Christina works with me at the day job and this lady is my partner in crime, someone I can trust and capable of amazing things! She's the best really! 

It's also sessions like these that tell you parents are doing it right, as Christina and Colton's dad are co-parenting and wanted to make sure Colton had photos with both parents. This kiddo is lucky to have 2 great people in his life!

Amanda always has fun ideas for her sessions, and with her, I am really just the one snapping her ideas... I am curious to see where we are going this year! 

I do also love the sunflower fields, so when Kendra mentioned wanting to maybe do her session there, I was totally game! 

Best part, I guess last time they were there, Preston used his pocket knife on a sunflower and ended up cutting his finger (sorry Preston, I am outing ya) but the gal at the counter REMEMBERED HIM for that and kind of made us take the pruners they provide! 

Here are some of my favorite from their session! 

So, lets recap at least the last year here! Now, as my closer followers and friends know, I did decrease my availability immensely this last year. The reason behind this was just to get some balance in my life. I do have a full time job besides photography that I really love and it does take quite a bit of commitment and mental energy on some days, and coming home after work to rush to a shoot several times a week and then edit all the rest just was not working anymore. The burnout was pretty intense, and something had to give. 

BUT, I love my clients and I love the connections I have made over the last 12 years and being able to create memories with you all, so aside from stepping back completely, (Remember, I tired that once a few years back after my father passed and I struggled to find true passion in about anything for a bit, but it was short lived, because I missed it so much!) I decided to limit myself to 10 sessions a year. This was a HUGE step back for me, but it felt great! I was able to take care of my most committed clients that have been with me since the beginning and was able to take a couple new ones still. Was it hard turning down sessions? ABSOLUTELY! But I still had some super fun sessions!! So, book early! 

With that being said, it is time to open up my 2024 openings!

Additional information on booking this year

All sessions require 1/2 of the session fee down. Due to the limited number of sessions, deposits are non-refundable (unless I have a waiting list that will take a session if it opens up. But once I have the sessions filled, I will turn down any requests for additional sessions.) Session IS NOT booked until the deposit is paid.

Since this is advanced booking, about a month out from your session, we will connect for location and specific time scheduling. 

(All session on weeknights are approx. 7:00/8:00 PM sessions.)

I do some travel for work, and this is far enough out that I am just not sure if I will be at the home office or one of our other office out of town, so there could be some flexibility around your schedule date, but I won't know what those flexible dates look like till we get closer. I am committing to these dates and advising that I have to be back on these days to hang out with clients, but if these just don't work with your schedule, book the closest date and we will make something work. With that being said for reschedules, I am also trying to keep my Saturdays open for family time.  

You can see rates on my website at www.jendixonphoto.com under the investment tab. (Extended session are quoted per request.) 

You can call or message me to book your session 208-604-2071. I will need your email address and date you are requesting. I will update the post as dates fill up.

Available Dates

Friday, May 24, 2024 [BOOKED- PEREZ]

Friday, June 7, 2024

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Sunday, June 30, 2024

*Wednesday, July 3, 2024 (pending opening)

*Friday July 5, 2024 (pending opening)

Friday, July 12, 2024

Saturday, July 13, 2024

Monday, August 12, 2024

Friday, August 23, 2024 [BOOKED - RYLEE]

Sunday, August 25, 2024 [BOOKED - CHRISTINA]

Friday, September 13, 2024

Good luck on your next adventure Jarrett!  

When my daughter was in grade school I would volunteer in her classrooms and Trayson was one of her classmates. It is so fun to watch these kids grow up and see how far they have come since kindergarten! 

Congrats Trayson! 

Mariah has been so fun to work with this year on the model team. She was probably my busiest on the team, realizing that these teens are busy as all heck! We got her in for a handful of sessions though. Stay tuned for a handful of my favorites coming soon, but check out these fun volleyball themed shots. 

I have to tell you, Stormy has been part of our family as our second daughter for so many years! So many sleep overs, so many ups and downs. My daughters ride and die. These girls went through so much together, good times, bad times and really really hard times. Now, I am a pretty modest photographer and I really aim to be age appropriate with my seniors. So, changing from Senior brain to an intimate couple session took conscious
effort. Stormy is a natural in front of the camera, Damon is so calm and cool and would do anything for Stormy. It was fun! 

Now, Married with a house, these two have a world of adventure in front of them. It is bittersweet to see the kids grow up and move away but so excited to see where life takes them. 

I wanted to pull in another character then just my beautiful girl in a dress. Jarrett was more then willing to tux up and play a part in the story. Now these two get told they are the cutest couple all the time, but they have never been and very doubtfully ever will be more then friends. They are the bestest of friends though and I have been waiting for a Jarrett to come into Kaebree's life for years. Fiercely loyal, dedicated, caring and honest. Someone to keep her head clear and motivate her and I am sure she brings a little wild and carefree into his life as well. 

This feel to this shoot brings me to a show that I was slightly obsessed with for a bit, Gossip Girl. The Upper Manhattan feel with parties and formal wear. I wanted to try to not be so Prom-y. I hope that I was able to portray that is these shots. You tell me!

The idea behind the Traveling Dress is that you'll see what 12 photographers do differently with the dress when it is their week to shoot with it. The rules were keep the dress clean and dry, no colored smoke bombs, no water, no fires. No more then 3 models per photographer, and they had to be a 2019, 2020 or2021 senior. 

We had to submit the photos to them to feature on the Instagram page before we were able to share them, so I held the images back from my models till after they were featured. They have been featured, so I can share them with you here! Go check out the other shoots. If you feel inclined, give mine a heart while you are there! 

First Mariah and I headed to the desert for some sagebrush shots. We grabbed a few with the dress during her senior session. 
She is truly stunning!! 

The fun part about the Traveling Dress project is that all my models will be publish in the next SeniorMuse magazine!

I can't wait to see this beauty in print!  

I know I say it ALL THE TIME, but I really do have the most beautiful seniors. Not just physically either. I have not had a senior (or family) that has not been a dream to work with to date! I am truly blessed with the top notch clients! Humble, kind and BEAUTIFUL! 

This session was fun and it has been a location I have loved using this year. (I do that! I will find a location that I love and use it more one year and then the next year, I won't shoot there at all, and I rotate it back in later.) 

Here are a handful of my favorites from Addison's session. 

Thanks for a fun afternoon Kenzie! Congratulations on Senior Year!  

Mom had been waiting patiently for the Sunflower field to officially open and when the announcement came, she beat me to inquiring before I even announced sessions. 

We had so much fun wondering around the patch, exploring the maze-like layout they laid out this year. The girls loved picking a sunflower to take their pictures with. 

I have loved having the sunflower fields in our area the last two years. Each year the farmer is tweeking and learning the best set up, planting times and such to extend the year for Sunflower days. Next year, you need to go take a stroll through the field. Acres and Acres of sunshine. {Wild Adventure Corn Maze - Idaho Falls, ID}

Stormy was on my 2020 model team as well, and we wondered all over the mountains, up to St Anthony, and all around. Stormy's luck this year was that every single time we scheduled a session, we had to reschedule due to yucky Idaho weather... it was soo annoying, but if anyone could role with the weather punches, it was Stormy! 

Congrats Stormy! Thank you for being you, for loving my Kaebs and for allowing us to be a part of your story! 

Here are few of my favorites from Stormy's sessions! 

Kennedy is on her way to college to get a degree in teaching! She will be a wonderful teacher! 

Thank you Kennedy for allowing me to be a part of your senior year and being an awesome model team member!

Here are a handful of my favorites from her sessions.  

Our last hooray session! And, some photos with her pretty awesome boyfriend, Carson! Congrats Guys! 

Maybe next year we will have to do a family session at the Ice Palace! It would be so fun! 

I asked my model team if any of them wanted to do a shoot at the palace and turned out, these 3 were all game! I really left the look up to them. Formal dress, slightly themed, casual, it was whatever they wanted. Alexia chose to do an icey theme. 

Here are a few of my favorites from Alexia's session. Stay tuned for Kennedy and Stormy's sessions next. 

