*We are THRILLED with the response the contest has gotten so far! I love hearing which portraits you would choose and your reasons why. Continue to tell your friends how they could be entered to win a FREE family portrait! Also, new posts are being added BELOW the contest post, so scroll on down to...
My vote is for option 1!
#2, #2, #2!!!!!!! it’s my all time favorite portrait of you family that i can remember! they’re all beautiful but the color is amazing in the second one and the significance of the location is meaningful.
you have all my contact info in case i will 😉 but for the sake of the contest…
gratefulsoul@hotmail.com
My vote is option #3!! I love the beach and the simplicity of the white!! Such a sweet family portrait. Well, hope I win………I have been waiting for an excuse to have Collin take our pictures since we are in Charleston.
Anyway, info is Casey Ott and email is cott@knology.net!
forgot to leave me name 😆 gillian plasman… hope that doesn’t disqualify me 😆
I love them all!!! I can’t choose between #2 and #6! They are both perfect but if I must choose 1, I think i’d have to go with #2! It’s perfect!!! I love the colors and Aron’s sassy pose! ; )
Been trying to figure out how to get me and my son up to Florence or have you guys come to Charleston! ; )
Amanda Clouse
clousephoto@gmail.com
Oh my vote is number 2 Hands Down!!! Although I love the beach scene Number two just was breath taking!! I sooo hope I WIN, my wedding photos were my favorite part of the wedding and NOW I need you to photograph phase 2 of our lives!! The “secret” isnt out yet hint hint!! keeping our fingers crossed!! Kimnida@earthlink.net
Option 3 hands down!! You are such a beautiful family.
~Sara Gabrielli
gabriellisara@gmail.com
🙂 I absolutely love all of them but I think my favorite is number 2. I love how all of you look in it and I love where it was taken!!! I love number 6 as well at the beach…but then again everyone does the beach. Go with number 2!
I really like #4. I love the way you are standing and the way your dress falls beside the post, Aron! It is a great pose for you all. It was my most favorite immediately. Everyone looks great in them all.
Can I vote twice?? Probably not, but just so you know, I love two of them–1 and 5. But, my official vote goes to . . . 1! This is a HUGE prize! Thanks for this contest! susannekinard@hotmail.com
I absolutely love number 2!
#1, I think it looks very natural and I just love the colors! Such a beautiful family!
#4….awesome shot.
Number two is the perfect choice! It captures your love for each other precisely and the look on your faces shows a deep peace dwells in your hearts. To me it showcases who your family is and it says to me “Come what may, we’re a family and we’re sticking together.” Oh yeah, the color, posing, and location also makes it a winner, but the “mood” of the pic wins me over hands down.
I absolutely love number 1. The natural setting and the “natural” look your family exudes is amazing. Collin your work is truly wonderful. You have absolutely found your calling.
#1 without a doubt.
I love the lack of symmetry with the gate and fence (as opposed to #2). I also like the grouping with daddy’s little girl and mommy’s little boy. Wonderful shot. Heck, they’re all wonderful shots.
Option 2- The place is special, and you’re standing close representing a close family. And the colors are fabulous since you’ll be looking at them every day!
I would have to choose option 3. I love beach pictures and this one is so pretty. If you ever move away from the area you will always have this great portrait to remind you of such a special place.
I love #4 of the beach scenes and #1 on the farm. But if I had to pick, I would pick #4. I love the pier and the ocean in the background. I don’t think you can go wrong!
My vote is for option 3. It looks as if yall are standing on the front porch of your house and saing..”please come in, sit down, hang out and relax with us!” That’s exactly how I felt when I came to your home for girly girl pics and for pick up. Felt like I could just sit right down and talk with yall as if we’d known each other forever! If a picture can capture that and say it to me, then I say it’s the one!! Have fun with the contest!
