I had a wonderful Thanksgiving break! I want to send out a big "thank you" to everyone who attended the benefit last night- it had a great turn out.  This break was definitely an eventful and enjoyable one! There's nothing like having everyone here. Of course, I took about 1,000 pictures.  I wish I had the time to share them all on my blog, but I don't.  So instead, I will share photos of a family very close to my heart.  Their session was also my first Christmas session of the year! It was really lovely being a part of their Christmas prepping.  It's sessions like these that make me thankful that I get to see and experience such beautiful moments, and of course, capture them.
I absolutely love this next photo.  Gracie is hanging Hudson's first ornament.  It's almost like he is watching her as she does so!
Every year at Thanksgiving, it has been a tradition for my family to list all of the things we are thankful for while eating dinner.  For some reason, I have the hardest time with coming up with things to say.  I think this is because the things that I am most thankful for aren't really "things".  They are what I feel in my heart.
Have a wonderful week everyone<3
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
When the mother of the S family contacted me about a week ago, I made it my priority to fit them in as soon as possible.  You see, her husband was leaving for Afghanistan and that she wanted family photos taken before he left.  Of course, this is the sole reason I love photography: memories.  I wanted this family to have memories that they could hold while their husband/daddy was away.
And so, I drove to this session with a lingering strange feeling. How could I persuade a family to smile and laugh when they are carrying such heavy hearts?
I arrived at our first location to receive news that was quite amazing.  He no longer had to leave.  He had received a phone call saying that he was no longer needed at the time.  Just like that.  Their worlds turned around.  And even though I had only known the family for less than 10 minutes, mine did too.
And with that, I want to send an extra thanks to all of the men and women who offer their service for our beautiful country.
Oh, and I just love this b&w bundle...

Christmas Sessions

I know that many of you have been interested in my Christmas sessions! I have worked through the details, and this is what I came up with! The session fee will be $80 and here is what it includes:
- 45-60 minute Christmas themed session
- 25 beautiful Christmas cards featuring your photos (you choose from 5 different cards, and you choose the photos) Additional cards may be purchased
- 15-20 separate photos on a photo disc (3 different versions of each)
- the session will be shot in your home with your own Christmas decor (we may do a few shots outdoors as well)
Since limited space is available, here is what you do:
- in the comment of this post, please leave your name and email address
- tell me your kid's ages and names
- in a few sentences, describe your plans or ideas for your Christmas session
The names submitted will be randomly drawn in a week, and I will post the "winners" then. I will then email you to work out a date! Good luck!
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
The first thing I noticed when I walked into this family's home was a quote on a picture frame hanging on their wall: 
"Family is the essence that defines our very identity. Family means believing, loving, and supporting each other." 
I would feel honored to have my work hanging in that frame.
Sifting through this session's photos really makes me hope I have more time to spend with my sissy before her Fall break ends. 
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
I began today as I always do: eating my cheerios, pouring apple juice, and going off to school. I had no idea that checking my email in second period would completely turn my quite average day into a quite memorable one. I opened my first unread email to be so pleasantly and graciously surprised. I am so honored and so proud to say that after an intense application reviewing process, I have been selected to be an official photographer for The Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation. I couldn't be happier to a part of something that is so truly amazing. If you are not familiar with Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, you really should stop by the website. It's truly amazing. I have never felt so honored. 
http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/
Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of spending some time with a beautiful family. Oh, these little sweetie's eyes just make me melt...
Have a wonderful week!
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
I loved seeing this family again! It's always amazing watching families grow and this one is a perfect example of that. Even though miss Aversyn refused to open her sweet baby blues (which was very unlike her newborn session) the session was perfection.
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I just love Nolan's sweet smiles...
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
I've been stressed. To be frank, my job is just adding pounds to that stress. That's why I am so thankful that my most recent sessions have been with wonderful people. People that made that stress disappear for a moment, and whose photos will always make me smile. 
#1- Sammi
Sammi is my best friend. She is beautiful from the inside out. She has been there for me through thick and thin, and I love her so much!
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#3- The Borich Fam
I babysat for this family about a year ago, and that is why I couldn't wait to see how much they have grown! They are such sweet kids with such sweet parents which equaled a super sweet session. 
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#3- The Silardi Fam
Do you remember Emyrson Rose? My little state winner? Well, would you believe me if I told you that this is her? Because it is. Ohhhh my, when Sara pulled Emyrson out of the car seat to come into the studio, I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
Time flies. That's why I couldn't wait to do this shot with Emyrson's onesies. 
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#4- Jack and Family
Tracy (Jack's momma) and I had to reschedule their session about 3 times due to the weather! When the day was finally perfect, I just couldn't wait to meet with this family. I had no idea that Jack would be such a ham and that their mini session would only last about 15 minutes (going down in my record book!). Jack had us all laughing with his model behavior. Why can't all 4-year olds be like him? ;)
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With everything going on in my life right now, it's hard for me to keep up on the sneak peeks! I will continue to do my best, but please be patient!
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
There's no time to stress about the many photos that I'm behind on. No time to worry about college choices. There's not enough time to agonize over the issues with my school schedule. Time shouldn't be wasted feeling the heartache over "what-if's" involving the future. I don't have time to freak out about my ACT coming up... because it is my last chance. There's no time time to be concerned about my overbooked calendar.
Everything will eventually fall into place, just as it should. In the meantime, life is way too short to feel the stress, the worry, and the heartache.
Here's a sweet little miss, named Nya, that I had the pleasure of photographing last week. Have you ever seen a two year old that can model like this?! This girl has a bright future ahead of her- I am sure of it!
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I couldn't leave sweet Jayci out, whose hair is getting so thick and curly!
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And here is one of the sistas together. I <3 them!
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Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
I'm focusing on things that make me happy.  
I'll begin with hazy Summer light and my cousins whom I love very much.
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It's no secret that I've been feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and all-of-the-above these past couple of weeks. Sometimes, all it takes is some time with loved ones and, almost as if by magic, all of those feelings are gone.
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
I always say that I get to meet some of the coolest people, and now, my name is out in MISSOURI. How cool is that?! This adorable family traveled all the way from Missouri for a birthday party in Columbus, and then another 2 hours to see me for their session. They were such a pleasure to photograph. Little Andrew may have had a rough start to life, but you would have never guessed it: He was chasing down squirrels, playing with sticks, and throwing lemons (at me). 
This session, I was not only a photographer. I was also a dodger, a pitcher, and a catcher. :)
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Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
Happy 87th to my amazing Grandma Elchert. I love you so much!
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Yesterday, my family had a big birthday bash in honor of my Grandma turning 87. There was a ton of swimming and a lot of fun and it was so wonderful seeing everyone (and eating delicious food, of course)! 
Before the party festivities began, I did a very fun morning session. The Newmans have had aviation in the family for years, so we headed to the airport to get some shots with their plane. I have a feeling they have two little future pilots on their hands!
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Smiles and lots of love, Taylor