The Whole Family, Finally

When we did Brendan's newborn session, his big sister was globetrotting, so we planned a second session to capture some photographs with the whole family. Then we had weather and sickness and more weather and more sickness. It took a few months, but we finally gathered to do a photo session with the whole family. I love seeing how big baby Brendan has gotten and how doted on he is. This is a lovely family with a sweetness about their relationships. Everyone showed up with their best selves. Sweet Isobel is such a confident beauty, and she's taken to the role of big sister like a pro. I am so enjoying documenting this family's story. Previous sessions can be viewed here and here.

Introducing Stella

Her mama and I had talked on the phone several times before Miss Stella arrived, and we'd planned a good bit. I arrived for newborn photos to a very awake and busy little newborn, beautiful as could be but decidedly not in the mood for photos. We took our time, though, and between her mama, her daddy and I, we eventually convinced this sweet baby girl that having newborn photographs was in fact a brilliant idea. I so enjoyed this session. Seeing the way Stella's parents work as partners and with such consideration towards one another was compelling to witness, and their complete smitten-ness with their daughter warmed my heart. I'm so pleased to share a sneak peek of Stella's newborn session and look forward to continuing to document her story as she grows.

Darling Emmaline

Bad weather prevented Emmaline's parents and I from connecting for a maternity session not once but three times. Ultimately, I never got to photograph Emmaline as a baby bump. When I met her last week at ten-days-old, she slept. And slept. And slept. And ate a little then slept some more. It's hard work being not yet two-weeks-old, and Emmaline opted to get her beauty rest throughout her first photo session. And what a beauty she is, with her yummy cheeks and fuzzy baby hair. Her mom and grandma and I chatted easily during the session, talking about the miracle of a newborn and the wonder a baby brings to a family. I loved the details that were set out to be used in the photos, vintage yet fresh. It was tough to narrow selections to share for the blog, but I am excited to share a handful of photos from this tiny girl's newborn session. As I post these I am already excited for six-month photos!

Yay, Runner!

I met Donna at a party a few years back, before Nadine was born, and both being runners, conversation gravitated in that direction. When Nadine was born, I started photographing their family. We talked running every time I did photos, and at Nadine's first birthday session, we decided to go for a run together. Little did I know that decision would lead to a friendship that challenged me to improve as a runner, helped me complete my first marathon and familiarized me with the neighborhood I now call home. I am so grateful that Donna and her family have become such a big part of my life in Dallas. These photos had been in my head for months, but the busyness of fall holiday portraits pushed them back to this month. We scheduled them for a Thursday afternoon and hoped for the best weather-wise. I was really wanting the silhouettes, but I love that we had enough light to capture Donna and Nadine doing their thing. Occasionally Nadine accompanies us on easy running days, and she chirps, "yay, runner!" encouragements from her stroller throughout the run. I look at these photos and hear her words, and I'm so glad we were able to create these photographs before Nadine outgrows that toddler voice and chicken-arms run. Because I know these two, I think I can safely say these photos are so them. Now I kinda wish we could do another set with Nadine's daddy in the mix, but we'll have to save those photos for another day. For now, here are some favorites, shot on the levee in our neighborhood.

And if you're trying to decide how to do a photo session that is really reflective of who you are as a family, choosing a thing that you do together on any given weekend day is a great place to start. It doesn't have to be formal and posed. Sessions like this capture the essence of being together in a compelling way. Figuring out what that looks like for your crew leads to photographs that reflect not only how you look but a glimpse into your identity as well. I love that.

Not Magic But Magical

I envisioned several of these images in my head when I planned this session and hoped for the kind of magic light that makes a session that much better. And then this family showed up and let their little man run and shout and have opinions. Promises of ice cream led to a boy who looked me in the eye and gave me his best, and all the while his mom and dad (and soon-to-arrive-sibling) just kept smiling and laughing. Confession: there was also occasional reminding for a certain little boy that it would be helpful if he kept participating and stayed engaged. We got to the end of the session, and I knew. I knew we'd had a few moments that were genuine and real and lovely and that showed this family of soon-to-be-four as they are. And who they are looked great with the magic light, but it's not just the magic light that I love . It feels magical. All that love that lights up the eyes on one small boy's face? Soon it will be multiplied. I can hardly wait to photograph the continuing story. Love these photographs.

