Daily Photos: April Edition

Twists and turns. Beginnings. Expectations exceeded and dashed. For better or worse, April hit hard and fast. When I remember April of 2017, I hope I remember I am strong and capable. I hope I remember to be kind, to myself and to others. I know I'll remember loving Connecticut. April was hard. It was not without beauty, but it was hard. I think taking photos brought some clarity about how that beauty emerged with surprising consistency. With that perspective, April contained a lot of grace.

April 1: An April Fool's wedding that included a bride wearing a lobster costume for a first look? Perfection. I met Jenny at an American Heart Association event last year and love that I got to help capture her and Josh's day. They're vibrant and smart and so much fun.

April 2: Counting toes. Goodness I love a newborn session, and I MUST blog this one soon. 

April 3: Texas wildflowers.

April 4: A tired Jameson might be the sweetest Jameson.

April 5: Farewell to the apartment where our marriage began. It's fitting that our original furry friends made the shot.

April 6: On the way to the airport with this little buddy. I love how babies live in the very presentest tense. He didn't know we were about to say goodbye; he only knew that he was happy to be in the backseat with his auntie.

April 7: This will go down as one of the longest days in my life. We were stuck in Atlanta due to Delta's mess. Ty was really sick. At every turn things were incredibly difficult. I wore my t-shirt, as reminder to try to make lemonade. I don't know that I succeeded on that particular day.

April 8: Move in day. New window; same routine.

April 9: Wherein the dog looked how I felt.

April 10: Spring whispered of her Connecticut arrival.

April 11: A colleague told me to pay attention to the way spring rolls out slowly and colorfully, that there'd be blooms on top of blooms. In the days and weeks that followed these initial yellow offerings I realized one could not not notice. Every day is newly stunning. It's incredible.

April 12: A walk at the reservoir at dusk, the light through the trees- when I wanted to live in New England, a part of that desire came from wanting this backdrop in my everyday life.

April 13: It was the fireplace and built-ins that wall off the far end of our living room that first sold us on our house.

April 14: See what I mean about springtime in Connecticut?

April 15: Honeycomb tiles in the upstairs bathroom.

April 16: Exploring.

April 17: Magic light, as seen while walking the dog.

April 18: Decisions.

April 19: Office space.

April 20: Waffles are my self-care language. It's a thing.

April 21: Under the table and dreaming...

April 22: View from the dining room.

April 23: The neighborhood coffee shop, J. René, is something special.

April 24: I documented almost every dog walk in April, and next year, I may do a separate spring project to illustrate just how incredible the daily transformations of the neighborhood looked. I think Emerson was onto something with his earth laughing in flowers opinion.

April 25: Showcasing the radiator cover.

April 26: From where I run, Connecticut edition, on repeat. Most days. 

April 27: The simple practice of packing my lunch has been surprisingly lovely.

April 28: Hands down the best day at Connecticut Children's has to be Superhero Day. So many community members brought so much joy to the patients we serve. You can see some of my photos here (scroll down for gallery).

April 29: Every. Day. Something. New.

April 30: When I refer to "Erin and Ty's DIY," it mostly means Ty. He ain't perfect, but he is decidedly a worker bee. He works with a steady attentiveness that I admire. 

Daily Photos: March Edition

Behind the 8-ball and wanted to get March's photos shared before May's end! Moving and adjusting and, well, life throwing endless curve balls my way has slowed blogging down a bit. Still, I love having this collection to look back on and remember. Lots of hellos and goodbyes in March. It looked something like this...

March 1: Favorite guy. Favorite portrait. This is so him.

March 2: Jameson got so fast and is cuter by the day.

March 3: Practicing her letters. I miss hoteling it in the guest room in their home.

March 4: Wedding-ing has gone to the dogs on the rainiest, loveliest day.

March 5: Lunch date selfie.

March 6: Every time I tried to take her photo, she came a little closer. Finally, I went with it.

March 7: That face. He looks like he's hanging off rather than pulling up.

March 8: That time I went to Chicago to see "Hamilton" and took zero big camera pictures in front of the theater... but I love that I got to spend a day working with Kerri. 

March 9: I love Chicago. 

March 10: Being tiny and adorable is exhausting.

March 11: How many families have I photographed on this swing? I don't know, but I have loved the results every time.

