I have a confession to make. It’s been a long, gloomy winter for me. One of my best and oldest friends, my Grammy, passed away. We struggled with the decision on whether or not to move across the country (we’re not, we’re staying!) And if I’m truly honest, my beautiful home simply got messy and chaotic. So, with the warmth of spring on the horizon and the sun that is finally starting to shine again, I’m feeling quite optimistic and more like my old cheery self.
Then when I saw these lovely flowers today at the market, I just knew the clouds were lifting. This tiny bouquet of simple daffodils made me so happy. I knew I had to have them. The moment I got home I pulled out a favorite small glass vase and placed them in a special spot where I can see them all day long. The color. The freshness. The bright green stalks. The sweet aroma. The yellow. Ah, I love everything about these little flowers.
So, now that I’m back blogging, I have to get back to my new year’s drawing. I had promised to send out ten gift cards to ten amazing blog readers as a thank you for a wonderful 2009 and to kick off the new decade. So, the winners of this contest are: rachel olsen, ann westerman, melissa surprise, jane combs, cindy chen, sharon mccafferty, tracy larsen, gwendolyn waite, jen roberts, and rachel clare. The ten dollar gift cards are to my favorite places, including: starbucks, ann taylor loft, trader joe’s, sephora, and the gap. You will each be receiving an email from me notifying you of being a winner, asking your mailing address, and seeing if you have a gift card preference. Maybe we have a few loves in common! Thanks everyone for a wonderful last year, and for a great year ahead!
I loved entering into the peaceful home of this precious 15-week old baby girl and her mommy and daddy who have just been over the moon since her arrival. Sweet miss o was so enjoyable to photograph. Documenting a baby’s early days in her nursery with those who love her like crazy, well, it was a wonderful way to start the new year.
This new mommy is so calm, loving, and gentle with her new baby girl. Images of a mommy and her baby are so special.
This daddy warmed my heart. His adoring eyes and tender love for his little princess is so amazing.
Love these tiny hot pink socks.
Can you believe this little knit dress and lace tights were the mommy’s when she was a baby? I love family heirlooms and when things have special meaning. This is the dress miss o plans on wearing to her upcoming baptism. How beautiful!
In just the hour and half I was there, I felt the strong bond these new parents share with their baby. They adore her and it’s easy to see why!
Such tiny toes and feet.
One of my favorite moments was at the end of our time together when baby was so worn out and tired. Mommy scooped her up in her arms, wrapped her in a blanket, and rocked her to sleep. I was so happy to stay and photograph this behind-the-scenes event that is now so regular and routine in their home as a new family.
It was so wonderful to meet all the kids of this amazing family. They are so charming, kind, sweet, and fun! And I couldn’t believe how excited they all were for our day together. Truly, they made my job so super easy! We started off in their home as the kids proudly showed off their adorable bedrooms and fun toys such as guitars and cameras. Budding photographers we have here in the making! From there, we all jumped in the big mini van together and drove to the quaint town of Lebanon, Ohio. It was a brisk day, and mom was ready with the cutest ensembles of scarves, hats, and sweaters. We sauntered down the streets—pausing for photos in cool alley ways, in front of gorgeous brick walls, and all the textures the town has to offer. Then, when we couldn’t take the cold anymore, what did we do?! Stop for ice cream! It was a welcome treat for all. The kids finished the day playing in the leaves, running on the sidewalks, and just having fun being outside together. I left feeling so inspired and loved and happy. Yes, these four kids can make you feel that way. They are simply that amazing.
It was so fun to be on the other side of the camera! They would each take a picture of me and excitedly show off the portrait.
These kids are so good to each other. I loved documenting their tender interactions.
Could this mom and dad be any more stunning, or in love?! I can feel the romance oozing through these images.
Upon entering this family’s house just before Christmas, I fell in love with all their holiday decorations, burning fireplaces, and huge 16 foot tree. I knew this was a fun, festive family who would be a joy to spend the morning with. And I was right! We had a ball with the three sweet, kind, and playful kids. (Well, the oldest is more like a teen, but he was super cool and really didn’t seem to mind playing with his siblings for a few shots.) Yes, they were all so wonderful. We started the morning focusing on just the littlest guy then moving into images of all three and finally ending with the sister showing off her pink room. From the big round eyes of the baby’s face to the sister’s shy smile to the oldest initiating games and fun, we documented special moments for this very special family. Thanks for a great day.
