The Iowa Nilan Family Christmas 2011

This blog post might be a little past due, but hey at least I'm getting caught up!

Every year my cowboy, Gus, and I make a trip back home to the land of corn, soybeans, and feedlot cattle for Christmas.  Most years we celebrate Christmas with my family the weekend after Christmas, however if it Christmas lands on the weekend we spend it with my family on the actual date.  So the last two years we've been in Iowa on December 25th.

Now apparently my mother seems to think that we need to get a new family photo every year.  And who better to take the photos then her FAVORITE daughter, who happens to be a photographer, me.  Now here's the dilemma.......not only do I have to "take" the photo, but I also have to be "in" the photo.  Does anyone else see a problem here?

Well, last year I didn't use my head.  I had my camera.  I had my tripod.  I had the perfect spot.  I didn't have my remote for my camera.  Dang.  So for every photo I had to set the timer on my camera and run run run to my spot.  Snap.  Then I'd run back to the tripod and camera check the photo.  Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.  Needless to say by the fifth photo I was winded with a very red face.  You might ask why did I take so many photos.....well when you're working with 16 people......isn't that answer enough?  

So this year I thought I'd be smarter.  I remembered my remote!  I made sure it was working in the house. I found the perfect spot.  I got my tripod set.  I got all my family members arranged.  I hit the trigger button........nothing!  Are you kidding me?  So yet again this year I had to do the running back and forth again, and again, and again.

The Nilan Family 2011

Here is a second photo just to show you how awesome I am at getting myself back into the very same position.

Not too bad and that's including two dogs in the mix!

This is a photo of my nephew Holden and his two most favorite women in his life.  I'm not going to say which is his favorite, but like most men I'm sure you can figure that one out!  Sorry Shelbie!

I can't believe that my nieces and nephews are old enough to have boyfriends and girlfriends!  This is my niece Kysa and her boyfriend Colby.

While I was getting my settings set on my camera I happened to catch a photo of my dad.  I love this photo of my dad because it shows his real smile.  If you look at the big family photos you'll see that he usually has a forced smile in photos.  In just two days he will be turing 70 years old.  He doesn't look like it, does he?  

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Until next time,

MW

Bryson is a Year Old!

I can not believe that this little guy is already a year old!  It seems like it was only a few months ago that I was taking his newborn photos.  Well actually, he was almost a month old because we kept having to reschedule due to last years snow storms.  No problems this year!

Bryson is probably one of the happiest babies I've ever been around, however during past sessions as soon as I raised the camera the smiles went away and we were left with with a very somber little boy.

Not this time!  We had smiles!  Lots of Smiles!

Bryson get's his very intense eyes from his beautiful mother, Amanda.  I have never had to photoshop his eyes to make them "pop"!  Crazy!

I know this is the same picture.....but look at his eyes in black and white!  Love them!

What's a 1 year photo session without a cake smash?  Not much fun....that's what!

Bryson was all about smashing his cupcake in his hands!  He looks like he's about to throw it at me!

Nope....just kidding!

Happy Birthday Sweet Bryson!

Hugs and Kisses!

MW

Iowa Cowboys: The Straight Boys

Awhile back, my cowboy had to go up to Omaha for work.  I took this as an opportunity to go see my parents up in Iowa and to see some old friends and take some photos.  The Straight boys may be cute, but don't let these photos fool you.  They were full of energy and crazy ideas!

Look at Jett, the one on top, he might be the most ornery of all!

After photos, they quickly changed into their Halloween costumes and we jumped in the car to go trick o treating.  More candy was exactly what they needed!

MW

Tulsa Engagement: Christine and David

Christine and David met while both were servers at the Melting Pot.  Yum! (What is it about dipping food into fatty melted cheese and chocolate?)  Since David thought that Christine was already taken by another man, Christine had to make the first move.  Now, come December 30th, they'll be together for 3 years.  Doesn't that make your heart melt?

We were able to schedule their engagement session while Christine was back home in Tulsa for Christmas break.  It was a great cloudy day in downtown Tulsa, which made for some great lighting and color.

One thing I especially love when a couple has been together for a while is their ability to simply fall into each other...and just be. I didn't have to talk/coach/guide too much for this engagement session because Christine and David were simply happy being. Together.

I love shooting in downtown Tulsa, there are so many different colors, textures and walls to use.

Christine saw this great idea using their wedding date on the amazing website pinterest.com and came prepared.  

One man's trash is a  photographer's treasure.  We found this awesome couch in a back alley and moved it to a nearby doorway.  Love it!

Until next time,

MW

Fall Family Session: Dossett

I've had the joy of taking little Addison's photos since she was 7 days old.  Now at 18 months you might say she's a pro!  She even decided to include Mom and Dad in her session.

Addison loves being the center of attention.

She wasn't for sure if she was supposed to be standing on the chair.

She loved posing with the pumpkins!

Blonde hair. Check.  An outfit with attitude. Check.  A perfect smile. CHECK!

Such a cute family!!!!!!

MW

Twin Session: Freeman Kiddos

Whew!  I'm finally getting around to and getting caught up with some blog posts.  Between getting one of the worst head colds I think I've ever had and a quick trip back to Iowa, I got a little behind.  But don't worry, I won't let you miss a thing.

Say hello to the Freeman Kiddos!

That's right!  I got to take photos of another set of twins!  I love my job!

Cutie #1

Cutie #2

Their big brother loves them so much!  Adorable!

I love chubby "cheeks"!

The three amigos.  Boy does their mom, Shiloh, have her hands full!

Watch out Calvin Klein......I have a new model for ya!

MW

2012 Oologah Senior Model: Brodie Snider

I'd like to introduce everyone to my 2012 Oologah HS Senior Spokesmodel, Brodie Snider.  This girl is a very busy girl.  Being involved in FFA, FFCLA, Student Council, Varsity Cheer, Sr. Class President and barrel racing keeps Brodie's schedule full.

Family and Friends of Brodie:  Contact Brodie to find out how YOU can receive $20 off a print order from your own photo session.

  Here's a sneak peek from Brodie's Senior Photo Session.  

Brodie's neighbor had the neatest old barn to take photos.

We drove down the road till we found an awesome shaded dirt road.  I love dirt roads!

And old Trucks!

Thank you Brodie for being such a beautiful person inside and out.  I had a great time taking your photos.....even with being on the edge of a sinus death bed!

Until Next Time,

MW