He squealed with excitement as he clutched the fresh bunch of carrots close to his body and laughed with delight as the timid miniature horse edged closer, peeking through his bushy forelock.  Charlie (4) is the youngest of pilot, Air-force musician and all round superhero, Donna’s three beautiful kids and boy is he a character! – His infectious laugh reminds me of my not-so-little-now brother at his age.  His two older sisters, Sam (11) and Jessie (9) are equally as much fun to be around. This is Donna’s second photo session with me this year at Georgia’s very own dude ranch, Southern Cross Guest Ranch.  After Jessie & Hope’s horse and rider session back in March, Donna couldn’t wait to get more canvas prints displayed over her mantle in her lodge style home in Springfield, MO

Donna’s husband, also a pilot is often working away and (now) stay-at-home-Mom, Donna has her hands full with all of their activities.  Despite their busy lifestyle, they make it a priority to spend as much family time together as possible, hiking, fishing and of course horseback riding!  They enjoy the outdoors together, especially at home with their dogs and horses.   I find it wonderful how three kids get along so well with each other, particularly considering their three, very different personalities. It’s their uniqueness that Donna wanted to capture during this Family Session at the Ranch, to remember her kids at their current ages, before they grow up!

Sporty Sam enjoys Basketball, Softball and Gymnastics with her sister.  She is laid back, super kind and has a charitable nature.  This is evident watching her interact with her younger siblings. Her Mom is very mindful that she is growing up fast, and rightly so!  Sam has already decided that she wants to become a sports coach or a pilot when she leaves school; I have no doubt she would excel in both! 

Horses are Jessie’s first love – she has an unmistakable bond with animals and could quite easily spend all day with them, not uttering a word.   It’s no wonder that she wants to be a veterinarian or a horse trainer when she grows up!  Perhaps one day she can be Weston’s assistant!  She is a little more reserved than her siblings, intense to be precise – but delightful nonetheless!  It took Jessie a little while to open up to Weston & I during their last session but I am so glad that we got to spend some time getting to know one another.  A very talented young artist, Jessie designed her own artwork to be laser engraved on her walnut box from her horse and rider session with Hope.

And then there’s Charlie, who enjoyed his few days riding tandem with Donna at the Ranch.  He had me in fits of laughter throughout the session!  Pretending to fish with a branch and hanging from a tree giggling at my bad monkey noises, his imagination and character knows no bounds!  I think the highlight for me was convincing him to wear a cowboy hat for part of the session as he fed carrots to wee-man, my miniature horse.  Which later turned out to be “the shot” for the Donna’s Wall Art.

Donna,

Thank you for the honor of capturing your sweet kids at these stages in their lives, and for opening up your home (virtually) for me to create some custom art for you.  I hope that it will provide you with years of happiness and fond memories!

Until next time!

Charlotte x