Well, it felt weird without them (Josh Downs is in Afghanistan and Courtney Lee was with her mom.) but we did it and I think we did it pretty well...
A few iPhone shots before we left the house.
And a couple of posed shots before we started knocking on doors.
Ok, I know Cole looks mad in most of these shots, but he was just staying in character. (He was a vampire.)
We went to the same place we always go to (just because I love the neighborhood so much.)
I love that shot.
Cole really was in those last few shots, but his black cape just blended into the darkness.
Hope yours was great.
And if you're reading this Josh Downs...I think I'm doing a pretty good job here, but nothing is the same without you.
She sure looks like an angel....Kisses from Greece!
Elina!
Posted by: Elina | November 03, 2011 at 04:14 AM
Oh how I love looking at your pictures. :) Thanks for sharing. And yes, you are doing a fantastic job keeping the family going while Josh Downs is taking care of our country. Thank you to both of you because your role as his wife is just as important.
Posted by: Alison | November 03, 2011 at 04:43 AM
Karen - Can I scrapbook your photos for you?? Love your pictures.
Posted by: Colleen | November 03, 2011 at 05:08 AM
Those pictures look straight out of a dream! Gorgeous!
Posted by: Jessica W | November 03, 2011 at 05:18 AM
The most beautiful angel I have ever seen!
Posted by: Corrine A. | November 03, 2011 at 05:26 AM
Love that angel costume..my daughter wants to be one next year and I haven't found any good ones..where did you get it?
Posted by: Heather Crawford | November 03, 2011 at 05:52 AM
I love all of them - especially the one of Annie looking over the fence with the lights. Gorgeous!
Posted by: Christy | November 03, 2011 at 06:02 AM
Please share where we can find an angel costume like that! Absolutely stunning photos, as always - LOVE THEM! I check your blog every day hoping you have posted - best blog around!
Posted by: SusanC | November 03, 2011 at 06:03 AM
You're my photography hero. Just saying!
Posted by: Mandy Smith | November 03, 2011 at 06:12 AM
OHHHHH MY GOODNESS!!! these are breathtaking. YOU are amazing! still praying for you guys -- hang in there MOM>
Posted by: Colette | November 03, 2011 at 07:03 AM
These are beautiful! I always love your Halloween pictures.
Posted by: Sharla | November 03, 2011 at 07:18 AM
Oh Wow Karen...the colours, the light, the season...those gorgeous little faces! Those two together are magic together but my favourite, and the one that made me gasp has got to be the one with Annie by the fence.
Like SusanC I check your blog everyday...agree that its the best blog around...esp for the photography.
Sending another Hi! to Josh...
Posted by: Julie in Aust. | November 03, 2011 at 08:47 AM
I love how Cole holds Annie's hand and the one with his arm over her should is so sweet!
Their costumes are great! Love the Cole stays in character for them!
Posted by: Kelli | November 03, 2011 at 09:03 AM
Love all the pics! The kids had great costumes! Hope all is going well! Hugs!
Posted by: Addie | November 03, 2011 at 09:57 AM
Karen... that's the neighborhood where i grew up. i absolutely love that road. did you know, at one point the city of medford almost cut down those trees to widen the road? so many people protested and the beautiful trees were saved. thank you so much for sharing.
Posted by: Libbi M. | November 03, 2011 at 10:38 AM
You did awesome Karen!! The kids were adorable!! Keep your head up!!
Posted by: teresa b | November 03, 2011 at 10:44 AM
I just have to say, wow those costumes are AMAZING - WOW!
Hugs to you - I pray for you and your family often.
Posted by: Susan | November 03, 2011 at 12:31 PM
LOL My 5 yr old was looking over my shoulder and she said, "Ooooh, who's that creeepy looking guy? He looks creepy." She wasn't just happy with knowing that he was a vampire, though. She wanted to know his name. When I told her, she said, "Hi Coley!"
Then she saw Annie's picture and said, "Wow, she's so beautiful and glow-y. Who's she?"
"An angel"
"Yeah, but WHO is she?"
"Oh, Annie."
"Hi Angel Annie."
:)
Gorgeous photos!
Posted by: Sinead | November 03, 2011 at 12:41 PM
You really make these pics look magical...
Posted by: cinback | November 03, 2011 at 12:52 PM
I look forward to this post all year! beautiful pictures! Are there any other trcik-or-treaters around there - it always seems like you have the place to yourselves...
Posted by: allison | November 03, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Best photos ever! Thanks for sharing Karen xx
Posted by: Julia | November 03, 2011 at 01:10 PM
Your Halloween shots always look beautiful and magical. Coley and Annie look awesome. Fun!
Posted by: Tracy | November 03, 2011 at 01:45 PM
great costumes and beautiful photos!!
Posted by: gina f. | November 03, 2011 at 02:16 PM
I wish we could trick or treat in that neighborhood too! There are so many gorgeous fall settings and you got some really amazing shots. Oh and is that the third time you've curled Annie's hair this year now? ;-)
Posted by: Kim P | November 03, 2011 at 02:21 PM
Love their costumes! You never cease to amaze me with your awesome low-light shots.....I really need to take your most recent tutorial!!! :)
Posted by: kat-in-texas | November 03, 2011 at 03:28 PM
Karen, those shots are STUNNING..sure some of the low light ones there wasn't a lot of light but fantastic memories. I love the outfits and the character (Coley). You are very clever and I'm glad you made the effort for the kids sake including doing Annie's hair....which we all know is a special treat. Kathy A (Brisbane, Australia) student
Posted by: Kathy | November 03, 2011 at 04:16 PM
Oh merciful me....these are the very BEST ever. MAGIC!!!