Introducing Ellie

Her parents didn't know they were having a girl until Ellie's birthday, and that made four girls in their brood of five. Solo brother informed me he was glad he'd get to keep his own room. All four older siblings were completely enchanted with their tiny sister who was equal parts feisty and sweet at her newborn session. This is a family I've known for years, and it was beautiful to watch little hands hold their tiny sister. For a house with so many, the atmosphere remained calm and quiet. Ellie snuggled into each pair of arms. She cuddled into the swaddle I wrapped her in for her individual photos. And she made every person in the room smile that smile that comes with the contentment of meeting a newborn family member. "Finally," the whole house seemed bursting to say, "finally, she is here."

Knock-Knock Jokes and a Brown Sports Coat

This session was a Christmas gift, and I love when dads come up with the idea of updating photos. It seems like that task typically falls to moms. We decided to do low-key around the Bishop Arts District, and the boys told me knock-knock jokes and gave me deadpan faces when I attempted mine. I've done photos for this family since big brother Henry was a newborn, and that continuity added to my excitement about taking these photographs. It is such a pleasure when I get to interact with families who decide to truly be themselves at a session and let the kids do their thing. The boys were rockstars, and I felt like I caught glimpses of who they will grow up to be. By the time they shouted their thank yous as we headed to our respective vehicles at the end of our time, shy Simon threw up his hand for a high five. I am grateful I get to be the one to do this work-that-feels-like-play to tell the story of a family on a Sunday afternoon in a fun Dallas neighborhood.

One Big Happy...

When Bethany contacted me about photographing her husband's extended family over the holidays, I was one part excited and one part apprehensive. This is a family I've known for over twenty years, on the one hand. On the other hand, seven kids, eight and under? Therein lies the apprehension. I need not have been nervous. Every child not only participated but cooperated. We had a beautiful day and a big yard and the exuberance of all the cousins together to compose elements of the session. I love how laid back everyone was, how big the little ones smiled and how I can look at these photographs and see both family resemblance and individuality. I hope I captured not just an updated "everybody all together" photograph but also a bit of the kindness, respect and love that are evident in the combination of relationships that create this family.

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...

Introducing Elle

Just a few weeks ago, I met Elle's mom at White Rock Lake for maternity photos, and on Wednesday I got to meet one-week-old Elle. I'm not typically a Saturday night blogger, but with all this ice and cold, it seems like some photographs to warm the heart are fitting. How sweet is this little one? And isn't the obvious adoration her parents have for her stunning? Elle snuggled and slept and was oh-so-chill throughout her newborn photos. I didn't hear her cry once. Every newborn reminds me of what a gift life is, and I love looking through these photographs and seeing the start of a lifetime of stories wrapped in just over six pounds of tiny baby wonder. It's a pleasure to share these photos, and I am excited to watch this little one grow.

An Oak Cliff Afternoon

It had been about 18 months since I'd seen this set of siblings, and it's crazy how much they've grown up. Everyone seemed so... poised. We took a walk around the Bishop Arts District and paused for photos as I got caught up on races to be run and soccer games to be played. We talked favorite books and subjects in school. I so enjoyed the ease with which our time passed. When we finished up in Bishop Arts, we headed to a nearby field that I've dubbed the magic field, because the light at sunset is warm and inviting, and we took a few more photographs there. Doing a session right after school meant the rush from place to place, with clothing to change and hair to fix, but each of these kids made the decision to be fully present for a while on Monday afternoon, and I love the results. They are family, and that is evidenced in the looks department. But I got to see them being family in their conversations, their chasing one another, their flipping of hair and rolling of eyes (in good fun, of course). They love. It shows.

