*Playin' in the Park* Albuquerque Child Photographer* *Albuquerque Family Photography*

You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.

~Plato~

I have known the husband of this precious family since he was born. Granted, I was only about three years old, but I do remember meeting him for the first time. I remember holding his grandma’s hand and being introduced to his swaddled self by his mom. I have numerous memories of playing around my grandma’s pond, playing He-Man, eating ding dongs at his grandma’s, and making mud pies with him. Good times. So, after all of these years, being able to watch him play with his own family made my heart light. So many years of memories connected by a history that goes back to lifelong best friends and neighbors...our respective grandmas. While editing these images, I couldn’t help but recognize family resemblances, which helped my heart to heal a bit, as his grandma, and my surrogate, passed away recently. Seeing Her shining through her great grand daughter’s eyes reinforced that she will continue to live on through her legacy of love. In memory and with all of my love and blessings.

*Mama Love* Albuquerque, NM Maternity Photographer*

“All the time we wondered and wondered,

who is this person coming/growing/turning/floating/swimming deep, deep inside“

~Crescent Dragonwagon~

One of my favorite things about capturing the belly of an expectant mom is the conversation that flows between she and myself. It is such a joy and honor sharing in such an exciting and life changing time in my customer's lives. I love swapping pregnancy stories, discussing names, and hearing about what they've been experiencing during their pregnancy. Throughout this lovely lady's baby growing journey, her family has been trying to discover what gender her sweet one is, however, he/she has had ideas of it's own...playing hide and seek on every ultrasound! Really, in the end, all that truly matters is a healthy bambino, but it just reinforces the idea that babies do have personalities even before their first breath. So, M family, as you embark on this miracle of life once again, embrace the spirit of determination that your baby possesses. Knowing that this quality can only help him/her become a strong individual, and will carry them throughout their life. Blessings!

*Full of Sunshine* Rio Rancho Children & Family Photographer*

There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.

~George Sand~

It is always so refreshing to be in the presence of a family who obviously loves each other. You can just see it, and feel it. There is a happiness that radiates through their eyes and there is an energy that floats on the breeze. This sweet family encompassed this type of joy. Their sweet, baby girl was one of the happiest little people I have ever met. Her presence alone made my heart smile. Thank you S-L family for opening your home, and for allowing me to capture the beauty that is your family. Blessings.

*Una Familia Encantadora* Albuquerque, NM Family Photographer*

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.

~Desmond Tutu~

I always love meeting back up with people that you haven't seen in many years. I enjoy seeing where life has led them, and who they have married. I like catching up, talking about the past, and hearing of plans for their future. But the one thing I love the most about this type of interaction is meeting their children. I like to observe them and discover characteristics and mannerisms that remind me of who their parent was years ago. This family I felt especially honored to shoot. I was able to reconnect with an old friend, meet her parents, seeing a glimpse of where she had come from, and also be introduced to her husband and his mother who had traveled from Mexico. Having all of these beautiful souls in front of my lens reinforced the belief that family is life's greatest blessing... it overcomes all language barriers, distance, and time, while encompassing all those involved in an envelope of unconditional love. Gracias Harris and La familia de Martinez, mucho amor y paz siempre.

*A Lovely Afternoon* Albuquerque, NM Family Photographer*

Family is the center of life's meaning.

~Unknown~

Now, that the first, real snowfall has encompassed us, and is still melting on our driveway, I look back to this beautiful, autumn afternoon a couple of weeks ago, and embrace the mild and crisp weather that the season brought. I always love to shoot families. I love to watch their relationships unfold in front of my lens, and I enjoy the dynamics that make them a family. Shooting this family, in particular, made my heart light. While their playfulness and laughter echoed in the air, it made me happy to know that in a little way, I was a part of their dynamic as well. It made me happy to reflect on memories past, and to see a familiarity in the children that reminded me of my youth. Most importantly, it made me appreciate the certainty of family, and to cherish the closeness that my cousin's family and mine still have as adults. Love you, Cuz (& family!)

*Cute Little Bugs* Albuquerque, NM Children's Photographer*

"That is the best - to laugh with someone because you both think the same things are funny"

~Gloria Vanderbilt~

There is something contagious about the laughter of a child. Get two to belly laugh together, and everyone near can't help but giggle as well. This shoot was great fun simply because these kids are so amusing to play with. From jumping in leaf piles to playing with Buzz Light year we all had a blast just being kids (for me, turning into one for awhile). I feel so lucky that these two beings are in my life...not only in front of my camera, but also because they call me Auntie. Love you guys!

*Forever Family*Sneak Peek*Albuquerque, NM *Family Photographer*

Family is a circle of strength & love. With every birth and every union, the circle grows. Every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger. Every joy shared adds more love.

~Mary Scott~

When you are with a family that has faith, fun, and an abundance of love for one another...you know it. This sweet family illuminates such joy whenever they are together, and have such respect for everyone in their little, circle of love. I feel so honored that they are a part of my life on almost a daily basis, and want to especially thank Mr. M for all he does for my children, in being the world's best principal! Blessings!

*The Beautiful B's*Albuquerque,NM Family Photographer*

I love taking pictures of families that are so full of spirit and fun. It's such a good time for me to interact with and observe the love that particular family possesses. It makes it even more special when the family is one of my closest friends. I have known this beautiful Mama ever since she was born, a year after me. Her mom and my mom have been best friends since first grade, so we were automatically girlfriends. I have such vivid memories playing with her in her playhouse, hot tubbing it at her Grandparent's house, and laughing so much that we cried. I look at these images of her and her little family, and feel the love radiating through her eyes. I am so happy that our paths are still intermingled. From playing dolls, to having our own babies....our lives have been so blessed. I love you, sweet M (& your precious family!)

(Oh ya, if you need a good hair stylist...she's the best in town! Pardo's on Paseo, ya'll!)

*The Lovely L's Sneak Peek*Edgewood,NM Family Photographer*

What could be any better than an wide open prairie, an adorable family, and an amazing summer sunset...the only other thing I can think of is being blessed enough to capture this beautiful moment in time for this family.

*Always better together*Albuquerque,NM Family Photographer,Baby Photographer*

One of my favorite things is observing new families. There is so much love and such a feeling of togetherness when they are in each other's company. This new, little family was just that...they gushed love, and showered warmth upon each other by simply, just being together.