The Nelsons!

This is my second year photographing this lovely family and it was such a pleasure, once again! They are so fun to work with and turns out we know a lot of the same people! :) Enjoy a few from our session in the park.

Ashleigh & Joseph {Joplin Smile!}

These two were my second session of the day in Joplin and tons of fun to work with! I'm not sure Joe knew what he was getting himself into. But in the end, I think he had a little fun. ;) Best wishes to you both. Enjoy!

The Miller Family [Joplin Smile Sessions]

This wonderful family was the first of my Joplin Smile sessions last weekend and they rocked it! I had been looking forward to these sessions with excitement since the day I signed up on the Joplin Smile team and it was all I hoped it would be, and more. JS began with a wonderful couple in Kansas City (The Fantasma's). They had a wonderful idea to gather photographers from surrounding areas who would volunteer their time and photography skills to help tornado survivors rebuild their portrait collections. Meeting these people was such a blessing for me. Hearing about their strength and perseverance was so inspiring!

The Millers were preparing for a bbq at their house on the day of the tornado. Cindi's daughter, April, was in from Dallas and Richard's daughter, Sarah was over as well. Richard was grilling when he realized the "thunder" he heard was not thunder but the roar of a tornado. The family quickly went in a closet together and seconds later the tornado hit. The closet was left intact and they had escaped the havoc the tornado left in it's place.

When I spoke with Richard on the phone and asked who he wanted in the photos, there was no hesitation. It had to be the four of them, because they survived it together. I feel honored to document the beginning of this new chapter, post tornado.

Enjoy a few images from our time together. There will be more wonderful stories and images of my day in Joplin coming soon!

Giveaway & Valdez Family

Congratulations Kathryn Harter! She is the lucky recipient of the $25 Lily Cole giveaway. Thanks for playing everyone!

I love a post with photos, so below is the latest session with the Valdez family. It was such a pleasure to photograph them. They were all so laid back and we had a lot of fun.

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather!

Lily Cole Designs Giveaway!!!

I’m so excited about this giveaway! You've heard me brag before but if you haven't checked out Lily Cole Designs yet, you must! Maggie creates beautiful heartfelt prints for nurseries and toddler rooms, embroidered pillows, wall hangings, paper garlands and fabulous note cards. (I have a set and love them!)

One lucky reader will have their very own Lily Cole design! Maggie is graciously giving away a $25 credit to the Lily Cole shop so YOU can decide which of her products suits you.

TO ENTER PLEASE:
1."Like" Denise Williams Photography fb page (right up top) AND
2. "Like" Lily Cole Designs fb page {CLICK HERE}

BONUS ENTRY: Rally your friends and have them do 1 & 2, PLUS leave a comment on fb saying you sent them and you’ll be entered twice.

The winner will be announced next Wednesday, September 28th at 9:00 pm CST. Any of her items would make great holiday gifts or a nice treat for yourself. ;)

Meet Maggie, the awesome talent behind Lily Cole Designs...

Psst...that's Lily!

1. My only celebrity sighting: I recently saw “Big” from Sex and the City. Funny thing is I saw him in a bar in NYC while I was drinking a cosmo. Doesn’t that seem like a coincidence? Especially since I am never in NYC. And never drinking a cosmo.
2. I am a Kansas girl born, raised and never strayed. One look at me and the fact is confirmed: everything pretty much IS flat in Kansas.
3. My most favorite thing to do is to curl up on the couch and watch a DVR’d Real Housewives, and crochet. No judging allowed.
4. I don’t own a full-length mirror, so I am pretty sure all of my jeans look 80’s mom style. Yet I don’t know so I don’t care.
5. I have never been happier in my whole life than I am right now.

You can find Maggie’s work in her Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilyCole or on her fb page. She'd love to hear which pieces are your favorites!

The Earles Family

It's been a fun two weeks with my sister and her family visiting from Michigan. We've done everything (indoors) there is to do with kids and then some. Add lots of swimming to that and you've got some worn out kids (and moms + Nana)! It's always a whirlwind of activity, but we sure do have a good time. Since we hadn't done a family session in two years for my sister and her family we scheduled it at the end of her visit. I was dreading trying to get good images without them all melting, but we lucked out with the weather on Thursday. Phew! What resulted was a fun time and fun images and only a little sweat! They left yesterday and although I know we are all welcoming our normal schedules, I sure miss them!

Starstruck!

A while back I took my niece downtown for a different take on her dance photos for the year. We wanted to change it up a bit and had fun with all the different backdrops that an urban setting has to offer. She was a trooper through all the outfit changes! I've watched Marissa dance she since she was a wee little one. As I processed her images, it hit me that she is not a little girl anymore! She has blossomed in to a beautiful young lady, inside and out. I sure love this gal!

If you're a friend of Cindy's I have a special bonus if you book a session before the year ends. Get in touch! Oh, and I LOVE it when you LIKE me! Click the LIKE button above to keep on the latest with Denise Williams Photography!

two beauties

This is the second time I've been blessed to photograph these sweet things. It was so good to see them and see how much they've grown. And just look at those faces! It is awesome to see such a special bond between sisters. Makes me miss mine! Enjoy a few images from their session. (My posting is goofy for some reason tonight. You may need to drag your window larger to see the images in their very full size!)

