17Jan 2012 by Donna Chapla No Comments

8 Days

Babies, Children
Nothing like a newborn baby to turn you to mush! I didn't want to put this sweet baby down to take her photos, I could have held her all day. She wide awake, especially for only being 8 days old, and I tried to imagine what she was thinking as she looked around her new world with such wonder in her eyes. Baby is simply beautiful. Mom and Dad were exhausted but had a perpetual smile on their faces. Their love for each other and their sweet bundle of joy was obvious, a perfect family of three.  
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13Dec 2011 by Donna Chapla 1 Comment

Santa

Children, Family
I had the pleasure of photographing the sweetest kids last week as they visited with Santa. A local neighborhood organized a FREE pancake breakfast, a story read by Mrs. Claus, and a photo with Santa. The kids were excited to see Santa and share their lists.  A few children had put some serious time into their lists, pictures cut from ads and catalogs carefully pasted onto colorful paper, each item labeled in neat handwriting. The smiles lit up the room and Santa was amazing! He was so kind, listening carefully to each child and taking the time to chat. My favorite photo of the day is of the kids looking out the window eagerly awaiting Santa's arrival. And the adorable family pictured is responsible for this wonderful event. They cooked the pancakes, wrapped…
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09Nov 2011 by Donna Chapla No Comments

School Fun

Children
I met up with this family for an afternoon at the school the two older children attend. They had a great time playing and exploring the school grounds in a way they can't do at recess. These four siblings are wonderful children, so sweet and funny and happy... They all have a special bond and their love for each other was obvious. I was touched seeing the 3 older kids being so protective of their baby sister. It was an honor to be part of this family for a few hours.
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09Nov 2011 by Donna Chapla No Comments

Cows & Cats & Cuties

Children
I had the opportunity to photograph 2 wonderful boys at their dairy farm. It was an incredible experience for me.  There was a new litter of kittens and numerous kitties roaming the vast farm (my favorite was Jim the Cat, gotta love that name.) There were also 4 new calves.  They have huge, gorgeous eyes that make you melt when they look at you. They are very affectionate and wanted to lick and suck my whole hand, some serious saliva from these guys! My favorite calf was the little red one (I learned that "brown" cows are actually called red.) Aside from the animals and the amazing workings of a dairy farm, I got to spend time with two sweet little boys. They made my job easy, showing me around the farm…
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18Oct 2011 by Donna Chapla 2 Comments

Pink Dreams | I Heart Faces

Children, Photo Challenge
The Photo Challenge theme this week is Pink. I wasn't going to enter a photo this week because I just didn't feel inspired.  As I went to check on my sleeping daughter, I noticed her pink pjs, pink pillow, pink sheets, pink cheeks... I immediately thought it was unfortunate that I didn't  have a photo of my beautiful sleeping princess. I looked at the clock and realized I still had an hour. I grabbed my camera and got the photo posted on the blog in record time. I hope she's dreaming of all things pink. Check out all the other great photos at I Heart Faces.  
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20Sep 2011 by Donna Chapla 1 Comment

I Heart Faces | A Touch of Sun

Children, Photo Challenge
  For this week's I Heart Faces Photo Challenge the theme is A Touch of Sun. We were on out way out the door last week when my daughter put on this dress. I immediately thought the colors would look great with all the "weeds" growing in the field near our home. We quickly walked across the street, already running a few minutes late for a Cub Scouts meeting. As I was setting my white balance, I looked up to see her soaking up the warm sun on this  breezy evening. I thought she looked gorgeous in the sunlight and snapped off one quick shot before she realized I had even taken a picture of her private moment.  My favorite part of the photo is the sun shining through her…
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12Sep 2011 by Donna Chapla No Comments

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge | Back to School

Children, Photo Challenge
Here is my entry for the Back to School Photo Challenge on the website I Heart Faces.  I used the photo I took of my kids on their first day a few weeks ago. We had a rough start when the school bus failed to show up because of construction on our road. When we realized the bus was not coming I drove the kids to school and arrived 20 minutes late.  Despite the rocky start, both kids had a great first day and came home on the bus. I chose this photo because I love the sign my son made the night before the big day.  He was excited about his first day of second grade and made the sign knowing I'd be snapping pics in the morning. Not…
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09Sep 2011 by Donna Chapla No Comments

Sunshine and Berries

Children
These two guys were so much fun! The weather was beautiful, nothing but gorgeous sunshine and bright blue skies. The boys kept me fed (and themselves entertained) by picking wild blackberries throughout the session. The berries were sweet, juicy and delicious. They did end up in a bit of a water fight and a change of clothes was in order, thankfully mom was prepared with a second set of matching shirts. Thanks for letting me photograph your sweet boys, the practice was just what I needed. I learned so much, made a few mistakes, and got some much needed experience in the real world. Love you guys!
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08Sep 2011 by Donna Chapla 1 Comment

Little Man C

Children
I had an absolutely wonderful time photographing this little guy. He was a dream! I came armed with Smarties but didn't really need them.  He sat where I asked him to, smiled, played for the camera, and even laughed at my jokes. I can't believe he's only three and half, he's a great little boy! In the end, I ate most of the Smarties.
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