I had a late afternoon session scheduled with the Byars family, & was grumbling to myself about the forecasted rain that had gotten heavier & heavier that day. But I love shooting in the plaza near my home, because it’s got old-world beauty & covered walkways, shielding us from any rare inclement weather. The Byars showed up after an already full day, all dressed & excited, & ready to go despite the wet weather. They were having a great time snuggling each other, dancing, & racing–& at the tail end of our session, I learned never to mistrust Mother Nature: The clouds split open & the most golden of golden lights radiated toward us, reflected on the wet ground. I couldn’t have planned for prettier light! And I thought, what a great symbol for Janis, who is so positive. She is always able to see the silver lining, always has a smile & an upbeat energy. She’s an elementary school teacher—& boy, are her students lucky to have her! The only luckier ones are her wonderful husband Brad (who just rebuilt their whole kitchen with his own two hands!), sweet, spunky Amy (who is really into dancing right now), & gentle, fun Ethan (who is a total lovebug). And would you believe it—we got to see a huge rainbow at the end of our session!


These pictures are magical!