it has been great to see him grow up.

We scheduled this family session to update their adoption profile… and THAT MORNING, they were

contacted by a birth mom… a few sweet weeks later…

I had the chance to photograph this LITTLE DREAM…

what an incredible family.

ADOPTION IS AMAZING!!

and it has become one of my very favorite sessions to photograph.

I love getting the traditional shot (always a bit of a challenge).

Even more, I LOVE getting the candid moments with a group that comes together.

This was a medium sized group in Gilbert and they could not have been more beautiful. 

Look at all these little ones!!  The oldest is only SIX!!!

It was so much fun having them in the studio and I absolutely love this group shot so much

that I printed one for my studio!

I am lucky enough to live very close to them and just love every single thing about them.

TWO sets of TWINS, who are now all happy, positive, incredible adults… these parents got it right, for sure.

The weather was perfect and these guys were so playful and fun.

I love shooting a session where everyone is laid back, the result is always so natural and warm.

They had everyone together from all over the country and they were all adorable.

Sally, of ABODE: SALLY JENSEN INTERIORS

is a miracle worker in the home, from helping design unique spaces to redesigning your entire home,

her eye is impeccable and her talent is incredible.

I am lucky enough to have been able to get this family in the studio and,

of course they were dressed perfectly for the occasion.

These little girls are full of life and loved the fun environment in the studio.

Sally, among many prints, ordered four 20×20 square prints and they  look amazing in the Jensen’s FABULOUS  living room.

It was quick and painless for everyone involved and the images ended up

being so unique for Christmas cards.

For Photographers, the MAGIC HOUR is that time just before the sun sets…

that golden moment where the light is drippy, warm and beautiful.

It is fitting that this incredible foundation name themselves for this special,

fleeting moment of every single day that most of us don’t stop to notice or appreciate near enough.

THE VISION:

Family and memories are two of the most valuable treasures in life.

They should be celebrated in the present and captured for the future.

When asked to join THE MAGIC HOUR FOUNDATION as a volunteer photographer,

I read this vision statement and knew this was a great fit for me.

When I was sixteen years old, my sister was killed in a car accident and I TREASURE the images that I have of her and with her.

Later, when I was twenty years old, my father was diagnosed with cancer and left us only three short weeks later

and the photographs that I have of him have been treasures to teach my children about their Grandpa.

Helping give families the gift of memories has been a driving force behind my photography

and I could not be more excited to be a part of this growing foundation and the gift of love.

SO… WHAT DOES THE MAGIC HOUR FOUNDATION DO?

(right from the foundation’s website…)

We serve the individuals and families who are fighting cancer.

We provide them with the ability to celebrate the truly important things in life by capturing it through photography.

Their charitable photo session will provide an opportunity to be normal – just relax, smile and have fun with loved ones.

Above all, we will strive to express compassion and love as we support them and pray for God’s grace in their lives.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR A MAGIC HOUR SESSION?

People of all ages who are either currently receiving treatment for cancer or have been cancer-free for under two years.

HOW DO YOU SIGN UP FOR A SESSION OR NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR A SESSION?

Everyone must fill out either the main application or the nomination form.

Please wait to fill out the form until you have three solid dates in mind that you could be available for your session.

Please read the application contract and complete the digital signature.

Once we find a photographer match, they will choose one of your dates and the session will be considered “booked.”

The photographer will contact you to nail down the specific time and location.

To nominate a candidate, fill out the nomination form and we will contact the recipient

and ask them to fill out the main application so that we can be aware of their availability and preferences.