Four Frames in a Row

I cannot believe how much baby Kendall has changed in just a few short months. Her first session was sweet as can be, and this follow up mini-session let me see a happy-go-lucky, busy and gregarious girl. The photos I selected to blog are four frames taken in succession, and I love the expressive delight shown here. Mini-sessions don't give the same variety as a full session, but they most certainly provide ample time to illustrate just who a little girl is becoming, and that's just what happened here.

Bluebonnet Baby and Her Bashful Brother Too

This year's first set of mini-sessions took place last Saturday, and this sweet little miss needed six-month photos. She proudly showed off her sitting-up skills while her big brother mostly ran away from the camera. Mini-sessions are quick, and I love the way the concentrated time always ends up being sufficient to capture real smiles and genuine personality. It was so fun to meet these two, and I can't wait until next time. Having the bluebonnets appear the morning of the session (literally... I had just checked the spot a couple of days before to be sure it was green enough... no bluebonnets then) added the feeling of Texas springtime to this set of images. I couldn't help but share a mini-session sized preview; these two are so adorable!

Introducing Mae

Mae belongs to some dear family friends, and I was most grateful for the opportunity to take her newborn photos. Mae seemed inclined to mostly sleep through her session, though she definitely wanted to take a few snack breaks. She reminds me of her sister when she was a newborn; the two look quite alike. Said big sister stepped into her older sibling role with grace and poise. She was quick to remind me, "Mae is our baby." I think she's learned in just a few days of being a sister that newborn babies who snuggle into your arms and settle in to sleep are hard to put down. It's so sweet to watch a family expand to include a new addition, and Mae's family has done that beautifully. I'm excited for this sweet girl. I can't wait to see who she becomes. Her parents are two of the most incredibly gracious and kind people I know, and Mae is blessed to be born into a family who treasures and dreams big for their daughters. Just a few photos from her session...

So Beautiful, Real Life

When we decided to book this session during the golden hour that happens just before sunset, I wasn't sure how two toddlers would do. I've worked with these guys for a few years, though, and knew we'd manage to get at least a handful of beautiful images, even if we had to work a little bit to keep the little ones engaged. I needn't have worried. It was a near-perfect evening, with a little chatterbox and a giggly baby brother, a silly daddy and a relaxed mama. I love a family just being during a portrait session. It is not difficult to show what someone looks like, but when a family really shows up, the images take on a deeper meaning and illustrate the story of who they are. I think these photographs do just that, and I love them. I see warmth and beauty and deep, compelling love... so much love. This is real life for this family, and it inspires me. Getting to see that makes thankful for the families who keep coming back when it's time to update their photographs.

Introducing Cole

When we did maternity photos before Cole was born, his family didn't know he was a boy. Cole arrived and surprised them; they'd suspected he was a girl. Cole, though, is a perfect fit in his family. A second little boy is exactly who they needed. This was a sweet newborn session, one that was straightforward and simple. The baby ate and slept. His brother napped until the end. Everyone was relaxed and happy to be doting on this tiny man who'd joined their family the week before. My favorite moment of the session occurred when we put the two boys on the couch together. Tell your brother a secret, I urged Beckett, who was lying on his stomach looking at the baby. "I love you," he whispered, kissing him on the forehead. His parents just beamed as their older son expressed his heart to the younger. When I started editing this set of images, those photos stood out. I like to think years from now that story will be told and retold whenever Cole's newborn photos are revisited. It's the good stuff of real life, and it's a huge piece of why I view my job as a privilege. So grateful to have spent a few hours celebrating baby Cole. I'm excited to share a few of his photographs here.

