Every day this week included a photoshoot. I’ll admit, it’s a bit intoxicating– finding the right angle, turning toward the light, capturing that perfect moment. It’s a privilege to be part of people’s lives, to share in their celebrations.
Usually, I limit myself to one (or at most two) sessions per week simply because A. I am incredibly slow at editing, and B. my family needs me home. But the light is so golden this time of year, the orchards so lush that I’ve been testing my family’s patience.
Forget what you read in the papers about spoiled kids, bickering couples and the complete degeneration of society, this week I turned my lens toward:

four hugging, kissing little girls who whisper “please” and “thank you,” who adore each other and their parents
a couple so sweet, so silly, so right for each other that none of us could stop grinning,
gorgeous (and humble!) Madeline who is busy filling out college applications and dancing her way through senior year,
adorable Cara in her baptism dress (isn’t she breathtaking?),
and possibly my favorite moment of the entire week, 12 year old Porter asking– “Can I have a picture of just me and my mom? ‘Cause I love my mom.”
People are good; life is beautiful.
Shelah
what a happy week! Suzanne’s girls look so grown up!
Blue
I love this update! Like I said yesterday, it’s just too bad there aren’t two of you! ♥
Linn
Absolutely gorgeous pictures and what Porter said made me cry. Oh my mother’s heart!
Cath
Wow. Intoxicating is right. Even more breathtaking than I’d imagined! Loved running with you this morning. You are doing good work everywhere. xo
Tracy
So happy you are out there shooting. A lot. Beautiful.
Got Boys?
So beautiful Michelle! It was fun to see this post and then see someone I knew! Hello to Brenda! What a lovely family, I am sure she is thrilled to have you document this time in their lives, especially with that boy love for his momma!
Tori Dumke
These pictures are gorgeous! I love your work. Love the photo of Katy and her fiance. And Porter! How darling.