby, and usually a squeal and a smile in toddlers.

It was a joy to see these two sisters. While I met this darling baby girl for her first Milestones session a few months ago, I had not seen her big sister in quite some time – since her first birthday, in fact! She was a Milestones client herself during her first year. I loved seeing the baby I knew then, now a sweet and gorgeous child in every respect. Ok, so she did have a bit more interest in exploring than posing for a portrait, but who can blame her? Luckily, the bubbles enticed her to sit still for a minute.

And her baby sister is absolutely huggable and precious. She has those eyes that smile all on their own! Sparkle like that makes me one very happy Baby Photographer. Gee, have I mentioned lately how much I love my job? And can I say, I was so thankful for a day without rain for a change! I’ve had to reschedule so many sessions lately thanks to all of our much-needed rain. It makes me appreciate the sunny days all that much more.

See you in a few months, girls!

Meet Miss C, one of the absolute cutest new clients I’ve had recently. I wanted to take her home with me! She is 18 months old and has an irresistable spirit and spunk. I’m still snickering when I think of our session, and how she repeats all of her verbs twice. After posing for a minute for me, she’d raise those little eyebrows and say, “Walk Walk?” And off she’d go! Then she’d say, “Play Play?” with a little giggle. Oh boy, was she cute! And oh, that we could all have such enthusiasm for life! Miss C, you and your family brought many smiles to my week, smiles that lasted even after I got home. Thank you!

I love watching a child explore. As a photographer, when I look through my lens, sometimes I feel as if I’m peeking through a keyhole into her world. None of us will ever experience it as she does, with such innocence and wonder. Even a tiny flower (which some cynical adults would call a weed), she treasures it as an amazing discovery. It is magical to glimpse their world for a fleeting moment. Oh, how I love my job!

This darling girl turned One a while back. She is a Milestones client, and due to weather and other scheduling complications, we had to wait to meet until quite some time past her birthday. Now she is toddling around like a pro, and she has grown into such a charming young lady. And boy, does she like to explore! She made her opinion very clear when we asked her to sit down for a few photographs! No worries. I wouldn’t want to stand in the way of her next discovery.