Last weekend I got to photograph Mattie and her friends and family at her 13th birthday party. These girls had so much fun! They had me cracking up all night. Before everyone got there I pulled Mattie and her sister aside for a little photo shoot. Hope you had a blessed birthday Mattie! I am praying for God's blessings on you as you continue to grow in His Grace!
Last night I got to photograph our best friends family's gender reveal! Right now the playing field is even. One boy and one girl. But all that is about to change. Which way is it going to go? Check it out below!
Two points for the boys!
Two points for the girls!
Time for this to be settled in an old fashioned game of tug-of-war!
The girls are looking strong.... 
...but so are the boys!
OHHHHH, looks like the girls are gaining strength!
GIRLS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!
It's a girl!
Congratulations Shields family!!! We are so excited for you and what the Lord has in store for your precious family. So excited to meet baby girl Shields in January!
I felt right at home last week at this little guys session since I chase a 3 year old around with my camera all the time at home! I love this age. Maybe it's because I have a 3 year old but I just think they are so funny and full of life! And Cedar is just so stinkin' cute! I mean, come on, that hair! those lashes! those eyes! I'm looking forward to a session this fall with Cedar's whole family (he's the baby of 6!).
I am so excited to get to share baby Hudson's newborn photos with you today! I have absolutely loved getting to know this family. We just clicked from the start and being around them is so relaxed and comfortable. I got to meet up with Stephanie and Taylor a few weeks ago at their maternity session and last week got to meet their sweet baby boy, Hudson. I have loved getting to know ya'll a little bit and look forward to getting to see your family grow! Enjoy these sweet images of your precious boy...
Ms Audrey is 3 months old! I've been able to photograph her since she was in her mama's tummy and when she was itty bitty brand new. She was so sweet at our session and I am really looking forward to watching her grow more this year. Isn't she a doll!?!!
Just a little peek at this newborn session from the other day. I am so in love with this session. I can't wait to share it all with you guys. Until then....
What a gorgeous night we had last week to photograph this pretty little bump! I had a great time getting to know this sweet family at our session and can't wait to meet baby girl in just a few weeks! Enjoy!
Want to see more of my maternity photography? I'm so glad you asked! :) You can see it here.
I am so excited to get to share with you today this precious birth story. I met Courtney at our prenatal appointment just a week before delivery and I knew I was going to click with her and her family. We have a lot in common and it was truly an honor to be able to document her birth story. I was so happy that her husband Brad got to be there since we were unsure if he would be in town when she went into labor. He was a wonderful support to her during her labor. He kept her smiling and laughing all through her labor, even at 9cm!
Courtney did such an awesome job during her labor and birth. She had a goal to achieve a natural, drug free birth and she totally did it! I am so proud for her! Welcome to the world Lucy B! You are blessed to be a part of a precious family that loves you more than you'll ever know.
Check out the video of the Collins family's birth story at the end of this post. The music in the video is being used with permission and by Matthew Perryman Jones.
https://vimeo.com/72312373
Just a little sneak peek from my day today...
I am always trying to improve in my photography skills. I am a natural light photographer and sometimes indoor natural light can be a challenge. Since I do all my newborn sessions in my clients homes, I never know until I get there what kind of light will be available to me. We recently moved to a new home and we love it but it unfortunately doesn't have the best natural light in the summer because we are surrounded by thick woods. So recently I've been thinking, what better place for me to practice my indoor natural lighting skills than in my own home. So today I had my best model help me out before nap time. :) This was the result of todays exercise and I loved the way it turned out. Hope ya'll have a great weekend.
There is nothing more wonderful and life-changing than having a baby. And there is nothing like those first days at home with your baby. Um yeah, there is the sleep deprivation part but who remembers that when it's all said and done ;). I remember the first days home with my babies so well and I treasure my newborn photos of each of them. My approach to newborn photography is mostly shaped by the images I love the most of my own babies and our family. I always do my newborn sessions in your home where you are most comfortable and relaxed. It is my goal at our session to give you portraits of your family and baby as well as lifestyle images that display real emotion.
There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for your newborn session...
It's best to book your newborn session during your pregnancy before your baby is born or at your maternity session with me. I always try to shoot my newborn sessions within the first 10 days so it's best for me to have you on my schedule before hand so I can be sure to leave extra availability around your due date. This timeframe is really important because that's when babies are super sleepy and this is usually before baby acne shows up. After you have your baby and get home and settled, give me a call. We'll set up a specific time for me to come over and do your session within the 10 day timeframe.
