The Armacost Family

Ah, the Armacosts! You have heard me sing the praises of their company Whole Brain Creative many times here on the blog. Jeff and Kendra have been working with me for quite some time on Sing Photography's identity and branding. You'll get to hear me gush even more when the new website and blog are turned out soon. These people are amazing to work with. Their process will bring out a new love and passion for your business by getting down to the bare bones of why you do what you do. I was truly honored when they wanted to spend even more time with me and have their family portraits done. And we did that recently. I went over to their home to photograph Kendra, Jeff and their cool dude 3 1/2 year old Graham. I immediately fell in love with Graham. He is adorable and smart and funny and pretty stubborn. Has a mind of his own. Takes it to a new level actually. And I was over the moon about it. I have a thing for funny stubborn kids. And Graham has the cutest squishiest little voice ever. Even when he is telling you no he will not do it. 

Here is a bit of back story for you. Kendra told me on the phone before our session that Graham has like 3 things he will wear right now. And she wants him to look like himself and everything, but they have plenty of snaps of him in his Cars pajamas and boots. And what would make her the happiest mama in the world is if we can get him into a nice shirt. That's all she wanted. And he is very stubborn. And I was like, "Kendra, I'm a professional. I'll be able to get him changed, piece of cake. You have to make it a game." (I laugh now at what a jerk I must have sounded like.) Kendra was skeptical and rightly so, but her wishful thinking got the better of her and she optimistically said, "Well, it would be great if you could."

Fast forward to the shoot. I'll just be brief. Graham - 1. Amy - 0. Graham came home from school in one of his favorite shirts. A Mickey Mouse Clubhouse shirt. I was only able to switch him into another favorite (and not one of Kendra's choices), a football jersey. No amount of "playing games" on my end did the trick. Kendra did eventually get him changed into a bug shirt. Still not what she wanted, but at least it wasn't the Cars jammies. Either way Mr. Graham is adorable. And I just love the Armacosts even more after photographing them. They are so open, real, fun and loving as a family. And that is awesome to see. Also, I am crazy about their house. Cozy, welcoming, gorgeous lighting and the most perfect porch ever.

On with our day.......

We'll start with the many outfit tries we had with Graham. #1 Mickey Mouse CLubhouse shirt. I love this photo of Graham too. #2 the football jersey. #3 the bug shirt Kendra gave in to. #4 macking on the couch at the end of our session in the Cars jammies.....

I love these 2 below. We hung out for a snack break. And everyone is telling Graham how great his new shirt looks. But he ain't buying it. And I love family photos with beer in 'em now. It was Friday evening. And it was 5 o'clock. 

Below...Graham had a good fit over some cheek kisses. He wasn't into it. 

Those are jellybeans on the porch rail.....

Below......I love the string lights on their porch. I think if you have string lights up on your porch it says you are cool and fun. I was inspired and got some for our sun room this weekend......

The Armacosts indulged me and let me photograph them by a cool mirrored fence I passed while driving to their house. Jeff and Graham rode on the bike and Bucky the dog came along too. 

My new favorite family photo. Thanks guys!