I’ve known Kelly for a few years, but had never had the chance to meet her boys. She loves talking about them, of course, like any proud mom would, and when she asked if we could do a session I practically leaped at the chance. Who wouldn’t want to photograph this adorable lil’ face?

“You’re going to get the full Brayden experience,” she told me. Brayden is intensity wrapped in energy and sprinkled with spunk. “And did I mention his middle name is Chase? Don’t forget to wear your sneakers.”

Brayden and I hit it off right away. We played Nerf guns and Lego Star Wars and somewhere in there I managed to negotiate a few photos. As I was packing up my gear, Brayden asked me where I was going. “I’m going to my home.” “Why?” “Because I live there.” “But I want you to live here.”

He wasn’t entirely happy when I told him I needed time to take photos of his big brother. Bradley is the chill to Brayden’s zing. He’s quiet and cool, and opens up a bit more slowly.

Poor Brad got hit with the brunt of the brutal autumn winds, and still he was incredibly sweet and patient while I suggested places for a shot. And then we both ran inside to warm up with cookies and cocoa.

I’ve promised Kelly that I’ll be back when the warmer weather comes. With my sneakers…and my Nerf gun.

- Emily

- Emily

At least around my studio it is. I feel like Santa Claus: making a list, checking it twice, and wrapping each package with love and care. Of course I’d like to think that every time a client opens an order it feels like Christmas, but do I think there’s something extra special about deliveries made this time of year. It’s also the time of year for holiday cards, and I’ve spent a lot of time in my workshop studio this past month creating cards for clients.

Now, I know everyone is different, but I need music when I work. Gets the creative juices flowing and all that. You could point to any one of my sessions and I could probably tell you exactly what album I was listening to at the time. So when I started working on holiday cards a few weeks ago, I figured it was time to break out the Christmas tunes, and the album I put on is one that I’ll be listening to over, and over, and over again, and I still won’t be tired of on December 26th.

Sufjan Stevens, I ♥ you.

- Emily

How can you explain that you need to know that the trees are still there, and the hills and the sky? Anyone knows they are.  How can you say it is time your pulse responded to another rhythm, the rhythm of the day and the season instead of the hour and the minute?  No, you cannot explain.  So you walk. (Anonymous)

- Emily

Met while out on our walk today.

- Emily