Posted by: janel | November 03, 2011 at 05:14 PM
I was thinking the same thing about Annie's hair! So, where did you find her costume? ..or did you make it? :)Keeping you all in our prayers!
Posted by: Kelly B. | November 03, 2011 at 05:49 PM
you captured such fabulous pictures. my favorite is of annie by the fence w/ the bokeh lights. agree w/ everyone else - love the angel costume. adorable!
Posted by: Lori | November 03, 2011 at 06:16 PM
hi karen, these are just amazing! i come by almost daily, but had to say what a beautiful costume your daughter has! if you should decide to sell, please email me, i would be so happy to purchase it!
erin@yamabe.net
Posted by: erin yamabe | November 03, 2011 at 07:41 PM
Now and then I get a 'girl twinge'...as the mom of two boys, a moment when I just get a little ping of jealously that I won't get to do girl stuff! Don't get me wrong, I am so happy I have boys!! But this post gave me that 'twinge.' Annie's costume is lovely!
Posted by: anne | November 03, 2011 at 08:01 PM
Absolutely adorable. You did very well, Mama!
Posted by: tami | November 03, 2011 at 08:28 PM
Hi Karen!
Your Halloween photos are always just gorgeous...sigh...I could look at them all day long. So crisp and clear and glowy. I just adore them!!
Tell your Josh that my daughter's girl scout troop is collecting Halloween candy to send to our troops...hopefully some of it is coming his way to remind him that everyone is thinking of him and his fellow soldiers and hoping they are home soon.
BTW,, where did you get annie's costume? You always pick the greatest costumes for your kids.
Kim
Posted by: Kim Hastie | November 03, 2011 at 09:21 PM
Your children are so blessed that your are documenting their lives! If they are anything like my daughter, you hear complaining now and again for always having that camera documenting their every move. . .BUT, they will be thankful someday. (: I am in AWE of the evening photo of your daughter along the lit picket fence! Absolutely stunning and amazing.
Posted by: Traci | November 03, 2011 at 09:36 PM
your pictures are amazing! i LOVE annie's costume...so gorgeous!
Posted by: jackie | November 04, 2011 at 05:07 AM
JUST BEAUTIFUL
Posted by: Cindy Welch | November 04, 2011 at 05:29 AM
Oh! those pictures are adorable :-) I love Annie's costume. Where can I get angel wings like her?
Thanks for the halloween picture tips email, it came in handy. I am waiting for a few things in life to settle down so I can dig into your low-light tutorial.
Thanks for sharing so generously :-)
Posted by: shalini | November 04, 2011 at 06:17 AM
These are gorgeous Karen, inspiring really in so many ways...not just the photography which is beyond my imagination but the emotion and feeling in every shot.
Posted by: Barbara Frake | November 04, 2011 at 05:53 PM
Cole was really getting into character by doing his "blending in with the darkness" thing that vampires do. LOL Our prayers are with y'all.
Posted by: Sally | November 05, 2011 at 04:36 PM
OMGosh that is the most adorable angel I've ever seen! Coley is the coolest Vampire too! And your photos just make me drool! We have snow on the ground here and no foliage and our trick or treat has been delayed over a week due to the storm so it doesn't even feel right anymore!
Posted by: Pam | November 06, 2011 at 03:59 AM
Love those pics! They look like they had a really great time trick or treating...I just love how Cole looks out for Annie....soo sweet! :)
Posted by: Anita G. | November 06, 2011 at 01:45 PM
Your photography is amazing. I love seeing your pictures and being inspired.
Posted by: debbie | November 06, 2011 at 05:33 PM
You are so awesome as usual! Love the way you framed the photo of Annie in the right hand corner with the glowing pumpkins and twinkle lights! And the one of Annie with the skittles looks like an Ad!
Posted by: Melinda~ | November 08, 2011 at 04:17 PM
When I read the last of this post it struck me that is EXACTLY how I feel about my hubby. Yes, I could do it all on my own if I had to, but nothing would be the same. I think that is how soul mates are supposed to feel:) Praying for you while yours is far away.
Posted by: Sam | November 10, 2011 at 03:36 PM
So cute!
Posted by: Cv LOve | November 15, 2011 at 04:13 AM
no - really - PLEASE share where you got or how you made that angel costume!! {{love!}} - and, as always - your shots are beyond wonderful, and I love how you share your life with us - thank you!!
Posted by: Adele | January 03, 2012 at 04:13 PM
summertime means it's pouring with rain.That's the UK for you!My new camera and lens were stolen from a burglary at my house this week.It took lots of camera envy during your workshop to buy it,and now I'm back to a point and shoot,again.Just as I'm off to Paris and a holiday with fab light in Spain.
Posted by: ghd flat irons | July 13, 2012 at 01:24 AM