Kids will be kids

Whenever I see kids playing together they remind me of little puppies rolling around in the sand getting their paws wet and dirty while gnawing at each others ankles. Its the cutest sight and the perfect reason to get that camera out and start shooting. Well this spring break I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph the gorgeous Khan kids. As cute as they were together I think what mesmerized me the most were their stunning grey/green eyes. Both the older daughter and son were fleeting all over the place but they had such a calmness about them that I just kept shooting. We had bubbles, and trucks and swings to photograph around. Even though at times I felt like I wasn't getting a single good shot especially of the younger son who wouldn't want to sit for even a second in front the camera, I had the best time running around after them.

The setting was lovely. I met with Amina Khan a week prior to the shoot because she wanted to get an idea if their backyard would be an ideal location for their shoot. I thought it was perfect. With the bright red flooring on their deck, white washed fencing and the amazing greenery surrounding them it was a very serene and peaceful place to photograph. Plus with the lighting of the late afternoon sun you just can't get better than that. I was even able to capture some fun shots with their latest addition Haaniya. Such a sweet and pretty family and a real pleasure to work with. Thank you Khan family for letting me capture your adorable kids.

Heres a sneak peek from their shoot:

Regards,
Khadija

Just another Sunday...

I have no idea why I titled this post "Just another Sunday...' but I do love the idea behind the day Sunday. Right before the start of the work week but the end of a tranquil weekend. Somehow it conjures up memories of my childhood and how much we enjoyed scouting around town with the family on those relaxed weekends.

This particular shoot of the lovely Akhtar family which was by chance taken on a sunday reminds me of those fun, and carefree days where every hour was sucked up to pure enjoyment. This shoot was all about that and more. The kids were adorable together. The older son throwing orders at his younger sister to smile and pose while she in return ignoring him would shyly scold him back but continually smile at the camera. They were the cutest duo together. You could tell they were in control of their own little worlds running from one end of the park to the other giving ideas on where they would like to get their pictures taken.

The parents had such a youthful presence to their demeanor. At times I think they even forgot they had their kids with them. So entranced by each others love that it made modeling for the camera so easy for them. They seemed so content and relaxed with their role as mom and dad, husband and wife that everything around them just fell into place. Their youngest one was the little bond that brought them all together. It was so sweet to see them cradling her in love and the older siblings begging to hold and kiss her.

I had a wonderful time with this beautiful family, capturing the warmth and love between each of them. Thank you so much Akhtar family for allowing me to be a part of your Sunday morning and making mine all the more special. Here's a sneak peek from their shoot.

Regards,
Khadija

A breeze of another kind!

Last weeks shoot was very interesting to say the least. The Ghori family & I reached our location before time only to find out that the place didnt open till 30 mins later. On top of that their indoor lounge which was going to be one of the backdrops for the shoot literally looked like a tornado had hit it. The facility had some water main break which had the whole place looking like a mess. Needless to say I was beginning to get a little nervous about the prospects of this shoot. We finally got in and decided to move outdoors and lo and behold mother nature had a plan of its own for us. The winds were crazy! Im not talking a soft pleasant breeze but the kind of wind that could have literally blown you off the ground if you had just the right amount of aerodynamic apparel on. How was I going to get this family to look their best given the unforeseen circumstances.

Anyway to make a long story short, even though things weren't going as planned I have to admit this session ended up being one of the most fun and memorable outdoor shoots Ive done to date. The breeze added a fun and flirty dimension to the session and the two little Ghori girls were adorable floating in air running around in their princess hair pieces and cotton sundresses. The couple so wonderful and comfortable in the setting seemed to forget that I was even there. I had a wonderful time capturing this whimsical session even though it seemed like the odds were against me.

Thank you so much Ghori family for adding such a fun twist to your shoot. I had a great time and have definitely learnt that even lifes unexpected turns can work with you if you just know how to play it.

Heres a sneak peek:

Cheers,
Khadija

A little bit of French country

Have you ever felt like you've been transported to another time or place without really going anywhere? Well I have! Last week I had the amazing opportunity to photograph a lovely mother and her two adorable grown kids in their stunning home in Great Falls, Virginia. The minute I walked into this house I seriously felt like I had been whisked away to the French countryside; everything from the smell of freshly baked cookies, to the colorful crockery on their rustic kitchen table, the rich toile and damask fabrics adorning the bright windows and eclectic looking chairs, the beautiful handcrafted armoires and console tables exuded personality. You could tell everything was bought for the sole reason that it belonged in this home. It was a creatively put together home with the comfort and classic charm of French country design.

I had a great time capturing the unique flair of this wonderful mother/kids combo and the backdrop for their shoot couldnt have been more perfect. Thank you Idris family for letting me enjoy your stunning home as well as allowing me to photograph the qualities that make your family so special. Heres a sneak peek from their shoot.