I cannot believe Hailee is a senior! The years pass right by us and while I feel the same, these kids in our lives grow right up, faster then you can imagine. Hailee is a wonderful person, beautiful inside and out. Her talent and love for dance is amazing! She is so beautiful to watch on the stage. She is kind, uplifting and postiive ALWAYS!!! I have never seen this girl without a smile! I am certain this girl will go on to do amazing things in adulthood as well! 

Here are a few of my favorite from Hailee's session! Congrats Hailee! Class of 2020!

Luckily we survived the weather and had a great session. Look at this kid! Class of 2020! 

Needless to say, this family is the coolest there is! 

Here are a few of my faves from their session along the river bottoms in Kelly's canyon this last fall! 

I always have fun with the Nielsen clan. They are such a cute family! I mean, look at these two!!! Gorgeous!  

Olivia is sweet and quite with such a sweet smile, Vincent was talkative and  was supposed to be a little stubborn (Mom said he wasn't all that excited for pictures and was thinking he might be harder, but little did we expect, he was great!) There session was in the summer but their schedules were so crazy that Mom had a hard time getting a chance to have them pick their images till a little later, which is fine! Technically as long as we have them in time to do graduation announcements, we are good! 

Mom's only request was that we got at least one image of the kids together. Check! 

Now, images have been delivered and here are a few of my favorites from their session!   

We were scheduled for right after a holiday while their oldest was home for Thanksgiving break, so we were pretty committed to the date. It was a little windy but we were taking them in the alleys so we did have some wind block and stuck to the plan. We were setting up the first pose when suddenly we had snow! It was the big light fluffy snow and luckily it wasn't going sideways. Mom was super jazzed with the snow and the session turned out pretty awesome. Had it been something we could have planned, minor changes would have taken place but we can't control the weather. 

Mom reached out to me about 2 weeks before I was headed out on vacation. She needed a cake smash session and in order to make it all work and get her the images before I left for the party that was happening while I was gone, we had to act FAST. So, I spoke with Mom on Saturday and we were in the studio the following Saturday! Mom wanted a simple boho theme and I love me some simplicity! I normally don't have a lot of props at my cake smash sessions. I was able to send images over literally the night before I left. 

Here are a few of my favorite shots from her session! I am sure she had the best 1st birthday ever! 

The Ririe river bottoms is one of my favorite places to shoot sessions at. During the fall, you can cross over a little inlet that you can't get to when the river is running higher. During the summer, it is green and lush and it makes it worth battling the mosquitos for the scenery! 

Luckily, for the Hansen's, it wasn't skeeter season. Josh and Jess have a beautiful family and they have the best smiles!! I really enjoyed working with the Hansen family! I get really lucky to have the best clients! 

Here are a few of my favorites from their session.  

This year, Braxton turned 7 and we have had some fun sessions with him and his parents over the years! He is growing up so fast, cause it feels like yesterday that we had that adorable little one year old, out playing with the cows. Time goes by so quickly, it seems like you blink and an entire year has gone by just like that. 

I am looking forward to Braxton's 8 year session, but it can take it's time getting here!

Here are a few of my faves from their session. Isn't he just a little heart throb? I love this location, just right off the river in Kelly's canyon. 

When I saw this field,  I knew Hailee  would LOVE to shoot in a sunflower field so I messaged mom and sure enough, we set a date and had an evening wondering among the sunflowers. 

Here are a few from Hailee's session! Now, I can't hardly wait for next years sunflowers!

(PS- One of Hailee's shots from this session got published! Can you guess which one?)

Emma right here is a complete STUNNER!!! Seriously, beautiful and as sweet as can be! Emma is a natural in front of the camera and when I asked her if she has done some modeling, she said none, but they watch a lot of America's Next Top Model. So, that totally worked out for us. 

Seriously though, look at this gal! She is so beautiful!! Also, we have already gotten 2 of her photos published this year! I am not the only one who thinks she's gorgeous! 

Little did she know, Kyle reached out to me and wanted to propose during their session! So we had a plan and it was sooo sweet! I loved that I got to be apart of their special moment here in our beautiful Idaho before they left! Hopefully they can make it back this way to visit our beautiful state again. In the meantime, I'm sure the wedding will be beautiful! 

Here's a few from there session over at the Rock Garden in Idaho Falls. 

-George M Cohan
 

Enjoy some of my faves from Alexia's Flag session and visit the blog for Stormy and Kennedy's sessions as well. 

Dru is a total goof ball. So, this session was FAR from your average session. I drug the hubby along for this one, since the two worked together and have soooo many serious moments during the day (NOT!) and texted Dad behind the scene shots the entire time. Mom and Dad were worried for a minute that he was being too goofy and he might be messing around with getting great shot, but we assured them, there was some serious photography going on! Like this beaut right here...  In the end, Dru danced his way back to his truck while I laughed so hard I thought I might cry (and recorded video...) and then we won contests! Look at us go! Here are his two shots that ended up being published in NATIONAL MAGAZINES! I am honored to be selected as one of this years HOT 100 photographers in Senior Style Guide and super excited to see this second shot in Senior Muse Magazine was a pretty sweet surprise as well! 
And here are some highlights from the rest of the session! Thanks Dru, for hanging out with me! We will have to do it again! 

Kelsie is absolutely gorgeous! Her session was awesome, we had beautiful weather, and the fall colors were in full bloom along the Ririe river bottoms. I love fall sessions. I love how the colors complimented Kelsie at this session as well. She rocked the fall palette. Check out a few shots from her session.  Kelsie is a senior at Shelley High School.

It was sooo warm! Spring is on its way, we will make it! 

I did Mini Sessions with a few of the girls for cheer. Allie is the team captain. She is one of my senior reps this year, as well as one of my daughters best friends. They have danced together for years and have had a blast on the cheer team together this year. 

Kenzie is on the varsity team as well. 
Kenzie danced with Kaebree for years as well, but she has cheered for a few years now. It has been fun being back on the same team together and having schedules match up to hang out again! Kenzie is one cute flyer too! 

I always have a blast hanging out with these girls and I am super proud of what they have accomplished! It has been fun being on the first ever cheer squad for Thunder Ridge! 

It wasn't all bad though, we had a stunning background with the mountains and the water, there is an amazing creek that runs through the area that we played in and it is super secluded and peaceful! Add Taya and it was perfect! I love this lady's smile, her bubbly personality and her kind heart! 

Thanks for allowing me to capture this time for you Taya! You are one of a kind awesome! 

I come from a blended family myself. I have a half brother and a step mom, a step dad and a step brother and with all that, I have an entire set of bonus family on each side. Just more people to love and to be loved by! 

This session was fun! We headed up towards Kelly Canyon and then down to the river bottoms. I love that we have such amazing locations close by and they are really just a quick trip.

Amanda and Mike have such a beautiful family! Amanda is my planner. She plans for location, poses and style. She had ran across a photo that she loved the location of, and we got pointed in the direction of the spot. So, we loaded up and started to head out of town to give us a little bit of time to make sure we could locate it in real time. As we were pulling out of town, a MASSIVE windstorm started coming through town. It blew all the way out of town and we were worried that the wind would require a reschedule, but figured since we were already on our way, we could at least scout and know exactly where we were going the next time. Luckily, Amanda and Mike are roll with the punches kind of people, and as we were driving around the hills, she was pointing out lots of spots that she loved in the event we didn't find the exact one we were looking for. Lucky for us, the wind had stopped and we had a perfect session. 

She loved the earthy tones of the road and soft colors of the sage brush. We finally made a decision and pulled over to get our shots. I love that we were aiming for the candid moments as well as the formal family photos. The girls nailed it and loved playing in the dirt once they were done with their shots and we finished up with mom and dad. 

Thanks Amanda, Mike, Miss D & Miss N for the adventure! Can't wait for next years! 

Rikkayla Nelson is attending the International Junior Miss pageant this July and will be representing the great state of Idaho as the IJM Idaho State Teen. What an adventure and an experience it has been for this talented and sweet girl. Join me in wishing her luck!

