I am passionate about being passionate.  So much in fact, when we started a Couple’s Small Group (through our church), the ‘Ice Breaker’ question I picked to ask everyone this week was, “What are you passionate about?”  Although I’ve had days to think about my answer, I know it’s going to be hard to limit myself to one answer.

For me, I am over-the-top passionate about showering my kids with love and affection, my family, photography and food.  That’s why, after 5 days of photographing many wonderful subjects, this first blog post from Arizona is simply about my obsessions. 

If you’re one of the lucky people who have experienced this beautiful sight first-hand, you’ll understand why IN-N-OUT Burger was my first stop in Arizona.  This is a Double-Double, Animal-Style (extra sauce and grilled onions)...

When arriving, I received an email from Matthew to have a burger for him.  The next day, someone else sent me the same message.  Sooo… I assumed they were both serious.  IN-N-OUT Burger two days in a row?  No problem!  (Don’t you love how they ask if you’ll be eating in the car?  It’s like they KNOW how humanly impossible it would be to drive home without pulling it out of the bag.)  In case you didn’t get enough with the first visit…

Someone ask me what my favorite part of the trip was.  Without hesitation, I told her how much I loved photographing the students at New Way.  I’ve done many, many projects for this school and each time I come back, the kids and I seem to have more and more fun together. 

The biggest project I had during this trip was also the one I looked most forward to!  

I think most of you would agree on all of the ‘UN’s that are associated with standard school photos: 
UN-natural, UN-flattering and UN-comfortable.  

I was over-the-top happy to offer something for the parents and students that will not only look great in a yearbook, but also in their family’s homes and wallets too. 

If you’re a parent checking in, your child’s gallery will be posted soon. 
To view later this week, go to my website:  http://www.christymartinphotography.com 

• Click on ‘website’
• Click on “VIEW PROOFS’
• password is your student’s homeroom teacher’s last name

If you have any questions about packages, Story Boards or orders, you may email (info@christymartinphotography.com) or call  me @ 770-639-0598.

Although I was a little bummed about Ross starting pre-school this year, I have really enjoyed having Rayna to myself a few hours during the day.  Some days we get a lot accomplished, but most are spent cuddling back at home with her saying, “Ross… skool” every 30 minutes.   This week, however, I had a plan.  

I had visited a new location one evening last week as the sun was going down.  Although I loved it then, I wanted to see it one more time in daylight before I started booking clients there.  I decided to make the trip once more with my sister, Rayna, my camera and 2 bags of snacks.     

I could have stayed there all day taking pictures of Rayna… 

Even though she can be pretty shy around strangers, she has one of the funniest and silliest personalities when she’s around family…

I love this picture because it shows off those sweet ‘baby-rolls’ on her arms and feet.  I know these baby features will disappear soon.  But having them now simply proves what I find myself telling Matthew and Ross at least five times a day, “Be easy on her!  She’s just a baby!”

Yes, she IS a natural poser.  (I never prompt her to do anything.  Like it would work anyways… she’s not even 2 years old!)
Yes, that IS a blue M&M in her open mouth.  (It adds character to the picture, right?)

She insist that Matthew paint her toenails several times each week.  Sometimes he’s guilty of rushing through her bi-weekly pedicure.  I think she just found a spot that needs touching-up… 

Thanks to my sweet girly-girl.  I have about a hundred more I’d love to post tonight, but it’s time to pack for Arizona!  I love you, Rayna-Claire-Bear.