I decided to pick a picture before reading your comments so I wouldn’t be persuaded and a lot of people picked the same one as me:) I love #2 for over the fireplace. The beach scenes are beautiful and they would have their own special place but #2 is a great and warm family picture that looks like it came straight out of a magazine. Happy choosing- it aint easy- lol.
all of the pictures are excellent- but #3 is my favorite. I love the symmetry of the fence and the beach in the background.
I love them all, but have to agree that #2 is my favorite. I have never met you and your family in person, but this is the one that best displays your family as I have gotten to know you over the years on your blog. Also the fact that the farm has such a special meaning to your family. Love it!! Your work is wonderful!! reesedl@sc.rr.com
Hands down #2 – love the colors, location and closeness of the family. It’s beautiful!
I think you should go with number 2
peter318devon@yahoo.com
All of them are beautiful-but my favorite is #1.
Option 2 is my FAVORITE! I do love the beach pictures but the first two are SO different!!!!
Had I not read your post, based on how beautiful ALL your pictures are, I would have never known how difficult it was to get those shots. My vote is also for #2. The colors are stunning and you all look so happy! You have such a beautiful family and so photogenic..good thing, right?! 🙂
These are beautiful… my fav is option #2… I love it!!! Hope you guys are doing well!!!
All of the pictures are beautiful, but #2 is my favorite.
I love #1. That’s where I would want my family pic taken. On a farm or something like that.
Like them all but Option 2 is my favorite.
awatson@psapath.com
I like #2 – because it is different. Seems like everybody is doing the beach thing now. I like #4 of the beach one though. Love Erin’s dress!
Had a hard time picking between 1 & 2…love the assymetry and “casualness” (is that a word?!) of 1, but 2 is great too. In the end, I think that 2 is too posed looking. I vote for number ONE! I love the looks on all your faces there – especially the kids! theestesclan@msn.com
My favorite is #3. The beach is my absolute favorite place to be. Pictures never come out wrong when they are taken with that backdrop. Also, your entire family looks so comfortable in that setting. I think that would be a wonderful memory to have hanging over your fireplace.
#2 I love how your love of family shows through without one word spoken. Anyone who sees that picture would know there was a ton of love there.
I know I’ve already won a contest so I’m probably not in the running, but I LOVE! number 4. I really like the composition, with the pilings for the pier being offset. Of course, y’all look great, too! I’m sure there are some professional photographer words to describe that.
I also wanted you to know that I’m still reading and keeping up on y’all!
I absolutely love option #3! It was a really hard decision, though because they were all great.
I vote for #2. The colours are amazing and everyone looks so comfortable. And it’s was taken at a location that probably means alot to your family as well.
Wow, I was debating between #1, #2, and #5. I know, I know….just pick one. #2 was just perfect, and I like how #5 looked like a wave was breaking behind you. However, I am going to have to say #1 was my pick of the litter. I love lots of color, which you definitely have in this portrait, and I like how everyone is just casually standing around…not too posed. It looks as if someone was wandering around the farm with a camera and happened to capture this beautiful family out enjoying God’s creation together. So…#1!!
#4 !!!!! I love several things about this photo. The fact that is off centered makes it unusual and interesting. I like the use of the pier, and in this photo the pillars of the pier don’t interfere with the images of your family. I really adore the fact that your children are snuggled up to you both and the body language captured is natural and relaxed. I enjoyed all of the photos but #4 is definitely my favorite.
they are all beautiful! but my fav is option #2!
I vote for Option #4!! I love how simple it is and the white looks great.
My vote is #1. While I love the beach photos and surely hope you put them up somewhere, I think #1 focuses on you all and personalities. Also, beautiful colors and scenery to decorate around! Your photography is the greatest!
I think option #2 is my favorite- such a cute family!!
Jen534@aol.com
I love #2 .It seems like every time I go into someones home I see a picture on the beach in white, which is beautiful but not different anymore..I love the color Aaron is wearing against her beautiful red hair, your children look like little angels, as always and you Collin, look like the man who is holding the world in his hands with God’s creation as a back drop, who wouldn’t love this on their wall..