Thank you Heather and Rikkayla, for trusting me to save the day for you guys! It was super fun, like always! I love hanging with your entire family!  

This session was actually 2 sessions, one pre-hair cut and then after hair cut. Seriously, Miloh is adorable and his mom is the sweetest gal! She totally didn't mind that I had stinky baby goats in my garage for the weekend while we were baby sitting. ;)

Miloh is the happiest little guy, big smiles the entire time. The pleasure was all mine during this session! Thanks Paige and Miloh for a fun time!

For the last 3 years, I have entered an international photo contest put on by Shoot & Share and the results are in for 2018. Over 412,379 photos were submitted to the contest by photographers all over the world. I normally get asked to share the link so friends and family can help me win, but this contest really doesn't work like that. The voting is unanimous, time consuming and addictive. 4 images in a category pop up on the screen and you select your favorite. This can go on for hours, and days and weeks! A huge percentage of the voters are photographers. Nothing a little more nerve racking then having the results in the hands of your peers, but it is super fun! You honestly RARELY see one of your images, this was the only one I saw pop up in my voting and honestly, this image was eliminated from the contest pretty early (you win some and you lose some). It is exciting to see your images come through. I feel like that is what drives you to keep voting sometimes, just the chance to see one of your images. OH, and you don't get to track how you are doing, you just get a final report at the end on how your images did. I didn't enter all 50 images this year, last year I was still feeling pretty uninspired as I was still dealing with some residual depression after losing my father, but I wanted to still enter with some that I really loved. The results really narrowed down to 2 sessions from last year, which was pretty crazy.

I usually avoid entering photo contests, but with this one I leave feeling inspired and hopeful. I see beautiful images with creativity and quality that I feel are not unobtainable for me. I see that my work over the last 7 years has grown and knowing that I am improving and my work is making it to even the top 30% on an off year, excited me for this year and what I can bring the 2019 contest. It also shows me that sometimes the images I am not calling my best can be seen as awesome to many others (from the first contest I did and walked away a finalist with my image ranking 102, just 2 images away from a TOP 100!) and that I should have a little more faith in myself and my work. Here's to 2018 and aiming for higher in the 2019 contest.

Check out all the images I submitted in the 2018 contest here!

I have spent years hanging out with Becky as a fellow dance mom before her daughter moved on. This family has been so fun over the years and it was fun to see her little guy aside from photos on Facebook! My daughter even got to catch up with their daughter during the shoot. It was great to see them again. We sure miss them at dance.

Dutch here really is a cutie! I laugh at this session because he really didn't want to dig into this adorable cake. (Paisley Cakes in Blackfoot, ID did an amazing job on this cute little fox cake. If you are looking for a cake, I highly recommend them.) After some prompting, coaxing and begging, I finally went to the kitchen and grabbed a spoon and guess what, it worked for us! He smashed that cake good, mission accomplished!

Oh my goodness, these ladies right here are pure beauties! We had fun shooting this session and the girls had fun exploring. Friendlies little girls I have had the pleasure of photographing too!

Last year we did a super hero theme and had a blast, this year we had to go with something fun as well so we played in the creek on my families private property and we caught imaginary fish, which is something I knew Braxton could pull off. This kiddo has the best imagination and totally played into fake fishing as if we were really out on the lake reelin them in by the hordes.

These however are very appropriate! Taya and Ashlyn headed back to school, with everyone else, this last week, but not before our fun session. This one was adventurous, we had to deal with stickers... ALL OVER MY LEGS! lol. The girls were both in dresses, so for the most part, they came away mostly sticker free. I have to admit, I adore these girls. They are both beautiful and have so many amazing strengths and the sweetest and best personalities. Ashlyn is my nieces best friend and they have pretty much become family. Every time she comes out to the house with my niece, you can always find her stalking the cats, she loves those kitties! She even knows where to avoid due to the stinky kitties too. We do have a few skunks on the premises. Taya is a busy girl, she was telling me all the things she does and I was tired just trying to keep up!  She is so outgoing and friendly, you just have to love her! They are both growing up way to fast too, like all kids do, and the older they get, the more the cuteness fades away to pure beauty that radiates from within all the way out! So, here is to 6th grade and Junior year for these two ladies. Do me a favor, and quit growing! I am sure your parents would agree that we would all be content keeping you this age forever!

Well, enough talk... I give you Bronson and Mr. Bear!

Daycia and her sister danced with my daughter for years, then she left us for her school dance team. We have missed her but she has had a blast and that is what is important. Her sister danced with us right up till graduation. This is our first year without her and we sure miss her too. We have been friends with Daycia's family for several years now. That is what us dance moms do, we bond!

When Daycia asked me to do her senior photos, I really felt like the lucky one. Not only did I get to hang out with her and her amazing personality, but she is also gorgeous! And was honestly up for anything. We had a blast!

Thanks for the fun time Daycia! Keep on smiling!

I am glad that you are here, as I decided that the session I am going to offer is something that needed a tribute outside of the standard social media outlets. I wanted to share my "WHY" for these sessions. As I feel a photo should tell a story or capture a memory. As many of my clients know, I have a daughter, it's hard not to cause I am chattering on about her all the time. Just the one. A 14 year old, beautiful, smart and talented daughter that is my world. Now I think back 14 years and I am just amazed at how far photography has come since then. How many more ideas are out there now to document their growth and how I am always running across these ideas and think "Man, That would have been awesome when she was younger!" or "Oh I wish that we had an image like that of her. It would have been so cute!". It makes me feel like I am super old now and was raising a child way out of the times. lol! I am sure my mom was thinking the same things with us too.

The other night, I was helping my daughter make her bed and as I pushed all the pillows and such off her bed to put her nice clean comforter back on, I picked up Blankie. A poor little blanket that was given to us as a baby shower gift from my aunt 14 years ago. I flashed back to the time of "Poochie and Blankie" and how they were always with Kaebree, one in each hand. Poochie was a red silky pillow that my mom made when she was pregnant with me and gave it to my grandma, who put it in a zip lock bag for 20 years and handed it to my daughter one day. The pillow was small, maybe 6"x6" is all. Poochie went first, into a small rag, resembling something that got stuck in a blender and shredded. Yes, I still have Poochie, somewhere in one of my many still packed boxes from the move. Now Blankie.... Blankie is a very light cotton (thin) teddy bear blanket, that was perfect for the summer months ahead of us. If I had to call it then, I would think that pillow would have made it longer then this blanket. HA! She showed us, didn't she. Well, Blankie is still very much in our lives. Blankie has been left at a hotel, I don't recall exactly how we got it back, but we did. Another time being left in another state, YEP, we had to have it shipped back home. Getting lost behind her bed so many times I couldn't keep count and the panicked nights trying to find it... Later, "Kinley was added to the mix. A cute rabbit from Build a Bear that talked about shopping when you pressed her hand. Kinley has faired the best as of now, but she isn't quite as old. (I want to say she was 6-7 when she got Kinley.)

I am still working on her letting me capture her and Blankie now, 14 years later, but she is too "OLD" for that. Blankie is getting a little tattered and torn now, and as we think about maybe adding her to the keepsake box before she is in threads, like Poochie, I hear a shriek from my daughter as she tells me how Blankie is going to college with her. This is what I was able to get though.

This brings me back to documented memories I wish I had thought about sooner. I am sure I have snapshots with blankie in the image, laying in the background, rolled up in her blankets, but I wish I had a good solid photo to show her the relationship she had with these two prized possessions that gave her comfort and was always in her little hands.

So, I am going to do a "My Cuddle" mini session event. Bring your little one/s with their cuddle and let's have some fun and nab those moments to look back on. Sweet Blakely here was perfect to help me promote these sessions. Her monkey has been through it all with her. Holes stitched up and new ones created just as quickly. Mom was telling me about how all day of the shoot, Blakely prepped her Monkey, telling him to make sure he smiles for the pictures. It was a blast, and a great way to give these little prized possessions their spot in the photo albums as well. Message me to book your My Cuddle mini session. Sessions will be up to 30 minute sessions for children of all ages, includes 5 retouched digital images with print release. Session fee of 75.00 will be due at time of booking.

