Love Looks Like Goodness

This collection of photographs reminds me that love looks like the goodness of interaction: laughter and joking, encouraging words and embracing arms. When I meet a family, I try to see what is beautiful about their dynamic. Elementary aged boys aren't always the most enthusiastic photo session participants, but Harrison came with stories to tell about Harry Potter (he loves Ron Weasley) and mountain biking and adventurous eating. His parents came with easy conversation and friendly banter. White Rock Lake makes a great backdrop for a Dallas family photo session, and it was the perfect location to illustrate this beautiful family who showed up ready to be themselves in front of the camera. I a grateful I had the opportunity to work with them.

A New Sister Makes A Big Brother

A couple of weeks ago, I met week-old Lucia for her newborn session and returned over the weekend to take some family photos. That meant I got to see Lucia's proud big brother Luigi dote on his sister. Luigi is a super high energy guy, and he made it very clear to me that he loves his sister. He was eager to snuggle up beside her and as gentle as a four-year-old can be when he kissed her. I never tire of seeing the interaction between siblings, and this session did not disappoint. Luigi and I spent a few minutes playing outside as well, and pretty much all this kid wanted to do was laugh. I'm a fan of little ones who think I'm hilarious, so that worked out well. I think photos are so valuable, as they provide a tangible reminder of what a family looks like loving one another. I recognize that having a newborn is busy and demanding, and coupling that with a busy preschooler means life is very full for parents who might be low on sleep and high on tasks. That said, I look at these photos and see love and joy and what is beautiful about this family. I hope you see that too. I consider it a privilege every time a family lets me catch a glimpse of who they are together. I look forward to seeing how Miss Lucia grows and changes in the coming months and how Luigi continues to own his role as big brother. The future is bright for this family.

Savannah is 1!

For Savannah's one-year photos, she came to the studio. From the get-go it was obvious Savannah's first choice for in-studio activities was running back and forth. She ran and ran and ran some more. I love her sweet spirit and zeal for life. She didn't seem phased by the fact that I, a new adult, was there and kept shifting her back to where the light was best. She just wanted to keep moving, and enthusiastically. When we pulled her big brother in for a few photographs, I loved his expressions and toddler conversation skills. The two were less interested in interacting with each other than with me, but I thought that made for some really fun shots, true to life with a pair of littles so young. It was a great way to spend the morning, and it made me excited to do family photos for this crew later in the fall. A quick sneak peek here, and if you're interested in a studio session, I have limited availability remaining for September and some openings in October and November. I'd love to hear from you!

Stella

A lot has changed in seven months. Stella has gone from sleepy newborn to bouncing (busy) baby girl. At seven-months-old she is sitting, crawling and pulling up. To say her parents have their hands full is an understatement. But what a precious way to have hands filled. Stella's inquisitive eyes captivated me, and she is quick to coo, smile and laugh. I loved the interactions of this family the first time I met them, and the beauty, love and tenderness has grown right alongside the baby who made her mom and dad parents. It was a fun Saturday, and I am already excited for one-year photos!

Introducing Pate

The plan for Pate's newborn session was to keep things very simple- create a collection of photographs of the week-old baby just as she was- no fancy props or outfits. Pate seemed to agree with this plan; she stared and slept and stared and slept some more. I love her teeny features and wide-eyed wonder. When I see the photographs with her mama, my heart melts. A baby transforms her parents to be more of themselves; suddenly they are more able to give of themselves fully, more capable of loving more deeply than they ever imagined possible. I see this, time and again, at a newborn session, and it never gets old. Not everything about having a baby is easy and fun, but to have a child is certainly one of the greatest gifts to both be given and to give the world. It is so special to come into a home with a baby so new. To meet Pate and see how loved she is made me excited for this little life. She was so lovely and sweet, so wanted and new, and that is just right for a brand new girl. I cannot wait to watch her grow.

