THE cousin shoot

I have been all talk about the cuteness that I was bursting with fruit flavor to share but had to wait until after Christmas and, well....now that gifts have been given and all has been revealed, shall it too be so here...
cousins. really, can it get any cuter? or more interesting... you never know what is going to happen when you toss a group of unwilling children in matching outfits together....

and the winner of a matted frame is...

a close second...though Audrey looks quite ready to throw a punch in this one...I still love it, mostly because of that sole reason.

okay so I cannot tell a lie, my "assistant" (aka mi esposo) actually snapped this shot whilst I was prepping the scene and backdrop....and of course it ended up being one of my favorite shots...Presley adores Caden. I did the editing though, that counts for something right?!
















Audrey HAD to sit by Caden in every shot and when politely asked to move to a different location, still within arms reach from him but not exactly RIGHT next to him, she responded as any practically-almost-a-teenager-girl with ample amounts of sass would: "well then I'm OUT of this shot," and proceeded to walk out. well then...


















oh I so love this picture and mostly because it reminds me of one of the best shots ever that I took at my sister-in-law's wedding in which these three were ring bearers and a flower girl and they were oh so much tinier and Audrey was holding Caden's hand and they had these ridiculously adorable grins on their faces even then....ahhh, where does the time go?


actually further investigation reveals a hint of mischief behind all that cuteness...

so no, every shot was not exactly the epitomy of cooperation or sanity taking place but like I said, they kept things interesting....sometimes they each had an idea of their own happening....

other times it was just sheer madness.....










you gotta love it. and I so do.

the in between...

something I read from one of my favorite los angeles based photographers ever is haunting me....capturing the moment in between....it's such a beautiful statement and simple idea but too often forgotten, especially when families are desperately trying to make sure everyone is looking at the camera, and dare I say...smiling.

but really that is not what it is all about, and that is why this holiday season especially I am really going to focus on the moments in between and see what becomes of it....our first celebration of the season is hopefully a taste of just that...


I have to say that this picture of gwennie might just be my favorite of her ever...her sweetness is so subtle but her spirit shines through...I love this.





opening presents is exhausting...

tickle torture: part of the holiday fun...

two very different opinions about st. nick's headwear...

it will most definitely be a white Christmas this year and I am so thankful for it.

winter activities

since winter and the holiday season will be pretty slow for an on location (mostly) natural light photographer such as myself (yes these blistering cold temperatures that make your face feel like it will crack if you smile too hard after only moments of being exposed to the winter wonderland outside, make it difficult to do many outdoor shoots, if you want smiling, joyous faces in them that is...), I will use my children as test subjects throughout the coming months as my lens has been neglecting them lately...

these are for you, Katie.

Perhaps I should sift through Presman's photos over the years and start a real "facebook".....


those lashes? so not fair.








in case you didn't know, playdough is serious business.

"Christmas! Santa! Ooohh!"

Christmas wouldn't be quite the same without a visit from, well, "Christmas," according to Presley (who, every time he sees a santa image shouts out with glee, "Christmas!"...so be it.) Until today. Wide-eyed and grinning from ear to ear, Santa's name will never again be forgotten.....

the excitement begins, waiting for a turn on Santa's lap....

maybe Santa will bring daddy a new pair of pants.....

Audrey thinking...how will I EVER fit my entire list into thirty seconds on Santa's lap?!

Santa: "And what would you like for Christmas?"

Audrey: with a dimpled smile and shy voice, "Barbies."

Santa doesn't even have to ASK Presley, who excitedly shouts out, "Christmas! Cars!"

hmmm.....big surprise.




Santa with his two new biggest fans.....




and let me just say that this Santa was the most sweetest, adorable helper I have ever seen (come on, we know he is just a helper, Santa is busy with the elves at the North Pole.....)

or is he?

the wonder of Christmas....

though I cannot quite yet post my recent photo shoot due to Christmas surprises (and I am VERY eager to spread the cuteness..)this picture reminded me of the excitement and wonder of the holidays....the importance of spending time with those we love the most....THAT is what it is really all about. well, that and sugar cookie baking. and maybe a pumpkin spice latte.....

when is santa COMING?

Happy Holidays!

family gatherings, ridiculous amounts of delicious food, lots of laughter and playing, and most importantly, just time spent together. doing everything or perhaps absolutely nothing at all.
tis the season to give and to love.


this Thanksgiving we were thankful that EVERY member of the Roelofs family could come together for a large meal and lots of ball throwing.....can you believe we got ourselves all together for this shot??! can you tell which two people did a full sprint to make it in the shot in time?? (okay, well one of them is not fair guessing since it was my camera and set-up but the other one? good luck....)

I had to include one of my favorite cousins, Laura, and her beautiful family....I don't know how she does it!

and her sweet, sweet daughter, Rachel, whom I remember dancing the night away at my wedding six years ago.....all growns up and still adorable as ever!




hope the holiday season has brought you much love (and hopefully some relaxation) thus far...

happy holidays!

Christmas mini-session with the Jenkins

my best friend since middle school (I have no idea how she has put up with me for this long but I love her for it...) and her beautiful family. it was a COLD day filled with bitter wind and just plain cold. Carlie didn't seem to mind though, as she trudged merrily through the snow while we tried to corral her for a few family shots....we managed to get a few before our fingers became little icicles...
indoors was interesting, too, with little Carlie on the move, having bigger plans than sitting still for a few pictures...a warm, spring outdoor shoot will definitely be in order in the near future....yes, it will be warm again. promise.


with all that said, this image somehow came through it all with the title of my absolute favorite.




this one is pretty darn cute, too.

she was formerly suri cruise's stunt double. she has evolved since then.

they are a ridiculously pretty couple....

like I said....Carlie, well, she has some serious spirit in her....

this pretty much sums up how she felt about a "shoot"....

she really does have the sweetest face.

I can't wait to capture little Carlito again...she is so adorable and sweet and full of laughter..... and has some of the best dance moves ever. look out justin.