lil' valentine

I had a little visitor come by my house today. Isn't she sweet?

a day in the life of...

... the H family. This is something a bit different for Pinkle Toes--an all-day lifestyle session, or "A Day in the Life of..."--capturing the lives of typical families, doing their typical family thing. I think it's beautiful.

I've known this particular family for almost a year now (they're all over my galleries on my website ;-)) and I couldn't think of a better way to spend the day than hanging out with them. I can't believe how many wonderful pictures I now have to wade through, but thought I'd share a few of my immediate favs.

(Dad makes killer hot chocolate.)

(Mom and E made some killer waffles.)

I knew the second I took this one that I would love it.

Field trip for some ice cream.

Bathtime.

I also knew the second I took this one that I would love it.

A little quiet time for mom and dad.

I cannot thank you all enough for letting me paparazzi you ALL day. You were so at ease and couldn't have made this any easier. I'm so glad you called me last year to take your maternity portraits, because look where we are now. It was the perfect "Day in the Life of..." session today.

I will have more information about scheduling this kind of session when I launch my new website, which will hopefully be before we take our Christmas tree down. That gives me at least a few months, right? ;-)

"hey duck: get in a row!"

We're *this* close to opening 2008 for booking. I know many of you are already on the wait list...don't worry, I won't forget about you. I'll send out a newsletter to everyone on my mailing list when all of our ducks are in a row. Lots of changes for Pinkle Toes this year...and I know it will be for the better. {If you don't think you're on my mailing list, there's a link to the right to sign up ;-)}

portrait.of.a.photographer

Meet "T."

No first name, no last name. Only a single letter could describe one of the premiere artists of our time.

He's only 3 (almost 4), but has been taking pictures for nearly half his life. "T" is best known for his outstanding use of motion blur,

but has wowed critics with his other works as well. His diverse portfolio includes captivating macros...

....emotional portraits that peer into the very souls of his subjects...

...the thought-provoking use of sun flare...

...and breathtaking landscapes...

I had the pleasure of sitting down with "T" earlier this morning. When asked how he would describe his incredible work, he replied, "Hmmmm, I can't tell," and without another word, strode off to continue his other passion: dumping out all of the toys in his toy bin.

I am deeply moved and truly inspired.

because i can't stay away too long

Wanted to drop a line to everyone out there....HI! The above is probably the most technically horrible image ever, but I just couldn't resist that belly and that killer look. I love him.
I love him, too, but this is the look I get from him about 95% of the time. He's so beyond me and everyone else in this world. ;-)

My boys hard at work. We have yet to take down our Christmas decorations. I was told we have to wait until this new storage shed was complete. Still waiting...

And this is an image from a recent session that is too Pinkle Toesy not to share. Now it's back to work on plans, designs, and other exciting stuff for 2008!

baby.coco.

I had my very first "commercial" shoot (so-to-speak) for a beautiful baby boutique today: http://www.babycoco.com/. This place is a wonderland for parents and parents-to-be...meticulously decorated and filled with the most amazing cribs you will ever see. Sigh...

Of course, the day was filled with a focus on inanimate objects, but I know my wonderful volunteer models would much rather see sneak peeks of their performances, so here you go guys. Thanks again for being so patient and willing!

Oh, and Katie...thanks so much for tagging along today. I hope you had a great experience and I can't wait to see everything from your angle. ;-)

happy.new.year

I can't think of a better way to kick off 2008 than with a surprise newborn session. This little guy was 5 weeks early and, amazingly, is one of the healthiest premies ever.

Can't resist newborn belly buttons. ;-)

I know he's going to have sweet dreams in his room. Beautifully decorated and filled with construction vehicles (my son would be proud).

"Look, lady. What exactly are you doing?"

Important clarification: mom and dad are Aggies. But the horns were cool.

Vintage baby.

I like to call this one "American Dad." ;-)

You guys have a BEAUTIFUL little family and I'm so happy for your little early miracle.