Introducing Bennett {Raleigh Newborn Photographer}

My longed for nephew Bennett Michael arrived a few weeks ago, and I am thankful that I was able to go to Raleigh and capture a handful of newborn images. They'll be in Dallas later this week, so these photos are just the start of the collection of photographs that will tell the story of this sweet little man. His big brother and sister think he's something amazing, and Bennett thinks he'd like to get a bit more sleep, I think... He's a treasure of a baby, wanting snuggles and love, and he's most content in his mama's arms. Thankfully, he's happy to be passed around a bit too. I'm amazed at the grace my sister shows as a mama, and I'm so excited for she and Brian. They have an adventure ahead of them with these three amazings they've been entrusted with. Bennett is already adored by all his aunties and uncles, and we are so blessed to have this wee man to call ours.

A Moose Hunt Two Years in the Making

It's hard to believe this little girl is two. A few weeks ago, I did some running photos of Nadine and her mom as a personal project, and those are some of my favorite photos I've taken to date. When we planned for Nadine's birthday set, we wanted to round out all the fantastic images of Nadine and her mom with some great photographs with her dad. I love how clearly their love and affection comes through in this set. At the beginning of the session, Nadine was a bit distracted, as two-year-olds are prone to be, so her mom made mention of seeing a "moose". Moose don't run around in Oak Cliff, but Nadine spent the duration of the session moose hunting, and that worked out well for capturing her personality and some family photos that look like exactly who these guys are, and by that I mean personality in addition to appearance. Nadine is lively and silly and conversational and inquisitive. I so enjoy knowing this kid and think this is a perfect two-year set for one sweet girl. I'm excited to share this blog.

Before This Baby Girl Arrives...

In just a few weeks, these two will welcome their little girl into the world. We did their maternity photos at River Legacy Park in Arlington, and it was a perfect day for being outdoors in the morning. I loved how casual our conversation was and how easily these two interact with one another. It's clear that they're crazy about each other and ready to begin the adventure of parenting. I cannot wait to do their newborn photos but in the meantime, here's a sneak peek of maternity photos. I'm excited to finish the full set!

Landon Love! {Delaware Baby Photographer}

Landon was born on the same day as Harper, whose blog I posted yesterday, and his daddy serves in the Air Force as well. This little love was all smiles and eager to be in front of the camera. A rainy, cold afternoon couldn't keep us from lots of belly laughs and sweet moments with his mom and dad. It was a low-key, fun-filled session that went by all too quickly, and I am excited to share Landon's blog. He is one of the happiest babies I've ever met! I am so grateful I got to work with a couple of military families on my recent trip to Delaware and am already planning a return trip.

Here's Harper! {Delaware Baby Photographer}

When I went to visit my newborn niece in Delaware, I had the privilege of meeting a couple of her baby buddies whose daddies serve alongside my brother in the Air Force. Harper turned 7-months-old on the day I met her, and she showed off her brand new sitting and clapping skills all while sizing me up. Harper is one of those babies who makes you work for a smile, but her disposition is sunny, inquisitive and sweet, and I loved that at the end of the session she reached for me when I asked if I could hold her for a minute. Because let's just be honest here: a huge part of what I enjoy about my job is getting to love on sweet babies. For this set, we explored the house and picked fun favorites from her wardrobe and wished her daddy was home for some family photos. In the end we got a great collection of photographs, and now I can't wait to watch this tiny girl grow.

Introducing Georgia Suzanne {Delaware Newborn Photographer}

On February 6, Georgia Suzanne arrived, making me an auntie for the second time. She lives in Delaware, where my brother serves in the Air Force, so I planned a trip as quickly as I could. Trying to find the words to express the joy I felt when I met this little peach is difficult. Her disposition is quiet, peaceful and sweet. Georgia cries when she's hungry and sleeps easily, and she is every bit as heavenly as a newborn could possibly be. I cannot wait to see who she becomes as she grows, but at the moment I want to relish her newness. New life brings a freshness and delight to a family, and ours is delighted to welcome this much-anticipated little girl. Seeing Jaybo and Kendall step into their roles as parents is so fun to watch, and I know they will do an incredible job caring for their daughter. I love her so much, and while I'm not sure these photographs express the fullness of my heart in regards to this baby, I'm excited to share them nonetheless.

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.