I am dreadfully behind on blogging. Per the usual, blogging goes by the waist side. This sweet family is expecting their baby any day and I can't wait! Enjoy.
It is so interesting how life brings people together. It is all a matter of chance really. Things just align in the right way to match us up with others. But in some instances, it just seems like it is meant to be. That was the case when we met the Briggs family six years ago. We had just moved to Seattle with our nearly two year old, new jobs, new home, and not one friend who had children. I will admit, I felt a bit lonely in the mom world I was living. Thankfully, we joined cooperative preschool, a decision that has enriched our lives in so many ways, we found our community through co op. On the first day of school I looked over and realized that I recognized one of the moms from my husband's beginning of the year work party. Phebe and I realized that our husbands worked together and by chance we were also in the same cooperative preschool. Total coincidence. The past six years our families have grown close and our husbands still work together. Phebe and I have supported each other through the many waves of mothering. We have very similar parenting styles and that can be hard to find in a mama friend. When I need to vent I know I can send her a text and that she will completely understand. When I feel like I am screwing up my kids I can check in with Phebe and she will reassure me that they will be fine. Our families often get together and the kids run wild while us parents have a glass of wine (or 5) and just relax. We have taken multiple little vacations together and I even had the privilege of being present at the birth of their sweet baby girl. All in all, this has been such a special friendship that I know will continue to grow.
I have photographed them on numerous occasions but this shoot is my favorite. When I flipped through the final gallery a smile was plastered on my face. I can feel the life and love of their family when I look at these photographs and that is all I can hope for in my work.
This little guy is the newest addition to my husband's side of the family. He belongs to my husbands first cousin. I was flattered when they asked me to come in and capture this very important time in their lives. I met baby Zachary on a rainy Seattle Saturday morning. His big brother and daddy were out at a birthday party so it was just his mommy and I in the beginning. I marveled over how tiny he was and how sweet. He made the cutest little noises. He brought me back to my NICU nursing days when I got to spend time with tiny babies all the time. These little humans are amazing really. Such a perfection. I was able to capture him and his mama for a while and then get lots of newborn photos of him alone. Then his brother arrived and he was super excited to have his photos taken with his baby brother. You can see in the photos that is is absolutely bursting with pride for his little brother. He reminded me of my son when he was only three and we had our second. Three year olds have so much energy and excitement for life.
Newborn photography is so rewarding. I love getting to step into the home during this time in a family's life. So many changes going on and it is such a joy to capture it. Newborns don’t stay small for long. Before you know it they fill in those skin folds, stretch out those limbs, and open those eyes. Enjoy this little guy and his beautiful family.
This whole session was edited with my new Photoshop action set “Indoor Love.” It is a complete set that works well with all types of indoor light and it includes black and white conversions as well. You can find more information about my actions and other opportunities for photographers by clicking on the following button.
I met baby Marley on a sunny Seattle Sunday morning. I walked into their home and immediately felt welcome. Baby Marley is the third baby to join her family so they all seemed very laid back. Of course, big sister, who is only two, was still adjusting, but that is always to be expected. I try to be very sympathetic to the toddlers in the family when a new baby arrives. Their whole life just changed in a big way, but what they don’t know is that not only is there a new baby in the house but a new best friend. Her big brother was so gentle and loving. He reminded me a lot of my boy. He held her and cooed at her so sweetly, it made my heart burst. Mom and dad had a smile on their face the whole time, in complete love with their new baby girl and with the new rhythm of their family. Baby Marley was peaceful and sweet, only crying a tiny bit to be fed and changed. She cuddled happily in her family's arms and so obviously enjoyed all the love surrounding her. Newborn photography is a very special privilege. I am being invited into the home during a very emotional and fleeting time and I do all I can to capture it for all it’s beauty and simplicity. I no longer “pose” newborns, but rather find positions that are natural to them and comfortable. Newborns don’t need to be posed or surrounded by props. They are absolutely perfect just as they are, pure and natural, fresh and new. The cleanest of slates.
I enjoyed every moment with this sweet family. I came home feeling warm and peaceful. This little one is so loved. Such a beautiful start to what is bound to be a wonderful story. Welcome to the world, Marley. I am so glad to have met you.
Hey friends! I am super excited to share this family with you all. The mother, Amy, and I have really had a chance to get to know each other this past year but I had yet to meet her family. I really looked forward to our session together as it had been on the books since this past November. Well, typical for spring in Seattle, we have had a good combo of sunny days and rainy days. We had to reschedule once because of the rain but went ahead with the session on the new date even though it was cloudy and a bit chilly. I find it interesting how the weather really sets the tone for a session. I know these boys are active and love to explore, like most boys, however the chilly weather made them turn into their comfort, their family and we ended up with a much more cuddly session. My guess is that had it been sunny they would have been much more rowdy.
Our session began a bit strange with Dad helping an old man who was lost in the parking lot. It made if very clear to me just how he is both kind and selfless. Then, we played, looked for crabs, threw some rocks, and they snuggled with the best of them. There were lots of hugs and kisses. Even though it was in fact chilly, I felt their warmth the whole time and I think these images speak to their bond and closeness.
I will admit…I take a lot of photos. Once, when I was still finding my way in photography, I would spend hours culling, trying to get down to that “magic” number that my peers were telling me that my galleries need not exceed. Well guess what? Who cares! I am a storyteller. Some single moments have 30 images and I am not ashamed of that and you shouldn’t be either. Be the artist you want to be. Take the photos you want to take. Your work will be richer and mean more to you and the families you photograph if you put your heart and soul into it. And if that means taking a million photos, then do it. So here is a sample of this family's huge gallery. I hope it warms your soul a little as it sure did mine.