After 6 years, I am giving up my photography business.

6 years ago, I set out on an adventure. It has been one of really great times and really low times in my life. It has helped me through struggles, stresses and has keep me busy, but with it came struggles, stress and well, I have been really busy. The busy could be seen as a great thing, and it was. Busy meant business was good. It also meant that any free time I have, has been dedicated to my business.

This last year has been one of many challenges. I sold my home in early April 2016 and moved into my parents home while we looked for a house that was right for us to come on the market. During the sale process, I was very busy with the house, coming and going for showings and trying to balance that with my business, as well as a new job that was much different then my prior one on my schedule. It was very shortly after that we decided to build, hence making a month or two stay, turn into most of the year.  

Living with my parents was great but tragedy hit home and I am glad that I was distracted, as it gave me time that I didn't realize I would never get again to spend with my dad. Time I thought was stressful but I look back and am grateful for. July 29th, I lost my dad to Sepsis brought on from a standard procedure where his bowels were nicked and in less the 36 hours from being admitted to the hospital, he was gone. Turning our world completely upside down.

It was at this time, I knew that photography was not my top priority. I wasn't ready to give it up though. So I trudged along. Half in it, half just being with my family and half being a mother to a busy girl.. yep, you caught that there was a little too many halves there right?! I kept shooting, but found that I just didn't have the time, nor the energy to edit. I am going to still be around though, as photography is still a passion. I am going to do some personal work, and work around my own schedule with some more artistic stuff. So you will have to watch for those from time to time.

I see that my family has taken a backseat to my business and after losing someone you love, you really think on the time you have with each and every one of your remaining and you kind of readjust your life. So, with a sad heart I say goodbye to my business. I have met the most amazing people, I have made the most awesome friends, and I have some great experiences to take from this adventure. Thank you for trusting me with your memories.

NOW- For all of you still waiting on photos and albums to get done. I have stopped taking new sessions and I do have a couple scheduled prior to this decision that I will still do, BUT, you are my main goal to get finished up. I will have everything done- EVERYTHING! by the end of November. I don't want to do anything in December but spend the holidays with my family.

While we were at the family session, we had some fun with Mr. Derek here and his big special event as well! Turning 8 is a big deal! Congrats on the baptism!
 

I always think I am, until I remember how busy we are during the school year, then I long for summer vacation again. However, I sure do love the back to school sessions.
 

I do these sessions each year basically because I dislike the assembly line, school contracted photos (or should I say- PHOTO, singular) that my daughter brings home each year and we just can't bring ourselves to claim they are our favorites. This way, you can make sure they are smiling, that their hair and wardrobe are the way you intended to be and you get more then ONE.
 

I love seeing the kids grow at these sessions. Getting into an older crowd, I didn't get too crazy with a "school" theme. I started with my clients at a location in Idaho Falls and ended with my relatives being in Menan. I am totally using the Menan location for my clients next year though. It will totally be worth the 15 min drive. I promise!
 

I have to give a huge shout out to this gal right here. She is not a big fan of the bugs, and yet she was up for anything in the thick of bugs! I am hoping she wasn't sporting too many mosquito bites after we were done. Oops! Guess what though, I am a little better now with a bottle of bug spray in the camera bag! It is in there, right now, as we speak!
 

Katrina got to hang out with my awesome hair and make up artist, Matt Elliot, of Yoso Salon before heading out to my little private part of the world for her session. Her session in which she ROCKED! Beauty and Bronze folks, she is also a hockey player!
 

With further ado, I give you ....
 

When you grow with a client, you form a friendship, a bond with them. Take Braxton here, I see photos of him all the time on Facebook, but to see him each year for his yearly photo session, he just changes so much from year to year. The best part is that while I just spent the last 3 years photographing the hardest ages to photograph, cause let's face it, 2-4 year olds are hard, his sessions have been pretty easy! He knows me, and that is the secret. Braxton is my friend. He is comfortable and he is natural. Hey, this time he even danced for me. He has to most adorable little personality and his imagination runs wild. 
 

Thank you Braxton for being AWESOME! Thanks Amy and Dan for another great session and for your loyalty. You are great parents and the sweetest people I know! I look forward to the next time. It will sneak up on us again like this year did too!
 

But we better slow down a little and first take you back to the bump!
 

This is what happens when you don't blog till after the baby is here and you are even done with those images! (Get it together Jen! Take care of your blog! Right?!)
 

Here is sweet Mom and Dad- expecting Leon!
 

And here is Sweet Leon! He was such a good boy during his session. Can you guess what team Dad roots for? Also, the cute little blanket and pillow in the night night pose was made by Grandma for him. So adorable! Thank you Marian and Juan for trusting me with your sweet Leon! Congrats to being new parents! It is the best thing in the world!
 

Not only is Alicia beautiful, she is a total sweetheart!
 

Congrats Alicia! Class of 2016
 

On a personal note, EEKK! So, the first 2 shots posted are on some family property, all the rest... are on my new property! It's just my little piece of heaven, but oh, there is so much my little corner has to offer my business as a location! It is just beautiful and FUN!
 

Tristan is headed to boot camp now that he has graduated. The National Guard to be exact! They are lucky to have such a great kid. Now, I love sessions that have a story to remember and Tristan didn't let this session be any different. I will spare him the embarrassment and not post the goofy pictures but let's just say we had some t-rex posing going on in the middle of the road! He had us laughing so hard!
 

Tristan wanted some pictures on his bike, so to the foothills we headed... as his mom and I both rode in pure fear over that fun little path to get to the good spot. Folks, vehicles are meant to stay horizontal... not vertical!!
 

We made it safely and then realized there was a much easier and shorter way out... This is what we get for following my husband. lol
 

I always have a blast getting the riding shots, even if we did end up a little dirty!
 

All your hard work paid off, Congrats Tristan!!!!
 

I will always remember this session as the session my phone went swimming in the river! Yep, fell right out of my pocket and PLUNK! It didn't stop me from finishing the session with a smile on my face though! AND THE PHONE SURVIVED! (as well as 2 days later when it went swimming again... Really?!)
 

That isn't the really the story we are telling though.
 

Brianna is a true outdoorswoman!She loves all things fishing and being outdoors.
 

I really wanted to make her session as diverse as she is, so we geared up with one of my amazing hair and make up artists, Mandy, and strolled around the alleys in downtown Idaho Falls.
 

From there we bounced a little... right across the valley to the river in Ririe. Oh, it didn't end there though. We also hit Twin Bridges to finish up.
 

Brianna walked across her stage this week in her final act as a senior. Congrats on your graduation. You are going to go far in life!! I just know it!
 

People ask what my favorite age to photograph is, and honestly, I can't pin point it, as it changes from session to session. Each kiddo is different and not only are they wonderful little individuals, they change as they grow with each year. Kougar here was a prince at his 2 year session, but his personality has blossomed even more and at 3, he was such a hoot.
 

I love being able to watch these sweet kids grow, see them change as the years come and go. I can't wait to see this handsome little guy for his 4 year old pictures!
 

Please stay in my life forever because you're one the the best things to ever happen to me. 

Love, Me
 

Mandy and I have been friends for "a whole lotta years", something like 18. And what can I say about Nic, other then he is a turd. hee hee! I love them both to the end of the world and beyond.
 

I have to tell ya, this little guy was not too fond of getting frosting on his face, but he sure did demolish that cake.
 

I loved this cute little Dr. Seuss themed cake smash. Mom has some good style and Grandma even made the cute tie and bottoms set to go with the set.
 

As one of my goals this year is better prepping and planning, I sat down and plotted out each of my mini sessions. Dates, styles, locations and even suggested wardrobes. I am going all out on these this year!
 

If you have any questions about any of the mini sessions I have listed here, please head over to the contact me tab and send me a message. I would love to give you more details. *Please see notes after the image for studio session and family friendly or children only sessions.
 

All resources can be used to create designs for personal or professional use, for yourself or your clients. Do not share, trade, redistribute or re-sell the templates - it is a violation of copyright.
 