March 12: How many dollars does it take to get Jakey to jump in the pool when it's 40 degrees outside? 30. The answer is $30.

March 13: Cutest bubs in the biggest tub.

March 14: It begins.

March 15: Wherein it got really real that we were about done in our apartment. Bonus points if you can find the cat.

March 16: I kept going back to see Jameson "one last time." I knew one of the hard pieces of moving would be losing proximity to this guy.

March 17: I drove to Louisville, solo, for part one of our move. Ty was to join me in a few weeks. I spent the night at my Aunt Bridget's, and when I arrived she had homemade cookies sitting out. I was all over the place emotionally and felt so loved.

March 18: 1818 miles later, I arrived at my friends' Al and Lisa's place, where I stayed until we closed on the house. The Nutmegger chapter had begun.

March 19: Snowshoeing discovery.

March 20: New gig.

March 21: I couldn't believe there was snow on the ground when I looked out the window, that my car was parked in a Connecticut drive, that our life had taken this unexpected turn. I was a mixed bag of nerves and excitement.

March 22: After work.

March 23: My coldest run of the entire winter took place on the second day of spring. Welcome to Connecticut.

March 24: Work friends.

March 25: Be awesome. I journaled a ton in March, adjusting, trying to figure out all the things going on in my heart and mind as I processed the move. It's a big change. 

March 26: Trying to catch my breath.

March 27: Homeowners!

March 28: I remember feeling so heavy on this day. Ty wasn't here yet. Things just felt kinda off. I was far from family and friends. The move held lots of promise but not without cost.

March 29: Hospital photographer by day. Small business owner by night. I haven't shot a lot of portraits since moving, but I look forward to getting back into it very soon.

March 30: The hospitality this pair has shown me- from meals and a bed to endless processing and miles run- they've helped me find my way here. We've had some unexpected challenges, and they have been steady and kind. I'm grateful and then some.

March 31: On the eve of a wedding...

Ingrid

I photographed Ingrid and her family last fall, and this brave girl and her incredibly courageous family are facing her leukemia with remarkable grace. I wanted to share these photos now, because Ingrid has had a really tough month, having spent a huge chunk of time in isolation as her little body, immunocompromised, battles infection. If you're the praying type, say a prayer for this sweet girl. I love her stunning smile and princess heels and the way Klaus adores her. I look forward to a day down the road when I can update these photos with a healthy survivor story. In the meantime, in the midst of it all, Ingrid shines.

When It's Good, It's Good

Our pre-session phone consult covered a variety of topics including twins with a best friend dynamic worth capturing. We talked about getting family photos that showed love and life being lived, about connection and quiet. We also discussed places that feel like their own around Dallas and landed on Fair Park for a warm afternoon spent in the sun.

I witnessed that twin thing that is a pair ten-year-olds somehow both childlike and wise beyond their years in the way they seem to know each is a great gift to the other. By the end of the shoot I felt like I'd know this crew forever, and I am thrilled to share the results. The best of sessions are a collaboration between photographer and subjects and when it's good, it's so very good. 

Side note: if you follow me on social media you may have noticed my husband and I have relocated to New England. Dallas friends, have no fear. I will boomerang back for photos (I have 5 portrait weekends available in 2017). If you're in New England, particularly Connecticut, Boston or Cape Cod, I'd love to hear from you! I look forward to continuing to capture families, newborns and the beautiful moments of life here, there and everywhere.

Sweet Little James

When Jaime's mom heard I would be in Kentucky over the holidays, she reached out to see about a gift session. Jaime is my cousin, and I hadn't met her baby yet, so I was thrilled at the prospect. My time was limited, so arrangements were made on the one day that worked for both of our schedules. That day the temperature hovered in the high 20s- not ideal for photographing a young family with a toddler, but as Jaime and I texted, she insisted it would be fine. And she was right; it was more than fine.

Little James couldn't have been more thrilled to be outside with both of his parents to play with, and Jaime and Adem laughed their way through our time. We all fussed over James' hands (were they too cold?), but really the chill couldn't be the focal point when love shone so clearly in every frame of their session. I have so many favorites and narrowing it to a few to blog was difficult. I adore this session.

