It happens a lot, really. I get a call or an email from a mom or dad asking about photos for their little one. After a little introduction, they so often say “we wanted to get pictures for her 1 year birthday, but things just got so busy and we never got around to it”.

Guys – I am here for that. I am here for your 6 month newborn photos, your 18 month birthday photos and your 8 year old first day of school shots and your we-don’t-have-a-milestone-but-I-love-this-age shoots.

This mama said the same. Her sweet girl celebrated her 1-year birthday a few months ago. And guess what? She was perfect. I imagine this little one will grow up and look back on these photos one day. Maybe she’ll show her own family. Nobody will wonder if she’s 12 months or 14. They’ll talk about how her eyes are the same.

Often we get really caught up in the timelines. It’s normal. But when we take a step back – nobody is going to tsk us for taking photos on either side of a traditional milestone. I am always just so impressed with the families who think to actually take the time to stop and celebrate and freeze time. I mean, I do this professionally and am regularly in awe of the families who shoot with me.

So if you’re waiting for the perfect moment? Don’t. Let’s celebrate what we have today and leave tomorrow for tomorrow. <3

As you may already know, photography is not my primary gig. I work as a school psychologist during the work week and I love my job. Not only is it difficult and rewarding work, I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing people. It is one of those very connections that led to the opportunity to capture this senior session.

To be starting your senior year in 2020 is something I don’t think any of us who aren’t living it can fully grasp. I was so impressed by this young woman. Her poise was astonishingly effortless…my high school self was considerably more awkward and stumbling. She jumped right in to the session and trusted my direction – even when it probably seemed a little questionable 😉

We had a great time together and the time flew by. As I drove home, I was overwhelmed with awe for her and for so many of our young adults. They often don’t get the credit they deserve, but I am feeling increasingly optimistic for our futures.

I first met this little man several years ago at a fall mini session. He was shy but oh so sweet and just picture perfect. I remember swooning that night looking through his images. We met again and again and then his little sister arrived! It’s not easy adding a new baby to the family and then having the world shut down around you.

This year, I was keenly aware of how much my little friend has grown. Not just physically, but in his confidence and personality. He is such a good big brother! This little lady is lucky to have him as a built in friend. I look forward to watching them grow together and seeing how their bond shines over time. <3

One of the best parts about this work is getting to watch the little ones grow. Often I see families for yearly sessions and I get to observe the subtle and not-so-subtle changes that happened since we last met up. This first birthday session was special because I met the birthday girl 6 months earlier.

This little lady was up for the entire adventure. We traveled around the park grounds and played and explored and she was held and tossed and loved on the entire time. We walked around some more and let her explore new settings. She was completely content the whole time!

I love the potential that comes with babies. You look into their wide eyes and see endless possibilities for their future. If I had to guess, I’d guess that this sweet girl’s calm but determined disposition is going to carry her far. She is not going to let others run over her. Nope. She’s a leader – confident, curious, and kind. I’m looking forward to watching it play out 🙂

I think we can all pretty much agree that being quarantined is/was difficult. I think it is made more difficult by trying to manage young children. I feel lucky that my own kiddos are at ages where I can explain things to them and help them understand why things are the way they are. They are old enough to be compliant with masks and all of that. And – the biggest blessing – they play together! I really have no room to complain.

But for all the things I had to adjust to during quarantine, it doesn’t hold a candle to what these new clients experienced. Not only did they have to navigate isolation with a very young child, they did it while pregnant! And then they brought a new little love into the world and all the insanity that accompanies that huge life transition from one child to two was only amplified by social distancing. I was so impressed by them – and that was before I got there.

Big brother was so excited to have someone to show things to and we had a lot of fun playing. Baby sister was the calmest little love and seemed to go with the flow entirely – which is maybe the perfect disposition for a pandemic baby.

Mom and Dad were rockstars. Tired around the edges, maybe, but the love they showed masked it well. I wanted to tell them it was all going to be fine, they will sleep again one day, that regressions are normal and that when they are questioning their every move – they are probably right on track. This parenting gig isn’t for the faint of heart – but these two are already rocking it.