Black and White Wednesday - "A Day to Play"

I have really loved taking photos of the kids around the house these past few months.


Taking pictures of my own children is what forced me to get into photography in the first place.


The original goal was to learn enough so that I no longer had to take my children to a "Studio" for the typical shots with props and a backdrop.


But.... the more I learned, the more addicted I became.


It was a creative outlet for me and I came to look forward to putting that strap around my neck and heading out to a new place or area to see what I could capture.


All of a sudden the things I saw everyday began to look different to me.


I started to notice things like color and texture.


I began to see the beauty in just about everything and everyone around me and often would say.......


"Ooooooo, that would make be a GREAT picture"


It kind of became a joke in my family....and when I would say it, everyone would roll their eyes and say, "Here she goes again"


Between the winter weather and getting adjusted to life as a family of five, I have not had much time to "play" but I was able to get away for a few hours last weekend for the first time since returning home from China.


My Mom and I went to the local farmer's market early one Saturday morning and when we pulled into the parking lot I noticed this big red door with the bright yellow step.


As soon as I saw it, I knew it would make a very cool backdrop for photos....the pop of red and the lines on the door defintely called out to me!

Add a beautiful model like Alicia and I was like a kid in the candy shop!

Don't get me wrong... I LOVE LOVE LOVE taking photos of my own kids, but sometimes it is fun to change things up and get someone else in front of the camera...... someone that does not run away, roll their eyes, or stick their tongue out at me when I point the camera in their direction.

Alicia is my "go to" girl..... she likes to be in front of the camera as much as I like to be behind it. She has appeared on the blog numerous times.....and she is the daughter of my friend Trish, who happens to babysit Sarah and Reagan while Pat and I are at work.

We are very lucky to have this family watching over our girls when we can't be with them. We know that the girls are in GREAT hands and we never have to worry about the care they are receiving.

We are very grateful and it makes me feel good to be able to give Trish a little something extra...... like these photos of her Gorgeous girl.

I say this each time I post pictures of her, but can you believe she is 14 years old? MY WORD.... I hope Mom and Dad are ready....they are going to have boys lined up around the block!