No really. This has to be one of my most memorable lifestyle family photo sessions from last holiday season and I can't believe I haven't shared it yet. Why is it memorable? Because to me, it fully embodies lifestyle family photography with the perfect balance of getting those great smiling images and then those little moments in between. I find that it's often those little moments that have the greatest impact when viewing the pictures years down the road. Look at the way mom is looking at her baby in the last image...my word, can you feel the intensity of her love?
Rumor has it that I get to work with little sister again for an upcoming commercial shoot for Baby Bugaloo and Gro Boutique! Can't wait to see how much she has grown!!!!
When mama completed her client questionnaire, she was quite detailed and had tons of ideas for her session. I like that. It gives me something to work with. We always have the understanding that's it's most likely we'll only get to one or two, but I think she and I were both surprised we checked pretty much everything off her list...and then some.
First on the list: "Welcome to Austin"
Check.
Next up: snuggles, togetherness, and painted toes--even on big brother:
Check. Check. Check.
Sidewalk chalk, rainbows, and bubbles:
Check-ity, check, check.
Grand finale: A sign that says "It's 5 o'clock Somewhere." ??? That one stumped me. But mom came prepared...
Big ol' check + the added bonus of a "juice box happy hour" (phrase coined by Dad). I loved it. I absolutely LOVED it!
I mentioned when I posted their little preview on Facebook that I was hesitant to actually even share a certain image. Why? Because that kind of thing just doesn't happen. It doesn't. It's like the Holy Grail of the newborn photography world. And I don't want everyone to think that I'm magical or something and I can make that happen. I try. Believe me, I try. But this was just pure love and adoration.
While we're on the topic of session magic and Holy Grails, baby girl may have been the most smiley newborn ever:
Or maybe they're more like smirks. Either way, I wish I knew what joke she was in on that we were not aware of at the time.
You *might* recognize this family from a few years ago. Big sister wasn't always so big, but she certainly had the most captivating eyes...even back when. She reminds me of the Afghan girl...she's got the kind of eyes that you will never forget. Even if I saw her on the street 10 years from now, I would 100% be able to know exactly who she was. Lucky, lucky girl.
When he came to visit a few months ago, his mommy brought along a fun little surprise: her entire collection of albums we created to represent his first year of life...
Wow! It was really cool to see them all together like that. Our year's worth of work had come to fruition. And now they can look back on it any time they want. Awesome!
One day, I'm going to sneak into their home and raid two closets...mom's and that of baby girl! These two are ALWAYS in the height of fashion and I love seeing what she puts together for them at each session. Also love those beautiful, fantastic curls!
A look back:
Oh yes, I'm old.
p.s. WHOA! My style has changed over the years!!!
