Stacie under the blossoms

Last April, we got to venture into the fruit orchards near Brushy Mountains with two subjects: McKenzie Goff and Stacie Shumate (with their loving moms in tow). It was hard to decide what was more beautiful: the girls or the venue. Petals were bright and showing off, some ready to fall, but the trees were perfectly lovely and camera-ready.

And so were the girls.

At Pixels on Paper, we love outdoor settings, and when a place like this one is so replete, you seize the moment.

McKenzie was turning 13 – (Welcome to your teens!!) – and after chatting with her mom, we knew that this girlie-girl would blossom (sorry for the pun, but there it is) in this field of natural pink perfection. And of course, she did. McKenzie was not shy in front of the camera and between her smile and the setting, it was magic …. the petals in her hair, the sunset behind her, and the gaze that captured her just at that moment, but seeming to be well beyond her years.

McKenzie – young woman

McKenzie with blossoms in her hair

McKenzie Goff with a sunset

Our other amazing subject that April day was 10 year old Stacie Shumate. She is that balance of American girl –  toggling between sports and “dress-up.” Her mother, like many of our clients, understands the importance of documenting milestones and moments, time and place.

The highlight was capturing a pic of her from above (it’s at the top of this post). I’d already envisioned a photo of Stacie lying on her back under the blossoms, with me in a tree photographing down through the limbs. Easy enough, right? I ended up on a ladder hanging between branches with the sun directly above. The brightness of the sun was a bit much for her. Smile: eyes closed. Eyes open: squinting. We tried several times and then her mom began cracking jokes and both Stacie and I started laughing. I laughed so hard that petals began to fall over her and that’s how we got our favorite shot of her.

As always, we loved being a part of the day, the laughter and the memories.

Stacie in repose

Stacie’s green eyes

Pink and white blooms come out the first week or two of April and only last about 5 days. Times and dates are limited, but we want to fit you in. Reservations need to be made in advance, so call to make an appointment. Sessions start at $125.

the extravagantly beautiful orchard in bloom