STUDIO SESSIONS:
 

Valentine's Day & Easter/Spring
 

ON LOCATION/OUTDOOR SESSIONS:
 

Winter fun, Mom and Me, Dad and Me, Fourth of July, Into the Wild, Back to School, Summer Days
 

DEPENDING ON WEATHER BUT PLANNED FOR OUTDOORS
 

Halloween & Holiday
 

........................................................................................................
 

CHILDREN ONLY SESSIONS:
 

Valentine's Day, Easter/Spring, Back to School & Halloween
 

FAMILY FRIENDLY SESSIONS:
 

Winter Fun, Fourth of July, Into the Wild, Summer Days, Holiday
 

............................................................................................................
 

To Book your session or if you have any questions, please contact Jen Dixon Photography at 208-604-2071 or at www.jendixonphoto.com and click the contact tab.  
 

All mini sessions are due in full at time of booking.
 

My main goal is to capture a memory, at every single session! I want to be able to invoke a memory when you come back to your photographs, years down the road. I am going to say this goal was achieved 100% with this fun little session. We will NEVER forget it! NEVER! I don't think our studio will let us forget it either.
 

So months ago I decided I wanted to do a studio shoot with glitter and a child. I had to have my partner in crime in on it too, and only fitting to use her daughter. She is adorable and a natural little model. Well, she would kind of have to be, her mom takes photos for a living as well! We were just so busy with the fall season that our little glitter shoot was on the back burner for a bit.
 

We finally pinned down a day and made it happen though. We were going to use an ENTIRE bottle of glitter on a 6 year old AND keep it contained! Here was the kicker, Jolie had also brought her youngest in to do her 3 year pictures prior to me getting to the studio for our glitter fun. You read that right, 3 YEAR OLD, GLITTER....
 

You think you know where this is going, don't you?
 

NOPE! You are wrong!
 

Little P (3 years old) was so good and you could tell she wanted to dive in to that glitter but she refrained.. She went to the other side of the studio and played quietly. We finish up the shoot and then Miss P was too quiet. So, Jolie walks over to check on her and while she does that, I start cleaning up. Only problem was, I started in the wrong place. Miss Ashlyn should have been the first thing to clean, but I figured I would let Jolie handle that part and I would clean up the glitter before it was no longer contained.
 

AND THAT IS WHEN THE GLITTER BOMB EXPLODED!
 

Ashlyn got sidetracked and took off across the studio to the gallery room, leaving a heavy trail of glitter along the way. Then from there, our 1000 sq foot studio was sparkling ever so prettily.
 

PEOPLE... glitter is the nightmare of all craft supplies! Created by Satan himself. It lures you in with it's sparkles and then you can NEVER get rid of it!
 

When faced with the decision to laugh or cry, I chose to laugh. The session was perfect. Ashlyn will forever talk about the time she got to literally lay in a pile of glitter. She is still pleased with her blue sparkly hair (Jolie said was still sporting glitter the next day, after a bath). She will talk to her mom many times about the session. "Mom, remember when we did the pictures with the glitter! That was so fun!" They have this moment to share for their lifetime. That is why the glitter war we will be facing, for what I am sure to be years to come, was worth it.
 

I mean, look, glitter angels!
 

I loved how laid back and fun this session was. Malinda and George have such a wonderful family! 

I am so happy to live in Idaho, where beautiful locations are just a mere 15 minute drive away. 

I am not the only person who likes fall. It is the busiest time of the year and for good reason. 

I had a great time with the Averett Family! We enjoyed some time at the park, the kids enjoyed watching the ducks and I got some great smiles out of EVERYONE. (Even Dad, who Mom warned me was not a big smiler, but he proved her wrong. Those silly husbands!)

Jen and Tyrel have a wonderful family, a home full of laughter and love and I was so lucky to capture it. They keep her on her toes, with 2 sets of twins mixed in her bunch. 

Thanks for spending the time with me Jen! You guys are lucky to have each other. 

Amanda decided she wanted Green photos, in fall! Lol, this really wasn't as horrible as it sounds, I promise. I knew of a fun place that she also loved from another photo and guess what... it was slow at changing colors and was still a vibrant green! (If it hadn't been easy, we would have waited for next summer, so this was not a crazy request or a stretch for me.) 

So, out came the sofa, the sister assistant (since they are best friends) and SUCCESS! Perfection! 

The last 2 years, we were later on the game and those sessions were in studio, still cute but it was time to get an outdoor session this year. Cindy and Hugo bought a cute house in the country and her yard was perfect! 

While we were at it, we had to get a few images of the uber cute baby bump too since this is Mama's last baby. She glows folks. I can't wait to meet Baby S! 

Heather and her family are awesome! Like seriously, words cannot describe how amazing the entire family is! 

This is Heather's 5th child and since I am a little behind on blogging my sessions right now, they have since relocated her from belly to loving arms and life at home. 

She is ADORABLE!!! 

We did do this session in 2 different days. We were getting kind of close and wanted to make sure we at least had Momma and the bump before Baby P came and took care of that, just in case she came before Daddy's schedule allowed for his staring role in the pictures too, but it all worked out just fine. Little E was great at both sessions too, such a fun little personality!! 

Thank you Heather and Rudy for spending the time with me and allowing me to capture this time for you. 

Let's go back a couple few months, when sweet Brianna and Justin came home to visit the family and get her maternity pictures done while she was at it. Brianna and Justin are both active military members and stationed in the east.  NOW- I am playing  catch up and Baby R was welcomed into the family, a healthy, beautiful baby girl who has stolen the entire families hearts, even if we haven't met her yet! I know we are all waiting for their next visit home! 

This session was done on the families private property in the foothills, here "near" town. My sister,  Kristie (who is actually Brianna's sister-in-law) made the 2 gowns that we used in this session and have since been added to my collection of maternity gowns. Love that crafty sister of ours. 

My sister was the one who also found this awesome vintage-ish American flag, with the idea that we had to use it somehow for this session. I think it worked out perfect, but I will let you be the judge of that as you see some of my favorites from her session. 

Congrats Brianna and Justin ! I have yet to meet Baby R, but I can hardly wait. I have heard so much about her! 

I used to think that being a kid on Christmas was the best thing ever, but it turns out, having kids on Christmas is! 

We had some magic happening in the studio this month, the holly jolly man himself, Santa!

Mason, Ava and Max all got to hang out with Santa for a bit and can I just say AWWWW! They were so cute! 

Each year, I put the idea of Halloween mini sessions on the table and with enough interest, I will do a Halloween mini session event. Normally, I don't get a ton of interest in Halloween minis. That is okay!! This year though, I had enough interest to go ahead and do them. 

I am so glad I did! They rocked!  ​

Okay, like almost 2 months ago, but it has been a busy season. I have not had any time to blog my sessions! AH! So, here are most of my Back to School sessions from this year. I am missing my sister-in-law, niece and my own child in this set, but they are coming! 

First up, Zach! Zach was a ham with the cutest dang smile and those eyes! I am sure his preschool teacher is just loving his energy this year. 

Next we have some of my favorite people right here! My sweet cousins Bailey and Rylan. Rocking 6th and 11th grade! Oh they are growing up way to fast! Seriously! TOO FAST! 

Then there are these two! Yeah, try to guess their ages?! Both of them are so stinking good looking, and I promise, they are both younger then you are thinking! ;) Kenna and Kagen, 9th and 6th grade! 

Next we have these amazing young ladies! Seriously, the sweetest things you have ever met! Taya and Ashlyn 9th and 4th grade.

And finally, these two right here! Kash and Kaidance, Cute as can be! 1st grade and 4th grade. 

 Take advantage of the beautiful fall colors, mellow weather and make sure you have your photos for the holidays. 

Below, you can see what dates I have available for your sessions. 

I will update as I fill up dates. 

Don't miss out, book your session soon to make sure you get the fall colors. 

Senior year, one of the most exciting, yet stressful, times of your life. Either way, it is unforgettable. 