July Joy Promotion!

So I know most people aren't thinking about decking the halls or trimming the tree in this insanely hot and humid July weather! On second thought, maybe you are dreaming of cooler times? :) Well, have I got a little love and extra JOY for you! Read on...

It's almost that time. The time where inquiries about fall sessions start rolling in. Why not be the first to reserve the date you want and get a little extra joy with that session? If you wait, you'll have to take what's left and you'll miss out on the goods!

Here's the low down on how to get your July joy:

*Go speedy quick and "Like" my facebook page (the button is at the top of the blog)
*Schedule your session by July 31st, 2011. (Session fee required to hold your date)
*Receive a complimentary set of 25-5x7 press print holiday cards with your session order.

That's it! Easy peasy.

Oh! Don't forget to take a look at my website for pricing information and FAQs! http://denisewilliamsphotography.com/

Feel free to spread the word!

Hakes Family

I met with the Hakes family a few weeks ago and we had a great session! I enjoyed getting to know them all a little better. Enjoy a few from the evening!

Big Brother

I posted about little C entering the world a couple of weeks ago. Well he's already changed so much and was wide awake for our little photo session this time! Big brother K was there and I could sure feel the love he has for his new little brother. Enjoy!

senior season is here!

Congratulations to the class of 2011 high school graduates! I still remember my graduation like it was yesterday. But clearly, as one of my "milestone" birthdays fast approaches, it was not! It's not too early for the class of 2012 to start thinking about senior portraits. In order to ensure you get the date you want, call and book your session soon! To celebrate the graduation season I thought I'd throw in a perk for 2012 seniors booking this summer....

Book a senior session in June or July and receive a set of 3 accordion albums with your order.

Go to my facebook page and click "like" to keep in the loop with the happenings of Denise Williams Photography!

The Forts

Here are the troopers I posted about on facebook last week. Our session was on one of the coldest days this month! Regardless, I got some great ones of them and enjoyed riding together. Thanks for driving ME around!

Baby Caden

I was so blessed to hold this precious bundle for the first time today, which was his second day in this big world. He is just so sweet! Mom is a great friend (who also happens to be my daughter's teacher - BONUS!) and I wanted to capture him in his first days. I'll be knocking down their door to snuggle on him some more, as I just didn't get enough time with him! Of course, I'll have my camera too. Look for more of Caden and big brother!

Taking better photos of your family

Isn't this little guy a cutie? These were taken at about 7:45 the other night. I love the light later in the evening before sunset. It's softer, warmer and just downright buttery sometimes! If you are wanting to take better photos of your kiddos or your family here are a few tips....

1. Turn that FLASH off! If you don't know how, check your manual.
2. Shoot early in the day or in the evening. Mid day sun is too harsh and won't do your images any favors!
3. Get out of the direct sun. Direct sun is harsh and will create raccoon eyes. Find a shaded area and face your subject so reflected light is falling on their face. (in two of these, the first and the last one, the church across the street had the sun shining directly on it and it was reflecting back across the street at Connor's face)

Try these tips and see how you do! If you find them helpful, share this post with a friend and have them go like my facebook page (button at top of blog). That's the place to hear what's going on with Denise Williams Photography!

Sylvia C. Bracelet

Last week I told you about the necklace I bought for myself for Mother's Day and mentioned the piece I bought for my mom. Now that I've given it to her I can tell you that I had a cuff made for her with all her grandkids' names stamped on the outer surface. I love it and she did too! This will be my next piece. I need to think of what to put on it though. I already have the girls' names on my necklace. Any suggestions?

Puppies!

This is the second time I've had the pleasure of photographing the Farrell family. This time they added a twist and had four puppies and their momma present! Coconut had four little boy puppies. The Farrells wanted to be photographed with them before they went to live with their new families. We met early one Saturday morning and followed those little cuties around the yard. It was a great time and they kept me on my toes!

These kiddos have sure grown since I've seen them last!

Happy Mother's Day!

I want to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all the great moms out there! I hope you get to do something just for you. I plan to enjoy my family and spend the day not thinking of anything on my to-do list. I said *plan to*. So we'll see how this task oriented gal will do!

Speaking of Mother's Day, I bought myself a mother's day gift this year! I know that's not customary, but I've been wanting a "mom" necklace for a while now. You know, the stamped silver charms with your kiddos names on them. I was bent on it ever since I met Sylvia C. at library story time. After getting to know this very nice and stylish mommy, I learned that she makes stamped jewelry. Ding! Well, I had to have one.

I just love Sylvia's stuff. After you see her pieces, you will too. You can find them in her Etsy shop HERE and learn more about her HERE. Her blog is so much fun to read. In addition to making cool jewelry, she also loves helping women find their personal style. She writes an "Ask Sylvia" post and shares what she wears on "What I wore Wednesday." You must check her out. Go!

Oh, and before you go thinking I'm TOTALLY selfish, I did have her make something for my mom too. I'll post that after Mother's Day! Check out the image of my awesome necklace. I added the cross and Sylvia consulted with me to create a personal piece that I cherish! I think I'll be keeping this girl busy. My birthday is around the corner. ;)