Baby's First Birthday

I remember when my oldest son had his first birthday.  I remember the stress of trying to make it "just right", of having a bunch of people there to celebrate, and to have all the right events take place.  I became so wrapped up in the event itself that I didn't take time to sit back and enjoy the whole process.  I missed out on taking some great photos of him ripping apart his Teletubbies cake, of family and friends watching, and of certain "moments".  I was going through some photos in the garage the other day, and came across some of the photos I did take.  Embarassing!! Nothing good, nothing important.  I wish I had taken time to enjoy the day!  It only comes once in a lifetime. 
That's why I was glad when my good friend, Jodie asked me to take "smash the cake" photos on her son's first birthday.  Jodie got to sit there and watch her son enjoy his first cake (with LOTS of chocolate), and laugh along with him while he was eating it.  It was so sweet to see the interaction with her and Brody, knowing that she was literally savoring every second that she was watching. 
All the pictures that we took turned out so adorable... I just knew that I needed to do a "strip" of photos for her to see the progression of messy face.  I love how Brody's face shows the look of complete joy... after all, who wouldn't be totally excited over eating their very own chocolate cake?!!
When it is your baby's first birthday, consider using a professional photographer (or even just a friend) to take the photos for you.  You will be able to enjoy yourself, and remember certain events much more vividly.  You'll kick yourself for spending

What goes on "behind the scenes"...

Have you ever been curious what happens "behind the scenes" at a photo shoot?  Let me tell you, sometimes what happens behind the lens is more exciting than what happens in front of it!!
For this specific photo shoot, my fabulous friend, Jodie and I wanted to do a concept that would look equal parts amazing and unique.  We came up with a "mermaid" theme, and gathered up our models, Danielle, Nodekah and Mike.  My other good friend, Bill, has a absolutely wonderful home (with a pool) that seemed like it would be the perfect location. 
During the "prep" for the shoot, the weather was ungodly hot.  In fact, in Bill's house, it was probably at least 90 degrees in the bathroom- and with all the hair, makeup and dressing going on, it felt MUCH hotter.  Jodie works well under all kinds of pressure- heat being one of them! And Mike kept his game face on while doing the hair.  No, literally, he has a "face" he uses while doing hair.  :-)
After completing everything, we moved outside to the pool.  The light was fading, and I was afraid the shots wouldn't turn out quite like I was hoping.  As the models got in the water, we were literally attacked by bugs.  They were flying into our noses, our ears, and even into our eyes!! Yuck.  I thought that the bugs would definitely drive us out of the pool.  However, everyone had a great attitude, and we were able to laugh about "working under these conditions".  I seriously couldn't have had a better time if I tried! 
While leaning over the pool, and trying to get "just the right shot", I noticed that things weren't working out perfectly as far as the angles went.  So... since I didn't have a bathing suit, I decided to strip down to my bra and underwear and join them in the pool!! And, as you can see, the shot, the angle, the lighting, and everything else involved came out just right.  I was ecstatic!  When you get the right shot, when your models are so amazing, and when you work with the right group of people, the finished product is almost breathtaking.  Just to know that I can be a part of all of this, enjoy myself, and hang out with such incredible people is really rewarding.  I love what I do!! Including the bugs.  :-)

Feeling sexy and beautiful at any size!

Meet my good friend, Brittany.  She is someone who has avoided having her pictures taken because she is a BBW (big beautiful woman).  I finally was able to convince her to let me take her pictures... but her agreement contained certain specifications- I couldn't photograph below her shoulders, and they had to be "close up".  I agreed, because I felt like I could give her some images that she would absolutely fall in love with.  And not only that, but she would have some photos that her husband would show off to everyone he knows!! After she started feeling a little more comfortable with herself, and after realizing that she looked amazing, she really let loose, and we started having some fun!! She has some amazing looking tattoos, and I really wanted to highlight those, since those are part of her.  With a minimalist look with her makeup and her hair down, the images turned out amazing!! I don't think they would have looked quite the same if she had put on heavy makeup or tried to cover herself.  Instead, the focus is brought to her eyes (and they are absolutely AMAZING eyes at that), and you are able to see what a truly beautiful woman she is. 

I think that too many times, we as women, are too concerned about what we "should" look like instead of what we DO look like.  We are not all supermodels.  We are not all a size 0 or have perfect skin.  However, if we are comfortable with ourselves, and accept that beauty is not defined by our size or by our looks... we then become TRULY beautiful.  We become self- accepting, self-tolerant, and appreciative of what makes us unique.  In doing this, our own confidence and radiance shines through. 

Remembering your Children...

It's hard to believe that my baby is going to be 11 soon.  I sometimes sit back and wonder where the time went!  Instead of a spunky, red-headed, freckle faced toddler, now she is a spunky, red-headed, freckle faced young woman!  I'm blessed enough to have a camera (and a little bit of talent) where I can capture just a small snippet of her life.  Even if I am only able to capture a brief glimpse of her childhood, it will give me something to look back on when she is grown and has her own life to live.  Photos are such a precious thing to have- they are truly what stays with you to remember everyday events.  Take the time and the energy to have portraits taken of your children! Don't settle for portrait studio quality... capture them in their natural elements and remember them for who they are- not what the photographer wanted them to look like!