Together

This crew lives in separate cities and visited Dallas over the holidays. We met up to get some photographs of everyone all together, and of course, the little guy was the star of the show. Watching an extended family enjoy the life and light a small child brings allowed me to see a freshness and joy on the faces of all involved. I liked hearing memories and stories as we did the session. When clients share a bit of who they are it consistently makes me feel grateful that I get to be a part of helping capture their story visually. In a few years there may be new partners and children; there will certainly be new adventures and life change. Over Christmas in 2013, though, a spread-out family gathered and took a bit of time within that gathering to preserve a memory of who they are right now. The end result? The unique beauty of one family doing their thing. I am excited to share a sneak peek.

Happy Birthday, August!

August Emanuel arrived on December 8 at 1:27 pm, weighing in at 9 pounds, 3 ounces. Dallas was a sheet of ice, and his mama texted me from Austin at around 9 am that she thought it was time. I don't normally take birth clients in Austin, but Augie's parents are friends. We did the same song and dance just two years ago for his brother Beau's birth. Beau, also a December baby, didn't arrive in the middle of an ice storm. I made it to Beau's birth. I didn't make it to Augie's. I hopped on a plane as soon as Erika texted, and I arrived just as Augie went to the nursery for his newborn exam and bath. The first thing I noticed about Augie was the way his dad couldn't take his eyes off of him. The second thing I noticed was what a chunky little man he was. I shot photographs throughout the rest of the day and a few the next day as well, and of this tiny-but-not-tiny newborn, I'll say this, he fits right into the family to which he was gifted. His brothers doted on him from the moment they met him. His parents' arms were well prepared to receive a third beautiful boy. His grandparent's beamed and then beamed some more. And Augie, in typical newborn form, mostly slept through it all. I stare at these photos and see the miracle of birth and the wonder of love and the joy of new life, and I am both honored and mesmerized that I got to be there.

Augie is already growing and changing, but these photographs mean we stopped, time, at least visually. I am thankful I got to be the one to capture these images, even though I missed the actual birth. So much goodness to behold here...

Oh, K!

Sweet Baby K made my day with her big smiles, and oh my goodness, her eyes shine so bright. She seemed so happy to be passed between her mom and dad and found their antics quite entertaining when it was time for her solo photographs. I love seeing how a baby brings out the best in her parents, and that was the case at this session. This mom and dad are so in love with their baby girl, and that love looks good on everyone. So enjoyed a cold, beautiful Bishop Arts shoot with this crew.

A Winter Morning

It's not often that a Dallas session means bundling up for cold weather. That said, last weekend was a total freezing rain out, and when this crew rescheduled, it meant a cold morning-before-Thanksgiving session around the Bishop Arts District. Camille was such a trooper, wrapping her hands in her scarf between takes. Camille is such a young lady, full of poise and grace. She has a big laugh and beautiful smile.I love the simple interaction and felt love in these photographs. The weather may have been cold, but I have no doubt that hearts were warm.

Three's Company

When we scheduled this session, the hope was to get some photographs of these guys at home, doing their thing. That's just what we captured, and it's so fun to look at these photos and see three little ones being themselves. With two-year-old triplets, the only thing I was sure of going into the session was that I'd spend the entire session on the move. These three? Their little voices and interactions are really sweet, and as long as we kept signing and dancing and peek-a-booing, everyone had fun. As it turns out, even family dog Rookie willingly participated. While it was fun to be able to see the session go as planned, what I love about these images is the genuine smiles and laughs and love that shows up in the babies piled on the bed and with favorite books being read. By the time I left, three little pairs of arms volunteered hugs, and sweet little Liam gave me a kiss. Already looking forward to next time!

Getting Upgraded!

This little man is getting upgraded to big brother in a few short months, so I was excited to get to do one more session while he's flying solo. Jack was one of my newborn clients, and now he's a very busy two! That meant the session was spent going, going, going, and I'm glad I got to see who he is right now. Jack is enthusiastic and opinionated, but when his mom and dad asked him to do something (mostly stop running...as twos are prone to do) he would stop and think about it. And usually he turned around. And came back. This kid is smart. And adorable. Love this sneak peek.

Niece

To say my family is enamored with this little girl is an understatement. We are in love. So. In. Love. Just thought that love should be shared. She was here over Halloween (hence the Pebbles costume), and every minute together was a treasure.

Beautiful Baby Bump

I got to meet this sweet mama last week, and we talked about her soon-to-arrive (December!) baby girl. The anticipation of welcoming her first daughter showed all over her face. We had a perfect afternoon for taking photographs. I can't wait to do newborn photos in just a few short weeks. This tiny baby is already well-loved and so wanted.