Daily Photos: February Edition

If one thing is for certain it's that our move is so fast approaching that my heart hurts some days and feels infinite with excitement others. Holding that in tension feels about right and in the midst of lots of planning and preparing, life happens, good old everyday life. Every day. Here is a month of whirlwind travel and photo shoots and learning my job in Connecticut and trying to savor the present tense in Texas while preparing for a future in a new place. It's a lot of bittersweet these days, but the bitter comes because we've got a lot of goodness here to say goodbye to. 

As change approaches I want to remember the wealth of community and experiences Texas provides us (and will continue to albeit from afar).

February 1: At the end of a walk wherein we decided to put an offer on the home that will be ours at the end of March.

February 2: So many airport days, already, this year.

February 3: Uncle Jono brings the laughs.

February 4: I spy the naughtiest packing, er, helper.

February 5: How to Sunday.

February 6: My in-laws have 5 (!!!) dogs. I married into a family of animal rescuers. My father-in-law found Saunie in a Sonic parking lot, hence her name, and she's the happiest girl.

February 7: Treasure hunting at the yard.

February 8: Mornings.

February 9: I've been photographing the Poes since they wed, and they're moving just days before us, meaning this is our last shoot for a while (but I refuse to believe that it's the last one ever).

February 10: When Ty leaves for work...

February 11: Somehow, inexplicably, Nadine turned five this month.

February 12: I spy evidence of a rainy DC layover.

February 13: Week two at Connecticut Children's was marked by cold and snow and more cold and more snow.

February 14: If Valentine's Day is spent on a work trip away from your Valentine, I highly recommend butter cookies and hot cocoa alongside a good book and comfy pjs.

February 15: Olivia's family shoot last summer was when her mama mentioned a photography job at the hospital where she works. That referral led to our decision to move, so of course we had to have a winter ice cream to celebrate.

February 16: Six days away from home. Three books. Good math.

February 17: Packing.

February 18: Atlanta layover.

February 19: I'm pretty sure it is impossible for Jameson to get any cuter. Then again, I thought that last month...

February 20: Evenings. 

February 21: View from the morning walk with the best dog in the world.

February 22: Ty needed some samples for his research.

February 23: Jenny and Josh's engagement session. I met Jenny at an American Heart Association workshop I taught on smart phone photography, and she is one of my final Honey and Salt weddings. Talk about bittersweet. These two, though, are stunning.

February 24: Packet pickup for the Cowtown Half Marathon, Zeke's first! He did awesome. I don't have a photo of him racing the Sunday after this photo, because I got to run with him.

February 25: Jack, after assisting with communion at his parents' vow renewal.

February 26: When triplets birthday...

February 27: Outside looking in at her near-constant perch.

February 28: Spring approaches. Fast.

Russell With the Good Hair and a Podcast

A few months ago I stumbled upon a running podcast, and in listening learned that Lindsey, the host, was also a running coach. I reached out for coaching for the Houston Marathon, which I ran in January. We started exchanging emails, and I got to do Lindsey's family photos when I was in Indianapolis in December. Her wee guy, Russell, aka Russell-with-the-good-hair, was three-weeks-old, and her older guys were proud to show him off. We talked running and family and laughed a lot. This is a family focused on living fully and well and enjoying each other's company. I loved seeing how Lindsey and Glenn partner to parent their boys. You cannot be with this crew without feeling a whole lot of warmth and affection mixed with a big dose of humor and not-taking-anyone-too-seriously. I'd have liked to hung around to have another coffee and play with the boys.

Towards the end of the session, Lindsey turned to me and said, "you should be a guest on the podcast some time." That some time was Friday, so I thought it was a fitting time to share photos from their sweet session today. So much love and life to see in this collection.

Songs and Memories

I'm working my way through favorite 2016 sessions, and this was a morning of singing and dancing, of running and laughing, of kids being kids and of parents delighting. I love the easy rapport we've built through several years of sessions, and I love little Anya's serious disposition in the beginning this time around. I love Bowen's determination to include his little sister. Here is a family comfortable being themselves, and I suspect what you see through my camera lens in these photos is what you get on any give Saturday. I love when that's what comes through in a session.

Daily Photos: January Edition

New year. New plans. New season. A lot of new. January, generally a month of calm in my little corner of the world, was a month of whirlwind and change this year. I accepted a job as the medical photographer for Connecticut Children's Medical Center in November. We visited for a round of house hunting, and I worked a contract week. I start full-time in March. I'll share the full story in another post, but January 2017 marked a year of mapping a whole lot of change. I'll continue to shoot portraits to a lesser degree and the very occasional wedding. Ty will finish his PhD this year and is actively seeking work in New England. 

