I love when daddies come to the shoot!

Jonell and I met for the first time on Saturday when I had the privilege of photographing her handsome son. This little boy was constantly on the go. He's turning one on July 9th and is already walking. (ha! my youngest turned one on June 3rd and doesn't even stand on his own) I was a little unsure of how the family shots would go because... well... most dads aren't into this whole portrait thing. Brian, however, was great! He was so relaxed in front of the camera and he really was the key to all the smiling shots I have of Perry. Those boys are two peas in a pod. Well, here is your sneak peak Jonell.

See what I mean? Brian could do just about anything silly, and Perry was right there cracking up at all his best stunts. :)

I asked if they had any specific requests... this was Daddy's.

It's Contest Time Again!

I don't know about y'all, but I thought the last contest I held was so much fun that we should do it again! This time is going to be a bit different though. I need way more involvement from all of you. Why? Because it's YOUR PICTURES we'll be voting on! That's right! In honor of Independence Day I'm calling for your very best Fourth of July pictures. Here's how it will work.

Email me your best Independence Day images by July 8th at 12:00 p.m. to be entered in the contest. The first 10 entries received will be placed on my blog in random order on July 11th. Then, anyone and everyone is invited to vote via email using the contact page on my website. Simply go to my website, click the "contact" link and enter the number of the image you'd like to vote for. Voting will close on July 18th at 12:00 p.m. I will then tally all the votes and announce the winner on July 20th.

Rules:
**This is for fun, please abide by all contest rules and enjoy a little friendly competition**
- All entries must be entered by the person who took the photograph.
- All images must be large enough to see detail
- One image per entry (by submitting your photo you are agreeing to allow me to post it on my blog)
- Only one vote per person (though you can always call/email everyone you know and have them vote too!)
- Must be 18 years or older to enter
- All contest entries must be emailed to allison@thornton-photography.com by July 8th at 12:00 p.m. CST

You may enter an image you take this year, or one you took 10 years ago. As long as YOU took it and it represents Independence Day. If your image happens to be a printed photo, simply scan it in, and email it to me. If you're local, and don't own a scanner, contact me before the deadline and we'll work something out.

Prizes:
First Prize - One free 12 page session album including a DVD slide show. [$250 value]

Second Prize - One free 20x24 print. [$125 value]

Third Prize - One free session: all $100 is applied to print order. [$50 extra value]

Good luck!

Can I call "do over"?

This beautiful family is another model for the display I'm creating for Dr. Davis. Celeste and I planned everything out wonderfully. The morning of the session, I looked out my window, and knew I'd end up having to reshoot. Literally 10 minutes after I started, so did the rain. It did lighten up so I continued to shoot, but it was all for naught. Their lovely portraits were streaked with rain drops falling from the sky. Oh well... I look forward to trying again. Her sweet daughters were so great. I know things will be better next time. The good news is, I have a handful of great images to combine with the future ones. Here are a couple of my favorites.

So sweet! Doesn't she look like Celeste's mini me.

Even Max had enough sense to try to get out of the rain.

A turned 8 years old on Wednesday. Isnt she such a beauty? She was so easy to talk to and so easy to photograph.

I walked in prepared for this little shy two year old, but little L warmed up to me with no problem. She and I even walked outside together and I started photographing her before everyone else was ready.

Oh so sweet and SPUNKY!

I can't even begin to tell you how much fun I had photographing this sweet almost 7 year old. We played with her kitty named Cookie, we talked about everything from Disneyworld to underware (yikes!), played with ducks, and then we both (yes me too) bounced on the trampoline. I almost felt like a kid again. :) Thanks Sandi and Jaci for letting me share in your lives for even just a few moments.

Seriously?!? My favorite!!!

Didn't I tell you she was spunky?

And boy can she fly!