#2 is my pick. I love the vibrant colors!
Summer – summertimeinsc@yahoo.com
Deff #3. So peaceful and beautiful. Deff showcases the love your family has.
Option # 3! Beautiful!
I definately 2. The colors are great and its not the same old same old beach pic. The beach pics are great but we’ve seen so many of them. Quite honestly none of the choices are bad. I just think 2 stands out more.
I love Option 1!! It looks so laid back, not staged…just sweet family time. It shows so much personality. I just love it…
Option #2 is my favorite because it seems like you were simply taking a family walk and said, “this would make a great shot”. The others are all very nice, but everyone is doing the beach scenes and wearing almost identical colors these days. BORING! And, the pics look just a tad too staged. Option #2 has depth and perspective and everyone looks so relaxed and happy. Good job!
I like option #1.What a great family picture!
#2 is definitely my pick for the portrait! The beach pictures are gorgeous, but I think your kids look genuinely happy in #2. The colors are really amazing as well.
#2 without a doubt.
Ok… They are all good. But my favorite is #2! The colors are so vibrant and the picture itself is so refreshing! I also like #3, but not as colorful! I am a huge fan of beach pictures, but the farm picture is my favorite!!!!
These are beautiful portraits of a beautiful family! My favorites are #4 and #5 though. I love a beach portrait and I think if I had to pick between the two it would be #5. Love y’all!!
I really love option #1 because Mom and son look laid back; Dad and daughter are relaxed with their arms leaning on the gate. There is plenty of background, but you four aren’t lost in it.
You need this one above your mantle!
#2…. it simply says “family”
I love #2. Everyone looks so relaxed and the colors are beautiful!!!
Tammy Horne
It was a toss up between #2 and #4 but I think #2 is the winner. I love the colors and think it would add a nice pop to you mantle, granted I’ve never seen your mantle but still you get the idea!
Ryanne
My vote is for #2. The four of look happiest there. I also like it because you are all together.
I am having a hard time choosing between 2 and 4…but I think #2 wins by a superthin margin. They’re all great!
I’m in Greenville, so I’m glad we up here in the upstate “qualify.” 😀
rachaelmuldrow@gmail.com
I love option #2. When I look at that picture I see happiness! Your family looks connected, happy and relaxed with each other. This picture displays the warmth of family. Oh, and the colors are gorgeous!
Kristen
Option #2, definitely! It’s great of all 4 of you, couldn’t tell the kids weren’t cooperating!
Contact info: Kristin Maloney
uscfan2202@yahoo.com
I think they are all great!!! My favorite for over the mantle is definitely #3. I love the simplicity of the picture that lets the family be the focus with the beautiful beach background. Great pictures!!!
#2. The colors are great and everyone looks relaxed and happy!
I love option 2. #4 is also great but the warm tones in #2 would look beautiful over a fire place mantel.
Jennifer Clements
jkclements@windstream.net
I loved them all. But #3 at the beach was my pick followed closely by # 2. GREAT PICS!
Such a beautiful family. My vote is for #3.
# 3 it is beautiful
All of the choices were great but I love #2!! The colors are fantastic and it is a great shot of everyone. The location is special which will be more meaningful later.
LOVE #2 the best, the colors, the meaning of the location, AND you can see Arons boots that she got!
They are all great; however, my favorite is Option #3. I just love natural beach photos.
Judy White
jwhite459@aol.com
oh my! You know how hard it ALWAYS is for me to decide on portraits Collin photographs….and I have to say, I absolutely LOVE them all!! 1 & 2 are colorful and “FUN”….. 3 – 6 are more soft and “SWEET”…..oh my oh my….such a hard decision!!!! I think my most favorites are 2 & 4…and out of those…..I think #2 for your mantle….You guys make a beautiful family!!! 🙂
I don’t think you can go wrong- but my favorite is #4. LOVE this idea!! I have had so much fun reading everybody’s comments- can’t wait to see who wins the free session and portrait- you guys are AWESOME! we love your family!
my vote is for #2…Looks like a big family group hug!!
