I think you all may have the wrong idea about my kids.  Yeah, sure, of course I love them.  In fact, I am crazy about them.  I have a feeling you all think my kids LOVE to have their portraits  made.  They LOVE to pose for me- the LOVE the whole thing about mom owning a studio.  This is where you would be wrong.  For the most part I have to bribe them, beg, twist their little arms.  Hard.  It has gotten to a point that I consider photographing my own children more torturous than any two-year-old could ever be.  Ever.  

Our annual Christmas Torture Session proved no different.  I took so much time picking their clothing, thought long and hard about set, mulled posing- as much preparation as any real client.  I even had bribes in mind.  Yeah, no.  Not gonna work.  One kid was a smart alec, another was whine-y and bratty and a talk-backer, while the third just sorta checked out. 

20 minutes in to the session from hell I let loose.  I let out a litany of language that would put the most base sailor to shame.  While I am not stranger to foul language, I don't often break out the 'F' word.  That day I did.  AAAAAAAAAANNNND THAT did it!  I got the little beasts to crack a smile, then a giggle and finally a full-on laugh (the deep belly kind.)  Then, one of them threw it right back at me.  We all laughed so hard our tummies ached.  From then on, for the rest of the session, it was awful, mindless cursing that may take years to rival. 

So, next time you hear small children speaking like truckers, you can bet it is family portrait time for the Coe family.
best,
and have a Happy EFFIN' New Year!
amy

PS Have no fear, I won't teach YOUR kids the fine art of foul.  I promise.

Come on down on Friday December 3rd to the 27th Annual Christmas Stroll!  Inspire Portrait will have our doors open to show off the place and provide a nice little warm-up!

Stop in, say 'hello!'

It seems odd to me that the end of yet another year is fast upon us.  Boy, it's been a BIG in my world!  Evan finally lost his two front teeth- though the replacements made it in before Christmas, whew!  Laurel has started the transition from little girl to adolescent, along with the teenage-like mood swings.  Jac is just weeks away from his 12th birthday, and last week he overtook me in height.  Yikes.

John and Dad started a framing company- Dad advising, John working on the heavy stuff.  Mom started a job she finally loves. 

Me?  Well, I learned some new photography stuff, met some super cool people and made some kick-ass portraits.  Oh, and we moved into another studio. 

It's been a great year- hard to imagine that 2011 will be even better- but it WILL!

On that happy note, my last day for photography in the studio or outdoors will be December 22nd.  I have three spots left if you want to book an appointment!