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Introducing Lucia

I met little Lucia on her ninth day earth-side, and she was equal parts bright-eyed and sound asleep with not a bit of squirmy fuss in between. Lucia Alessandra was named for her grandma in Italy and her aunt Sandy, her mom told me. She'd pulled out two blankets her grandma made for her brother, showing me the gorgeous work her mother-in-law had created for her grandson. Her grandma passed away a few months before Lucia was born. Using her grandma's handiwork as a backdrop and prop for the baby's photographs reminded me that even the tiniest of humans have big stories, and this baby's story includes an Italian family, a transcontinental love story and a busy big brother. We'll be doing full family photos next week. This session was about capturing Lucia in her newness. She is a sweet one, this baby, beautiful and lovely and very, very loved.

Three!

These little guys came to visit the studio last week, and each came with his own ideas about how they wanted photos to go. Their mom wondered if three-year-old twins would cooperate to get great photographs, so she booked a studio session to contain the boys so we could capture each little gent and the two together. We considered how busy they are and planned accordingly, but with a little pep talk prior to the session, these two showed up like rockstars. Both boys gave me their full attention when for their individual photos and interacted wonderfully during the photos we took of the two together. I love seeing how much they've grown since last year and can't wait to update family photos later this fall. In the meantime, I think you see two distinct personalities emerge in this set. When photographing multiples, that almost always comes through and makes me smile.

Finn: Newborn Studio Session

Finn's newborn session was unique for several reasons. I photographed his birth two weeks before his newborn session. That in and of itself was incredible. He'd already grown and changed so much. Finn is also the 4th little guy in his family, his family is the first for whom I've done four newborn sessions). I loved both of those continuity pieces, of capturing the moments he arrived alongside his "newborn-y" newborn photos as well as having seen four brand new babies expand the love a family has to share. Additionally, Finn was the very first newborn I photographed in my brand new Bishop Arts studio space. This space will primarily be used for photographing newborns and babies, as it has great natural light (so expectant mamas, get in touch!!). I will continue to offer lifestyle, in-home newborn sessions, but this option is great for families who'd like an alternative location.

Finn snoozed and cuddled and curled and barely cried as we did his session. His mama, an old friend, and I managed to catch up on life as we did the photos. Speaking of his mama, isn't she beautiful? She has such grace and poise. We didn't do a full family session for Finn's newborn photos, but I love the photos of mother and son together. I hope you enjoy viewing these photographs of Finn as much as I enjoyed taking them. He is a love, and the world is better for having him in it.

I will also use the space for some family and Honey and Salt projects as well, however, this is a blog about Finn, so we'll save that info for a future post. In the meantime, Finn...

Darling Emmaline, Six-Month Edition

At her newborn session, she slept and slept. At her six-month session, Emmaline smiled and laughed. She beamed at her parents as she demonstrated her new found sitting skills, perfect for exploring the grass and beach at Lake Lewisville with eager hands. I love her chunky legs and bright eyes. Emmaline is such a fun baby. I love that this collection of photographs illustrates her sweet spirit and the beautiful way her parents interact with her. They were all smiles and encouragement as they watched her play, and when we did family photos, it was goodness to behold. Cannot wait until next time!

Little Love, Big Time

Cooper is such a little love, and I've had the privilege of witnessing this truth from the moment he was born. It's been a big time privilege to be a part of this family's life. I've documented Cooper life story thus far, and prior to his birth, his parents story, from engagement up to the present day. It has been an honor to follow them on their adventures, and in the process they've become wonderful friends. I'm grateful to have them in my life. For this session, we decided to keep things low-key and mostly just played and let Cooper be himself. Cooper being himself means letting a happy toddler run around and wave at people and play to his heart's content. He's an easy going kiddo, so it was a blast to take these images. I am excited to share them on the blog today.

