*{How the Murphy's Roll}* Fort Irwin CA Family Photographer

Watermelons, balloons, and dress up. What else could a kid ever wish for, right?! I had a ton of fun at this family session, and I'm pretty sure they did too. I think it comes through in their photos...everyone just looks so happy and in love! And don't underestimate the little one, I'd say she beat out her siblings in the burping contest we had on the grass!

I had to put a slideshow together for you all so you could see the fun we had. Ahhh...it's days like these when I'm reminded just how much I love my job.

Here are a few favorites of the day and the slideshow is at the end! :)

You are extraordinary Murphy family,
m


I love little Miss S looking over to see mommy and daddy acting silly!
LOVE LOVE LOVE... 'nuff said.
Two words...Knock out.
Tea parties in the desert...who said desert living wasn't fun?!
After one of her outrageous burps...I'm sure of it!
This is one of those images that I hope each kiddo carries in his/her wallet when they grow up. It's the perfect image to look back at and see who they were as a child with their siblings. And it is the perfect picture that can remind them of their love for each other when they have all gone their separate ways as adults.
LOVE the grass pics. And I love little Miss S looking up to have reassurance from big sis!
All the love that a mom of three has!
I had a blast with you all...enjoy the slideshow!

*{A Barn...in the Desert}* Fort Irwin CA Family Photographer

Yes, you read that right...there is a barn, in the desert. Crazy, right?! For all of you that have the *privilege* of being stationed here at lovely Fort Irwin with me, you know a barn in this desert is sort of considered out of place! But I was so excited when this family said they wanted some pictures out at the stables on post.

My favorite things about this session:
* The barn discovery...and it's a COOL barn!
* The gorgeous yellow flowers in the desert...um, that means COLOR in the desert folks...that is huge!
* The ladybugs that flew all around us...it just makes life that much sweeter.
* Did I mention the barn?!
* The fact that Mr. N brought his toy sword...how cool are his parents for letting him play with his sword in family pictures?!
* The fact that little Miss S got to hold her ladybug doll through 75% of the pictures...while ladybugs were all around us on bushes!
* And we even got to feed the billie-goats!

Thank you for the fun time! I'm so honored that I had an opportunity to photograph your precious family and create art for you all to commemorate your time here at Fort Irwin!

Be Extraordinary,
m






Playing with the ladybugs...

*{Good People}* Fort Irwin CA Family Photographer

Ever have that family you meet and every single one of them is just a good person? The type of people you love to surround yourself around because you think to yourself, "I just have to be a better person in life with people like them around me!" The kind of family where each and every one exudes positive energy? This is that family for me. A matter of fact, I like them all so much that I overlook the fact that they are hardcore Broncos fans. And that is pretty huge for a Charger fan to do!

I was so happy that I got to work with them for a Mother's Day mini-session. Both of these little girls are amazing! They put a smile on my face whenever I'm around them. And mama is a gorgeous lady herself--inside and out.

Thanks again you all for the fun times together! I'm going to miss you all so much come this summer...but I know amazing things will come your way no matter where you live!

Be Extraordinary,
m

*{Class of 2010}* Temecula Senior Photographer

So this senior session was special to me. I was so glad when I was asked to do her senior pictures because she is my cousin!! And she isn't just a cousin, she tends to be like a sister. I remember the day she was born, she was the flower girl at our wedding (and you were oh so cute), and she was my sanity through 30 months of deployment over the past 5 years. She would fly to visit me no matter where the Army had placed us to keep me occupied and help with the kiddos. We've vacationed together from Canada to Hawaii--and roadtrips galore! I love her more than I could ever write in a blog post. And now she is gearing up to go to college. It is pretty hard to believe that this day has come. It closes a chapter in her life, yet an even better chapter is about to begin. Enjoy every minute of college; it will be gone before you know it. Remember who you are, and remember where you come from. And know we will always be here for you...we are only a phone call away.

Be extraordinary *S* in whatever you choose~
-m

*My favorite of the day...LOVE IT!

*{Good Times}* Fort Irwin CA Familiy Photographer

I can't tell you how much this family makes my heart sing! I've had a couple of opportunities to work with this family this past year and they NEVER disappoint! They are so much fun to work with...85% of the session they are usually wrestling around playing together and sometimes I catch myself laughing so hard I have to focus so I can get the shot!! And the expressions on their son's face when they love on him are priceless...it is evident he knows he is loved.

I am going to miss you all SO much as you move on and continue your journey. We will have to make it a point to meet up again because you all are too darn cute together that my camera will definitely go through withdrawls of seeing your lovely faces! :)

Enjoy the glimpse into your gallery! And hope you have a fabulous Mother's Day!
Be Extraordinary,
Michelle ;)


*The background on some of these shots...on their booking form, Mrs. H mentioned that Noah loves Origami. So I had to find these cool paper cranes made of old atlas pages and incorporate them into his shoot somehow!

The "tough" guys of the house!

Noah and dad...

And check out these eyelashes! You are so stinkin' cute Noah!
Love this shot...
And the love just oozes out...

*{Simply Mom Continued}* Fort Irwin CA Photographer

I still have a couple of Simply Mom sessions to blog! I felt so incredibly honored to photograph this Fort Irwin mom during the Simply Mom mini-sessions because she is also a photographer! It is always an amazing feeling when a peer from this industry chooses me to photograph them--a complete honor. So we had a fun mini-session capturing her with her two cuties! Little Miss Chloe wasn't going to give up that binkie for ANYTHING! But I think the photo is perfect as-is, and mama will definitely treasure this photo as a memory of that stage for years to come. And I love the absolute peace on Mr. Aiden's face. He looks so completely content loving on his mommy. LOVE it!
And the cool Mr. Aiden. LOVE THIS OUTFIT! He is rocking the camoflauge cargo shorts with the preppy shirt. It looks amazing!

Happy Mother's Day! :)
-m

*{April Self Portrait}*

So here is my April self-portrait done one night this past week...keeping true with my promise!

What makes this image special is the only light source is my computer monitor. I cranked that ISO up and love the grain.

Enjoy! Have a fabulous weekend!
Simply Me,
m