I absolutely love #2 and #5. I probably lean more toward #5 because I’ve gone through similiar difficultly trying to get a family beach shot 🙂
#2 is AWSOME Love it!
Ashley Watson
awatson@psapath.com
OK, I’m a little parcial to having a beach portrait 🙂 but then again I think #2 would look AWESOME above your fire place just like our portrait colors matched our living room I think option #2 matches with yours.I hope that makes sense I really don’t know the lingo for phtography!This is such a great idea. We Love ya’ll to pieces.Happy Chosing!!!!
#2 is my favorite…so casual, but so HAPPY!!
I love them all, but #3 is sooo pure and peaceful!!
Oh my…they are fabulous! What is it with kids knowing how to push our buttons? Us ually work related too. For us it is when we take them to chris’ store to eat….I usually want to crawl in a hole and die! I think we are his worst customers. I love, love, love #2! The colors just pop and I love that the location is a “family” location and has meaning to it. Though I do love a good beach picture and really enjoy the different look of #5. You will always have “fond” memories of your pictures looking back on them…maybe it will be funny later? Not to worry…I tell myself…they too will have kids one day too:) martha
all the pics are great my fav is #2…with your arms linked together is very sweet…a bond that hold the whole family together! <3 it
Loving the beach as much as I do, the beach ones were my favorite. But, Option #3 really jumped out at me. They are all beautiful and worth the trouble!
ghkelley@bellsouth.net
Hi guys! What a adorable family you have! I have followed for several years – and have only heard the wonderful job that you all do!
I am going to say Option 1 , and I say this because it is a close up more so than the others, and the setting is very nice, not like a beach scene that everyone always does. A very nice picture!
Thanks! Amanda
Dropdeaddazz@aol.com
I choose option #2. The whole family is very connected in this shot. There is a warm glow in the lighting. This picture looks how I feel about about my husband and children, and that is not an easy emotion to capture! What a beautiful family!!
P.S. You really cannot make a wrong choice but I love the warmth of the color and being able to see the baby blond of the childrens’ hair!
I am LOVING number 4. Your dress is pooling at your feet a little (SO PRETTY)… Mak has his hand in his pocket like Dad. The water looks like it is glistening. I love that it is off center. All of them would be gorgeous in your home, but number 4 is my fav!
Nikki Elmore
Scranton, SC
My name is Angel Saverance. My email is lerandasmom@hotmail.com. They are all great photographs! My personal favorite is pose #1. I love all of the colors, and the casual feel it has. I can’t really see the faces closely, but it looks as if everyone looks happy and genuine. Again, they are all great, but 1 is my fav!
They are all fabulous just like always!!! I love #2 and #3, but I think #3 was my favorite. I think I gasped when I scrolled down and saw it, so I went with that choice!! Ya’ll are such a beautiful, sweet family!!
#1 & #4 are my favorites… I would want to see them closer to tell which one of those two… but #1- love the positioning of everyone… smiles are genuine… you all look more like yourselves…
#4- is my favorite beach shot… & if you don’t have a beach shot in your house, then perhaps you should… great framing.. love Aron’s foot- love all the feet in that picture 🙂 Mak’s hand in his pocket..
They are all so beautiful because you are a beautiful family. I would have to go with #2 though. The colors and the positions of each one of you represent more of a family picture for this age of your kids and maybe for where you are in your lives at this moment. The colors are vibrant also. I could see this in a “warm” room in your house. I think the “warm” colors represent the warmth from your family. Take care and I enjoyed looking at the pictures.
my pick is Number 1 and my daughter macy agrees!!Love it!!!