Georgia, the Sweetest Peach

She's the sweetest girl I know, and if that is sung in a high-pitched baby voice, then Georgia might give me a big belly laugh. And belly laughter is pure gold in baby currency. My second niece made my first brother a daddy, and I am thankful that I got to spend a few days in their neck of the woods just before they relocated closer to us. They're an Air Force family, and it's been amazing to watch Jaybo and Kendall figure out how to parent well amid a crazy schedule and a lot of change. They've definitely found their stride as parents. Seeing my brother as a dad equals seeing the best version of him to date; that's the lens that love allows. Kendall's incredible as a mom too. They adore their girl. Georgia smiles easily and is one of those babies who is happy enough to be held but just as content playing on her own on the floor. She sleeps well. She eats well. She plays well with others. She loves her mama and daddy. She brings so much wonder and joy to our family. I can't believe it's only been six months since we met this little peach. They've been a very sweet six months indeed. Just a few photos from our recent visit.

The Birth of Finn

I knew Bethany would be induced on July 27, as we'd talked earlier in the week. Sunday morning I ran at White Rock and as I wrapped up my run received a "come now" text. Things were moving faster than Bethany anticipated. This being her fourth baby, she had an *idea* of how things might go, but babies come in their own time. And Finn was ready to meet his family. After a rushed shower, I hurried to the hospital where things were steadily progressing. I've known Bethany and Mark for over 20 years; they're my sister's best friends. That said, seeing the two of them prepare to welcome Finn allowed me to witness a deep love play out in the midst of the intensity of birth. I can't quite put words to the beauty of it. And then, Finn.

As soon as he was out, at 11:37 am, he worked his little lungs, wanting his whole 8 pound, 6 ounce, 21 inch self to be known. To witness a birth is to see the miracle of new life. I still can't look at these photographs without crying. As soon as Finn was placed in Bethany's arms, he settled. He was home; he knew it. Oblivious to the surrounding excitement, Finn captured his parents heart.

And then there's the part not long after his arrival where his big siblings arrived. They were literally jumping for joy, excitement radiating on their faces. The immediacy and depth of their affection for Finn amazed me. I loved getting to see them peer through the windows in the nursery and dance down the hall as the nurse pushed Finn to Bethany's room so the siblings could formally meet. And then he was in their arms. They ooed and ahhed and snuggled. Extended family came and went. Gifts were exchanged. The baby was passed around to pairs of arms welcoming, celebrating, loving him. All that is right and good and true in the world showed up at a hospital in Arlington, Texas that morning, for Finn had arrived.

Landon is One!

When I first met Landon, he was a vibrant, busy little guy. He kept his mom and dad on their toes, and they beamed at the task. Just days after his first birthday we had a follow-up session, and while Landon is very much the same sweet and active baby, now mobility has been added to the mix. We headed to their backyard to create some photographs to show off Landon's eager smile and big personality. He was the picture of contentment throughout the session. I love seeing how adored this fella is, and this blog doesn't even begin to illustrate the fullness of love I got to witness in this family. So excited to share these!

The Day Before Turning Three

The day before little Hailey turned three, her mama and I did a mini-workshop in their home, and we followed that time with a photo session. We updated family photos while doing Hailey's three-year photos. Three is a great age, and baby James, age five months, is also in quite an adorable stage. I loved the backyard light and the easy interactions. Hailey was hesitant to put her mermaids away (what wee girl isn't?), so we started the session with figurines in hand but transitioned to them "helping" me take photographs. That led to giggles from Hailey and grins from James. Taking a family's photos allows me a glimpse into who they are, and the glimpse I caught on that Monday night was of a family that is really good at being family. Mom and Dad naturally passed the kids back and forth, wiping noses and tickling tummies. Hailey showed off her baby brother with pride. James cooed and drooled and demonstrated his rolling over skills. It was a delightful evening, and the captures illustrate love and connection. They make me smile.

