A lot of work goes into photography!

Find out why we practiced making mud puddles!

What are we doing? Read below to find out!

I love getting family photos taken. I don’t have a stellar memory, and I want some of our life documented. (Especially when I am having a good hair day!)

We have had some great family photos.

Emily helps us get it together for photos.

But I love to look at some of the outtakes from the photos – kids getting in trouble, Michael looking - well - over it, me just wanting that one special picture.

I thought we were jumping... apparently not. 

I can only imagine it is hard work being a photographer, not to mention a lot of pressure.

But local photographer Emily Bartley always has it under control.

“I try to stay positive and set no expectations prior to a session,” she said. “I love how kids are so real. They say the funniest things. Even if they cry, it’s still so sweet. They are still learning about the world and themselves, so it’s a tough go sometimes. But I just hope I can make them smile as much as they make me smile.”

Emily has taken our photos for years. And with the farm setting, she’s been able to use it for other clients as a great background.

“The Farm at Holly Hill has phenomenal lighting when the sun goes down,” she said.

One of my favorites.

After our kids played in the mud together, the idea for mud pie minis was born.

It was cold, but they were happy.

We're not regular moms. We're cool moms. 

Snoop checking it out. 

Epic pig shot

“I just think back to when I was a little, and I loved playing in mud,” Emily said. “I thought it would be a great idea to capture kids playing and create great memories for their parents.”

This is the first summer Emily will be offering minis, including themes such as watermelon eating, fishing in a pond and superheroes saving the city.

But we couldn’t offer mud pie minis without practicing!

She brought her kids over last week, and we dressed everyone in white so the mud would really pop whether the photo was edited in black and white or color.

White outfits for mud of course!

Even though it had rained, the mud wasn’t puddly enough.

From the barn to the side pasture, we lugged several gallons of water. Our arms were burning. I imagined I was in some sort of Spartan race, minus the cool finisher t-shirt.

Making it muddy

Pouring the water

But we just let the kids go at it. Mud was flying, they were cackling. So. Much. Fun.

They had a ball!

Still looking white. I can't wait to see the rest of the pictures!

Sweet girl and her muddy face

I even tried to jump, but let me tell you. That mud is slippery. And I’ll leave it at that.

Emily is one of the kids.

So go like Emily Bartley photography on Facebook and Instagram, and keep an eye out for her announcement for summer minis.  And if you’re a photographer, let me know if you’d ever like to tour the farm.