Happy Birthday, G!

Happy birthday to my sweet G!  She is seven...wait, I must have typed that wrong.  She cannot possibly be seven!  Crazy how time flies.  Seven years ago, as a client was leaving the studio at the end of their session my water broke.  Just a few short hours later, little Miss G joined our family and it's never been the same since.  Love this girl!!  She is my sneaky, stubborn little girl who is so smart, loving and beautiful.  I cannot imagine my life without her.  So again, little Miss G, wishing you the happiest of birthdays!  I love you!!

Happy Brithday, L!

 

Okay, so really this post isn't possible.  It just simply cannot be.  Totally not real.  It just is not feasible that my little girl is 9.  Seriously, how did this happen?

My Girls

While taking portraits in Lincoln's Sunken Gardens for my brother's family, I couldn't resist capturing my own two adorable girlies while I was there.  It was a warm evening, but my girls were ready to ham it up for the camera (which is so unusual!).  I was so happy they willingly cooperated.

Laurelin and Gabrielle {My Girls}

Last weekend, we headed to Decorah to celebrate family day with my husbands Army Reserves unit.  While we were there I took a large group portrait for the unit.  Since I had my camera with me and Decorah is full of GORGEOUS location, I decided to take my girls out for some quick portraits.

Girl Scout Cookies are Coming!

 

This year, the Geno Photography studio is playing host to our Girl Scout troop's cookie pantry.  I tell you, it is a little difficult to focus with cases of Girl Scout cookie deliciousness in the room with me.  My two sweet Girl Scouts are so excited to start selling this Friday. My oldest has sold the last two years, but this is the first year for my youngest and she is so happy to be selling along side her big sister.

My Baby Girl is 6!

 It is hard to believe it, but my Gabby girl is 6!  How is that even possible?  I always enjoy seeing how much my client's children have grown between sessions.  With my own children, it's often harder to see these changes since I have the pleasure of watching them grow every day.  

Happy 8th Birthday to My Sweet Laurelin

I want to take a moment to wish my oldest a very happy birthday! So hard to believe she's 8 already!!  Love this girl with all my heart!

Finding Balance This Summer

Summertime in the Geno house is always a busy time.  I am trying my best this summer to balance the demands of wedding season, while still giving 110%, and taking time to create memories with my family.  I love my job and am so very, very thankful that it has allowed me to work from my home studio and be with my children as they grow.  It is not always the easiest balance to maintain, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

The Life of a Photographer's Child {Just For Fun}

The saying is that the "cobbler's children have no shoes," and I've often heard it said that photographer's children have no portraits.  This is definitely not the case in my family.  My children have been in front of the lens since day one.  I think of anyone in the world, a photographer should understand the importance of capturing their children.  I have, at times, had to bribe my children to go along with my crazy photo plans.  I am thankful that they put up with me and my camera.  :)  I love being able to look back through the photos and see how much they have changed, even if they're just candid moments at the park.  My kids look at me like I'm a little crazy when I get all sappy over a picture of them, but I'm sure one day they'll appreciate having the memories immortalized in images.

Laurelin & Gabrielle {Snow Session}

I loved photographing the fun, though chilly, "Frozen" session I did with my youngest.  So, I decided since the snow as falling again, I'd take both my girls out behind our house for a fun session in the snow.  This was again, another very brief shoot.  We were outside probably eight minutes tops, but I adore how the photos turned out.  I think the girls had fun too.  There were quite a few silly giggles shared during the session.

How Time Flies!

 It is hard to believe it, but my baby is 5 today.  I mention often in this blog how I'm amazed at how quickly my clients' children are growing, the same rings true for my own.  While I may not wake up each morning and think, "Wow, Gabby has gotten so much bigger since I last saw her, " I often think back to moments when she was younger and it truly hits me that she's not a baby or toddler anymore.  I am so thankful to have so many photographs and portraits of her as she has grown to remind me of just how small she once was.

Birthday Girl

 Guess who turned seven today!

My Girls {Moments Together}

I am thankful my children don't run and hide whenever a camera is picked up.  They have each spent a lot of time in front of a camera since before they were born.  There are definitely days when I get the, "seriously, Mom? I have to smile for this?"  But, on the whole they embrace it.  In fact, today they requested their photos be taken.  How could I deny these sweet faces?

Cassidy's Crochet Creations

This past winter, Cassidy from Cassidy's Crochet Creations was so kind to make these BEAUTIFUL, warm winter creations for my girls.  As soon as they saw them, my girls fell instantly in love.  In fact, it was hard for me to even get them to take them off to sleep!  They are super soft and warm.  The colors are gorgeous.  Seriously, it doesn't get any better.  To see more of Cassidy's Crochet Creations check them out on their Facebook page.

Vintage Furniture

 

I've been having a lot of fun shopping for some new chairs for the studio.  I love the new vintage chair and couch we just added to the studio.  The couch is made from gorgeous green crushed velvet.  Super fun and funky!  The chair is upholstered with blue velvet and has intricately carved wooden arms and legs that have been painted a pale green-blue hue.  So gorgeous!

Elle-Mirai {Vendor Spotlight}

 If you've followed my blog, then you already know how much I love the products from Elle-Mirai.  Seriously, their crocheted products are perhaps some of the softest things I've touched and are made brilliantly.  My girls love their Elle-Mirai hats.

Laurelin & Gabrielle {My Little Girls}

Every once and a while, I'm able to convince my girls to do a session.  They have grown up with the camera around and tire of it rather quickly.  But at the end of July, I was able to get them to put on their pretty new dresses and head out to Foster Woods for some portraits.  I am so glad we did!  The photo of them snuggled together laughing absolutely melts my heart.  They did so wonderfully and I am so happy to hang these photos on my wall!