"You are what I never knew I always wanted."

Happy Valentine's Day All!

I hope everyone has had a great day. I just wanted to share with you the cards my kids handed out today, along with their cousin's card. It really is my valentine to everyone too, since I can tell everyone I love them through my kids! Really, I thank and love all who read my blog, and make so much of what I do possible, and the person that I am. Love to all...

"...you thought we wouldn't have any fun. Shame on you."

This post wont be up for long, but I had to blog something about the PPA conference I went to in January. My good friend Kris got her Masters, and was highlighted with a diamond award for all her prints going loan, as well as my friend Allison had a bronze for having all four prints in the merit category. Both of these people are two of the greatest, and I am honored to call them my friends. San Antonio was beautiful, and I cannot wait to go back! PPA in New Orleans is going to be great!



Did I mention my awesome winning of an IPAD from the Burrell Booth? It was so fun!

"Come D'Artagnan, we are saving the King"

Wow! What an amazing holiday season. I really do not know where the time went. As I worked like crazy, and did many Christmas Events for my kids I realized that I didn't really get a chance to sit down and show off all the great families I had the privilege of photographing over the season. I have truly missed my blog, and my movie lines, but I haven't disappeared completely, and I am so excited for the changes coming to Cook Photography. This next week I will be in San Antonio for The National Photography Convention, and I am so excited to recharge my batteries. I am truly anxious for the chance to mingle with so many talented photographers, friends, and to bring home a fresh look to my business.











These pictures were taken in the first part of November, on truly the last day of the fall season. I think it was later that night that we had the huge snowstorm in Utah. This family is so awesome, and I had way too much fun as a photographer doing the session, but can you think of a better reason to have a leaf fight than family portraits? D, you are one of the greatest people I know. Thanks for the opportunity to photograph your family. You guys are the best! A special thanks to I for putting up with me, hopefully the experience wasn't too miserable! :)

The answer to the last post was "Remember the Titans" and definitely one of my faves!

"Alice, are you blind, don't you see the family resemblance? That's my brother."

I figured the other movie I could go with was Rudy, but this is a little trickier...maybe.







When this mom asked me to take their children's photos, I was truly humbled by all they have been through this past year. They went from finding out that their son has LCH, and having a baby, with three kids 3 and under. I don't know how they do it. On their announcement card it says "We are still fighting the fight and playing to win." We pray for them every day, and also that they win their battle!.
Congrats on baby S guys. You are amazing with all you do.

"Just Keep Swimming"

So, one of the hardest things for me is to come up with blog titles. I will look at a blog forever trying to come up with something clever and unique, and I end up pulling out the thesaurus to use different words of what I have already used before...anyway, I thought I would do movie lines for a little bit... Guess the movie, leave a comment...Extra fun Trivia:) So even though this line is a little more obvious, I feel like the message really portrays to me. Sometimes we get tired and overwhelmed but if you keep going it always feels better to look back at all you have accomplished. Is anyone having a hard time guessing the movie? I will leave the answer on my next blog post.









A very special thanks goes out to this mom who seems to do it all. D, way to go. Even eight months pregnant, you put us all to shame! I love you so much. Thank you for always putting your trust in me!

SOCCER MOM :)

I really hate this title of moms in general, because I try very hard not to be a "soccer mom" but, that being said, watching my kids in soccer this season was a blast. I loved getting out with my camera, and seeing what my kids could do. This was Emilee's first year playing, and when she was looking at the pictures she said, "Mom, is that really me kicking the ball?" Mackey would go through spurts on the field, one minute he would be amazing kicking the ball down to the goal, and the next he would be on the ground, transforming. Adam always says 3-5 yr old soccer is the best entertainment he has ever paid for!

The Grand Family Reunion

Does anybody else ever have a project looming over them, that you know has to get done, but you don't think you have the skills or you have too much fear to do it? Well thanks to NIKE we all have a great solution to this problem...

JUST DO IT!

When I was on vacation with my husband's family in Jackson Hole WY this summer I was given the job of the family picture. This project makes me nervous from the beginning, because there is a lot of people in the picture, and I have to get myself in it, and then there is the weather.

Well in this shot they wanted to show off the Grand Tetons as well as the Grand Family. I begged the universe the night before to give me a nice over cast day, but it didn't work, and the light crept up on me really fast. The background was blown out, then everyone was in shadow... I knew how to fix these things at the time but I did not have a portable light to fix the problem then... So, needless to say this was one of the hardest, and scariest projects I have ever done. Even though there are still many imperfections and mistakes, I am incredibly proud of this project for one reason. I took fear and I conquered it and the end product turned out lovely.



I hope everyone is enjoying the fall season. With the leaves changing and the weather cooling, I feel like I am in heaven.

Alice in Wonderland

Okay, so I don't think she fell through hole and ate little cakes to make her smaller, but really this garden is a wonderland. Every bush and flower has been so methodically put in the perfect spot, and as you can see the end result is perfection. Adding these beautiful children to it, just creates magic!

I have had the most amazing summer, and the thought of it coming to an end is heartbreaking to me. My oldest is in first grade and is gone all day. I am amazed at how much time I have to get things done, but I really miss my little girl. I am grateful for a couple of weeks longer with both my boys. In the past few days I have lived as a transformer, and being invited into that world is a real treat.

With our busy summer I have taken a small brake from photography, but I promise it is just small. The fall season is already filling up, so if there are any dates you may need, schedule them so there is plenty of time before the Christmas Rush! (I know, I really did just say Christmas)

F family, as always it is a delight to be apart of your family. Creating your family portraits is something I treasure doing. Thank you for the opportunity to do so. I love you M. You are an amazing Mom, and a dear friend. Thanks for your patience through the summer. I really appreciate it! Remember that comments get them a mini album so don't forget to leave you thoughts!

My Fancy Little Girl

I keep thinking how Emilee is going into first grade this year, and of course I start weeping. She is so amazing. She goes into everything with a smile on her face, and instead of turning six, I think she just turned 16.

For her birthday we went with a Fancy Nancy sort of theme. I know her birthday was a little bit ago, but we just barely had her little friend birthday party, which was a hit. All the little girls came over and we did nails and read stories, and made parfaits and place mats. Everyone walked out with crowns and necklaces and it was just a fancy time!

For her family party a couple of weeks ago, we made a parfait making contest. The winner was chosen by two people, and Nana and Grandma have a great eye for art. Now I will leave it up to you... Who is the parfait winner. I can never decide between what looks delicious and what looks prettiest... I am sure I will give into the chocolate, and then wish I had gone with fruit... Story of my life!



and the winner is...



I didn't post a picture of it, but my favorite parfait was probably Emilee's. There was no ice cream, or whip cream, just all the condiments. She makes me laugh! Happy Birthday Baby Girl! I love you!

Same Time, Same Place, New Picture

One of the things I love about photographing in the same place is coming up with something new. This location was a lot of fun to scout out, and I had such a good time with the C family. You all looked fabulous, and all the time and preparation that went these really paid off. Nice job R, on coordinating everyone together.









My only regret from the afternoon is that we didn't have more time. Prior to the session, R had wanted to do something different, and a bit silly. I called my friend who makes balloons and asked if we could get a whole bunch of balloon hats. Never in a million years did I expect to have such amazing balloons! Each balloon was an art piece itself, and I feel so fortunate to know the balloon twister! If anyone needs balloons for parties, bouquets, events, or even family pictures, please look at Twisted Chicken Balloons. http://twistedchickenballoons.com Christine, you are amazing. I wish we could have photographed each balloon by itself. It was a lot of fun!