As I started to write this blog post, I searched through my email history to remind me of what Ryan’s (the momma) first email said. I was expecting something from March of 2019 but thennnnn I saw that her first email to me was actually from 2012; “I’m originally from Indiana, so I’ve been following your blog for some time now (you guys rock!)” She was looking for recommendations for a photographer closer to where she lived in Columbus, Ohio.

Whoa! Ryan! When we photographed your session I had no idea that you had been reading my blog for 7+ years at that point! If I had known I would have been feeling the pressure! Phewwwww!

The end of her 2012 email closed with this: “I hope to get my family to Indy* some day to have pics taken by you!”

Needless to say, Ryan is a woman of her word! Seven years later, we made it happen! Our second string of emails in 2019 started with, “I’ve always wanted to see my family through your camera… you have such a knack for capturing happiness and love.”

And with that, I bring you the Pfahl Family, a session truly full of happiness and love.

*I was living in Indianapolis at that time.

My favorite thing about this image: Jackon’s little green foot kick!

Meet Sawyer, he’s 8. Five words used to describe him (according to his parents): athletic, serious, kind, friendly, leader.

I always love reading someone’s “five words.” I love even more when I can tell that someone really put some effort and thought into it. All of that to say Ryan’s & Kyle’s adjective perrrrrrfectly describes these kids.

I always love Megan’s tight individual shots while a family is looking my direction.

Harper, 6. 😀 In five words: hilarious, sporty, smart, sweet, determined.

YESSSSS TO ALL OF THOSE WORDS!

I have no idea what mom and dad were doing to my right to get these perfect smiles but whatever it is, I wish I had a video of it because these expressions are priceless!

This was actually my first ever paid* session in my new hometown of Louisville. Funny that my first family session in Kentucky is actually a family that lives in Columbus, Ohio.

*In 2016 I photographed Stephen (my husband) and my (now) step-kids in Louisville and I also did a $0 session of those same incredible kids with their momma. I also photographed a free workshop session in Louisville back in April. 😀

Jackson, 4 years old. In five words: intelligent, loving, curious, affectionate, chatty.

In 2040, when I come out of wedding photographer retirement so that I can photograph these kids’ weddings, I promise to recreate that photo on the left every time. Notice little Jackson has taken off his shoe?

Rowan, 6 months old: happy, smiley, adorable, patient, sweet.

Ryan:  motherly, caring, loving, organized, fun.

Kyle: smart, musical, funny, athletic, driven.

I love that this sweet baby’s name is Rowan because she is the SPITTIN’ image of her momma Ryan! 😀

Side note: I had always wanted to name a daughter Ryan (or Elliot) because well… I love me an androgynous name. Signed, a girl named Bobbi. 😉 Also, high fives to Ryan’s parents for giving her a fantastic name!

I can’t thank you enough for driving to Louisville, for investing in me all of these years later, and for just being a downright incredible family.

Much love friends!

~Bobbi

Last week I got to be like all of the other moms and post a photo of my favorite bonus kids’ first day of school! (I even got out my real camera for the occasion!) ? It was a 3-minute session but hey, I’ll take what I can get! 

We have one seventh grader and two fifth graders. WHOA?! ? I mayyyyy be partial, but I think these three are truly destined for greatness! I’ve genuinely never seen so much potential in such young people in all of my life. I really did hit the family jackpot when I married their perfect-for-me-in-every-way father.

If you’ve ever read this blog, you know that I almost always ask people to describe each other in 5 words /phrases. Here are mine for each of them as of right now.

Andrew ??‍?

fearless/confident, inventive/curious, effortlessly brilliant, carefree, and fiercely independent

Claire ??‍?

ambitious/hardworking, principled, full-of-personality, passionate, and 100% my mini-me!

Josh ?

quick-witted/hilarious, non-judgemental, life-of-the-party, free-thinking, and insanely affectionate/loving

Alright my beauties, go out and conquer the world! But for now, let’s start with 5th and 7th grade.

I love you three BIGGGG time!

Bobbi

Hiiii friennnnds! Nice to be back. 🙂

Notice this session was photographed in New York City? I mean, yeah… we’re kiiiiind of a big deal. 😉 But in all seriousness, how cool that they flew us out there for their engagement session?!

I first met Josh in 2015 at his brother Dan’s wedding (who also married a Blair 😉 ) in Mantauk, New York. Side note: I also photographed their engagement session in NYC back in 2014.

The SECOND I met Blair I knew, without question, that she was perfect for Josh!

Side note: I have three step kids (who I’m obsessed with), two of which who are twins named Josh and Claire. I really had to focus on not accidentally calling Blair, Claire! 😀

I love your love!

If I could fly to NYC for every session I ever shot, I wouldn’t be mad about it. I love the colors, the energy, the people, the diversity, alllll of the things! That said, I could never live there. I’ve become wayyyy too spoiled by that midwest suburb life! I’m afraid I’m in too deep.

The Citi Bike series was definitely my favorite of the whole session!

….though I did almost die* in the making of these as I was STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF A NYC STREET. Whatever, Blair & Josh you’re worth the risk of death.

*I DEFINITELY didn’t almost die. I’m 10000% lying. Megan and team watched out for me while I shot.  I mean, I did get one small honk. But come on, it’s NYC!  It probably wasn’t even a honk at me. Or mayyyyybe the honk was because they were thinking, “DAAAAAAMN GIRL… YOU GOT A NICE BUTTTTT!” Or maybe not. We will never know. However, on second thought, It was for sure the latter. Welcome to my everyday problems blog readers. 😉

BLAIR! BLAAAAAIR!!!!! You are SO beautiful!!!! That photo on the right, I’m obsessed!!! Josh, please frame that and put it on your desk at work. K? k.

This was shot in front of the “Friends” apartment building. I only wanted to shoot in front of it because I loved the color, all the lines, and the unassuming people in the background. When I was done shooting it Blair says, “people are going to see those photos and think we’re the biggest ‘Friends’ fans!” I suppose that’s what people do who are hugely fanatic about something, but let it be known… this was all my idea, and I don’t watch “Friends.” 😉

Full disclosure: back in 2013, I stood in the same spot (which would have been only a 5 minute walk from where the photo below was taken) where Suze Rotola snuggled Bob Dylan’s arm for the cover shot of “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” because I am indeed hugely fanatic. All I’m saying is, no judgement from me if you’re into this sort of tourist thing. 😉

Thanks for showing us around Greenwich Village, and being amazing hosts to your incredible city. We genuinely cannot wait to photograph your wedding this SEPTEMBER!

Much love friends!

~Bobbi