Is it just me, or does anyone else out there think Joshua could make his parents a LOT of money modeling?!?! 
His sister jumped in for a few pictures with him. Except for the occasional head-lock, they really did enjoy being together.
My schedule has been pretty busy this summer.
Chris’ schedule has been a lot busier than mine.
Esha’s schedule is busier than both of ours!
But, after many emails and calls, I’m happy to say we met up a few days ago for their session!
Before our session even started, Chris told me to ‘be the boss’ and tell them what they needed to do. I never mind directing my clients, but these two didn’t need any help from me! It seemed like every time I put my camera down to adjust my settings, Chris would hug Esha or start kissing her neck. They were so natural in front of the camera. It was fun just to follow them and document their love for one another…
Cooper made a guest-appearance at the beginning of our shoot. He did a few family photos and decided to finish the session in the air-conditioned car…
My favorite compliment is when a child isn’t ready for our session to end. Over the years, I’ve even seen a few kids cry because they wanted to stay and play. (The parents hated it, but I loved it!)
My second favorite compliment, hands-down, is when men, especially dads, have a totally different experience than what they expected. Men don’t typically think about, schedule or necessarily look forward to a photo session. But, my goal is to make each session 100% FUN, RELAXED and LAID-BACK.
Mark Twain was right when he said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” It’s awesome when I get an email after a session telling me the kids wanted to play with me again. It’s even better when it says the guy enjoyed it too!
If you’ve been wanting to schedule a session, but you’re getting some ‘guy-resistance’ due to his thoughts of pictures in the past being too stuffy or posed, take a look at some of my FAVORITE dad-shots below…
I love when a dad brings something that has meaning between he and his child. This daddy sings and plays the guitar to his little girl each night. 
Father’s Day is this Sunday. A session would be a great gift to document this stage in your life and family! For more information, email (info@christymartinphotography.com) or call (770-639-0598).
When I asked Missy if she wanted a Sneak Peek of her session in a few days, she made it pretty clear she needed to see them, like, now. Not only do I totally understand her excitement, I really appreciate it! It’s so enjoyable to work with people who share a passion for photography.
Without a moment to spare, here is the wonderfully adorable, sweet, ticklish and perfect Jackson…
Just a few more from the beach…
We spent one day at Busch Gardens. Since Rayna couldn’t ride most things, she and I walked around together where Ross and Matthew could enjoy the bigger rides. (As-only-a-mom-would-note: Ross rode his first upside-down rollercoaster! Yeah!)
CORRECTION: I said Rayna and I ‘walked’ around together; however, there was NO walking on Rayna’s part! Even though I carried her (and my camera and backpack) six straight hours, I honestly enjoyed it. Each time my back started aching and neck started popping, I just thought, “This might be the last year she will let me carry her.” While Ross & Matthew were riding water rides and roller coasters, Rayna and I had frozen lemonaids and a lot of deep conversations about kitty-cats, lip gloss and Dora. 
Just a few of my favorite snapshots…
- Ross & Rayna just a few minutes after waking up from their naps…
- Matthew taking the kids to the same ice-cream shop his parents took him to when he was little
- …HOURS at the pool
Matthew spotted a beautiful tree that would be perfect for a picnic. Aside from getting over 15 mosquito bites in ten minutes, it was a great spot! As always, Rayna started picking flowers. I wasn’t quick enough to get it in focus, but I thought it was still a cute picture.
Counting down the days for another beach trip…
We were able to get away to the beach for a few days over Memorial Day weekend. Aside from a quick trip to San Diego when she was just a baby, this was Rayna’s first time to truly experience the sand and water. 
Our schedule was something like this:
Jumping into the pool over and over…
Then, heading back to the beach…
Although dinner ran late and it was waaay past the kid’s bedtime, we used our last night to go back to the beach one last time. Needless to say, we didn’t waste time by going to the room to get bathing suits!
Rayna didn’t seem to mind.
The warm wind was blowing.
The golden sun was setting.
I wish I could have frozen that moment in time.
As Matthew and Rayna got out of the ocean one evening, I stayed behind for a second to shoot this picture. I love it because of the glow and the rainbow coming down on Ross… 
There are a few more pictures I want to share from our trip! Check back in a few days for the rest!
I received a call during my beach trip from someone who wanted to know if I did maternity sessions. During our phone conversation, she told me her photographer had cancelled an upcoming session and she was very close to her due date. After I explained I was focusing on children and families, I sent her the contact information for two wonderful photographers in our area who specialize in maternity and newborn . Shortly after my email was sent, I received an message from Affie explaining she had reviewed their portfolios, but loved my work and would feel more comfortable me doing her session.
Although this was a compliment and I was very excited to document this important part of her life, I am sharing all of this to simply to illustrate something I am VERY passionate about:
It is SO important that you feel comfortable with the photographer you choose!
If you’re currently looking for a photographer, here are a few tips to help you choose a photographer who is right for you:
- Check out the photographer’s porfolio. If you don’t find images on their website or blog that move/inspire/excite you, move on to another photographer!
- Communicate what you’re looking for. If a family tells me they want ‘formal shots’ (ie: all matching outfits, studio shots, no playful interaction, shots that are posed or with props), I give them the names of several other photographers in the area. On the other-hand, if a family is looking for laughs, hugs and real moments, I know we’d be a great fit.
- Make a quick call! A phone conversation can often help you get to know the photographer. Based on her ideas and personality, you’ll probably have an idea whether or not she is right for you.
- Lastly, if the service you need is not listed on the website, JUST ASK! I was honored to photograph Affie’s family and beautiful belly!
Now, most importantly… Affie’s Sneak Peeks!
I wish every session could start off by me sitting across the table from an adorable little boy finishing his breakfast! While his mom and dad finished getting dressed upstairs, Atlas and I had a LOT to talk about! I learned all about Super Mario Brothers, new videos on YouTube and all of his new favorite songs.
When I saw Affie coming down the stairs, I couldn’t believe how amazingly gorgeous she was!
Affie- Thank you again for asking me to photograph you and your beautiful family! I enjoyed it so much!
So Perfect!!
He is so photogenic and fun to photograph.
yeah, I’m pretty sure that kid could get a modeling job! he is super cute and great pics!!!