I don’t know about others choices, but my fav is option #2. The cohesiveness of your family shines through and that to me is what family is all about! Plus I love the location and grouping of girls and boys. They are all fab pics so whichever one you choose I’m sure you’ll be happy with.
I like Option 1 or Option 3. If I really had to narrow it down I would go for option 1. Strictly because the beach pictures are so common now a days. Being on a farm takes a step back into time.
Jennifer Robinson
samarinbooboo@sc.rr.com
I’d have to say option 2. You look so close as a family and the colors are beautiful. The children LOOK so innocent. Option 2 looks like the perfect family.
I like option 2 – it looks the most relaxed and the color looks great. 😀
Let me start by saying- what a blessing God has given y’all with an absolute beautiful, healthy family. These photgraphs capture God’s handy work very well! I love #2 and #4. 2 is just so different and unique. 4 is absolutely gorgeous. I love the pier and the off-centeredness (I know that’s not a word). 2’s colors are amazing and the expressions are priceless. Have fun choosing and have a great week!
Option 2, hands down! It shows how close you all are and I (as a farm girl) love the pasture in the background!
This was a very very hard decision because they were all so beautiful! It was between number 4 or number 6, but I think I love number 4 the best. It struck me as a picture someone would walk by and say “wow what a beautiful photograph” and I think it makes it even more special that it is your family.
I think that all of the portraits are lovely! Why not make a collage?? If I had to choose just one, I guess it would be #3… 😉
I vote for 6. I’m a sucker for b&w.
I love number 4! It’s so pretty!
Option 2! Great colors and would look great as a main focus picture in your house. It scream, “Family.”
Hope all is well!
Pack
Aron I may not be much help it is a toss up between #1 and #5. I like the sense of depth that I see in both of these especially the beach one. If you haven’t had a beach portrait (which I am sure you have) I would go with it. I try to always have a different look in my photos. I like the tenderness I see in the country setting, you can tell that your children love you!
They all are great but my favorite is number 2… so simple and natural!!
I love #2 and #1 but then again I am a country girl. I love #1’s background and it is very natural, however there is too much space between you and Collin. So, #2 is my favorite. Very natural. I felt the beach photos were too posed.
My favorites are 1, 2 and 4. I think that I would pick #2 as my first choice..lots of people have beach portratis but not many will have one from a family farm in Missouri!
It has gotta be #5 the way the wave is crashing behind y’all!!! awesome!!!! what a gorgeous family 😀 it just looks so natural and what an act of God to have the wave crash at the very moment of the pic. all of them are absolutely beautiful but i like that one the best
I find #6 incredibly striking-however my final vote will go to #2. Simply for the fact that it is Collin’s family’s farm. I love the fact that part of his childhood will live on in your children.
I love them all. Especially #6 in back and white. but if i had to pick a family picture it would be #2.
Portrait #2, without question. Balanced composition and visual interest between family and surrounding environment. Ho-hum… I’m bored with the beach theme… GO GREEN! 😀
I love option #1…then again, I love all of your pictures!!:) I was introduced to your photography when you did a good friend of mine’s wedding. I have been following your blog ever since I came accross it!! Thanks for the contest!!:)
Option #2 is the best, but they are all GREAT!
I love #2 & totally covet the farm that y’all get to visit!
My vote is #2. Love all the beautiful colors!
#6 – nothing like black/white and nothing like the beach.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE #2 and #6…BUT, I think I’m loving #2 a teency bit more! have fun at Disney!! 😉
Although the beach background and lighting in number 3 is gorgeous, I think number 2 “captured” you all and the love you share the best. It is just such a warm, loving, personal picture, and the location and closeness it conveys is unmatched in my opinion!! It’ll look beautiful on the mantle!!! Have a grand time at Disney!!!!!!
I almost forgot to enter the contest! I have to disagree with my hubby though…I really like #3. It’s just timeless! I also really like #2 (and I haven’t seen your house, obviously…), butthe beach pic just fits your image. All of them are great though, of course!
