I had a very quick trip to Boardman a few weeks ago. Arriving on Friday afternoon and back on the road Saturday afternoon. In between visiting with friends and a walk to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, I was able to squeeze in a quick session for Kim’s children. Kim participated with me in the fundraising walk on Saturday morning then dashed home to primp her kids and bring them out to Mill Creek Park. I had originally picked Pioneer Pavilion as our location, but it turned out there was an event taking place that day. Next stop, the Lake Newport Wetlands area. I remembered many times as a teen meeting up with friends at this spot in the park and I knew it would be perfect for the kid’s portraits.

Out of the car hopped Lilly, age 6, and James, age 2. I love photographing these two children every year. I started with some individual photos of Lilly to get her warmed up to the process and so her brother could see what he was in for. This girl cracks me up every time I see her. I swear she’s an old soul trapped in a little body. Always the most serious answers to questions and she can certainly carry on a conversation with any adult. Being the star of the show, she always feels like she has to be “on” when the camera is out. Lilly loves to give the big, fake cheese smile for her photos. Every time we do her photos, I get her to forget I have a camera and get her real personality to shine though. She did a fantastic job for her photos.

James was in a bit of a mood that day for portraits, so mom brought along his bag of cars. He loves cars and was content as long as the toys were within reach. I talked his sister into being my assistant to keep him looking at me and to make him giggle with delight when she would do something silly.

As always, Kim did an amazing job coordinating the kids’ clothing for their portraits. These two are adorable and I had the hardest time picking my favorites from their photo session to post.