Family Fun in Fall, Also Some Photos

If you and I have ever had an in-person chat about clothing and the experience of picture day, chances are that I’ve told you about “The Dreaded Family Picture Day of 1997” (that I may or may not die mad about). The short version is that my sister got to wear the shirt I wanted to wear. We fought fiercely over that stupid shirt. Looking at that photo still makes me mad. It also taught me an incredibly valuable lesson: THE EXPERIENCE MATTERS.

Now, I actually can’t tell you how this family felt about their session. But I’ll tell you why these pictures make me happy when I look at them. I had fun. Like a LOT of fun. Happy memories were made and documented. For me, that’s the value in photos. I’m far more interested in your sincere, real joy and love as a family than I’ll ever be in the tedious (for me) details of posed photography. Capturing personalities > capturing perfect is my jam.

Now, please see below where we had the best fall morning everrrrrr!

Playing in the Leaves: Stayton Family Photographer

So, I have a confession: keeping up with blogging with a toddler is HARD. I've had so many amazing clients and sessions in the past several months. I've taken some of my favorite photographs and made some of my favorite memories ever. But keeping up with sharing them here has been a little tougher. Choosing how to prioritize my time is one of those big, responsible, yucky, grownup tasks that always makes me nervous, because I'm never sure if I'm making the right choices. I'm totally guilty of wanting it all: I want to spend all the fun times with my kiddo; I want to run a business, with amazing customer service, that I'm proud to call my own; yummy dinners, happy husband, family vacations.  ....How many of you are laughing right now? (If anyone actually knows how to cram all of this into one life, I am ALL ears!!)
Anyway, I find myself with some spare moments tonight (I'm avoiding starting on my books for taxes), so, please enjoy the cuteness of The Bishop Family with me. I've been photographing them since their oldest daughter was a tiny babe and they're some of my favorites!