Four Generations = Endless Joy | MHaas Photography Family Photographer

"Family is not an important thing. It's everything." - Michael J. Fox

It has been a pleasure to work with this sweet family. You might recognize one of my favorite little families included because you have seen them 3 times now - hint: its the cuties with twins. Hadley and Holden were first in front of my camera at about 6 months old back in January and they have grown so much this year.

With such a large group and the increase in requests for these sessions, I asked if we could make this blog a little different. There are a few different people from the shoot each giving their own unique perspective.

For reference as you read, Neva is in the pink v-neck sweater, Kristal is hold little Mr. Holden and Shaun is in a khaki colored button-down standing between his three beautiful ladies (and handsome son too). Their answers are in italics.

1. How did you feel before the photo shoot? Did you have any concerns?
Neva: Excited to finally get the family together for professional photos!

2. Was it difficult to get everyone together?
Kristal: Surprisingly not. You had an available date that worked with everyone's schedule and we were all excited to have a family photo session.

3. Any special occasion for the session?
Kristal: My mom's, Neva's, birthday. She has been wanting professional photos of the family all together and separate forever. You know grandmas, they can never have too many photos of their kids and kids' kids!

4. Have you had large family photos taken before? If so, how long ago?
Kristal: Not professional photos. We just always try to squeeze the family together on the couch during the holidays to take a picture.

5. Based on the few images you've seen, do you think we accomplished goals?
Shaun: Yes, they look great.

6. What were you thinking during the session?
Neva: I was thinking what a great night it was and hoping we were getting some good photos of the family and my grandbabies.

7. What did you talk about in the car as you left the shoot?
Shaun: That the session went really well and we couldn't wait to see how the pictures would turn out.

8. Is there anything you would have done (or had Michelle do) differently? Any suggestions for making the dads feel more comfortable?

None suggested so I'm taking that as a win :)
9. What advice would you give other families considering an extended family session? Did you find the session to be a good value?
Kristal: From what we have seen in the preview photos, it's a great value. I initially thought it would be very hard to get everyone together with schedule and in a great location that my grandparents could physically get to but it all seemed to go very smooth and now our family will have photos to cherish forever.

10. What was your favorite part of the photo shoot?

Neva: Getting to spend time with the entire family and knowing I was finally going to get my family photos!

Shaun: The best part of the session was that we are blessed to have my grandparents healthy and able to be in the photos with the rest of the family. And I really loved some of the moments we captured and can't wait to see how all of the turned out.

Kristal: Getting a photo of all the kids together. We either have outdated ones without the babies, or our attempts to do them at home have failed. Also, the location and weather were perfect.


I am so in love with these photos and that we had an amazing day to play and make some gorgeous images. This family was loads of fun and there are even more where these came from. The setting, light, leaves, colors, and most importantly the family, they were all simply amazing.

XOXO,
Mich

P.S. If you have been thinking about having an extended family session, don't wait. Family is such a treasure and you will want images that last longer than a lifetime.

And longer than the life of that CD or computer.

Professional printed photographs are an heirloom and will last long enough for these grandbabies to share with their grandbabies. How cool is that? Contact me to schedule your professional photography session.

P.S.S How sweet are those grandbabies? Goodness <3

Yummy Light + A Dapper Little Man | Leo [14 months] MHP Family Photographer

I just love getting a little note from old friends. 

Sandy and I went to high school together, worked on the yearbook, and attended the same college. Life has happened in between and I was so excited to catch up a bit, meet her sweet hubby, Michael, and little man, Leo. 

Leo was not so thrilled to see me. 

But I think I pretty much won, and with the help of the amazing Anika, we got some great photos of this sweet family. Anika, I still might call you to help with other sessions :)

I asked them a few post-session questions to see what they were really thinking and hopefully give you all some real-life, first-hand accounts of the beautiful chaos that is MHaas Photography sessions with a 14 month old. Enjoy!

1. How did you feel before the photo shoot? Did you have any concerns? 

Honestly a little overwhelmed. I've always had to just get myself ready but having to get Leo ready as well was a bit stressful, hence the reason we were late ;) 

2. Beautiful fall clothing choices, where did you get your inspiration? 

My sister took some photos last fall with the color mustard and I loved them, that was the inspiration behind our dressed up look.