I think they are all wonderful, however I like how you and Collin are standing close in the 2d option. Great contest, thanks!
They say better late than never right? I have been staying with my Mother who is in the Mcleod hospital trauma unit recovering from emergency brain surgery. We have been here for three weeks. I love # 3 because it reminds me of our last beach vacation with my Mama before her surgery. Your work is beautiful!
My vote is for #2! The colors are in the photo are beautiful! To me, the photo is more relaxed and shows your personality more than the beach pictures. (not that I have ever met your family to even know what your personality is like. LOL) The beach pictures are beautiful, but the farm scene is perfect!
I love #2!! You have a beautiful family, Aron!!
My vote is for #1 for two reasons.
#1 – I love the fact that it has a family history behind the location.
#2 – The way Clara Beth has her hand on her daddy is priceless. There is just something about daddies and their little girls!
Robin 🙂
#2 seems like the perfect family portrait! The colors are amazing & the location is very unique. There are lots of family portraits on beaches, so this one is defintely one of a kind!
I definately LOVED #2 — what a beautiful setting! The whole family was captured beautifully– and the colors couldn’t be more perfect!
For such stressful photo sessions, ya’ll got several wonderful choices! I love Option # 2. Just beautiful.
Cheri
I love #2!! (even though i think all of them are great)
Guys…go for #2. The colors are great and the background is beautiful. All of the pics are fantastic, but this one surely stands out! The beach photos are great, but for the family portrait, no doubt #2 works best!
I like option 1 the best. Option 2 is great also, but I like the pose at the gate a little better. The setup of the family is less “traditional”, CB’s hand on Collins pocket is sweet and seems more random, Mak looks relaxed leaning back on Aron, etc. The fact that it’s on the farm makes it more special, too. It’s a more personal location for your family. Those are my reasons. Now, I better win this thing, cuz we’re moving to town just so we can enter your contests! haha!
They are all great, but I love Option 3! 🙂
It’s got to be #2! That is what a family portrait SHOULD be! You guys look so relaxed and comfortable, not to mention the colors are gorgeous! Masterpiece!!
Beth Griffin
omalle24@aol.com/843-260-3036
HOORAY!!! I finally figured out how to leave a comment…yes, totally blog illiterate! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE # 2!!! The color is beautiful, and it looks so natural vs posed. You are such a cute family… how could you say the farm shoot was a disaster?!? It just looks like a happy & relaxed! I love the kicked back foot, Aron!
Hey Guys!!
I LOVE all of the portraits, but my favorites are #2 and #4! I love the colors in #2 and I love the ranch, western feel it has to it. I also love that it is casual and fun. Out of the beach pics, I love #4 – the waves crashing behind you all as you stand under the pier…stunning!!
#4. I love the way Mak and CB look so coy / Shy but you can tell there is Mischief in their eyes. I have to say I showed the site and pics to my mom while I was in VA last week and she was totally wowed. We are not fond of posed pics in our family (Too Many of us are ADD) 🙂 but all of your shots are AWESOME. You guys have a God Given Gift for sure!!
Aron…I absolutely love #1!! I think it looks so casual and natural!!
I love option #2! 🙂 Also, we wanted to enter the contest too, sooo here’s my e-mail: okellykm@wofford.edu. Keeping my fingers crossed! -Katie O’Kelly
#3 is my favorite! Of course all of them are wonderful, you have such a beautiful family.
😛 Colin, two and four for sure! Those two are awesome…. the colors the setup everything! I want some just like that of us! hint hint please! 🙂
Ok Option #2 is my favorite! the color is amazing and i love the scene and i also love the fact that it is a casual picture! no doubt about #2!!
In the minority, by I love 6! Always a sucker for B&w – it is so forgiving and yet romantic in a whimsical sort of way! Good luck in your decision! They are all great- you can’t go wrong!
Heather showed me where to go and I vote for picture #3. They are all good though!
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