If your baby is already past this timeframe we can still do your newborn session, it's just good to keep in mind that our session might be a little different. As babies get older, they being to stretch out a bit more and sleep a bit less so sometimes it is harder to get those squishy, sleepy images. One great thing about older newborns is ROLLS!
Newborn sessions take more time than a family or maternity session. I usually allot 2-4 hours for my newborns so that there is plenty of time for baby to be fed and changed during the session. When it comes to poop and spit up...it happens! It ALWAYS happens. Just another reason I allow for extra time in our session to clean up life's little messes :). It's best for you to feed baby right before I arrive so we are ready to go when I get there. Also bump the heat up in your house. A warm and full baby make for a happy baby.
When it comes to wardrobe, I love the look of light, soft neutrals on mom and dad. Pops of color look nice as well. Whatever you do, choose an outfit that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. Remember that some clothing can look bulky and cumbersome on newborns. True newborn sized onsies, swaddling blankets and diaper covers are great options to have for baby and of course it's great to photograph baby with no clothes on. Theres nothing sweeter than new baby skin! If you have any textured blankets, knit throws or family quilts, it's great to grab those and have them out before hand. Besides a few blankets and a couple hand knit hats, I rely on things you have in your own home for props. Your own things always have more meaning when you look back on photos. So, if you have something in mind for a prop make sure you plan ahead for that. Etsy is a great place to look for handmade hats and diaper covers.
Be sure to relax and have fun at our session! Let me catch you giving your baby eskimo kisses, feeding her, rocking her, snuggling in your bed together as a family and holding him in daddy's strong arms. These are sure to be images you will treasure for years to come.
I hope this has given you a look into my approach to newborn photography. If you want to see some of my latest newborn sessions, you can see that here. Please feel free to contact me for more information and if you have any questions. I hope to work with you and your family soon!
I had such a great time this weekend with this gorgeous + sweet couple at our maternity session. This mama was awesome to work with. #1 she's beautiful #2 she was very adventurous! All you have to do is scroll down to see what I mean... I can't wait to see these 2 in a few weeks and meet their sweet baby girl. 
I little while back I got to meet this sweet baby girl and her wonderful Momma + Daddy. It just so happened to also be their 5th wedding anniversary! I had a great time getting to know this very special family. Blessings on you guys in your journey as a new family!
Oh. My. Stars. This is how I spent my VERY early morning this morning. Major props to this gorgeous mama who was willing to meet me at literally the crack of dawn to get in the lake! I can't wait to get through all of these beautiful photos but for now, here's a little peek! Be sure to follow my facebook page so you can see them when they're all done. Enjoy!
Yesterday I got to meet up with a beautiful mama who had just had belly henna done. The very talented artist, Stephanie Gentry, just joined up with Open Heart Doula Service to provide this service to clients as well as belly casting. What a fun way to remember your pregnancy! We are working on a date to combine a belly henna and a mini maternity session together. Please contact me if you are interested as there will only be a few spots.
This week my 2 nieces came to stay with us. I can't believe how they've grown up! And wow, they have grown up to be such beautiful girls. I've had a lot of fun with them this week and I've had so much fun taking photos of subjects who stay still :) Here are a few of my favorites from last night.
I had the best time getting to meet Stephanie and Taylor and their furry child Sophie for a maternity session this week. Stephanie is a beautiful momma (as you can see!). You guys are so much fun and I'm so excited for you! I can't wait to meet baby Hudson in a few weeks. I fully expect you guys to be expert snugglers the next time I see your family! :)
I have a love/hate relationship with cloth diaper. The hate part is the obvious...the washing and the spraying. But this is all about the love. The. Cuteness. I admit it. I confess. I love cloth diapering because it's just so stinkin' cute. Ok, I do love it for other reasons but the fact that they're so cute doesn't hurt. Most of Ellie's diapers are the same one's we used with Beck but I recently found out about Oh Sew Smitten's diapers and got some for little sis. I love them because they are so adorable, they are super breathable and they are incredibly well made. If you cloth diaper you should totally check her out. Support a WAHM who does fantastic work!
Hope it was a good one at your house. We celebrated with homemade fudge pops! Have a great weekend!