In the meantime, life, day in and day out. These photographs help me stay grounded when so much feels unsteady and shifting amidst major transition. 

January 1: 15 miles to kick off 2017, 9 with the cutest running buddy I know.

January 2: Jillian and I attended high school together, and while we've lived dramatically different lives, we've circled back here and there through the years. This time around I did her family photos, a perfect start to photo shooting in 2017. Her eldest son is the same age as my youngest brother. So crazy! 

January 3: The triplets came to visit Ty's lab. 

January 4: 4 am, insomnia games.

January 5: I am obsessively reading through Louise Penny's Armand Gamache series. Ty is reading them as well. They're fun mysteries, but it's the humanness of the characters that keeps me coming back.

January 6: Connecticut chilled to the bone hubs.

January 7: Dusk after house hunting.

January 8: The night before the first day.

January 9: Day one selfie.

January 10: Debriefing with friends over a glass of red.

January 11: 10 pm no-photo-taken-pj-pants checking of the block.

January 12: Connecticut winter dusk.

January 13: Bradley International Airport on a Friday night.

January 14: On the eve of my fourth marathon, Nadine prepped for cheerleading. The marathon ended up being a bit of a bust. It was 60 degrees and a hundred percent humidity. The wheels didn't fall off, exactly, but I couldn't hold my Boston qualifying pace for the last few miles. Still, I get teary thinking about this run, as it was my first post-cancer marathon, and I ran hard and strong. Boston qualifier next go-round! Nadine and her Aunt Stefanie being there to cheer her mom and I on made a tough day pretty damn good.

January 15: Cat and mouse, er, cat.

January 16: Chores.

January 17: The library wall.

January 18: A visit with Mom at the Kimball Art Museum.

January 19: Old records and new skills.

January 20: Hamilton inspires the resistance.

January 21: The Women's March on Washington. 

January 22: After looking at photos of the march, Nadine was inspired to make her own sign.

January 23: Sun bathing.

January 24: Lunch date with Jenna and Woody. 

January 25: That stare.

January 26: Date night.

January 27: This boy is pure joy.

January 28: Engagement session bliss.

January 29: A surprise niece visit for Ty's birthday ended with one last hug for Papa before my in-laws headed home. 

January 30: Sunglasses. Thighs. Sunny January post-lunch blowout couldn't stop the adorableness.

January 31: An unexpected second January house-hunting trip.

Daily Photos: December Edition

The whirlwind that is 2017 so far delayed my sharing of my December and January daily photos. I'm excited to remedy the December sharing lapse now and will share January in the next few days too. December was travel and holidays and weddings. Going back through these photographs reminds me to consider the goodness that is uniquely mine, and I hope it inspires you to reflect on the same for you.

December 1: Airport phone calls, Boston Logan edition.

December 2: dinner with my sister's family.

December 3: Family photos with my sister's brood.

December 4: The sweetest mama moment at the end of a hectic lunch date.

December 5: Neighborhood treasures found on a walk around the block.

December 6: Family photos with the triple threat. We were so late on holiday photos this year, but that meant we got great fall color. 

December 7: Scenes from walking the dog.

December  8: I married my counterpart in baby whispering.

December 9: How to survive a winter morning.

December 10: Violin practice. I shared this on Instagram and wrote that I see confidence in connection in these photos and so respect parenting that produces both. This generation, may they be world changers and may the change they bring be fueled by the love invested in them from the ground up. 

December 11: Holiday baking.

December 12: Trouble.

December 13: Annual Christmas tea with Mom and Debo.

December 14: A beloved client's little boy wrote an essay about why he was ready for the responsibility of a puppy, and though his mama had sworn off a pet, Santa delivered this sweet girl a few days early.

December 15: When we flew to Kentucky for my cousin Mary's wedding, my aunt and cousin met my mom, sister and her family at the airport, the best surprise. This photo was minutes after they met sweet Jameson.

December 16: "You'll shoot your eye out, kid."

December 17: My cousin Mary wed her Julian, and I had the privilege of documenting their day. We had only minutes, literally, for photos when it wasn't rainy and grey. Mary never fretted; she remained the calmest bride, totally excited for her wedding. Julian was dashing and dapper. These two are a dynamic team.