Lydia here is gorgeous! She is also a natural at posing, working the camera to her advantage and having fun! She was comfortable and confident and she hardly made me work. Shortly after our session, she was headed to LA for some modeling opportunities! So send her some good vibes as she embarks on her journey! 

Lydia's session is a platinum session with hair and make up which started with my amazing hair and make up artist, Matt Elliot, owner of Yoso Salon in Idaho Falls. Once there, he pampered her, using some awesome products on her hair to nourish and some amazing cosmetics that you will for sure want for your own make up bag after you are done. Matt is also involved in the photography world so he understands the importance of photography application and what will pop. He is extremely talented in his field and knows what he is doing for any look we are after. He is also always open to the public and you can find him at http://www.facebook.com/YosoSalon. 

While we were there, Matt lent us a very beautiful necklace and ring, that matched the look and style of the shoot perfectly, that he has for sale at the salon by one of his good friends, Rhonda Johnson with Manic Muze Studio out of Blackfoot, ID. I will post the link to her Facebook page below the image of the necklace and ring and I highly suggest you sneak over to her page and check out her jewelry. 

I had my mother in law, who happens to be an amazing florist, whip me up the flower crown for this shoot as well. 

All in all, I love the look, I love the location and I just adore this little lady and think this gal is going to achieve all her dreams in life. 

And with further ado, I give you Lydia, Class of 2016. 

Above is the ring and necklace I mentioned. You can find her work at 

https://www.facebook.com/Manic-Muze-Studio

For more information on my senior sessions, please visit

http://www.jendixonphoto.com/senior-session-prices 

http://www.jendixonphoto.com/seniors (For Platinum information and too see some behind the scenes shots from this shoot)

Then, we wanted to go back a few weeks later, and access denied. I can image for safety reasons since it is right next to a school and a park. I am glad we got what we did. I am a little bummed though, I had a fun idea. 

Now, time to get Mom on the schedule for family pictures! Beat the snow this time, maybe... 

This little guy just grows leaps and bounds and his personality is top notch adorable. We did have to move Braxton's session up a little in the day due to forecasted rain (story of my life anymore), but the weather was perfect the entire shoot. 

Our entire session we were on the hunt for "Good Guys" and "Bad Guys". It was fun. We never found the bad guys and as for the good guys, I kept telling him that we were the good guys. He still kept an eye out for other good guys though. 

Each session is unique with Braxton, and the technique used to get him to smile that heart stealing smile. Last year it was having him "stand up, then sit down, stand up, now sit down". He thought that was pretty funny. This year it was a simple, "Where did Braxton go?" and he would turn away and then peek back and flash us his amazing smile. 

When it came down to culling the session and editing, well... maybe we were a little too successful! I had to do something I don't do very often at all. Load the images and let Mom pick which ones she wanted edited. I had only culled down to 80 images, and I normally only edit about 10 more then the session includes. Mom picked good though. I love all the ones she chose!

Happy 3rd Birthday to Braxton.

Thank you Amy and Dan for allowing me to catch these years and watch him grow.  

I look forward to his 4 year shoot! 

We didn't do a lot of individuals of the kids this time because I will be getting both Kaydence and Kash at their back to school shoots and little Krew will be in shortly after for his 1st birthday shoot and cake smash.

They all get so big so fast! Cute as heck too! 

Darby always does the cutest outfits and color schemes. I just love it! 

Savannah and Jake have a crazy schedule and we had 2 days this week that they were both off the same time, so when we saw the rain clouds coming we had to think quick, moving their session up 2 hours. All was good, we would just need to work quickly to beat the rain. HA HA! A stubborn gate lock proved to be put a kink in the plan. I was shooting on some extended families private property and the key we have for the lock likes to sometimes not work.  After messing with the gate for a bit we finally went with plan B and winged it. 

I am so glad we did. The storm stayed out of the way long enough for us to explore and get some awesome shots at some pretty awesome little spots that I have never really been to. Ending the day with SUCCESS and shortly after finishing, a nice little rain storm came through. 

Congrats you two, two years and many more to come. Thank you for allowing me to capture the love you have for each other. Can't wait to help you celebrate the next one!

I could go on and on about how great this gal is, but we are hear to see her stunningly beautiful senior photos! Right!? We had a blast hitting up some of my favorite spots and we survived the heat, barely! Folks, it was HOT! She rocked it though, you would never be able to tell she was melting a little. (While the rest of us were melting a lot!) 

Big Thanks to my awesome make up artist, Mandy Good. Great job like always!

HUGE thanks to the Bieker family for the continued trust in letting me catch all these awesome family moments in the kids lives, as well as grabbing those family photos, when everyone is all together! ;) You have the greatest family, I can't say that enough. 

Here is to a great Senior Year Charlee! You have it in the bag! 

They are my favorite when it comes to little ones. They don't crawl quite yet and they love their toes! You can make them SMILE for the most part (a fun thing to expect that we don't normally get at the newborn sessions.) 

Krew here is downright adorable. He gave us a run for our money at 3 months, but 6 months, Mom was worried about nothing. He was all grins and we were in heaven! 

Krew's dad is a rugged outdoorsman, so it was only fitting that we get some outdoorsy shots with him. I really had fun playing with these ones. We did get a few shots WITH his beautiful mom too. I have to say,

I am getting really excited for his year old shoot. Mom has some awesome themes in mind and they are going to be so FUN! Oh 6 more months seems so far away! 

This kiddo has grown so fast in the last year! No joke! 

I have to say, I was so impressed with Mason during his shoot. He took amazing direction, was polite, and has the a heart melting smile. I giggle when I look at Mason's pictures as I hear him and his "OK" after I would tell him where to stand or how to pose. 

I am excited to see Mason at 4, I don't think it is possible but I bet he gets even cuter. He is going to be a heartthrob! 

Little missy's keep watch, Momma is raising a great catch right here! ;) 

I always feel deeply invested when I work with expecting parents and then carry on into the children. I think about them each day after I have met them and pray for safe and healthy deliveries for both baby and mom. They are literally on my mind each day as I wait (probably not near as anxiously as mom and dad) for baby to come, but I sure feel like it were my own family having a baby. I know, I am weird! 

Calvin has some pretty special parents! Erin and Brady are pretty fun people and I hope this newborn session is not the last I see of them! 

Time to get to the fun stuff, I present to you, Sweet Baby Calvin's Newborn session! 

SWOON!  I just love his chunky little cheeks! He is just soooo precious! 

Just a reminder, I have a great referral for a great newborn photographer her in Idaho Falls. She is the photographer that has images lining the mountain view halls. Jolie West Photography and you can find her on Facebook. ;) 

This is sweet little Kenna.

Kenna's cousin had a newborn session with me as well not quite a year ago so Aunt Nikki and Uncle Darren's gift to Kenna was a newborn session. Also, Kenna's dad and my husband were really good friends growing up. It was a small world kind of moment. 

 As with 95% of my sessions, she was an angel. Slept the entire session. Even while her big brother was loving on her. 

Can you believe this little thing was 9 lbs when she was born. Mom is a super hero in my book! Thanks Lacey and Nathan for bringing her in to see me! Congratulations on the perfect little new addition. 

These cuties do make it a little hard to give up. While I may not photograph newborns anymore, I still take them at sitting age... (Normally about 6-7 months). Another shout out to the Kris-meister, who rocks and makes me cute little crate skirts the day before the session.

So, be patient as I ramble my way through this. 

This has been a back and forth decision for me. I am going to go ahead and pick a side of the fence for good this time. 

Here goes.... I am no longer going to photograph newborns or children under sitting age (normally 6 months and under).

It isn't that I can't. I mean, I have some amazing photos of some adorable newborns. Look at them, aren't they just sooo cute!!!! 

My journey in photography began 4 years ago and has led me today. I have had 4 wonderful years working with old and new clients. My only regret just a short time ago was that I wanted to be able to offer my clients services for all areas of their lives and photography needs.

Then I had a very faithful loyal client come to me, knowing that I didn't offer newborn sessions but occasionally shot them and said, we want you! At the time I had been assisting a very talented photographer on her sessions. This really led to a lot of "mentoring" sessions really and while assisting I was learning. 

