Shannon Holden Photography

I’m sure my blog readers will recognize these two handsome brothers from earlier sessions. Both brothers have summer birthdays, so our session was timed just right to celebrate both of them in portraits. I saw this dear family on one of our recent scorching days. This heat has posed quite a challenge for sessions lately, because my subjects and I are perspiring within minutes outside. Even at the early morning hour for this session, the temperature gauge in my car already read 85 degrees. Whew!

Like most children, Benjamin and big brother Bryant, love water play. Having some fun and cooling off with the water hose seemed like the perfect ending to our session. I was so glad that their mom suggested the idea. The light was ideal and the smiles were even brighter. These are some of my favorite recent images. I am determined to capture some photographs of my own children playing in the water soon. These are some of those classic memories of childhood that we cherish forever.

I am having a hard time finding words to adequately express what this session meant to me. A beautiful family, gorgeous happy children … just like so many of my clients. But this family holds a place in my heart, even though I’d never met them before this shoot. They are the recipient’s of last year’s Giving is Awesome initiative. You can read more of their story here. We opted to wait for Spring to capture their family portraits, and I was so thankful for a beautiful, warm evening for their session. This was the day the Lord made.

I’ve thought a great deal about Jen, her young sons, and the husband and father they miss so much. I’ve thought about their legacy. Though I never met him, from what I’ve heard and seen, Michael left a legacy that will touch countless people in this generation and more. Through his work at our church, and through his life as a friend, son, husband, and father, he left a mark upon the Earth, one of courage, devotion, hope, and humility. God had great purpose for Michael, a purpose he fulfilled with love and glory for his Savior.

And now having met Jen and gotten to know her just a bit through our portrait session together, I admire her even more than I did before. I am so inspired by the legacy she is creating. I have seen the love which she showers upon her sons, surrounding them with security and warmth. I have seen the faith she has shown through this past year, though I know there must be days when it is so difficult.

I had two personal goals for our session together. First and foremost, I wanted to capture the joy and bond that Jen shares with her children, with images that she and the boys can cherish for a lifetime to come. I hope the boys will enjoy looking back at these photographs when they are grown and fathers themselves. I also wanted to include some memories of Michael, to show his enduring presence in their lives. For that purpose, Jen brought along a stuffed dog from Michael’s childhood, a Starting Point Bible (published by our church, a project in which Michael played a key role), and a photograph of him.

I admit, I cried a lot of tears as I edited this session, and I also said a lot of prayers. I’ve thanked God for introducing me to this incredible family, for the lessons they’ve taught me, for the faith with which they have inspired me. I’ve thanked him for the sweet smiles of these two boys, in which I can see the legacy they are inheriting from their mother and father. I hope our paths might cross often in the future. I know, regardless, I will be forever blessed having met them.

Much love to you, Jen, Kaleb, and Noah. Thank you for being you. May God forever surround you with peace, strength, and his eternal love.

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!

Hi Friends!

It’s been such a great week, having a little time off work to play with my kids during Spring Break. Tonight I relaxed with my hubby in the backyard while the kids scampered about. And then it hit me … that itch to have my camera in hand. I can hardly go more than a few days without the urge to photograph something.

You see, it was the yummy, yummy light! About 6:00 in the evening, with the warm Spring light filtering through the trees, reflecting off every blade of grass, every curl in my daughter’s hair. I just can’t resist the photography opportunity! I’m such a sucker for backlight.

So it triggered not just my photography craving, but an idea … I’m thinking about offering a special price on Sunset Sessions for a limited time. The sessions would take place around 6:00 in the evening, in the Roswell or Alpharetta area at a location of my suggestion, and would likely be limited in the number of subjects. First, I’d like to see what kind of interest is out there … so drop me a line, ok? You don’t have to commit. Just let me know if you love the idea and would consider a reservation. Once I see what kind of response I get, I’ll nail down the details on price and dates to be offered.

And yes, I gave into the craving tonight. I grabbed the pettiskirt, which conveniently matched the crocs she refused to take off her feet, and captured some of the exuberant toddlerhood in that delicious light. Gee, my girl doesn’t like being the center of attention, do you think?