I’m sure every mom can relate to the fact that, in recent days, its been extremely difficult to keep our children entertained while avoiding the heat….and going crazy in the process!  My kids love playing outside, and would be perfectly happy to play outdoors all day, but with this heat lately, it is just not possible.  Inside, boredom can take over and that’s when the fighting begins….and the mischievous playing….and so many times, I find myself turning on the TV for a break!  I know that sounds bad, but at times I feel it is the only way I can stay sane!  And I know I should be better about actively playing with my kids, but when they get along, I just let them do their own thing…..be kids!  On this particular day, I decided to break the mold and do something crazy.  PAINT!  I know what you’re thinking….”Paint?  There is nothing crazy about that!”  Well, usually when my kids paint, I am very thorough about cleaning up after them and making sure nothing drips on their clothes….but this day was different…I told them I WANTED them to paint themselves and each other.  I’ve done this a few times with Kaleigh, but never with Carter, so he immediately took a liking to this idea.  It didnt take very long before they had painted the paper, themselves, and each other, and they had a blast doing it!

Below is a shot of the “before” PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEI think Carter was really into it haha! PIN IMAGEKaleigh working on her masterpiece…. PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEHaving a blast! PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEWhat kid wouldn’t love this?! PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEAnd the “after” PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGELater that day, they had more fun painting, but I think most of the paint landed on Carter than the paper!  All in all, it was a fun time and the kids loved every minute of it.  Now what to do with the rest of summer….

So, what fun things have you done with your kids this summer?  I’d love some ideas! 🙂

  
  • August 1, 2011 - 11:24 PM

    Stacy Laine - So funny to happen upon this today! I have all the stuff and planned to do this with my kids this week or next!!! LOVE IT!ReplyCancel

  • August 2, 2011 - 7:40 AM

    Ashley - Thats too funny! Surprisingly, my kids didnt get into it like I thought they would! I thought I was going to have a big mess, but it wasnt too bad! Have fun with yours, I’d love to see some photos! 🙂ReplyCancel

When I arrived at the U family’s home for our session, it was blistering hot!  I think this was one of the most speediest family sessions I have ever photographed, but the kids had a blast and we got some really fun photos!  Their backyard had a little sweet spot with the most perfect light, so that is where most of the photos were taken….I just loved the fence, the light, and the ivy growing….perfect for portraits!  Below are just a few favorites from our mini session!   PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGELove this image below… PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE

 

PIN IMAGEAAren’t they just the sweetest family?!   Wendy, I had such a fun time with your girls, they are so beautiful!  Thank you again for a great session!

  

The moment I met this beautiful family, I could tell that Gabby is the center of Natalie and Chris’ world.  They just adore her!  And who couldn’t?  She is such a sweet little girl and I had a great time photographing her and her family.  Despite the hot, hot weather that day, we ended up with some great photos!  I don’t think Gabby minded one bit that it was nearly 100 degrees outside…she was too busy exploring Maymont, feeding the fish, and having a good time with her mom and dad.  Maymont is such a beautiful place any time of year, so I always enjoy having beautiful people to photograph there!  So, without further adieu, here are the B Family photos…. PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEShe is so adorable! PIN IMAGEI love these next shots with Daddy….can you tell she’s got him wrapped around her finger? 😉 PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGESo sweet…. PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEOne of my faves…. PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGESuch a beautiful family! PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEThank you Chris, Natalie, and Gabby for a fun session!  You guys are awesome!

  

After I had spoken with Krista about our upcoming photo session, I was really excited!  Her oldest was turning three and they had just welcomed a sweet baby boy into their family.  I am always honored when I get to be a part of such a memorable time in people’s lives and what made this session even more special was that, not only was it a celebration of birth, but it was also a celebration of another birth year!

From the time I met Katelyn, she could not have been any more sweet!  She was really excited to have her birthday and new big sister pictures taken, so I spent some time with just her in the beginning.  I loved seeing the sweet interaction between her and her new brother, and the photos below melt my heart!

I had such a fun time with this sweet family!  I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do! PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGELove the teeny tiny toes! PIN IMAGELove these shots below….thats what childhood is all about…pure bliss. PIN IMAGEI think this photo is one of my favorites… PIN IMAGECute baby parts! PIN IMAGEHow sweet are these?!  Little brother doesn’t look to happy, but its still so cute! PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGELove these…. PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEBirthday Girl! PIN IMAGEThank you again Krista for inviting me into your home to capture your beautiful children!

  
  • July 25, 2011 - 10:02 PM

    Krista - THANK YOU Ashley for all your hard work!!!! Katelyn still talks about it and these pictures are AWESOME and bring tears to my eyes. I appreciate your patience with us and look forward to working with you again. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • July 26, 2011 - 12:28 AM

    Ashley - That makes me happy to hear that!! She is so sweet! I am so happy you like the pictures and I look forward to working with you all again! 🙂ReplyCancel

I had the opportunity to work with the amazing Beth Harris for this gorgeous couple’s wedding.  I love shooting in downtown Richmond and Iva and Joe could not have chosen a more beautiful location for the ceremony and reception!

PIN IMAGEThese guys are looking sharp! PIN IMAGEThese two are just so cute!! PIN IMAGEThis church is GORGEOUS…inside and out!! PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEHere comes the bride…. PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEI just love this moment below…they both look so happy! PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEMarried! PIN IMAGEI think Iva is one of the most photogenic people I know!! PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEI’m loving these fun shots below! PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEAnd my favorite part of the wedding day….bride and groom photos! PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEBeth, you are awesome!  You picked such an amazing place for their photos!  LOVE THEM!!  These shots below are some of my favorites from the day! PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEIva and Joe, you guys are such a fun, beautiful couple! PIN IMAGEFAVORITE! PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEIva, you are gorgeous! PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGE PIN IMAGEWhat a FUN wedding this was!

  
  • July 19, 2011 - 4:38 PM

    Carly - Love love that cake! great work Ashley, love them all!ReplyCancel