carolyn bowles photography blog

This sweet family of five just returned from living in Geneva, Switzerland for a few years. They are now back in Cincinnati living in temporary housing while their gorgeous new home is being built, and just couldn’t wait to squeeze in a session before their baby turns one year old. I’m so glad they didn’t hesitate! We had the most fun session, and I adore the images we documented of all three kids. This first photo is the very first one I took of our summer evening session. Yes, this baby was simply tickled pink to be placed in the thick soft grass. Of course at that moment, I knew we’d have a good time together and hit it off.

The older brother and sister had fun running around playing together too. This whole family was so good to each other, it was a joy to be around them all. I just love their happy little faces!

Here are some sweet black and white ones of the littlest sister. She was all over the place exploring the grass, my camera, mulch, and anything she could get her tiny hands on. I loved her energy and spunk and go-with-the-flow attitude. What a sweetheart! I am so glad we got these baby portraits in before she starts walking and becomes a full-fledged toddler. There’s nothing quite like the first year of life.

We ended the night with a splash in the baby blow-up pool and a few cool treats of popsicles. And, it was mommy’s birthday, which made it all extra special. Thanks L family for having me over. Your full gallery will be finished this weekend!

View full post »

Mother’s day is this weekend and I just couldn’t wait to share this beautiful gift a dad of five boys ordered for his wife. He wanted to do something really special for her, and wow, did he ever! Isn’t this canvas wall gallery simply divine? It’s 7 individual canvases displayed together for a clean, modern look. I know it’s a gift his wife will treasure for years to come. I’m so happy to have photographed their family, and helped pull together such a magnificent surprise. Enjoy K family, and happy mother’s day to all the fabulous mommies out there.

View full post »

I was really happy to photograph these adorable twin sisters shortly after they celebrated their first birthday. These sweet little girls and their mommies were so much fun to spend the day with at their lovely home. We had tons of fun playing with toys, tickling on the bed, and going outside to pick dandelions. And, while these twins don’t exactly look alike, I still can’t get over their stunning blue eyes. These girls truly are beautiful in more ways than one.

I love this family portrait in front of a fun yellow wall. In fact, it’s the outside of their mid-century home. Gorgeous.

I also couldn’t stop snapping away at all the fun artwork in their home. I love the above piece titled “sisters” as it’s so fitting for these two girls. I also love the “rowdy” sign that prominently hangs in their baby nursery as well as all the other unique collections they have displayed on several walls.

This smiling sister was the quiet, reserved one throughout the session. I love in this image that she just can’t contain herself and starts to giggle. She really shines in this family portrait and I love that. Can’t you just feel the fun?

We lucked out with a beautiful day where we got to go outside and bask in the gorgeous sun streaming through the trees. We sat the girls in a wonderful patch of dandelions — some were picked, some were eaten. I love sweet memories like that with one-year olds.

Thank you ladies for a perfect day.

View full post »

I had the joy of photographing a beautiful spring baby girl the other day. At only 7 days old, she was so happy to snuggle, sleep, and eat. My kind of girl! Thanks B family for inviting me into your home during these special early days. It was an honor to be one of the first meet her and welcome her into this world.

This first image is one of my very favorites. I can’t stop looking at it. She’s so beautiful and peaceful. And, oh how I love that baby skin. Those cute cheeks resting on her tiny hands while all bundled in a soft pink blanket. Swoon.

And I love those tiny fingers and toes. Does it get much sweeter than this?

Some beautiful black and white portraits. I love that she was both awake and asleep — we got some great variety in our shots.

And I love mommy and daddy kissing here with their newest addition in their arms. What a loving family. You’re off to a fantastic start as a unit of three!

Thanks again for a lovely morning. It was a perfect start to the weekend.

View full post »

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.

View full post »

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.

View full post »

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.

View full post »

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!

View full post »

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!

View full post »

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.

View full post »