Everybody, All Together

My mom's family hired a photographer every few years to update family photograph to include the ever-increasing number ofnew additions. I remember both the photo shoots and looking through the proofs of those sessions time and again as a child. When Kate contacted me about photographing her husband's extended family when everyone was in town, I thought back to those sessions and was excited to get to work with a family to capture a glimpse of who they are in 2013. We gathered at the park and did the song and dance of trying to keep the little ones' attention. Everyone laughed a lot (well, the baby only laughed a little, as sometimes happens with babies...). All in all, it was a fun morning, and I wanted to share a sneak peek.

These Littles

Has it been six years since I nannied tiny baby twins? I was just starting my photography business and needed extra income. What I didn't know was that I also stood to gain a four-for-one deal of friendships that have so enriched my life. They are the reason I started going to Massachusetts. I had to watch the littles grow. I am so grateful that we have remained in touch. This year the entire trip was marked by seemingly endless rain, so we didn't capture as many formal photos as is typical, but I still love these images. They are real life and full of beauty.

Here Come the W Three

Three-and-a-half years ago, my sister and I met the W family on a flight to Kentucky. The triplets were babies, and we wound up sitting across the aisle. We visited a bit on the flight and a few months later, I got to do their photos for the first time. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, and I met up with my favorite trio of four-year-olds to update their photos. They are so full of life and personality, and I think they are the smiley-est kids I know. I just adore this family, and I just adore these photographs. So much life and love to see. I pulled a photo from each of their previous sessions this morning, and I love seeing how these three have grown and changed. One thing has stayed the same: they are such cuties!

It's a Moment in Time

A visiting grandma and a soon-to-be developed empty field moved the timeline of this session up a bit. "It's a moment in time," Christie said when she booked the shoot. Their neighborhood is undergoing constant change these days, so we used a place that has been special to their family before it goes away. Everything about this session shouts of everything that matters about family photos. It's not that the light was perfect, though it was. It's not that the location was ideal, though it was. It's not that the dog cooperated, though she did. It's that everyone showed up, as themselves, and let me catch a glimpse into the world that makes a family work. It may have been a moment in time, but I suspect that empty field or not, there are endless moments of stories to be captured of life being lived well for this crew. They just fit. I'm glad I got to capture a glimpse.

Everyone, All Together

Watching this little guy grow up has been a privilege, so getting to see him surrounded by so many loved ones was a great way to spend an afternoon. While I love all the images from this session, the photographs with Grandpa just melt my heart. They are so taken with each other. I love when love so easy to see.

Introducing Zane! {Dallas Newborn Photographer}

I met Zane on his 10th day earthside, and he snuggled up right away. That said, he was one of the easiest newborns I've worked with, maybe the easiest ever. I love how wide-eyed he was, and I loved seeing how naturally his parents have transitioned into parenthood. I'm excited to watch this little guy grow.

This is what amazing looks like.

This session? So much love and goodness and beauty. I always love photographing families, but these images overwhelm me. Is there anything better than witnessing what is good and right and true in the world? These guys give me a picture of that.

Blythe is 1!

Blythe belongs to great friends, so I loved getting to celebrate her first birthday. We did these photographs the day before her birthday, and it was a gorgeous, perfect day for photos. The girls played and picked flowers and laughed, and the color of spring so complimented the celebratory atmosphere of the session. It was a wonderful way to celebrate a precious baby girl.

A Quick Family Update

I did Porter's newborn session on a day when his big brother was sick. On Mother's Day, we got together again to update the family photos to include everyone, and I love that fifteen minutes at the park resulted in so many images that I love. I wasn't planning to blog these but as I finished them up this afternoon, I couldn't help myself. Such a sweet little session of such a sweet family...

Triple Threat!

I wanted to photograph these triplets since a friend started nannying for them after I joined her for a play date. They are as unique as can be but somehow fit right together, just so. Toddler multiples require a lot of patience, and their mom and dad (and aunt) showed up ready to go. I cannot help but smile going through these images. I just love them. Just a quick sneak peek to close out the week...

Life is Wonderful

I've been celebrating the lives of these little guys with my camera for the last couple of years. They recently moved into a new home, and we got to update their photos in their new space. This is a family that delights to be together, and I love the way that shines through in these images. The boys are all boy, and their parents and grandparents revel in being with them. It's the good stuff of life.

Happy Birthday, Luke! {Dallas Birth Photographer}

On Sunday, April 14, Luke made his way earthside. The miracle of new life humbled and awed everyone involved. His mama amazed me, and his dad and big brothers were so proud. It is such an honor to witness a birth, and these photographs illustrate everything about why I love doing what I do. If you are interested in having your birth photographed, please do not hesitate to contact me!