December 18: Wherein the friend/cousin photo attempt was an adorable fail.

December 19: Home-going for the last time in 2016.

December 20: Christmas date at the Galleria.

December 21: Charlie Brown doesn't stand a chance.

December 22: The drooliest, happiest nephew.

December 23: Blinn Christmases are the merriest. We were with Ty's family for Christmas Eve and Day so had an early celebration with my family.

December 24: Christmas at the in-laws means more dogs than people.

December 25: The girls' letters to Santa asked for only one thing- their daddy home. His deployment ends in March, so we Face-timed our Christmas morning.

December 26: Twinning. And he is the best uncle. The. Best.

December 27: It was cold for all of 30 seconds, so of course Darby needed to sport a sweater.

December 28: My brother and his family surprised us by coming home for Christmas, and I got a bonus day in Cowtown with my niece before they headed home.

December 29: Final newborn session of the year. Deep sigh at the goodness.

December 30: Relax.

December 31: A wedding to close out 2016 and welcome 2017... not too shabby! Caroline and Scott's first look was stunning.

Mayflower Beach at Sunset

A Cape Cod holiday marks summer time festivities for many a New England family. When my vacation aligned with a weekend these regular clients were going to be holidaying, we arranged to meet up for their annual session. The evening we did photos looked like sunshine and warmth, a perfect backdrop for low-key family photos. It felt like a vacation session from beginning to end: beautiful and full of life, relaxed and finishing all too soon. It's been summer weather in Texas this week, and that's made me want to share all the good stuff of warm weather sessions from 2016. Enjoy!

In the Waiting

A few weeks before a baby arrives, maternity sessions often get scheduled. This session was about capturing that memory: a mama's stretched belly and her son's adoration of said belly. I photographed a family anticipating expansion. Kathleen also wanted to capture the beauty of her family right then: their joy and laughter, their calm. She didn't only want maternity photos focused on the coming baby; she wanted family photos in their home to remind them of the fullness of life when they were a family of three. And fullness came through in every frame.

Maternity sessions preserve a fleeting moment in a changing season, and I love knowing a family will be able to revisit that season for years to come.

A Week Shy of One

Carinne's photos took place a week before her first birthday. She walked like pro, giving me all kinds of big-eyed stares, suspicious of a new person. Soon enough she though me a friend, and then her expressive little face lit up. She didn't have words yet, but her eyes and that smiled told her story with clarity: here is a little girl who knows she is loved, who adores her parents and who is ready to take on the world. For just a year earth-side, this wee one has the important stuff figured out.

November, by Day, in Thirty(-one) Photographs

A whirlwind of goodness and insanity. That was November. Somehow it's the 8th of December, and Thanksgiving is well behind us, with Christmas looming ahead. I have so much blogging to do, and all I can think about is sharing these photographs even though the portraits I've shot for work puts a big sappy grin on my face. When I started this I didn't want to use client work as part of my daily photo project, but client work is part of daily life, especially this time of year when it's non-stop. Life is full. I am grateful. Here is November, by day, in thirty (well, thirty-one) photographs.

November 1: An early morning final Target run with Kate and Steve before they hopped on a plane. The quest: peppermint M&Ms, unavailable during the Halloween frenzy. I suspected, rightly, that come November 1, said M&Ms would appear. We hugged it out in the parking lot before Kate and Steve left. I miss them. 

November 2: Coffee + Journal.

November 3: Because one photo of Woody's sweet face just isn't enough. Lunch date.

November 4: The mopiest dog (and her sidekick).

November 5: A cycling event for the American Heart Association meant I got to photograph some everyday heroes.

November 6: Rained out of photo shoots and rained into hanging out with the triplets!

November 7: Albert, unimpressed by more rain.

November 8: No comment. Profound concern.

November 9: The good news is, this guy. G A H.

November 10: Boone the dapperest.

November 11: Pure joy when I got to photograph an amazing fighter and her family.

November 12: Mr. Wonderful knows how to Saturday with the best of 'em.

November 13: Magic light and this little miss combined to make one of my favorite photographs from this fall.

November 14: 19 miles. Marathon training post-cancer has made me really grateful for every milestone. It's actually been a tough training cycle between travel and trying to manage work and stay healthy, but this day went the way it was supposed to, and I finished not too fast but feeling strong.

