This is us: The Schuler Family, dressed to the nines in my home studio as I click the button on the remote trigger and remind the kids to look at the camera.  (They did AMAZING by the way, and it was actually way more fun than any of us expected! Check out more family photos at the end!)

I've always been inspired by "Vanity Fair" style portraiture and have dreamed of doing my own family photo this way but never got around to it.  So since I had already arranged a day to have my hair & makeup done to photograph my own new headshots, the idea popped into my head to turn it into a family affair.

"THAT'S A CRAZY IDEA!  IT WOULD NEVER WORK FOR US!" was the next thought that popped into my head.  Would my kids be up for it??  Would they cooperate enough to make it worth all the trouble and result in a beautiful photo?  Or would it end in total chaos, grumpy moods, bribes, and tears all around?  And likewise, would my husband put up with what seemed like could be quite an ordeal?  I decided to go for it.

It's time to get to know the girl behind the camera!  I took myself way out of my comfort zone when I stepped in front of the lens for my own photo shoot, and even more so now as I share with you my thoughts during this whole process & why it was important to me.  Bare with me as I share some deep, some shallow, and many random thoughts... or just scan the photos and move on, I won't mind! 

I'm even sharing my "Before & After" photo, and a special guest appearance by my amazingly handsome husband!

But wait, THERE'S MORE!  Stay tuned to see the second half of this session when I reveal the most spectacular part of this day with FOUR more special guests!!!  If you know me you might be able to guess who they were, and believe me you're in for a real treat!

Once in a while it's fun to dress up and get your glam on! I was delighted to spend a day with Britny, this beautiful woman who is an amazing mom of six, wife to a hard working farmer, and someone who is dedicated to her family, the Lord, and her work helping to bring health to others as a Plexus Ambassador. We had some great laughs together in the studio and I'm so excited to share these photos with you!

At Awakened Light Photography I'm launching a Women's Beauty Portrait Series, where you are invited to my home studio & showroom for a free consultation & wardrobe planning, and then book your own makeover & portrait session with a professional hair & makeup artist! When it's complete you can come back to the showroom to view your photos on matted prints & choose your favorites for purchase! I'm running a special introductory rate of $99 for this session that includes hair & makeup styling, a 90-minute portrait session, and a free matted print of your choice (*with your individual purchase order) and has a total value of $400!  But you don't have to come alone!  Bring your mom, daughter, sister, or best friend and make it a double makeover!  Make it a girl's day out and create memories & gorgeous photos together in an overlapping session.  That's an $800 value for just $99 each!  Contact me to book your consultation by emailing here & mention the $99 Beauty Portrait Special.  This offer will expire when spaces are filled- please contact me for current availability.

Now keep scrolling and check out Britny's beautiful photo session, including some behind-the-scenes shots! (And before you ask, no... she hasn't modeled before! But she did amazing & YOU could do this too!)