Amelia Kate

When Jessica contacted me and told me she was expecting and interested in having me photograph her newborn, I was beyond thrilled. I was even more excited when I found out a few weeks later it was going to be a baby girl! All newborns are sweet as can be, but it's always fun to break out some little girl props! Jessica used to be one of my son's teachers at John Adams ECLA, and I have always thought she was just wonderful and would make the best mom. Jessica and husband Steffen welcomed Griffin to their family in early 2012 and now little Miss Amelia Kate has arrived! To say that they have their hands full goes without saying, but these two parents seemed to be handling everything with ease and a sense of humor. Steffen and Griffin got to spend some time together while us girls sweated it out upstairs...literally! Amelia was just perfect and is such a little beauty already. We ended things off with a bit of family time outside and a bit of brother/sister love! Jessica and Steffen, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to document Miss Amelia's first few days and your family at such a special, special time.

foster family of five

I am so happy to finally be able to debut the Foster family on my blog. For one reason or another, a session hasn't worked out in the past, but finally, everything fell into place for me to photograph this sweet family. Mom Melissa first contacted me earlier in the year about scheduling a family session when her youngest daughter Emily would be turning one. When the day finally rolled around, it was so hard to believe that it was possible Emily could already be one. Emily is about 8 weeks older than my little girl...so I'm still in denial that time has gone by so quickly. Melissa told me that her mom had made the girls dresses (which were absolutely adorable!) and the whole family looked perfectly coordinated. Melissa looked beautiful in her red dress, and I couldn't wait to start seeing this family interact with each other. Melissa and Greg definitely have the parenting of three down pat. The kids were really well behaved and polite. Brandon has a bit of shy side that is so endearing, and I could just tell what a sweet, sweet boy he is. Sophie....she's such a little firecracker. I loved seeing her girlyness and silliness come out. Miss Emily...oh how she's loved by this whole family. I loved watching her just look at her brother and sister taking everything in. We had such a beautiful day for these images and I just love the moments we captured. Here's just a few!

the complete picture

One of the biggest compliments I can receive is to have another photographer ask me to take their family's images. I was honored when Wendy (of Malland Photography) contacted me about a session for her family. My daughter was still pretty new at the time, and I was taking some time off. I thought she might decide to use someone else because I wasn't quite sure at what point I would resume shooting, but I was thrilled and touched when she said she would wait for me. I know all to well how it feels to have a ton of pictures of the kids and the kids with their daddy, but with one common theme...mommy (aka the photographer) is missing. My goal with this session was to make sure Wendy was well documented as a member of the family too! :) The last time I photographed the Russells, my biggest memory from the session was how natural everyone was in front of the camera. They were at such ease just enjoying being with each other. They weren't afraid to play, be silly, or just love on one another. This time was no different. I feel like these images are so full of love. Wendy, thank you so much for trusting me to document your family and for being willing to wait for me to be able to do it. I hope you love these and it was worth the wait!

Isaac

This is the Moyer family. I first met Lauren through a mutual friend, and I have really enjoyed getting to know her and Wes a bit over the last couple of years. When they mentioned that they were interested in having me take some images of their new family of three, I couldn't wait! I know these parents were just so happy to finally hold their baby boy when he was born. I caught a glimpse of Isaac Alexander not long after he arrived, but eight months later, my how he's grown!! I couldn't believe his sweet, chubby cheeks! He reminds me of a teddy bear that I just want to squeeze! We decided to shoot the session at the Moyer's house, and it ended up being the perfect place for some images. This is one of those posts that I feel like I need to officially say...I did not do anything to these beautiful blue eyes (or to any other eyes, ever!). In the right light, Isaac's blue eyes just light up...so beautiful! Here's a peek!

Baby Mac

I've been dying to post some of these images since the morning I took them. When I got home and starting going through them, I couldn't resist posting just one. Today, I'm glad to be following up with the rest for a proper sneak peek. This sweet little guy is McConnell Charles...otherwise know as Mac. I think it is the best name, and it seems to suit him just perfectly. This session was given to these new parents as a baby gift (newborn sessions make great baby gifts!), and after hearing the news that baby Mac had arrived, we set up a time for his first photo shoot. I arrived at Ashley and Alan's house and was so excited to see the sweet boy. He was sleeping soundly in his bassinet, and I couldn't wait to start shooting away. Mac was just perfect the entire time. He slept pretty soundly the whole time I was there, and if he was awake, he was so calm and just looked all around taking everything in. He had the sweetest little baby lips, lots of smiles, and I loved his head full of hair. These two parents were also some of the sweetest, most laid back, first time parents I have ever met. They let me do whatever I wanted, and I think they even got a few things done while I spent time with Mac! Ashley and Alan, thank you so much for the opportunity to capture little Mac's first few days. He is just as sweet as can be.