Gabby’s birtday party was a few weeks back. She decided that she had to have her party at Arcadia Park in Phoenix. One might wonder how she came to this big decision. Well one day we decided to stop by that park, we had never been there before. She noticed a hot pink T Rex pinata hanging under one of the ramadas. It was then and there that she decided her next birthday party would be at Arcadia Park. Because of her love of dinosaurs – she had made her decision.

Keith brings his camera everywhere. As a mom, it makes me really happy having a children’s portrait photographer as my husband because I have loads and loads of great pictures of my children doing absolutely everything. For this party, he decided to set up a mini photo set to take pictures of all Gabby’s friends. Just one light and a battery pack. The pictures came out great.  A great little thank you for the parents.

This particular picture I thought was just beautiful. This little girl really did not want her picture taken. But with a little coaxing she was kind enough to go along.

Keith seems to have that effect on children – he can always persuade them with the camera and is always able to get a great shot.

It seems like we do not post enough pictures of our own children. I guess we are so focused on editing other family’s sessions or making sure that a bride gets her album in a timely manner – that we overlook posting pictures of our girls and the other adorable children in our lives including cousin Ava and our nephews Gage and Connor.

We celebrated Keith’s stepdad’s 70th birthday in Greer. I guess the family gathering in Greer has become sort of an annual tradition – one that the 5 kids (and adults) really look forward to. The Greer Lodge is such a great spot. We are able to rent an amazing house in a beautiful setting and have the family gather for a couple of uninterrupted days of great cooking, board games, laughter and tons of fun for the adults and kids alike.

If you haven’t been to the White Mountains, do yourself a favor and take a ride – you will not be disappointed. It’s hard to believe that in one day you can be in the dry desert golfing and then be skiing in the afternoon – just a short 4 hour ride away.

I love babies that are around 3 months old – they are beyond adorable! This little girl was certainly no exception – she was too cute and her older brother matched the cuteness! We have had so many kind, beautiful families to photograph this holiday season – another reason for us to be truly thankful!

The Desert Botanical Gardens is such a perfect spot for a family session as well as a wedding or simply a day exploring all that the desert has to offer!  Beyond the beauty of daytime, the DBG has so many great events throughout the year. I’m really looking forward to Las Noches de las Luminarias – the garden is so gorgeous lit up at night. One of many plans for next week with the kids.

Now the fun begins, winter break during the busiest time of the year at Keith Pitts Photography!

Since summer and thousand degree temperatures just do not seem to want to leave the Valley, we had to reschedule this absolutely understanding family from Saturday in the afternoon (yikes, it was like 108 at 3pm) to Sunday at 7am.  We are so glad they were so amenable to such an early start.  With the weather the way it has been, it is just about the only civilized time to even contemplate family portraits.

Things could not have worked out better!  Some families are just so much fun – and this was one family that personified that description. Easy going, jovial, up for anything, you name the superlative and it fit. Add to the mix that Keith and the dad pretty much had a ton in common – they served in the Navy pretty much at the same time in the same place – aaahh the good old days!

A family portrait session that easily reminds Keith why he has the best job in the whole world!

We just had a cancellation!  One spot available!  NO SESSION FEE.  NO MINIMUM PURCHASE, just a fun, cool portrait experience! Email me right now to grab the spot!  Thanks!

Wow!  It is hard to imagine that the years have passed so quickly!  How is it that my little baby is turning 6?  As she and Gabby keep asking me, “Why do you want us to stay small?”  I don’t really want them to stay small, but they are growing way too fast!! Happy Birthday Bella!

Here’s a pic from last week’s trip back East.  Isabella and O’Lydia (how Gabs pronounces her name!)

Ok…I was just on the blog coolmompicks – I was looking for backpacks for the kids for back to school…and low and behold I came across this featured book:  Awkward Family Photos. This is the funniest thing I have seen in awhile!  I can remember back to some similar pictures in my family – yikes!  the plaid!  my doll had a matching yellow/red plaid dress to match mine!

This could be a book we leave out when meeting with clients about to hire us for their family portraits – would they like the modern version of these lovelies or would you like us to photograph your family?

If you need a laugh today – please click through this book!

Awkward Family Photos by Mike Bender

Hi All,

Let me warn you. If the sight of a gorgeous four month girl upsets you then turn away now. The little girl I was privileged to photograph here is as sweet as sweet gets. She was so present and cooperative that it lead me to believe that modeling is an inherited genetic trait. Her mom is a model and if I am right then the explanation is easier than explaining why the sky is blue to my daughters. If not then I will give up trying to figure it out and just count her parents lucky for having such an easy going baby. With that said… look and enjoy (unless of course you heeded the earlier warning).

Sincerely,

Keith

I’m sure these two brothers don’t want me to call them adorable – since they are boys and all – but they were REALLY adorable (and sweet, and fun, and super cooperative!)  With some prompts from mom and figuring out how to make each other laugh – these boys nailed every shot!  Such beautiful, genuine laughter accompanied by some really great smiles…what more could you want!

Here is the absolutely adorable (and amazingly pleasant) Miss Francesca…don’t you just want to squeeze those cheeks?