Dewanes | Family

Happy Sigh..... The Dewanes and I had a blast at their session. They're easily one of the most beautiful families I've ever met. Happy weekend, friends!

Perfection

I did a shoot for a client at the beach tonight. I watched them pull in and looked over to excitedly wave from my car...and instead I saw the mom take a big sigh. Not like a good sigh but almost a not excited sad sigh. I asked her right away how the kids were and she told me it had been a rough afternoon. We set out to have an adventure and I was trying to assess the dynamic. After a few set ups and shots I asked her if she was okay....she said she was trying to let go of the idea of perfect pictures. 

Then I sighed. 

I, too, want to give you those magazine-worthy images but I am also realistic. I am less concerned about everyone smiling and looking at me as I am that you are simply with me, in the moment. We all have off days and we all have expectations...especially of showing off your family that you see as so imperfectly perfect. You want the world to see those dimples that your son inherited from you, or how much your little girl looks JUST like her dad or how much you love them. 

But here's the thing.....we will still see that. Chances are that your loved ones already know about the dimples and who looks like who and how fiercely they are loved....so before they check if your hair is in place or who is sitting where, they already have that warm fuzzy feeling just from seeing you. Because they love you....because they know you....because you are you. I also realize you know all of this and I am just someone you've known for five minutes telling you this.....but in those five minutes I've noticed your 14 month old is almost the size of your 3 year old and your husband's strong black wedding band and your daughter's perfectly round head and I've seen you carefully get your kids out of the car and grab a cardigan so they don't get cold and how you've convinced your three year old it was really his idea to take his shoes off. I've already begun to love you...even in just five minutes. 

And I came home tonight and stared before a screen full of images that I love....I stared at the most perfect images. Because they're you. 

So.....as with any part of life...I urge you to be present. To come to any situation with an open heart and to love your life, flaws and all. 

This mom taught me a lesson tonight...and I am beyond grateful for her honesty. It is a beautiful thing to have made some magic with them.

I hope you hug your babies tonight and every night before they outgrow your lap. I hope you love harder and deeper....and I hope you spend your life in the minutes so by the end of it you will have lived each day to the fullest.....because nothing in the world compares to your life.....nothing at all. 

xoxo,
Oh!

Heimerl | Love Session

I met my dear friends for a beautiful love session a few weeks ago.....they came decked out in cowboy gear and I came with my camera and brought them to this gorgeous farm. Major thanks to Tammy & Travis for allowing us to use it!

Hansen | Beach

I'm pretty excited to share the Hansen's beach session. a whole lot of real life and some extra special moments. Enjoy!

.Peace and Love. | A Tribute

My beautiful friend Cari lost her husband Eric a few weeks ago to a form of leukemia. I'm sure you've all seen his name floating around the internet and, if you haven't, his story is amazing. 

I have, truthfully, been putting off this blog post as I was completely unsure as to what I would say. I met some amazing families for some photos on a Sunday afternoon and everything I earned went to L.I.F.E....it was all I could do. I couldn't stop the cancer from attacking or keep him here longer but I could pray and I could donate....so, these amazingly generous people met me and we had some fun. It had just poured rain and we ended up rescheduling due to a number of cancellations but I loved how eager and willing these people were. Our community has truly rallied around this cause and I am proud to have been such a tiny part of it. It is true...we all will die but how will we spend these precious days...how will we make this L.I.F.E something we are proud of? Not a single day of Eric's life was wasted and that truly is a victory.

It is my greatest hope and prayer that we never forget...never stop talking...and never stop fighting for Eric. I ask that you continue to pray for comfort and strength as his family continues to move on without him. Tonight, these are for him. 

Oh! Photography Furry Friends

Oh! Photography knows that your furry friends are part of your family. We enjoy working with your pets in a natural light environment that is comfortable for them and you!

Oh! Photography Families

Without our families, we wouldn't be who we are - Oh! Photography is blessed to be part of family moments...priceless!