Rainy day, Sunny smiles | Children’s Photography | cb Yates

Well we had big plans for this photoshoot. We were going to utilize the great fall colors outside to showcase this little one’s smile. Mother nature had another plan for us though. Looks like we’ll have to wait till next year to do an outdoor shoot with little miss “k”. On the contrary though, I love how these images turned out! Just goes to show, you don’t need any special backdrop to capture great smiles and contagious laughter.

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!

Another great fall morning, another beautiful family.

I’ve been constantly busy shooting and editing fall photos but I just had to take a minute to share this family.  We had a great morning at the park and they were so much fun to photograph. Aren’t they beautiful? And I love their outfits. This mama did a great job planning their outfits.

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!

Family portrait sessions are in full swing!

I’ve been photographing some beautiful families lately. I’lll have lots to blog about in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned to see some great fall colors and cool new locations!

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.

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Portrait Sessions

It’s that time of year again . . . the pumpkin patch is open and the great fall weather is here! My bud Amanda called and hired me to photograph her family’s annual trip to Valas last week. We had such a good time walking through the grounds and enjoying the nice weather. I loved watching Amanda play with her kids in the fall themed wonderland. I felt like part of the family especially since she has her kids calling me “Aunt Cara”. 

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

Good times with Miss K

I’ve been photographing this cutie since she was two days old and I have to say . . . I’ll never get bored! She is a beauty and full of laughter. Mom and I were a tad worried about the overcast day but these images turned out wonderful. There were a couple that as soon as I saw them I thought to myself, “Yes, that’s definitely her!” I love it when I feel I’ve captured my subject’s true personality.

And I couldn’t resist posting one with Mama. They’re such good buddies.

Thanks for having me along for a great photoshoot Miss K, or as I like to call you, Shorty. My favorite part of the session was when I kissed your little hand goodbye and you looked at me said, “I love you”. I thought I heard right but wanted to make sure and Mama confirmed the translation. 

Man, I sure do love my job!