From wedding to maternity to newborn to every family photo, one of my favorite things is being there from the beginning and becoming the family photographer. Nothing is as sacred as family, and being present in their lives every year is an honor. 

Megan said this to me afterwards:

You made me feel really pretty, Anna… I haven’t felt that in a long time. I’m serious, I cried. You really blew my mind! I love my photos, I will cherish them always.

Because it’s Friday, and we all need a cute little baby video to kick off the weekend, right? (***allllllll the heart-eye emojis here***)

September is only hours away and most of us get nostalgic, if not a little weepy as we say goodbye to our days of summer to memory. And for this bride, who had an early summer wedding at Grace Heritage in Georgetown, you picked the best summer day to get married – those stunning pink heritage roses were in wild summer bloom all over the place. 

What on earth is better than 4 generations of women getting together to celebrate the life and legacy of their matriarch? 

Absolutely nothing. Nothing could be better.

Meeting Emily was certainly a highlight of this summer. In town to visit her grandparents, this small-town Kansas beauty absolutely lit up in front of my camera. As always, from her hair and makeup makeover to the final portrait reveal, we carefully planned her wardrobe, directed her posing, and sustained her with lattes to give her a true portrait experience. 

To those who have lost fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, spouses or loved ones, or have sacrificed their own lives for their country… We honor you and we thank you. View fullsize

The reality is that we live in a world where image is king – your image gets you that swipe on Tinder, the free drink at the bar, and even the interview or job.  Who we are on our social networks and the image we display at our offices or places of business are no longer optional elements of success in social or business environments.

If you’ve never invested in your family in this way (now or any other time of year), here are a few reasons you should  consider it. (Bonus: My family portrait!) 

As I’ve gotten to know Lillian over the last 2 years I’ve always admired her grace and poise, as well as her incredible talent as a dancer. I brought her and her mother in for a mother-daughter portrait, but also told her to bring some of her dance outfits – this is for me, I […]