November 15: Friends of Ty's made for the most adorable session.

November 16: I really wanted a new profile photo for Facebook so tried for a selfie. Albert kept jumping in the shot, so finally I picked him up and this...

November 17: Best dog int he world.

November 18: "Tell Mommy your favorite thing about her."

November 19: Bath time bubs.

November 20: Somehow Miss Mary is two. Just love this photo.

November 21: Family photos for my sister's family meant I handed the camera to Meghan so I could have a new photo with Jameson.

November 22: Ingrid isn't the only hero in her family. Abby and Chris are nothing short of amazing, and Klaus is a rockstar. 

November 23: Reunited with my dear friends, and all Lucy wanted was a photo chasing the birds.

November 24: Thanksgiving floor time hangs for Jameson and Sam.

November 25: Thanksgiving Friday tripod shot of the Blinn crew this year. Small-ish group for us. Super-sized family much?

November 26: Supermanny Josh introduces Jameson to the most wonderful time of the year.

November 27: Photo sessions that end with little girls grabbing my hand and asking if I'll play Frozen with them make the busy season worth it.

November 28: Tis the season for daily trips to the PO Box.

November 29: New England rain.

November 30: Red and rain and Connecticut.

Introducing Savannah

Remember the sweetest maternity session ever? Savannah arrived a few weeks later, and her newborn session took place on a quiet and rainy Sunday afternoon. Big sister Scarlett proudly showed off her tiny new sidekick (and gave her daddy a makeover). Savannah stayed awake and calm most of the session. It was a conversational, pass-the-baby and tickle-the-toddler session that left everyone content in the way that celebrating an expanding family should. So many photographs in this collection to love!

October Daily Photos

With October's close, four months of daily photos have been captured, and the rhythm continues to be meaningful and fun. This month included a ton of work along with a weeklong visit with dear friends from Australia. I saw so many beautiful moments during sessions and weddings and lived so many beautiful moments while working and playing and running and breathing. I love the mix from this month.

October 1: Farmer's market radishes.

October 2: Sweetest sisters at a framily brunch.

October 3: On the eve of my sister's return to work we updated her family photos.

October 4: Evenings at our house are spent playing green bean games with Millie. 

October 5: Hair wash.

October 6: I got to do newborn photos for my friends James and Devon's second son. This was my favorite image. Is there anything better than brothers who are buddies from the get-go?

October 7: I spy a hint of fall.

October 8: Emily on her wedding day.

October 9: He cleaned the house and did all the laundry while I was shooting a wedding, and I came home from work to find them like this.

October 10: One of those portraits that spoke to me when I shot it.

October 11: Adoption.

October 12: State Fair.

October 13: Christina and I run our portrait businesses separately, but when one of our first wedding clients welcomed their sweet girl, we shot their newborn session together. It's so fun when we get to shoot work we usually do as individuals alongside each other.

October 14: Tater came our way for a tennis and birthday date.

October 15: We met Ty's cousin and her family for a photo session in Waco, and this shot... I love that Cole looks like both his baby and big boy self as he clings to his mama's shirt.

October 16: Grandma met Jameson. Here she was sharing mothering advice with Meghan. 

October 17: Dusk.

October 18: Their mama has worked with me for several years now, and she has continually referred me new and amazing clients. I'm grateful for her kindness. I'm also grateful that these girls now know me, that they bring smiles and hugs when they arrive, and that they bring high fives and more hugs when they say goodbye. This is the good stuff of this job.

October 19: Millie. As she is.

October 20: Batman in the shadows. Cat in the light. Probably not what Commissioner Gordon had in mind.

October 21: Super G wore a tie to "look like a college kid." I had the privilege of being his nanny when he was a baby. We had dinner after the session, and after our goodbyes, Ty asked me, "how do we get a kid like that?"

October 22: Gold sequined table cloth for the win.

October 23: Halloween costume approval.

October 24: It was shocking. Apparently. Sweet Carson was just 5-days-old at his newborn session!

October 25: Kate (and Steve) arrived from Australia, and we spent the day after drinking coffee and shopping and laughing and talking, and my world was better for it. Emily Dickinson's, "my friends are my estate" rings true.

October 26: Two of our favorite people in one of our favorite places.

October 27: A wetsuit was required, but Steve learned to wakeboard, and we skied the sun down.