3. What makes your family giggle the most? 

Being silly with Leo, playing peekaboo, watching dad make funny sounds/faces.

4. What were your hopes for the session? 

Timeless photos that could be printed and displayed in our home, capturing the milestone of leo turning 1 (2 months later lol) 

5. Based on the few images you've seen, do you think we accomplished goals? 

Yes!

6. What were you thinking during the session? 

Somewhat stressed because I did not think Leo was behaving very well, 

would not let us hold him for any pictures.

 7. What did you talk about in the car as you left the shoot?

How exhausted and hungry we were lol, hoping that you were able to get some good pictures 

despite Leo's behavior.

8. Is there anything you would have done (or had Michelle do) differently? Michael, what are your suggestions for making the dads feel more comfortable? 

I probably would have picked an early morning shoot (not sure if that is ideal lighting). That is when Leo is most happy, content, and agreeable. 

9. Dad, what advice would you give other dads before their family photo shoot? And you Mom? 

 Just relax, no matter how your child is acting some priceless pics will come out of it.

10. What was your favorite part of the photo shoot? Be sure to ask Dad too :) 

I love seeing life through my child's eye, every experience is new to him, so seeing him walk around and explore nature is priceless to me, Also seeing him interact with my husband- brings warmth to my heart!

Michael's responses... It was very comfortable.  I like taking pictures when it more natural instead of forced.  I thought the photos so far have been great,  I'm excited to see the rest.  As for any advice, show up and support your wife.  After the pictures and the finished product you'll be happy you did.  

Thank you again :)

Thank you Michael, Sandy, and Leo (and Anika too!) It was wonderful to see you again Sandy and I can't wait to show you more photos of your sweet family ~ and hopefully find the perfect photo(s) for that spot in your house.

XOXO,
Mich

P.S.  If you enjoyed the images above, please share this post or pin the images on pinterest. You can also signup to follow my blog for more yummy portrait sessions like this one.
Please don't crop out the logo, alter or save these images. All rights reserved © 2015 MHaas Photography.<3

Laughs and Leaves | Everett [1 year]

Little Everett is a year old, and look at how happy this little guy is. His parents are oh so lucky and his brothers are pretty pumped too.

1. How did you feel before the photo shoot? Did you have any concerns?
We were excited about the shoot! Honestly my only concern was that Howie behave:) I was concerned about weather leading up to the day, but it ended up being a beautiful day! 

2. Beautiful fall clothing choices, where did you get your inspiration?

Just wanted to include some fall colors like...with my cardigan and scarf. I don't think Neil put much thought into his outfit:) 

3. What makes your family giggle the most?
Just watching Everett and his expressions. He's a ham just like his daddy! 

4. What were your hopes for the session?

We wanted to get some family pics to hang up, a cute pregnancy announcement for the new baby's nursery and some candid photos of Everett and the whole fam...including our first born fur babies:) 

5. Based on the few images you've seen, do you think we accomplished goals?

Absolutely!! 

6. What were you thinking during the session?
We were just enjoying it and leaving the creativity to you! 

7. What was Neil's favorite part of the session?

I think Neil enjoyed it all! We both loved watching Everett get his pictures taken. 

8. Is there anything you would have done (or had Michelle do) differently?
No, we were thrilled with everything! 

9. Dad, what advice would you give other dads before their family photo shoot? And you Mom?
Just relax and enjoy it! And if there are any poses you want just be sure to have them on your phone or to tell you beforehand so you won't forget. I think it was so nice that I was able to communicate with you so much before the shoot. We were on the same page with the pictures that I wanted taken. I knew when we got there that we would be taken care of. I would tell any mom just to trust the photographer and enjoy it!

10. What did you talk about in the car as you left the shoot?
We loved it all! When we left the shoot we just talked ab how excited we are to see how they turn out. You did a fabulous job and made it so easy for us. Neil and I are not creative when it comes to this and honestly we just wanted to come out there, enjoy ourselves and trust in your vision! We had a great time and so did Everett! 

