New Beginnings for the Bensons

Kalib and Abbey are some great friends of ours. We met them at church and they seem to think we're cool enough to keep hanging around. We are so excited for them as they begin their journey as parents and I was so honored they asked me to capture this moment for them. In fact, they've never had pictures taken together professionally since they've been married - can you believe that from this good looking crew? See? Being a parent has already rocked their world. It's just the beginning. And they're gonna be great. We had fun walking through the park as I claimed various baby names - every single one was turned down. What's wrong with Benson Benson? Too bad it's a cute first and last name. Congratulations to you two!

This family is growing with love and bounds

Tim and Julie have been friends of my husband for years and I have become friends through the years as well - I mean, who can't help but adore the sweet face of their oldest who I've had the joy of photographing for some time now. And now, her little sister joins her, and she is just as sweet and quite the patient model. This family bared the cold and fierce wind with me and wondered why the 70 degrees of the day prior didn't hold out for us. Despite these sweet girl's little red noses, we got the blood flow going, warmed up, and captured some sweet moments.

Tiny Dancer – 2012 Senior

I had so much fun trekking through the nature at a park with Alyssa and the special women in her life. We met early, but in Atlanta it's still hot, especially when dressed in dance tights, but we toughed it out and so glad we did. As she finishes her senior year she wanted to capture her love for God and for dance. We did both and were tempted to shoot in front of the outhouse on the land too - kidding! Thanks so much to you Alyssa and to the person who referred you to me. I had a great time getting to know you guys and hope you had fun exploring with me. Here are some from the morning.

Refugee Sewing Society

Atlanta is a front door to people from different countries who bring their distinct cultures with them. In one city just inside the perimeter, you find a long name for a small area. In Clarkston, in just a one-square mile radius you find opportunities to reach out in God's name many resettlement refugees from Bhutan, Congo, Phillines, Somalia, and Sudan. I was recently blessed when meeting some ladies from these areas who meet throughout the week to learn a new profession as they begin their lives fresh in a country full of promise and protection from what they've known. These ladies are gathering together, much like in community groups like Americans used to do back when ladies would quilt or knit together, and learning to bead, sew, and knit products to help them sustain their own minimal living expenses. We could learn a thing or two from these women: strength, endurance, patience, and the longing for a community once again. Hopefully in turn they can learn a few things from us because of our faith in the one and only holy God we serve who loves them just the same. Here are some photos which hopefully tell their story.