I was happy to see the weathered yellow caboose parked right in the middle of the grass. Looking forward to coming back next summer and photographing him next to it to show how much he’s grown.

It’s great to know that Noah and London already share a passion for books. See, I knew they’d be fast friends!

I’ll see you all in a couple months when this handsome guy hits the 9 month mark!

I love his reaction in the image above. Daddy arrived a little after we started and “T” pointed and grinned as soon as he got out of the car.

Mom and Dad are the perfect props for a one year old. They’re guaranteed to generate great smiles.

Mom told me “T” just learned how to say ball so I made sure to bring one with me to the shoot. His little voice was so cute when we played. 

The last image is his reaction to sand for the first time. He really liked it and kept digging his hands in for more. Glad I could be there to photograph his reaction. 

Thanks to Mom and Dad for meeting me that morning. I know it was a little early but it was well worth it. I’m thrilled with the images we captured.

Check out those cute little toes! Also, I love the great picket fence behind her. Perfect backdrop.

After a quick outfit change we got captured some family shots too. I’m so jealous of these great rocking chairs on their front porch. Such a great little nook to spend time together as a family.

This last shot was taken right in the front doorway of their beautiful home. Mom and Dad have done a lot of work restoring and decorating and it shows. Mom has such a wonderful eye for design! It’s the perfect place for little “E” to grow up in.

Thanks for inviting me out to your home. I really enjoyed getting to know your entire family, Grandparents and dogs included! I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my morning

Look at those eyelashes! And like I said in my title, cuteness is defined by pigtails like these pictured above. Little “E” was such a good girl while I photographed her. My favorite part of the session was when she sat in my lap to enjoy her fruit snacks. Nothing better than making a new little friend.

Mom said she had a picture of herself as a child with cute sunglasses like these. So glad we got to recreate the shot. “K” got her “America’s Next Top Model” groove on and totally worked it for my camera.

I love these next couple of shots of Mom and daughter cuddling. You can see how much she loves her mama!

And these last images are just some quick “shoot from the hip” snaps while me and “K” played on the merry-go-round. It was pretty windy but still definitely a top ten day. Oh to be a kid again!

Just wanted to post these images of little E sitting in a nest with her eggs right in time for Easter. We all had fun taking these images, Mom and Dad included! They’re good friends of mine and traveled all the way from Minnesota. I’m so glad they road-trip to have me photograph their little girl.

These black and white images below were some of the last images I took but they’re my favorites by far. Mom had started changing E’s clothes and she found this cute strawberry stocking cap in my suitcase of props. We put it on and she started running around with Dad chasing her. I was lucky to catch these couple of shots when she slowed down a bit. I love the last little impromptu clicks of the camera that you don’t expect.
Well I hope everyone has a happy Easter weekend! The weather has been wonderful so far. I had a great maternity session this morning. Watch the blog for a sneak peek next week. Can’t wait for their little girl to arrive.

Take care and enjoy the time with your family. Hope the Easter bunny brings you something yummy! I was hoping to pick up some Reeses Peanut Butter eggs but the store was all out this afternoon. Couldn’t believe it.

These images are a surprise for miss “k’s” mama. Her NaNa called and set up this photo session and was able to keep it under wraps. I’ve known this little one’s mama since we were young kids ourselves. I absolutely can’t wait to hear what she says when she sees these images!

Their doggy Izzy was so good! She sat wherever we placed her and smiled alongside my little subject. I love the shot of them kissing!

Aren’t this little girl’s features adorable? NaNa told me she thinks she has movie-star lips and I agree. And what about those long eye lashes and that beautiful complexion? I’m jealous!

Thanks for having me over because you brought some sunshine into an otherwise dreary, windy day. I love all the images I captured and I know your mama and daddy will too.

Let’s get together again this spring when it warms up!

There’s definitely a lot of love in this family. There was plenty of hugging and kissing going on! 

So this little guy was fun to work with. I’m so glad I remembered to grab a couple tootsie roll suckers outta my Halloween candy bucket before I left. They work wonders for making little guys smile! And what a smile he has.

I had to sneak one in of Mom and Dad. They looked so cute snuggling together while little man D was playing. Thanks again Ashley and Sam! I’ll have your gallery finished and uploaded very soon!

I really enjoy family sessions because during the shoot I’m on a conquest to get that perfect shot. The one that really captures the essence of their family. The ingredients for me involve *genuine* smiles, big hugs, and usually some great belly laughter. All it takes is one person to say something funny or to bring up an inside joke and I get to see their true family. You know, the same laughter that they share around the dinner table each night.

Here are a couple from a recent family shoot at one of my favorite places to shoot this time of year . . . Schramm Park.

Aren’t these kids adorable? Mom had them dressed in the cutest outfits too. At one point I got a little concerned that they were getting too dirty while they were playing and mom told me they had a little philosophy about dirt  . . . it comes off with a washcloth! Love it! A girl after my own heart. I totally relate especially since I grew up on five acres and played outside all day as a kid.

Both boys were full of smiles and giggles while we toured the grounds. It made my job as “pumpkin paparazzi” so easy! I’ve been to Vala’s plenty of times over the years but I love to see what’s new each year. I believe the very first time I visited I was five years old. The pumpkins weren’t as big back then, in fact I remember spending more time picking strawberries. Regardless it was pretty fun. Vala’s isn’t more than two miles from my parent’s house. I remember growing up and using the pumpkin patch as a landmark to give directions to my house. “You know where you turn to go to Vala’s . . .” Everyone knew where I was talking about!

Okay, enough about my memories . . . on to the pictures.

That last photo was taken while we waited for our hayrack ride to begin. A little downtime from all the playing and running around. I knew the hayrack wagon would be a good spot to get some of the kids sitting on Mama’s lap. Thanks for hiring me to come document your pumpkin patch visit Amanda! I always have a good time with you and the boys. Can’t wait to do it again next year.

So, on to the announcement, cb Yates Photography will be offering Pumpkin Patch Mini-Portrait Sessions thru the end of October! 

You may have some questions:

What is a Mini Session?

A mini session is a regular photo session, but it’s 45 minutes long, which is just enough time to get those great shots of your kids enjoying the patch. No hassle, no stress, just have fun, and you’re done! These are perfect so Mom can leave her camera at home and actually get IN the photos with the kids. I’ll accompany your family as we tour the grounds, climb on the pumpkins, and maybe enjoy some kettle corn together. Mini sessions will be scheduled on weekdays in the mornings and afternoons through the end of October.

What kind of shots will I get?

I will shoot in a photojournalistic style, but I will work to supply you with a mix of traditional photos, individuals of your kids, and some fun shots as well. Perfect Christmas gifts for Grandparents!

The Pumpkin Patch mini-session setting fee is $75. and will include 15% of all prints ordered from this session. You will have 10-15 proofed photos to choose from in your online, password protected proof gallery. 

 Booking is on a first-come, first serve basis. Please email me for availability: cbyatesphoto@me.com

These slots will fill fast, as this is the most popular time of year for outdoor portraits. These sessions will be a blast- I can’t wait to see my repeat clients again, as well as new bookings!

-Cara