Thanks so much to Neil, Hillary, Everett, Howie and Cooper!
I can't wait to share the rest of our shoot!

XOXO,
Mich

If you enjoyed the images above, please share this post or pin the images on pinterest. You can also signup to follow my blog for more yummy portrait sessions like this one.
Please don't crop out the logo, alter or save these images. All rights reserved © 2015 MHaas Photography.<3

Next to the River + Between two Trees [family] | Louisville, KY Family Photographer

The tree to the right marks the spot, where mom and dad tied the knot.

::swoon::

I always love to shoot a session in a spot that means something to my clients. These photos will serve as memory keepers, reminding you of amazing moments with your beautiful family members - all captured in time. And what better way to remember your wedding spot and your kiddos at this exact age.

When Brooke asked me to come out and take a look at her parent's home on the river where they wed in 2008, I was giddy.

Then I sat in an hour of traffic for our city's bridge-expansion-in-every-direction-plan :).

But it was all so worth it.

This adorable family is sitting in the spot where all of Brooke and Nathan's wedding guests sat a few years back, watching them tie the knot - between two trees - just to the right of the camera.

Secret time: Keegan must be a great secret keeper.

I was so thrilled with how these photos turned out and people are always so concern about their kiddos cooperating, I wanted to give you guys a little behind the shoot 411. So here goes, straight from Brooke and Nathan's mouths.

Big brother Keegan is so great with Grant and Harper.

1. How did you feel before the photo shoot? Did you have any concerns?

I'm always excited about having family pictures done but nervous about how well the kids will behave!

2. Did you prepare for the shoot? If so, how? We tried to talk to the kids, particularly the younger two, about cooperating during the session! (It does not always work)

3. Did the kids undergo any smile/giggle practicing?
No smile or giggle practicing! They know how to do that pretty well!

4. What makes your family giggle the most?

Unfortunately the kids think talking about toots are the funniest...

Growing up with an older brother and cousin that was like a brother, I know how little Harper feels, and she is not letting anything past them :). Adorable in her dress and boots and still beating the boys.

5. Was any member of the family bribed?

No bribes this time because they do not usually work...

6. What were your hopes for the session?

I just wanted to get some good pictures of everyone!

 How gorgeous is this scenery?AND right in the back yard ?!?

 7. Based on the few images you've seen, do you think we accomplished goals?

The images I have seen have surpassed my expectations!

 

8. What were you thinking during the session?

I thought you might go running for the hills screaming and I might follow behind you! Haha

 

 9. Is there anything you would have done (or had Michelle do) differently?

Weather was perfect and photographer was perfect :)

Some of those sweet candid moments are the most valuable, seeing your family in their element, playing match :)

10. What advice would you give other dads before their family photo shoot?

The pictures are not as important to me as they are to her so I just wear what I am told and try to get it done as smoothly as possible.

 

This has to be one of the sweetest photos I have ever made.

We go together like....Hadley + Holden [1 year] | Louisville, KY Child Portrait Photographer

"We go together,
Like rama lamma lamma ka dinga da dinga dong
Remembered forever
As shoobop sha wadda wadda yippity boom de boom..."

These two sweet little ones really are two peas in a pod and I cannot believe how much they already show that they love and care for each other.

They interact and love on each other and I can only imagine how much they will work together to try and outsmart mom and dad as they get older.

It really is so important to play nice with others, and I am oh so thankful to a fellow photographer on this shoot.

 Anchorage Trail is quite the place to be and it has so much to offer for photographers like me, especially on a beautiful day such as the one we caught with this little family. And those bridges...to die for!

We happened to run into another photographer just as we got a few shots on the bridge. Holden needed a little breather... he is a model after all... (what is his motivation?). They must have been doing some gorgeous senior photos because they sure looked like they were rocking it.

I really hated to butt in and see if we could share, but the other shooter was so nice to allow us to work in, my models were cranky and hungry and then there were two babies to think about! Hah, but seriously, he stopped right then and was very understanding about my short timeframe with the little ones. I am forever grateful, it sure made my day that someone was willing to work together.

