It was brought to life through a fit of frustration | photography

It all started when I was no longer happy with the horrible flash on my little point and shoot camera.  It took great outdoor photos, but the minute we had to use the flash, everyone looked like they got their goth on - pasty, white, blown out images that I couldn't use.  I mean seriously, what the heck would you do with this photo??

 I just wanted a picture of my boy at his preschool Christmas program.  And yes, that was the way he smiled at that time - crazy boy. 

So I penny pinched and saved and sold watermarks and saved and then one happy day, I bought this.

She makes beautiful pictures.  Instantly, I started taking pictures all over the place, not one ounce of knowledge on how to use this beautiful camera.  All out Auto Mode - I was instantly in love:

LOVE.  Pure love.  No more washed out faces.  I took a class on how to use this beautiful machine and slowly but surely I became addicted to taking pictures, capturing those truly candid moments when the kids don't know I'm there.  Mostly because when the see the camera, they scream like little girls and run away.  I think I've ruined them.  They hate getting their picture taken now - so who am I going to practice on? 

Last week I took the kids to the Colorado State University campus to try and get some pictures of them together, you know, so I can send them in Christmas cards, give them to the grandmas to show off to their friends - the usual stuff.  We walked all over that campus all while they were mad and sassy and complaining, dragging their feet, grumble... grumble....  I gave up.  I packed them up and went to Old Town for lunch.  We went to Old Chicago and the hostess sat us next to this giant window and an old brick wall with lots and lots of names written in crayon on each brick.  Hmmmm?  "Quick Avery, give me a nice smile!".....  Click.

My all time favorite picture.  Her eyes.  The wall.  The natural light.  Sigh.

I posted it on Facebook and then the requests started coming in.  What?  Me?  Really?  Ok....  I took some photos for a friend and I really do think that I may have just found my "job" when the kids are all in school full time.  I love this craft.  I love capturing a feeling, a mood, a moment with one click of a button.

Yup.  This photo may have just launched my newest career.  Thanks boys!  I need fresh faces since my kids run for the hills any time I have that look in my eyes.

My newest test subject is Dino.

I think he'll be perfect to practice my portraiture with - he doesn't complain.  Such a good dino.

Edited:  I have had a few requests for lens information, so I'll just add that here.  The photo with Katie loving on her fingers was shot with a 18-55mm and the rest were taken with a 50mm f/1.4 lens (my pride and joy these days.)  I hope this info is helpful.

Thank you all for all your loving comments!  You are all so incredible!!