This session was a change of pace for me. The complicated part was not getting my subjects to stay in one place, it was figuring out how to use the very bright sun. Even when the subjects were with their backs to the sun, the reflection from the sand (and/or my reflector/diffuser) was still very bright. Full sun photos like this remain a challenge to me. This was a great family to work with, although I felt a little clueless when it came to talking to kids whose ages are in the double digits! ;)

It makes such a huge difference to be at an outdoor location at the right time of day. I often tell clients that for an outdoor session to have the best outcome, it should be early morning or early evening. In the summer, the morning is great also because the temperature is still bearable. The main reason for this is the quality of the light. It's just perfect. This family was happy to meet me at 8am. Sounds early, but in arriving at that time, there aren't any harsh shadows on their faces and there isn't any squinting. These siblings are super sweet.

These twins gave me a run for my money! It was so hard to get them to stay together for a one-year photo. I was hoping for even better than this, but anyone who has a toddler knows how hard it is to get one to stay still, can only imagine how hard it is to get two of them to stay still! Maybe they will be easier at 18 months ... but I'm not so sure! :)

And here is the precious baby boy...

Within the last two months, two women that I have gotten to know through my MOMS Club, have had new babies. They were very kind to let me practice my photography on their babies. Both met up with me within the first 14 days of their new babies lives (the optimal time to get sleepy newborn photos). Thank you ladies.

Here is the first sweet newborn...

If you look back at my blog to last August/September, you'd see a teeny-tiny little baby girl. She was anxious to come into this world, so she arrived prematurely by about 3 months. Last week, my niece turned 8 months old. I was finally able to meet her and photograph her when I was with my family for Easter. She is the SWEETEST thing!!!! Without further ado...

Here are a few more pictures from a recent session. These brothers have a ton of energy and were so fun to be around. Who knew that the younger one would bring on the smiles when we asked him about how he brushed his teeth!! :) His parents are thrilled that I got pictures of him smiling (me too!).

I was super excited to process this photo because I just love it. The day I shot it, I knew I had it just right and I love that feeling! This is actually the last image I shot of these brothers. It was a very laid back session in our neighborhood and the boys did a great job for me. I can't wait to see what their parents think!

Just sharing a recent picture of my family. Living the dream...

A recent favorite...

Here is a 2 year old boy with lots of 2 year old boy energy! He was on the go almost from the moment we met up at our location. Mom really wanted to capture him as he is (which is good, because "fast" and "on the move" are two ways to describe two year old boys!) in an outdoor setting. We were hoping for a few of him with his big brother, but he was the focus of our session. 

It really is difficult to guarantee parents that I will get them the perfect image of young siblings together. I appreciate that all my clients thus far are understanding about this. I try my hardest - but in this type session, keeping my style in mind, you may not get the "everyone looking at the camera at the same time with a perfect smile" type shot - it's just not me (and really it isn't most children under the age of 4).  :)

I love his eyes in this first picture...

This post is long overdue! I was so thankful to have been able to do this session. Newborns are not always easy to come by when you are just starting out in the photography business.  I approached this beautiful family about doing the session about a week or so before little miss G arrived. We scheduled our session for her 15th day of life - which is actually considered late for a newborn! She was very open to the session though and slept nicely for us for a little while! Enjoy the pics - quoting her mom - "She's yummy!!"

Happy New Year! I am having a slow start to 2009. After all the holiday craziness, I have decided to take some time to enjoy my first job again - being a mother. 

I have learned a lot during my first year in business as a photographer. The biggest thing, is that I am not ready to do it full time. I am still taking clients but will be limiting my sessions and appointments. I am lucky enough to stay home with my babies and I am not willing to give that up just yet.

If you are interested in doing a session with me, please take the time to look through my blog and at my website. Be sure that my style fits with what you are looking for from your session. Then please email me or call me and I will be happy to set up a session. If you know you want a session for a certain time/month - contact me as early as you can to set it up.

I am looking forward to a great year!

The photos below are of sweet Miss P. She looks so sweet in her Christening gowns. I did two sessions with this family, one before the holidays and one after. Our first sessions got off to a rough start as Miss P did not sleep the night before. I am happy to say that the second session was much better. It is amazing the difference that a good night's sleep will do for babies!!!