Julie is the ultimate client. I tell her what I want and she makes it happen. A bed in a field? No problem. A party on the beach? Easy. A camping themed shoot complete with a VW bus? NBD.
Each year our ideas get bigger and bigger and Julie pulls it off. Her creativity and attention to detail astounds me. She takes ordinary things and makes it all magical. It’s all crazy when it’s happening. The bus stalled several times. The set up took longer than expected. I was freaking out as I could see the sun setting behind the hill. But, I guarantee you these kids will remember these shoots with fondness. Because we do actually have some fun beyond all the craziness!
And with all the craziness that goes on during these shoots Joy is never far from my mind. Joy would have been 10 this year. I have no doubt in my mind that it was Joy who led Julie to me 3 years ago. And while I wish more than anything Joy could be with us on Earth I am so thankful to her for bringing her mama and I together. I am so thankful for Julie’s friendship and support – the late night texting parties, teaching me to love my glue gun, crazy scouting adventures, road trips to scary Escondido (no offense to anyone from Escondido, we thought a nuke went off when we visited. It was just a parade)… she’s like the sister that I never had. Our lives wouldn’t be the same without the Carson’s in it.
Here’s a little video I put together. I’m no videographer, but I had fun with this little challenge 
You always capture this family so well! I look forward to their yearly shoot with you. You can always see the “JOY” they have for their family and their love through these pictures. Great job. Great family! Great everything!
I’m madly fanning my eyes.
#1 – The video was playing and then it went to one of your images and I thought – how amazing are you to make the images just look like the video but completely perfect? That one perfect snapshot of time.
#2 – I guess I didn’t realize that you were taking these photos every year to celebrate Joy. Or maybe I did. But the video? That made it all clear and I can tell you I know they will treasure that video!
#3 – Happy Birthday? Tears
#4 – Lighted candles in the river. Tears. Loved the Rapunzel element to it though.
Super amazing photoshoot, as always.
amazing session. This family’s sessions are always wonderful, but I think this is my fave yet. Great work! Love the video
Drew, you’re awesome! Beautiful session and this family is so darling
Oh my gosh…love this! Such a sweet set up!
OMG!!! What an amazing session!! I’m jealous….I’d love to have photos like these…….or a client like this
FOR REALZZZZ????
Cannot handle it. How in the world you even survive my craziness. Or my fifty thousand props. Or broken van. Or furious baby. Or wild and hungry girls.
Yet, through all the insanity you capture such love and happy and so much joy.
Thank you for being so amazing, encouraging, ridiculously talented, and for giving us truly the best gift ever.
I am so glad that we met.
You are even cooler than the sister I never had.
Amazing. We just moved back to Missouri from Southern California and if we’re ever put there, I’d LOVE a family session with you! Your sessions with Julie’s family are incredible!
Absolutely gorgeous. Love all your shots with that adorable family. : )
AMAZING!
What an amazing session! I love the colors, the props, and the JOY! Great collaboration, you two!
Simply beautiful!
You two.
Every year, I look at the shoot you and Julie dream up, and think: THIS IS THE BEST FAMILY SHOOT I’VE EVER SEEN. And then every year you go and top yourselves.
Seriously incredible.
You are AMAZING, I always look forward to your post’s but never leave a comment. I can’t wait to see what next year brings with this family!!!
Okay, to say I am totally in love with this shoot is an understatement. Wow! Love love love love love love love it!!!!!!!!!!!! The light and colors are incredible! The kids are adorable. The props are amazing. I could keep going on and on!
Hi Drew!!! It’s been awhile!!! You shot Luke and I’s wedding pictures almost five years ago now! I just wanted to say that I look at your work often, and always love it!!! This shoot looks amazing!!!! I LOVE everything about it, the props, the family, what they’re wearing! It’s perfect!!! I hope you and the family are doing great!!!!
Drew, I loved everything about this shoot!!!!!! And then I watched the video, when they started singing Happy Birthday to Joy, the tears started flowing!
This was so special! Hugs to you!
100% Perfection! Even more better (even if thats not proper english) after reading Julie’s comment. WOWzers
it is perfect. i love everything about it. you two are so cool!
would you share the name of the song in the video?
thanks for the eye candy.