Did you ever meet someone and know within 5 minutes they’d be one of your best friends? I first met Abbie and James when they came to our church. Abbie and James felt called to leave comfortable, secure jobs and traveled far from their home near Boston, Massachusetts. They came to Hillside without a promise of a job – just knowing that God had called them to make a tiny town called Millersburg their home. James I became good friends – chatting about everything from the latest in music to a very recent conversation on the meaning of the Bible’s book of Revelation. Abbie and I connected because of our shared love of worship music and gormet cooking – though she’s a much more capable chef than I could be. Fast forward about a year, and James is serving as Associate Pastor at our church, and Abbie serves as a worship leader – at least until Joy came along:

I had a LOT of fun with James and Abbie and little Joy. I wanted to show you the two contrasting sides of James that I’ve discovered: the quiet, gentle daddy who loves to snuggle, and the fun-loving rocker dad that dresses his daughter in UnderOath clothing and buys her miniature drumsticks!

We went outside, and I loved the bright, white sky against Joy’s little feet!

Yes – that would be Millersburg High School in the background. It’s a very photogenic spot. Having the cute family helps a lot too!

Joy was not even a week old and already exploring the world! She loved to wave her hands around!

Thanks guys for letting me come over! The rest of the images are in a nifty slideshow here or on Facebook here.

This past Tuesday evening found me taking my tiny Honda Civic up a winding dirt road in a small town in Juanita County. As I was bouncing up the road, I determined that I should have taking my wife’s 4WD – she’s always right! The road bends and I immediately see a beautiful house and what looks like a kid’s paradise. I see rope swings. I see a pond. I see a wooden ramp in front of the pond. Just by the looks of the surroundings, I knew I would enjoy the evening. Enjoy it, I did.

I was hired to shoot some baby portraits as a gift to the family from a close relative. Titan (cool name, by the way!) was born just a little over a week ago. He was interested in two things – warmth and sleep, as most newborns are:

However, once I was there, we all decided to do some family portraits. Notice that Titan still sleeping peacefully. That takes some skill, especially with me flashing lights and gabbing incessantly.

We headed outside their house for some pictures of Titan with each of his siblings:

We then headed back inside for pictures of just Titan. These last three were my absolute favorites in different ways: The first, because I now really want a sheepskin rug to sleep in like that. It looks really comfy.

This second one, because I play piano myself. Photographically, I love the different textures all in the same photo.

Lastly, just looking at this picture relaxes me. Not that I suck my thumb or anything.

I had a blast with you guys! I’ll have to stop by again to get pictures of Hunter nabbing some huge air off of that ramp.There are a lot more fabulous pictures to check out right here.

Jess is one of the worship leaders at the church I attend, and she and her husband Brian have one of the cutest little babies ever – Naomi! I had a ton of fun with them this past Saturday morning. It’s always a blast to watch a little baby grow and begin to smile and sit up, etc. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

I love to just come into a family’s home and take pictures of the family having fun!

Boys… watch out for this little girl…

My favorite “artsy” photo… shot through an Ikea coffee table my wife and I also own….

Probably my favorite from the session!

More pix online at http://www.toddg.net/toddg/pines/.

I first met the Hoover family when they started to attend the church I attend, Hillside Christian Fellowship. I was kept busy (and entertained) the whole evening with the excited (and never-ending!) antics of Clay, the oldest of two kids. The cutest thing – he now wants to be a photographer when he grows up. I was impressed with his working digital camera that he has. Anyway, just wanted to show you a few of my favorites from the session:

Clay wanted photos just by himself…

Clay seriously just spontaneously posed himself like this – I wish I could take the credit for his mad posing skills…

Andy and Heather spent some time with Elliana, their newest addition:

We went inside for some comfy living room photos:

Shortly before her bedtime, Elliana decides to grace us with a beautiful smile.

Clay mugging for the camera. He’s one cool kid.

Andy, Heather, Clay, and Elliana, thanks for letting me spend the evening with you! More photos from their session can be viewed here.