October 28: No costume required.

October 29: If guests from Australia during the lead-up to Halloween, then take them to Target because consumer culture at it's finest.

October 30: Scary handsome. First Halloween.

October 31: I spy a peacock princess raiding the trick-or-treat giveaway stash.

Waiting for Savannah: A Summer Maternity

Emily emailed a few days before her maternity session and asked if I thought we could do a few photos using her in-laws' pool. We'd planned a morning session in their backyard. August in Texas, well, it's hot. The pool sounded like the perfect ending for the shoot. The anticipation of baby girl number two alongside of delight in big sister number one filled every frame of our time together, and I especially love that towards the end Emily suggested a family jump into the pool. Those photos turned out downright magical, and with the thermometer still pushing 90 in mid-October, revisiting these photos for the blog seemed pretty perfect. 

Here is September in Thirty Photographs.

What I didn't foresee in setting out to do a 365 project was the way it would point me towards gratitude. My life is rich: the people, the places, the work I get to do and the beauty I get to see. The ordinary is extraordinary when held up to the light. Here is September in thirty photographs. 

September 1: Selfie with Jameson.

September 2: Georgia spreads her arms and legs in the pool and shouts "Starfish," and the cuteness kills me.

September 3: Leftover 4th of July fireworks on Labor Day.

September 4: How many kiddos can you fit on a paddleboat with Uncle Rudy?

September 5: Ice cream, before and after.

September 6: Engagement session magic light goodness.

September 7: New kitten for my little friend.

September 8: The reluctant daily photo subject. 

September 9: *NOT* his birthday, but my lunch date on the 9th loves dinosaurs, and NEEDED to wear his t-rex shirt.

September 10: Wherein all of my photography dreams came true.

September 11: Nadine in four frames.

September 12: Nightly kitten routine looks like fetching and jumping for green beans. 

September 13: Anniversary photos for Debo and Tyler. So. Much. Love.

September 14: Every time I vacuum these two camp out on the landing.

September 15: Pink.

September 16: Early morning stalker.

September 17: Photo by Ty. I am finally getting consistent at landing *small* jumps on the wakeboard. Ty surprised me with a properly fitting board, and it's made a huge difference. 

September 18: Grease... high school musical edition.

September 19: Besties.

September 20: The reluctant daily photo subject, location scouting in the Jeep edition.

September 21: Photo by Ty. An eff cancer kind of day.

September 22: The look Albert gives me when Millie stalks from overhead.

September 23: Lake sunsets win every time.

September 24: Abba's senior photos looked like recreating a photograph we took when she was 10.

September 25: Savannah.

September 26: Happy birthday, Josh!

September 27: Never let go.

September 28: Because date night.

September 29: New glasses.

September 30: Dinner and a movie with friends. Elim kept yelling "ooky." I think he's ready for October.

These Two

Sarah and Eisley and I scheduled and rescheduled because of rain, rain, rain. When we finally met for photos on an overcast evening, a tiny girl with the bluest eyes warily assessed me. It took a while for her to warm up, but when she did Eisley remained intently focused on her mama, wanting her close. The bond between these two makes me smile; they are the sweetest little family. Sarah is one of those moms who takes her kiddo in stride and parents with ease and laughter. Eisley is one of those babies who is inquisitive and busy. I loved watching this session unfold.

Everyday Extraordinary

Allison and Adam first contacted me before their firstborn arrived, and from the time we did that initial maternity session they've wanted photographs that reflect the simple beauty of everyday life. Our sessions have been conversational and low-key, allowing me glimpses into a family's growth and change over time. When we did family photos last year, Allison told me she was expecting twins, and we pencilled in a newborn session. I never imagined when booking that session that their newborn session would shift to a family session a few months later. The boys arrived early, and their precious Sam never left the hospital. You can read more of their story on their blog. I found myself amazed at the extraordinary courage this family displayed.

I am so glad Allison and Adam decided to do this session at home, letting the nuances of their family shape the session's flow. Home often trumps the most interesting of locations, because it's so decidedly specific and familiar. This session was passing boys back and forth, reading stories, tickling bellies and a demonstration of the great love that belongs uniquely to one family. The desire to honor Sam was an integral part of this session, and we did some photos in his memory. That said, the truth is they honor Sam all day every day in the way they love and care for one another and his brothers. It is beautiful to see.