This wonderful photographer has the confidence in me to make newborns successful in my business and encouraged me to go ahead and offer the sessions. I made her assist on mine though! Kind of crazy, the amazing newborn photographer just assisting on my sessions. While I have some awesome images images and very successful newborn sessions, I just felt like I never really could throw myself into the newborn world. It never felt right! I have some theories but I cannot put a finger right on what feels off to me. 

I will still photograph newborns and babies in family sittings though! 

Then, I really started thinking about where I wanted to really grow. Avoid stretching myself so thin. I want to be amazing in areas that really interest me. Regretfully, it wasn't newborn photography, and that is okay. There are plenty of great newborn photographers in town, I would rather leave  you in their capable hands. 

So, I leave the newborn market with a huge THANK YOU for the experience. Thank you to the parents that gave me the options to catch these moments, that can never be replaced. Thank you for trusting me with these amazing little lives even if just for a couple hours. 

And I want to leave you with an awesome referral! This wonderful mentor of mine, the baby whisperer, and the newborn PRO, Jolie West of Jolie West Photography. Have you walked down the halls of Labor and Delivery in Mountain View Hospital recently? If so, those canvases lining the walls, they are hers! If not, I have attached a few of her recent images (with her permission) below! 

So, if you are looking into a photographer for your newborn photography session and you have ended up here, let me leave you with a quick link to Jolie's pages. Tell her I sent ya! 

http://www.joliewestphotography.com or you can find her on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JolieWestPhotography?fref=ts

Now look at this bump! Isn't it cute?! Erin and Brad are expecting a little boy in just a few short weeks and aside from them being ready to love on their little guy, I am super excited too!

I can't wait to get cute little Calvin in the studio! 

The day was kind of icky but Dad was getting ready to go back to work and it worked out just fine. 

Here is wishing Erin a safe delivery! She is in my thoughts each day as we get closer to her due date. 

I have known this stud his entire life, which started a short 6 weeks after my daughters. This just shows they grow up tooooo fast. He now is almost as tall as me and getting ready to shave. ;)

I am super excited as Nic is finally excited about being one of my models in my crazy scheme to shoot more creatively for myself. So watch for him coming up here in the next few months!

This session was super hard to narrow down. I mean, look at that cute smile! 

Thanks Jessica for letting me capture this next chapter for you! It is amazing how fast these little people grow. 

Kenna is an amazing young lady. Smart, outgoing and beautiful. It was really fun doing her shoot and playing in the fog. Set to a hazy feel to the session and images. I have the best team on this project and can't wait to shoot the 2nd session in this series! Huge shout out to the natural in front of the camera here, Kenna. My amazing friend and hair and make up artist, Mandy Good, I really can't say enough how she nails each and every project head on. Truly amazing talent! Let's not leave out the co-conspirator and fellow photographer on this series, Jolie West of Jolie West Photography.  

Without further ado, Miss Kenna!

So, this session was a little late in the game and while we hoped for some mild weather to do an outside shoot. Weather-1 Us-0. Luckily we have done studio with this family before as well, understanding that the little guy can't really hang out in the subzero temperatures. (Last year he was a newborn.) This year, I have Cindy and Hugo's family on my reminder list to message her earlier in the year for family pictures outside. Let's face it, we are all busy and before you know it, Christmas card season is calling and you are like OH TINSEL! We need pictures!

I AM GUILTY OF THIS AS WELL! 

Either way, I am glad to have these guys in front of my lens any time of the year, inside or outdoors. I have been blessed to have these guys come see me. Three years means that Cindy first came to me when I was just starting! Thank you for having faith in me and growing with me as I get to grow with your little family here!

Now, this session was really actually pretty fun. I learned that at this stage in the little guys life, bunnies FLY! Yep, they fly and fly and fly. Never giving up. Bunny keeps to it. I learned that the sweet little girl here is a natural at posing and I plan to use her sometime this year in a themed shoot. Her brother, I LOVE how that smile reaches all the way to his eyes, his silly personality and how he just likes to be genuinely happy! 

So, Lisa was finishing school at BYU and Colton was here in Idaho Falls (missing each other every single day!) So, we pick a weekend for Lisa to come home to do their session in time for the upcoming wedding. Friday night rolls in and she is home. The sky is blacker then black with a crazy rain storm brewing and the forecast is rain for the entire weekend. So what do we do, we plan accordingly and Lisa picks up a clear umbrella for the shoot. Let's have fun! Yes, we did have rain, with the sky finally clearing up when we are finishing up! That is how it works right?! No worries. We had fun! 

So, I give you some of Lisa and Colton's engagement pictures, while I go ahead and work on their wedding images as well. Welcome to the family Colton, Kaebree couldn't be any happier to finally be able to call you her uncle! 

Mom brought Lakoda in for some tractor pictures for his first birthday

Having my adorable John Deere themed tractor my sister built,

our theme was set. Mom got the most adorable cake and brings it in and sets it

on a little stand by the window. 

Setting up and the studio is very warm, so I open the window.

Well somewhere along the way, we get a very slight breeze. Breeze moves the 

blinds, which bumps the wicker deer we have in the window, knocking it right

over on to the cake! 

OH CRAP! 

Minimal damage, I can fix that in editing. Just scuffed a letter.

Deep Breath! We got this! Cake is going to be smashed here shortly anyways. Right?!

You can barely notice! 

So, we jump into our clean part of the session, and that all goes great. He is just

a ham and he LOVES this tractor. He loves this tractor enough that when

we take the tractor away from the set, he can't take his eyes off the tractor.

Trying to sneak out of the set to make his way back to that tractor.

INSERT CAKE TIME...

"Um, cake? I don't want no stinking cake! I want the tractor!"

So after dragging him away from the tractor or calling him out

on thinking about going to the tractor, he finally gets to the cake. 

I turn my back for a second and Mom starts laughing.. He sees my back is turned and looks back over at

the tractor. She says you could see it his his eyes,

"She is not looking, quick! Make a break for the tractor! Oh crap, she is coming back. Abandon attempt!" 

I have to say, I love this family and this newest addition is just to dang cute!

Always so smiley and happy too! I like it when they like me. :) 

My favorite part of my sessions is when we have a story.

A memory that takes us back to that day and in this case, how smart and sneaky Lakoda is at 1 years old.

Good luck Mom!!! 

ONE year old already?

It was like a few months ago that we were getting 6 months photos of him.. 

His mama brought in the cutest banner and his adorable little western wear and I borrowed this adorable rocking horse from our good friend Amanda, (Thanks Amanda, it really was perfect for the shoot!). 

Hunter loved having his GeeGee help at the shoot. Smiles galore! Thanks Crystal & Glenda for coming it! It really was fun and I look forward to watching this little guy grow! 

I have to say, adorable family and beautiful girls right here! We had some fun even if we did have to relocate twice due to overcrowding at some prime locations. 

IT WAS PERFECT. Not too cold, which was nice for our little ones. 

So, I get to the location I want to shoot at, jump out of the truck, step in the snow and SINK all the way up to my thighs in the snow. My hubby, who came with me, was such a gem and packed down a little trail to where everyone would stand for the shot. He is a keeper folks! 

It is always fun shooting with this family! I am glad they have come into my life. 

First up is a session I just finished up today. This little handsome devils' mom and I go back a little over 11 years now. We worked in the same office and became great friends. I got to meet Ty here at 2 weeks old for his newborn session and instantly fell in love with the adorable little guy with his FULL head of red hair! We did his newborn session on their property, which is amazing. Nikki and Daren have let me do many a shoots at their place since the newborn session and as a way to repay them for letting me and my clients traipse all over their yard, I finally convinced Nikki that I needed to do a watch me grow for him. (I am sure there will be some times this year that I will be out at their place some more.) 

Fast forward to now, 6 months old and he just keeps getting cuter and cuter!!! He was so happy for his session too! Tell me he doesn't  just make you smile! 

Oh there were some very pretty colors! The session was a dream. I had my very good looking couple, the weather was mildly windy, it was still warm, it was going to be great! 

