Kimberly, Brent, and Kashton {Big News}

It's so much fun getting to meet people from my hometown that I've never met before.  And it's even more fun when I get to be in on their big news before it goes public.  We had a spectacular fall day for pictures that was filled with lots homecoming kids and parents trying to get pictures at the same location as us.  Thanks for being so patient guys!   

 

Congratulations!  I'm looking forward to meeting your new little one. 

Christmas {Mini Sessions}

Contact me for additional information.

Elsa and Ella {Adoption Love}

After living and teaching at an orphanage, I have a huge heart for adoption.  Early this past summer, I was thrilled to find out one of my co-workers was in the process of adopting a little girl from the Democratic Republic of Congo.  (I once unexpectedly found myself in the DRC, but that's a story for another time.)

Here's a little bit about Elsa's adoption journey as share by The McFarland Thistle. 
Elsa started her adoption paperwork in the winter of 2011, and had an approved international dossier in hand by mid-summer of 2012.  Approximately five months after submitting her application to the agency, Banks received a referral for a seven-month old baby girl.
  
“The e-mail came in from my agency on Thursday, Dec. 29, sometime in the afternoon. I had just returned home from a short holiday trip to visit my stepfather in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula when I saw the e-mail.   Adoptive parents are advised to remain level headed, carefully consider, and consult with a doctor before making a decision, but the minute I saw Ella’s face I knew that she was my girl. Have you seen that face? Could you possibly say no to her? I sure couldn’t!”


Elsa and Ella arrived home earlier this fall after a month together in Kinshasa, DRC.  I had a great time getting to know them both better during their photo shoot at McDanel's Park.  Ella Rose is a beautiful little girl who is full of smiles and laughter.   She is transitioning wonderfully well and has clearly stolen her mommy's heart.

Welcome home Ella Rose!  I'm so glad you found your forever home.

MOPS Portage

I met these sweet ladies a couple of weeks ago at their MOPS meeting.  MOPS is a place for moms of children birth to kindergarten to find support, friendships, and encouragement from other moms on the journey.  

I got to share with them about one of my favorite subjects, photography and encourage them in their own picture taking ventures. 

Thanks for having me.  I enjoyed getting to meet all of you!

Heather, Aronn, & Alexis {Plus 1}

My sister and her family are expecting a little one around Christmas.  I'm very excited to be an aunt again.  I spent a beautiful fall afternoon with them capturing this special time in their lives.  Many baby pictures to come as soon as he or she arrives. =)  

Michelle, Ric, Spencer, Luke, Bekken, and Gabe

It's been a lot of years since this family had their pictures taken together, but thanks to a gift certificate from a friend we were able to change that a few weeks ago.  We met on one of many beautiful falls days that we've had at Memorial Union.  It was fun for me to get to know this family better.  It's clear they enjoy their time together.