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November 28, 2012

Connell-Creeden Adoption

So much fun at this adoption. This little guy was just amazing. So happy, energetic, and playful.

I’ve heard that the role of foster parents is crucial. Having never raised kids myself nor spent any substantial amount of time around young children I never really understood what this meant. But I think this mother was the closest thing to a perfect foster parent. I believe this was her 7th child, so she was very experienced. But more importantly she had an obvious strength of character, warmth, and general goodness. It’s hard to define – goodness – but you know it when you see it, and she had it.

Congrats!!

Posted in: Adoption
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November 24, 2012

Jones Family Adoption

I had a lot of fun with this one.  The Jones were such a wonderful family. I think having already successfully raised such a wonderful daughter who they adopted from China several years back they knew what they were doing. No typical mile long list of questions. Relatively little nervousness. Just cool cats. Except McKenzie, the beautiful young lady there. She was so excited and talked so much I’m surprised she didn’t pass out from asphyxiation.

I think poor little Lochlan (the adopted baby) wasn’t quite ready though. He seemed both sleepy and pretty apprehensive of this totally alien family. Hahaha. But man, he’s cute, and was dressed adorably. I’m sure he’ll be just fine. He’s got a wonderful family.

Congrats again. 

Posted in: Adoption
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Rhonda Owens JonesNovember 25, 2012 - 8:45 PM

Thanks you once again Dustin for being there to get these images for us. That day is still one of the hardest and best days for our family. We will treasure these forever.

Mary Simmons SteagallNovember 26, 2012 - 12:15 AM

How awesome is this? I was crying, too, Rhonda. What a wonderful Christmas for all of you.

Dustin M ColeNovember 26, 2012 - 6:25 AM

I was very glad to be there. 🙂

Virginia SullivanNovember 26, 2012 - 2:54 PM

The mix of emotions in these photos are so strong that I couldn’t help crying. Lochlan will never doubt that he was ALWAYS loved.

Virginia SullivanNovember 26, 2012 - 3:02 PM

These photos are beautiful!

Rhonda Owens JonesNovember 26, 2012 - 3:51 PM

Yes he was loved very much by his foster family.

Rebecca Owens RiceNovember 26, 2012 - 8:22 PM

Made Aunt Bec Bec cry. So happy for my big sister and her sweet family. Even more happy that everyone made it safe back to TX and that Mr. Lochlan is home where he belongs 🙂

Rhonda Owens JonesNovember 26, 2012 - 10:48 PM

We cried too that day. So amazing that he was loved by so many.

November 21, 2012

Mahoney Family Adoption

Reid Jun-Su Matthias had some amazing body movement abilities for being under 2 years old. At one point during the meeting he startled all of us by drop kicking a ball which slammed the roof. It was incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it. I captured a picture of him doing it again but he missed the ball that time unfortunately. He also had a hilariously awkward intentional smile, but an adorable natural one. Even the fact that he knew to smile for the camera is stunning for his age.

Posted in: Adoption
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Amy Joy KrattNovember 22, 2012 - 8:22 AM

Aw, Faith- Looks like Dustin was able to catch your little guy’s personality well in that short 1 hour.

November 19, 2012

Kyrgyz Girls Photo Shoot

During my MBA this past year Aidai and I became quite close friends. So when she asked me to do a photo shoot of her and her friends I immediately responded ‘no’. But, her, being the elegant and sophisticated lady she is not, pestered and physically abused me until I reluctantly complied. Fortunately, I was able to tollerate the affliction until the leaves reached their fullest saturation and we finally set out to the Seoul Forest on a perfect Sunday afternoon. Perfect, minus the major wind that sent my softboxes flying and dented my speedlights. But the trees were beautiful, and Aidai’s two good friends were their normal lovely company.

Let me introduce the three Kyrgyz princesses: Aidai, Lily, and Aijan. Aidai is with the short hair, Lily in the cute dress, and Aijan with the mischievous smile.

Accidental nice shot:

Behind the scenes.

 

 

Posted in: Portrait
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サンローラン コンシーラーNovember 27, 2013 - 10:36 AM

ヴィヴィアン サンローラン コンシーラー http://chuanqiby.onlinecentigrade2013.com/

November 15, 2012

Kratt Family Adoption and Family Shoot

Amy was one of the first mothers to contact me for an adoption shoot. (Most adopting families give me about 2 weeks notice on average, but I get some asking for shoots on the day or week of.) Being a Korean adoptee herself, Amy was incredibly excited to complete the circle and adopt her own daughter. That’s a beautiful story, passing on the gift that was given from her parents. The little one, Kate, is now back in America with her new parents and three brothers. Joshua, the oldest brother, is going to be an incredible brother and got to work immediately teaching Kate the names of colors and toys.

Unfortunately Kate wasn’t prepared for the separation and seemed to really dislike me. Making eye contact invariably left her crying. I understand, it’s not an uncommon reaction from girls. Really I don’t understand how any of the children don’t react just like she did. After separating from her foster parents Kate was… not happy, at least around me. The day after the adoption we met at Changdukgung Palace but didn’t have much luck trying to get her to smile so we agreed to meet again the next day at Bongeunsa Palace, a place I had never been before. Again the water works were pouring so we could get the exact images I typically do. But we took a long walk and poor Amy got a lot of exercise as Kate wanted to be carried. Notice that in every photo Amy is carrying her.

Posted in: Adoption, Family
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Faith MahoneyNovember 15, 2012 - 8:47 PM

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! Even if she was unhappy, you captured Amy Joy Kratt perfectly.

Faith MahoneyNovember 15, 2012 - 8:48 PM

GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS! Even if Kate was sad, you captured her family perfectly! I love each picture.

Liz Clark BarnumNovember 16, 2012 - 3:28 AM

Met Kate for the first time and smiling and playing. Photos here are beautiful.

Liz Clark BarnumNovember 16, 2012 - 3:28 AM

Met Kate for the first time and smiling and playing. Photos here are beautiful.

Brenda MillerNovember 16, 2012 - 10:09 PM

Beautiful! What a wonderful way to document their beginning as a family.