The J Hook Ranch - {Phoenix, AZ Family Photographer}

This family.  I love them so.  There are not enough ways to describe them.  They are so special to me and will always have a corner of my heart.  

After 2 years of separation we were finally able to reconnect over a short visit.  I am so grateful for the time.  The Jessups are in a big place in their life.  They just had their 4th little baby and have decided to stay firmly rooted in TX, a decision that has been bathed in a lot of tears.  When they asked me to take their pictures I kept asking the Lord to give the chance to tell some of their story right now.  He gave me this tree.  Rooted in Texas, their family tree is growing.  I love the metaphor here.

Mr. J Man is growing up.  He is a young man now, such a big kid.  He is so full of life and questions.  His curiosity knows no bounds and his energy is limitless.  He wants to know everything.  He will go far.

And Lulu.  Precious little LuLu.  This little lady completely stole my heart during our visit.  Such a sweet little spirit (with some fierceness thrown in).  She has a gentle heart and cares so deeply.  A little birdy hit the window and died while I was watching them and Miss L was so worried.  All day, "Why birdy die?"  Oh you could see the compassion written all over her.  Lulu is a love.  No doubt.

My dear sweet friend.  I could write a novel about her.  She is such a beautiful soul both inside and out.  To be her friend is a gift.  One I am grateful for.  She and her hubby are inspirational people.  They dream, and reach, and dream some more.  They work hard and do things I can't imagine doing.  They are perfectly matched.  

Mr L is the newest addition.  Such a Brave lad.  He has had a rough first month of life, but has weathered it all with peace and calm.  He is a content little one.  I could have snuggled him all day.

Watch out world!  This little ball of fire is coming for you!  Miss H, strong, fearless, determined, mighty and fierce.  She may be the 3rd born, but she holds her own just fine.  I resonated with this little girl.  Like my Evie, Miss H is going to do really big, bold, daring things.  She's going to get in trouble too, but its little girls like this that become women who lead the marginalized.  It's women like this who run IRONMAN.

To the Jessups at the J Hook Ranch, I love you, I am proud of you and I am grateful for you.  Go with God, Be Bold, Be Fearless and Brave.

Desert Sunrise - {Phoenix, AZ Photographer}

This lovely couple won a photo session with me in a silent auction to benefit one of the local clubs.  I was so thrilled to be a part of the event and even more excited to meet these 2.

Bob and Marion are winter visitors and are about ready to return to their home up North.  They are incredibly active and so full of life.  It brought such a smile to my face when they asked if we could go out early in the morning to their favorite hiking spot to take their pictures.  ABSOLUTELY!

We got out to the desert well before the sun came up and were able to literally capture the sunrise.  AZ is truly one of the most beautiful places if you have the heart and willingness to see it.  I love everything about these pictures.  The landscape, the cactus, the view, the sky....its all beautiful.

We even took a little detour down to the Salt River to enjoy Red Mountain.  Its all so grand.

Thank you Bob and Marion for inviting me to your favorite place.  It is special and I pray you find yourselves here for years to come!

Wee Little Sister - {Phoenix, AZ Newborn Photographer}

It is rare that I meet a couple who does not know the sex of their baby before it arrives.  This sweet family was one of those very surprised families when Miss L arrived earlier this month.

She is simply a beautiful little lady with a full head of hair and the perfect little baby features.  I was so excited to hear of her arrival and could not wait to get my hands on her.

Of course when we got started she wanted to be awake and alert while snuggling with Mom and getting kisses from Big Brother J.

Thats okay little lady....your brother is pretty cute too.

When the excitement came down Miss L realized that yes indeed she was exhausted and sleeping made the most sense.  She was perfect....in every way.

I think so me of my favorite newborn pictures are the ones of just Mom and the wee one.  There is truly something so special about those first few weeks.  I just love it.

M Family.....I am so glad that I met you this past year and that you allowed me to follow Miss L from inside to earthside.  She is beautiful and your family is absolutely lovely.

The Best Memories are the Fun Ones - {Denver, CO Family Photographer}

I meet so many lovely people and families, but the ones that truly reach my heart are the ones that tell me, "Bethany, we haven't had family pictures done in forever."  I love these families because I get to give them this awesome new FUN photo experience.

This family was one of those families and we had a blast together.  This beauty here was all about the pictures and had a ball capturing her beauty with a few (I mean several) model shots.

Our setting was this fabulous little nature area right in Littleton and while many might deem it a marshy bog, I saw the wintery beauty in it.  The sun was just perfect for the setting.

These guys admitted right off the bat that they are a family who loves to use their phones.  I get it....and I was proud they admitted it.  I couldn't help but snap a picture of them taking selfies.  Seemed appropriate.

Our afternoon was perfectly lovely spent together and I know that I had a lot of fun.  Sometimes the best pictures happen when you truly make the family smile.  I think we managed that!

H Family, thank you for letting me be the one to put pictures back up on your wall.  I truly enjoyed every moment with you and look forward to the next time!!