Mae's Baptism

This sweet baby girl is family by choice, and being a part of the community that celebrated her life and committed to see her grow spiritually meant getting to take some photographs of Mae's baptism. My sister and her boyfriend are her godparents, and we love and hope and anticipate seeing her become exactly who she was made to be. She is wanted and loved, and we believe God destined this tiny girl to be a world changer. Expanding her family to four was just the beginning of making the world a better place by being here. I truly believe that. So she has been baptized, and we prayed for her and laughed over stories and we toasted a baby girl and the way she brings beauty. It's the good stuff of life.

Harper is One!

On her first birthday, I had the pleasure of photographing Harper. We'd done photos in February when I was in Delaware, and I'm amazed at how much a few months changed this baby girl. For one thing, she is going, going, going... everywhere. Her daddy wasn't home in February (he's an Air Force pilot), so I love that Harper's birthday session was a family affair. I wanted to post Harper's blog today so you can see her beautiful, vibrant personality. She had a medical procedure done this morning that requires her to be a courageous and resilient girl in the coming days and weeks, and this little light of a girl just shines, shines, shines. I wish photographs could contain the sound of a sweet baby voice, although I think her enthusiasm for life comes through. Would you say a little prayer for sweet Harper and her amazing mama and daddy today and in the next few weeks. She's going to be just fine, but they have a challenging month ahead.

Next time I see this brave one, she'll be running and talking and more of a kid than a baby, but for now, here's Harper's happy birthday session. It was happy indeed.

The Sweet Side of Sisterhood

These little ladies belong to my boyfriend's sister, so over the 4th of July we grabbed a few minutes at the lake to capture some photographs in a place that has significance for their family. Because I grew up with sisters who are some of my best friends, it always makes me happy to do sister photos. These girls have big, bright personalities and truly compliment each other. It's not that these girls always get along...several years between and two distinct personalities tend to lead to some definite differences. But there's that sister thing; I love photographing that. They know how to make each other laugh just as well as they know how to push each other's buttons. They look out for each other. They share not just toys and parents but this story: they are sisters, and they are friends. I anticipate on their behalf just how sweet that friendship can one day be as they grow up, and I hope these photos illustrate a bit of that sweetness today.

Beautiful Bellingham and My Bestie's Crew

The Pacific Northwest is my favorite part of the US, and some of my favorite people happen to live there. It had been a couple of years since I visited, so once the trip was scheduled, one of the first things to be planned was photographs of my best friend's family. We took a few photos of our various adventures, and I blogged a few photos of the trip as a whole. I'm excited to finally be sharing a few more photos of the littles and of Carla's session. Carla is one of those rare friends who came into life unexpectedly and promptly became one of my people. We have never lived in the same place, but we've had international adventures as well as cross country visits. I love that her kids call me auntie and that her husband doesn't mind if I sleep on the couch for days at a time. We've weathered hard things and witnessed beautiful things. I can't imagine my life without my bestie and her people. They're pretty spectacular, and I hope that shows in these photographs.

Zane is One!

Things I love about Zane's one-year photos: he wore the same outfit his uncle wore as a baby that his grandma made for the first part of the session, for one. Also, he absolutely loved "driving" the old bus we used for the second part of the session. And how darling is this baby? He adores his mom and dad, and they sure do love him. I've so enjoyed watching them become parents. It's been so sweet. A quick sneak peek today...

Crosby

Crosby's mom booked this session as a Father's Day gift for his dad. Their three-month-old grew their family in the most beautiful way that new life does. We spent a quiet morning in the backyard and around the house capturing these photographs. I really love the antique crib where Crosby naps during the day and that the family's furry friends are so enthusiastic about the addition of a happy little guy to the mix. Crosby snuggled, smiled and slept. As much as we enjoyed this session, we all had ideas for future sessions too, as Crosby hits milestones and learns to sit, then crawl, then walk and talk. So much wonder to watching baby grow through my camera lens, and Crosby gave me glimpses of just that. He is a little gift, much loved and celebrated.