Archive for September, 2012
I think you all know by now I ADORE family photo sessions at home…especially when working with small children or larger groups of kiddos. It’s soooooo much easier for everyone. You tend to be more relaxed. You’re more comfortable. We can take more breaks if needed. Kiddos are in their own environment. But perhaps most importantly, you’ve captured where they lived and how they lived so that years from now, after they move away, they can always look back on these images and say, “Hey…I remember when I used to play with that toy.”
I met Brandi (a photographer!) last summer when she attended one of my professional photographer workshops. I knew I liked her right away and as I got to know her more, I realized she is quite the incredible mama! It was such an honor when she asked if I would photograph her family while I was in Houston this summer. Gosh, I was so impressed to see how they run their household first-hand (they are a GREAT team) and she just seems to bask in the glow of being a mommy, even when her youngest daughter decides to put on eyeliner just before the photo session. They have done a wonderful job cultivating these personalities and I can honestly say I loved every second of this session.
(Which ones are my favs from this session? Pretty much all of them, but to highlight, I love these ones HERE and HERE and HERE).
As I promised yesterday, here is the silver lining to all of those “clouds.” See, I told you she turned it around ;-). I just adore her mom’s sense of style. Always have.
…things aren’t always hunky-dory. I find it somewhat humorous that one of my most “liked” images on Facebook came from a session where sooooooo many tears were shed. Bless her heart, for as adorable as she was (and as STUNNING as everyone looked), it was just NOT baby girl’s morning that day. Somehow, we managed to get through (and mom, we have *plenty* of wonderful images coming your way). Will blog more soon, just thought this was a nice reminder of how much effort can go on behind-the-scenes (moms, dads, and photographers alike) to create images that look effortless.
I didn’t realize the significance when her mommy suggested this place for her 9 month photo session. And then…while we were shooting, her mommy said that one year ago they had gotten married there. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh! Well now that is an idea I totally dig! Loved the urban, city-chic vibe of this photo session. And I loved that we plopped down an adorable little girl with chubby baby legs right down on these fancy, urban, city-chic couches ;-). That last image up there? That’s my fav. (Recognize her? To review, you’ve seen her here, here, and here ;-). And another newborn baby grows up right before my eyes. Sniff, sniff 🙁
Our photo sessions are always fun, always colorful, always an adventure and I’m going to tell on myself here…they’re always easy. They just seem to flow naturally…very organic and not forced and that’s what makes it so easy…even when it’s 150 degrees outside…even when someone is having a crying fit, it’s still easy because they both embrace parenthood with a GREAT sense of humor and a relaxed nature. I am pleased to say that I learned a new word at this session:
hangry
adj. han·gri·er, han·gri·est
Sarah’s patience in the days leading up to the much anticipated birth of her second daughter floored me. I can’t say I’ve ever been the most patient person in the world…especially when it comes to expecting a baby, but each time I would speak with Sarah as the days ticked by past her due date, she sounded so calm, so “let it be,” exactly how a mommy should be–the baby will get here when she gets here…no need to rush it.
Sarah called me at about 5 p.m. and I have to giggle remember what she said, “Yeah, I think my water broke!” I could definitely hear the excitement in her voice this time and it was contagious! I have to admit I was a little hesitant to accept this birth session because it was in Ft. Hood and I was extremely nervous about missing the birth due to the drive. Sarah was very convincing early on ;-), but I was still ready to bounce out the door after that phone call. But I waited. And I waited. And I waited. When should I leave????
Finally, I got another call letting me know that progress was being made and so I ventured out into the dark headed toward Ft. Hood.
Sarah was handling the contractions so well when I got there (I guess it was around 10 or 11 p.m. at this point). We all hung out in her room together, chatting and giggling and watching the Olympics. I was so incredibly relieved that I made it there in time and the guards actually gave me clearance to get on base, LOL. At around 2 a.m., things were still moving along, but everyone decided to try to catch a couple hours of sleep before the real “go time.” I have never done this before, but all of us–Sarah, her hubby, her mom, and myself–all curled up in the hospital room right then and there and dozed off to the soothing sound of baby girl’s heartbeat. I did have to snap a few pictures before we drifted off because it was SOOOOOOOOO beautiful and peaceful…that time before your whole world changes and it’s those last few hours of knowing that baby is still inside you. I don’t know how any of us slept, but somehow we did and when the lights came on in the room at 4 a.m., we were all pretty rested and ready to meet this little girl.
She was SO alert! Look at her looking at her daddy!!!
And then it was time for the sisters to meet…
I will admit I was pretty tired driving home that morning from Killeen, but I was also completely elated over witnessing the first few moments together of this little family. The sunrise that morning was glorious. I was going to keep driving by, but I forced myself to pull over and take a few pics…this was the sunrise on the morning she was born. No one will ever be just like her and the sunrise will never look just like this again.
Sarah…thank you much for letting me be there to document V’s birth for you. You are one incredible mommy and I’m so happy that you and your girls are finally together!
We started out inside…
…on dry land. And these two (three) are beautiful. So beautiful together. But the real fun came when we took it underwater…
Underwater photography is extremely challenging, but I LOVE the freedom of creation it allows…unusual compostions and happy mistakes. I definitely look forward to more underwater shoots…clients if you have session coming up with me in the next few weeks (well…except newborns 😉 or if you’re thinking about booking one for next summer, consider some underwater work…especially if you have a pool (or access to one). We could do something very cool and unusual for you!!!
G & K…it was SO great to see you guys again and I am just thrilled for you guys. Can’t wait to meet baby brother this fall!
I feel like this family is my family. We’ve been working together since before big sis was even born. I remember each session vividly. Baby sister’s newborn session, however, has been my fav so far. It was so relaxed. Mom and dad have settled into parenthood so gracefully…with so much love. It just radiates in this family. It’s obvious that mom and dad have been wonderful role models because big sis completely adores her little sister. (My personal fav from this newborn session is HERE).
Very soon after our photo session, big sis got very, very sick. It broke my heart to read about her hospital stay…thinking about how her mommy must have felt caring for a newborn and worrying so much for her eldest daughter…thinking about how her daddy had to stay by her side in the hospital and keep everything together for his family. She is fully recovered now and they are finally all back together under one roof. I hope I know they are all very much cherishing their time together right now.
I never got a chance to blog their maternity session…a time before they even knew they were having another little girl (I envy families that can keep it a surprise until birth). Oh, this morning was soooooooo hot and muggy, but I’ll take that beautiful light any day…
(My personal fav from their maternity session is HERE.)