The Cockrell's -The Family Collection-

Life is beautiful. As is this family. No seriously though, look at them. Look, at them. When photographing a forever smiling, 'does he ever get mad' dentist, along with his ultra stunning, often hilarious, self proclaimed possessor of 'porn star hair' wife, there is naturally, never a dull moment. Throw in the bouncy triad and you wonder why Ryan Seacrest isn't begging this family for a reality show.

It's easy to get caught up on this families shiny surface, but they all wield attractive personalities. Todd immediately showed interest in my career and might be one of the most pleasant people I've ever met. Kelly has a knack for comedy. She has impeccable timing and is bold enough to take a joke farther than you would. She also poured on great relationship advice when I needed it most. Their kids sparkle, erupting with contagious laughs and sly grins. A grateful shout out to Canyon (their oldest): Thank you for pulling out the _______ from your mom's purse and making your parents blush, then break into laughter. That was awesome. This is the Cockrell's.

The Hirschi's -The Family Collection-

An entrepreneur & an attorney raising two lively little girls is the beginning of a recipe for photo funniness. For more on this rousing quartette, view last years shoot as well. This is the Hirschi's.

The Thompson's -The Family Collection-

I admire this woman. She's wonder woman personified. A recent nursing school graduate, endearingly proud mother, and a helpful shopping buddy, Bonnie is one of those friends you feel privileged to be close to. I'm exultant in her company. I will be in my room some nights when I will literally fictionalize a desire to hydrate so I have an excuse to go downstairs to see her when she comes over to hang out with my roommate Scott. I've spent countless times staring aimlessly, though with a smile on my face, into the deep interior of our refrigerator, reaching for a water that I don't need, in a attempt to hear one of those laughs that make you try extra hard to be funny while your around her. So imagine if you will for a moment, how much enjoyment I took away from this shoot. This is Bonnie's family.

The Barker's -The Family Collection-

The Barkers are back. With a girl on the way, and Bo growing at a shocking rate, this family is rapidly changing. For an earlier look, and an insight into this family check out last years post. They remain one of my most favorite families to shoot. It's always a privilege and an honor to photograph good friends. This is the Barker family.

The Erickson's -The Family Collection-

The last time I saw this family Arnold Schwarzenegger was being elected to office and pretty boy/guitar freak John Mayer was comparing the bodies of women to imaginary realms, where he'd get to use his hands. Has anything changed? Arnold is still governor and Mayer's personal life is just as relevant as his music. But the early 2000's seem like a fading light, in time's great ballroom. But my heart swelled as I took part in this short reunion.

I, accompanied by my Dad, frequently visited this family as I grew up. We share the same faith and had the opportunity to prepare messages for them once a month as we met with them in their home. It was neat to see the dynamic of their young family change, as they continued to add to their family tree. I remember seeing their oldest daughter in diapers. She's almost a teenager now. That right there is Time taking his right hand and waking you up with an unforgiving strike across the face. Since I last saw them, poof...another boy, bringing their family total to three. Look for the "E collage" and you'll behold personality in children like never before. I'll never forget this bunch. This is the Erickson family.

The Whitings -The Family Collection-

They were being eaten. I took this family to a hidden amazon, snugged away behind a popular ice rink, and as the sun went down invisible gnat's dinned on the skin of my beautiful subjects. They let me have it, as I hope any of my friends would. Lanie their middle daughter, gave me an earful for weeks to come and even sent me a threatening text message telling me which pictures to post on here, "yeahh. umm, don't you dare put an ugly jumping one of me anywhere! I know where you live i'll hunt you down. :)" She's a charmer.

With the exception of the bug biting, there wasn't a moment with this family that wasn't worthwhile. Gargantuan leaf improv, dance-offs, and another electric rendition of the laughing game made my first family shoot of the season momentous. Cheers to the best dressed family of 2010. This is the Whiting family.