Utah Family Photographer | May 11-on-11

(This is the fifth post in an 11-on-11 project I am participating in this year with a group of insanely talented photographers from around the world. 11 pictures, on the 11th of each month. The only “rule” is one of the images has to be a self portrait.  To see last months post click HERE) 

Last weekend we drove up a local canyon looking for a field I had heard about that blooms with wildflowers in the summer months.  I knew the field wouldn't have wildflowers right now, but wanted to find it and see if it had potential for later use.  We made it almost all the way to the top of this "curvy, wurvy mountain" (from the mouth of my 6 year old) only to discover that the road was closed.  Bummer. Since I'd gotten my boys dressed up in matching undershirts and wife beaters, I didn't want to let the opportunity go to waste, so we initiated plan B - which was to turn around, shoot from the hip and find an alternate location before we reached the bottom of the canyon...

I'm actually glad the supposed wildflower field didn't work out.  At first glance I don't think I would have considered this location because it's a popular view area that overlooks the valley we live in.  But I was feeling a little desperate, so we parked, followed a small dirt trail and found this gorgeous little area that could have been used to film "The Sound of Music".  After the initial grumblings and a few dreaded "posed" shots, I cut 'em loose and told them to go explore.  They raised their eyebrows and looked at me with disbelief for a few seconds and then took off down the trail and never looked back.  

To me, these pictures are spontaneous, carefree and just plain lovely.  An unexpected location filled with adventure and happiness.  Hope you enjoy our little mountain field.

This girl lives to twirl...

When all else fails...kick up your skirt and run.

My junk treasure finder...

With my camera balancing precariously between two rocks, I managed to snap the selfie for this month.  

This one picture cost me $8 in bribery money at the dollar store.  Haha

I just adore these crazy, finagling kids.

Thank's so much for looking!  Now please continue your blog circle journey and visit the beautiful and fabulously talented Columbus Ohio photographer Fran Barker Photography.

If you are interested in booking a session with me, I would love to CHAT or feel free to visit my information page for details and pricing.  I post all of my current work as well as pictures from my 365 project on Facebook so feel free to "like" and follow along!