I love that their mom stepped back and let me do my thing, while she focused on encouraging each child throughout the session. I hope that she takes them to Oddfellows for brunch soon. ;)

A Session 21 Years in the Making

So these guys are like-family friends (for 21+ years!), and when they realized everyone would be in town for Thanksgiving, they asked me if I'd do a session. I'll be honest. Extended family sessions can be challenging, so I say yes to them cautiously. This session, though, makes me think maybe I should rethink that. We had so much fun! Everyone was laid back and happy, and no one got stressed out, not even for a moment. Instead time was spent hugging littles and passing the baby. The cousins were so excited to be together, and the time passed fast. This mix of photographs represents everything I love about this family. They love each other and take care of one another and don't spend a lot of time on insignificant details. The five kiddos growing up surrounded by this set of adults have the benefit of a family secure in their identities as individuals and corporately, and that is truly a gift to give the younger set. They feel safe and free, and they are encouraged to be themselves. It's evident on each little face. I could go on and on, but let me just say this: I really love seeing families loving each other. It never gets old.

Christmas at Klyde Warren!

Klyde Warren Park is one of my favorite places in Dallas, so I was excited when this crew opted to do their holiday photos at the park. Fun, joyful photos were the goal, so we kept things simple and wandered around the park, making time for running, jumping and exploring. I love that the Christmas tree was up, and that the park was quiet enough for us to get some clean photographs with the tree as our backdrop. This was such a low-key session. There wasn't a lot of coaxing or silliness needed to get the kids to engage; they were ready to go. I loved how sweet they were to each other. I'm excited to go through the whole set!

Wherein the Shy Boy Came Alive

It's been almost five years of photographing this beautiful family. This session was fun and busy and chaotic, as is typically the case with three little ones. I have lots of similar memories from previous sessions. What will stand out about this session, though, is that it's the session where shy J.T., age 3, came out of his shell a bit and gave me real smiles and smirks. His zany older brother is always ready for photographs, and his younger sister really wasn't too sure about me this go 'round. But J.T.? He came alive. I also love how everyone looks like they go together the way a family does when they keep choosing each other. Love always wins. It's not always easy to show up at a photo shoot with three little ones ready to go, but somehow these guys have managed to do just that for their baby who became a toddler and then a kindergartener and the little brother and sister that followed. They've invested in capturing fleeting moments, and their children will benefit from a visual inheritance of who they are becoming through the years. I believe it's worth it. They'll be able to see what love looks like now, then.

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!

Cooper's One-Year Session

I'm going to blog a through-the-year post of Cooper in a few weeks, but in the meantime, how awesome is this session? Cooper smiled and laughed so much, and he is so oh-my-goodness, over-the-top adorable. It's hard to believe that just about a year ago I was taking photographs of Cooper's birth and that his tiny newborn self has grown into such a personable, content little boy. I can't wait to see who he continues to become. Cooper's parents love being parents, and they love each other. That is such a gift to be giving their son. I love seeing how they interact with him and how he lights up, time and again, at peek-a-boos and tickles. Being family looks good on this crew, don't you think?

Cousins!

I started doing Scarlett's photos when she turned one, and her aunt booked a session for her girls a year or so after that. We've done photos of the girls together occasionally through the years. That said, I loved the idea of doing both families in one session when it was mentioned in an email. The girls are great ages to photograph, and they get along so beautifully. Scarlett wanted to photo bomb any photographs that weren't hers, and that is so typical for a five-year-old girl. The twins are one part poised and another part silly. I love that both dads were skipping at one point and that both moms were really intent on getting sweet photographs with their girls. Isn't this a beautiful crew? It was so fun to capture these photographs, just a Sunday afternoon on a walk in the neighborhood with a few stops for photos along the way. I hear both families chased the session with pizza. Gotta love that. I should have invited myself to dinner.