I photographed my cousin’s Bar Mitzvah in a very non-traditional way… it was done in installments– the party first, and then this past weekend, about a month after the big day, we finally did his Bar Mitzvah portraits.  The weather was amazing, so after we took the pictures in the synagogue, but before everyone was tired of smiling, we went outside and took some great family photos.  I tell families all the time that occasions like Bar/Bat Mitzvahs are great times to get updated family portraits– everyone has fresh haircuts and is looking their best, and it’s a chance to get out-of-town’ers and the whole gang together.  

Everyone seemed to let loose during the outdoor family portraits– we had so much fun!  I suggested they toss their youngest brother in the air, and… they did!  Sorry JoJo! They were all such great sports, and we got some great shots!

This 2-week old beauty’s photo debut came today at our studio during her newborn photo session.  She and her parents will have some beautiful images to commemorate her arrival!  She wasn’t sure she wanted to be left alone for her solo-shots, but the second she made it into her parents’ arms, she was a happy camper!  

What a beautiful family!

Such a precious peanut!

Parents of big families are always apologizing to me for their kids… the noise, the fights, the crying, whatever!  I love it!  I love big families!  I’m the youngest of four, so that chaos is what I grew up with, and I love to photograph it!  This family came in recently and they were so great to work with!  The kids were soooo sweet!  This first picture cracks me up though– How perfect are each of those expressions!!  Probably not what the parents will want to hang over the fireplace, but definitely worth a post on this blog!  

Exactly where they all want to be...

I love how big families fill up the frame!

I first met this little one when she and her parents came into the studio for her newborn photo session– we had such a hard time picking a birth announcement design, we ended up printing both!  I was lucky enough to get to photograph her again a few weeks ago at 9 months…  This last photo session was done at her home– It was so great to have her dog, her clothes, and oh yes, her jewels all take part in the fun!  She was in a pretty serious mood that day, but what a personality!  She’s a rock star!!

Ready for my close-up!

Did someone say Diva?!?

My sister-in-law & her sister asked me to take family photos as a great Mother’s Day gift to their Mom!  The weather was amazing, and the Shaker Heights setting was incredible!  We had so much fun!  We yelled out so many fun kinds of food to get her 4-year-old niece to smile, that my pregnant sister-in-law told me that she left the session starving!  Haha!  Here is a peek at some of the fun family photos from their Mother’s Day photo session… 

Some great Mother's Day Pix

Happy Mother's Day!