Lesson for the day: work together and tell people you appreciate them

 like... "Chang chang changitty chang shoobop
That's the way it should be, wha ooohhhh, yeah"

"All done"- Holden

Xoxo,
Mich

Baby Horses + Boots: How to Rock Your Senior Shoot | Louisville, KY Senior Photographer

Getting blog post sneak peeks ready is probably one of the most exciting things that I get to do, right behind shooting amazing people in fun places - and - delivering HUGE gorgeous galleries and seeing people's faces as they look through the images. 

Over the last few posts, I have tried to get some good juicy info out there, straight from the horses mouth, so to speak. {hehe get it horses} This one is all about a beautiful cheerleader named Morgan, a rising senior at Assumption High School. We had so much fun, and really made some awesome images too. Plus her sweet Mama was there helping us out and the former model clearly gave Morgan some of her gorgeous model material genes. 

This blog post is sticking with my recent theme of real clients (I call them friends after we get to play at our photo shoots and goof around), answering questions about how they really felt before, during, and after our shoot. This shoot was all about Morgan of course, and she is going to give you a little peak inside her mind to share some advice with future senior shootees :)

1. How did you feel before the photo shoot? Did you have any concerns?

I was excited yet nervous because I really wanted them to turn out pretty.

2. Did you prepare for the shoot? If so, how?
I got a spray tan 2 days before.  I looked in my closet for outfits that best represented me then went shopping for a few things. Another thing that help me prepare was looking on Pinterest, Instagram, etc to share pictures I really liked with Michelle.

3. Did you do any practicing (i.e. smiling with your eyes, etc)?
No.

4. What made those gorgeous natural smiles in some photos? What was so funny?
The goats yelling in the background and the horse biting me were so funny.  My mom and you both made me laugh as well.

5. What was your favorite part of the shoot?
Getting to pet the horses.

6. Based on the few images you've seen, how do you think we did?
Everything turned out exactly like I wanted.  I love these pictures!!

7. What were you thinking during the session? 

I hope these pictures turn out great.  I also thought of funny things to make me laugh so my pictures wouldn't look fake.  After about the first 10 minutes, I started to relax and have fun!

 8. Is there anything you would have done (or had Michelle do) differently?
Nothing

9. What advice would you give other seniors before their photo shoot?
Have all of your outfits ready to go.  3 outfits were plenty.  Have fun, be natural, relax and enjoy your photo shoot. 

10. Why did you choose Michelle to capture your senior photos?
My mom showed me pictures Michelle took of other people and I loved them!

What do you guys think? She is a natural, right? I think she did a great job!

All the best and genuine smiles!

Mich

P.S. Any burning questions for Morgan or me?

Shoot me a comment below!

P.P.S. (<-- maybe?) Know a rising high school senior that needs some great photos to capture their unique style and personality?

Click "Contact Me" above.

A Ginger and His Bride [engaged] | MHP Louisville, KY Engagement Photographer

A few sweet nothings from the couple-to-be:

 What do you love about your partner?

Kevin: "Her eyes, smile, long curly hair, drive, responsibility, & organizational skills" 

Brittany: "He's a ginger :) His care for others and myself, his spontaneity, the way he hugs, & his personality"
 

What do you want to remember about you two, right now?

Our love and commitment to one another. Who we are as a couple. (Note: people that do not know us may think we don 't like each other because we constantly joke around and razz each other lol)

Describe your perfect Saturday together:

Traveling, catching a football game or a concert, and dinner

Tell us about yourselves. What are your hobbies? What do you like to do together? What’s one fun fact about each person?

We grew up in the same area and live in the city but grew up country. We've known each other for more than a decade. We live, eat, sleep and breathe football. Particularly Alabama and Indianapolis. We love concerts (but sometimes our music choices vary), we love hanging out with our friends & families, and camping. Brittany loves traveling and the beach. 

 

If you could pick one word to describe you as a couple, what would it be?

Loving

Do you have a special location you’d like me to check out?

Organic and/or farmy, we are not opposed to architectural settings

-Are there any other things you think would be important that I know before our session?

We are not photogenic. Our best photos we have of each other are the ones we didn't know people were taking. But we love a good photo.