Posted in • babies •, • children •, • family •, • teens • | Tags: baby, brother, christmas, kids, siblings, sister, teen, tween, • children •
When a mom from New York City contacted me for a session, I was so glad our schedules coordinated. I would be in town that weekend and was happy to squeeze in a session. So, we scheduled our time together and crossed our fingers for good weather. Well, the gods must have been on our side that morning as I woke to a warm sun and gorgeous light. Yes, I knew right then and there it’d be a good day. I then hopped into the cab that would take me to the beautiful old steps that led to the family’s apartment. It wasn’t long before buzzing their front door that I was greeted by the most amazing mom, dad, and kids. They were so friendly, full of smiles, and up for anything. In short, my kind of people! We strolled from their place toward Central Park—stopping along the way to take in the unique architecture, flower shops, bright yellow taxis, and all the things that surround their everyday world. Once in the park, we enjoyed doing things kids love to do such as climbing rocks, jumping in leaves, picking up sticks, and taking a visit to the playground. The park was filled with kids, families, and dogs. It was such a vibrant place to be on such a beautiful day.
Whoever says taxi cab drivers aren’t friendly hasn’t met this one. This guy was so nice to allow us to photograph his cab. Here, he’s making googly faces for little miss j.
This corner flower shop is just a short walk from their apartment. Beautiful!
I love the joy that exudes from these kids’ faces as they walk the city streets they call home.
Ah, the park is loads of fun. Everyone loved playing with the leaves, saying hello to all the doggies, and partaking in the slide and swings. Mr j pretended the big rocks were pirate ships. You had to be on the rocks to be safe from the sharks. Yes, he had quite the imagination. Made our time together even more fun to play!
Thank you p family for being the most gracious hosts. It was a big treat to meet all of you!
I had photographed this family two years ago when I first opened my doors as a photography business. They were such a pleasure, so I was thrilled when they contacted me saying they were expecting their third boy! During my emails with the mom there were a few days of silence. I had figured she went in to have her new baby—and yes, I was correct! During that time I started to clear out my schedule and planned on coming over shortly after their return from the hospital. I consider it such a privilege to be one of the first to run over to a family’s home to meet their newest addition. What a joy! We had a sweet afternoon of photographing, holding, swaddling, comforting, and simply enjoying the freshness of a new baby. Their family of 5 now seems so large and I am beyond happy for them. I think their images turned out as beautiful as their family is together.
Could this baby be any sweeter?
The proud big brothers were so happy to be in the spotlight too!
They were unbelievably loving to their new baby brother. Mom has lots of help on her side!
I love this tender interaction between dad and son. I’m so happy that I got this shot as I saw the moment unfold out of the corner of my eye. Grabbed my camera just in time.
And the big family couldn’t be happier. Congrats to you all again!
The mix of all elements for our session couldn’t be more perfect. The warm autumn air. Sweet as pie boys. Parking lots just waiting to be used as marvelous backdrops. Ice cream cones from the best parlor in town. Mommy & daddy excited and ready for anything. Yes, all the stars aligned for a fantastic session. I truly loved every moment with this family. Looking at the images just reminds me how great they really are as individuals and together as a unit. Glad I had the opportunity to meet and spend the day with them.
This is a classic image to me—all the boys together, yet totally doing their own thing.
I love these individual shots too. These boys were so happy to run around and play. I simply snapped away at them having fun.
Even a dingy old parking lot becomes beautiful when graced with an awesome family. The guard rail was a perfect place for this family to kick back together. I love this setting and image—especially knowing mommy & daddy used to live in this part of town.
These boys are so good to each other. It warms your heart to see.
I adore the casualness of this photo. The boys totally into their ice cream cones while mommy & daddy catch a break. I was so happy it was warm enough for ice cream that day as an end-of-session treat. I mean, how often is it nearly 70 degrees this time of year in Ohio?
Thanks again f family for a great day! Your online slideshow will be ready in just a few days.
When this cool family asked me to take portraits of their soon-to-be three year old on the playground, I knew it’d be a fun day! Mommy, daddy, and little L love to hit the playground scene. And from our time together, I can tell you she especially loves the slide! Happiness swells up inside knowing that we documented such a special time in this toddler’s life. It was pure joy to see her climb the steep steps, freely slide down the slides, swing high in the trees, test out the see-saw, go through tubes, under steps, and just crawl all over having fun. Her facial expressions were of delight, which made me know that during our time together, at those moments, she was exactly where she wanted to be. And that made it all the more sweet. Thank you h family for a really fun day. Oh, and if anyone finds hot pink chucks like that for grown-ups, send them my way!
I looove halloween. There’s always been something about the crisp fall air when little ghouls, goblins and fairies get to fly free in the neighborhood. The sweet stickiness of candy filling the brim of your plastic orange pumpkin. And the way everyone’s excitement lights up the dark streets. It’s all so magical. Soon the sun will be going down and our jack-o-lanterns will come alive with their silly, scary, happy, toothless smiles. Their illumination will brighten the porch, and our hearts.
by Carolyn
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