AND IT WAS! 

I loved to hear that Taylor and Austin BOTH ride dirt bikes. Even a little competitive in their brands and riding! We had a blast during the session. I loved meeting these two and wish them the best wishes as they join hands and hearts in marriage this winter. Congrats to you Taylor and Austin! Thank you for allowing me to be apart of this wonderful moment in your lives! 

Look at how much fun boys are though! Shirtless, not afraid to get dirty and love scaly critters or in this case, the shelled kind. Jaxon and Easton were so much fun to do this shoot with. Now, the turtle, she just wanted to get away. That is how those things go with kids right?! ;) 

I have to make a confession though. All girls mentioned above LOVE critters, don't have any problems getting dirty, but just can't pull of going shirtless! ;)

Let's kick it off with this sweet family. Mike and  Amanda are one of the most awesome couples I know. I am not saying this to kiss up either, they really are. Doesn't hurt that they are pretty much family though. See, Manda and my little sister are BEST friends, pretty much sisters. So by default, she is pretty much my little sister too. ;) Really though, I love Amanda like she was family. 

Baby D, she is one lucky little girl to have such amazing parents. I just love how happy she always is.  

I have to giggle at this shot. It is really one of  my favorites. Momma was shooting for a kiss from Baby D and Baby D just wasn't having it. This was the shot of her pushing Momma away. The best part is that cute little scrunch to her nose. If you look close, Mom has a small one in this shot too. NO denying she had her Mom's nose. ;) Too cute! 

I love my sessions with the Szabo's. I love that even Dad likes shoots now too, where he didn't before the started doing them with me. Even if we have a flop, off session. (Yep, I will admit it, we did have a flop session. Everyone and everything felt off, but a perfect re-shoot later and couldn't love it anymore!) Aren't they adorable?!   

This session was done at a property that is just amazing, but not really a spot I can regularly shoot at. Such a secluded piece of heaven, but also the reason why the owner lives there, to keep some privacy and enjoy the nice and quiet. But of course, I was amazed at how many location requests I had for this spot. 

Meet Ty!

Yep, he is pretty adorable! 

Ty's mom and I go back a few years and are a very awesome case of  'It's a small world after all..'

I worked day in a day out next to Nikki, and have had some great times with her away from work as well. Then, I found out that my husband and her brother were best friends and they all grew up together! Like I said, small world.  

This little guy was a dream. He slept so sound the entire session. 

Nikki and Darren's property was so nice to shoot at. I am pretty jealous of their piece of the country life. Beautiful trees, barns

and nicely tucked away from the road. 

Look at this little guys hair, I just love it. I have to admit, I am partial to the red heads, having a red head of my own. 

I really did have so much fun photographing little Ty here! Think I can convince her to come hang with me in the studio for 6 month pictures. Nikki, you know you want to. ;) Thank you for letting me capture this time for you! You really do have a precious little guy there! Congrats to both of you and welcome to parenthood! 

I have found that while I encourage everyone to capture these moments, capture the now, my family is just too busy to catch a session here and there. 

Yes, I snap shots here and there of the things going on, but I have found that when it comes to catching all the shots at the events and such, I am lacking. To be honest, I like to enjoy the moment and not constantly have a camera to my face trying to get the perfect shot. It was my husband and his recent profile picture experience that had me thinking, I need to put a face to the name. Let my fans meet me a little more then just the business. So, while I will still leave the camera behind on the events and give my family all my attention, I want to capture a little more of us. Show you that I am a not all business all the time. Relax a little. 

The backstory: My husband is a Beachbody Coach. A year ago, he started drinking Shakeology and began the T25 workout. At a little pudgy around the sides, he really just wanted to feel better. He did amazing, lost lots of weight and packed on lots of muscle (he is now doing Body Beast- another workout). At a recent event with local Beachbody coaches, he was talking to everyone and they couldn't put a name to his face. His profile picture for the longest time has been a RIPPED minion, (Yep, minion obessed!) So, it was decided, he needed some images of him, so that people could put a name to A FACE! So, spur of the moment, we headed out to get some shots of him. I am glad that my Mister doesn't mind the camera. Now to put it to use and capture more of us! Be a great example. In the meantime, meet my Mister. Matt Dixon- loving husband and father, best friend, biggest supporter and Beachbody Coach. 

I sure love this guy! (And his smile that reaches clear to his eyes!)

We think she had some fun and now she will have an awesome picture to put up in her newly redone western room. 

I am a sucker for pretty blue eyes! 

These sweet miniature horses are Athena and Zeus from Little Bit Ranch. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thelittlebitranch?ref=br_tf for your next event. Great people to work with! Horses are sweet and kids love them! 

(my photographer friend and studio mate) and I started thinking about doing a session with these

fun little horses, we knew that we could not just do these as sessions for the public,

we had to do them with out kids as well! They would love it and we would love

having these fun images as well to hang on our own walls. It was something that we would love to have. 

So, we quickly booked our 2 hours with the horses, and plan to play with the horses, check out the location,

you know, a quick run through so see how these sessions would work. Sweet success for the most part. 

Some props couldn't be used due to the wind but it all worked out well otherwise. 

This session will literally take me a few weeks to go through and edit, but I wanted to share some of the awesome shots

I took of the kids. 

This is my daughter, Miss Mae. She really really loved these guys and now I am stuck in a

constant battle as to why we can have mini horses in the backyard. She sure is trying though. 

Then we have my super sweet niece Addie. She is my horse girl! She has been begging me to 

do a shoot with her and her horse for a while now. Mom says, her horse isn't really 

trained right now. So, we hoped this would suffice. HA HA! Not even close, but she 

did have a lot of fun with the mini horses. 

I asked Sunny to come to model for the Ad. This girl has the longest hair! (When it isn't in curls- past-her-bottom long!)

Sunny is such a hoot and really knows how to ignore a camera and just go with it, amazing for a 6 year old. Sunny is also fearless! 

I was walking her on the horse, bare back, no reins and she says, LET GO! 

She was ready to take that horse for a ride. So after they got the lead rope tied for her to hold on to. Away she went. 

(lots of adult supervision! I promise! The last thing we want to happen is someone getting hurt.) 

Jolie's little girl, Miss Ashlyn. She is still talking about how much fun she had with the little horses! She just loved them!!! Her little Paisley wasn't quite sure what to make of them. So we didn't get a lot of her with the horses. 

Then we have Stormy. Stormy is on of Miss Mae's closest friends. We brought her along to 

play with mini horses as well. Does anyone see the pattern with pre-teens and teenagers and how 

they don't do much without their friends?! lol! We loved having Stormy along though! 

This is the first session we even did a straight face with Addie. She has the cutest smile you have ever seen. When I showed her the image with her not smiling, she say "Wow, I do look really grown up!" She was so excited. Then her mom's boss made the comment along the lines of "You are going to be in so much trouble when that one reaches 15." 

Now this is just a few of MY favorites from her session. I sure do love my Addie Ray! Thanks for coming in and playing Squish! I am glad you like your pictures. Just remember, we have many more to do! 

First time we set out to do Shar's shoot, it was a chilly windy yucky day. So, after a reschedule or two, we finally had a perfect day.

We would have been really scrambling with our sudden idea if it hadn't been for Grandma and the duct tape in the trunk. No, no, it isn't what it sounds like. She is a prepared lady (and we were able to stick the numbers to the wall. ;)  It was a pleasure hanging out with Shar and her family! Super super great people! Congratulations Shar on your Graduation. Hillcrest High School- Class of 2014. Wahoo!!!

Ryley is going to school to become a doctor! The world needs more good doctors and I think he will be one of the best. His achievements thus far say so!

Congratulations on your graduation Ryley! Hillcrest High School Class of 2014.

I am excited to see all the great places Ryley goes in life. (Which I will be keeping close tabs on with his Mom, since I have recently found out is my 2nd cousin! Yeah, it's a small world after all!) PS. Ryley is looking to take model jobs to help him with school. Hit the contact me tab to get in touch with this great kid!