Archive for 'Austin Pregnancy'
Can’t think of anything better to do than to document the pregnancy and their time together while still a family of 3. Goodness, their little boy is beautiful and I cannot wait to meet his baby sister in a few weeks! That wildflower field was a total fluke find, by the way. I actually took a wrong turn going to our meeting spot and happened to spy it behind a car wash, if you can believe it!
…because believe me, it’s not been very quiet over here at all over the past week and a half. In between the launch of the 2013 photographer workshops and mentorships, a mad rush of newborn, maternity, and family sessions, a hurt knee, a birth on Sunday followed by a super duper fast birth on Tuesday, and my dear mommy moving away :-(, my universe has been a little out of sorts. Honestly, I’m not quite sure what day it is today. But, I’m finally back at my desk today and proofing like a mad woman. It feels nice to be hanging out in my office again for a change and I’ve quite enjoyed going back and reliving these sessions as I proof them. This session in particular reminds me of the hour-long conversation we all had after we finished shooting, talking all things birth and nursing and what it’s like to have more than one child. The times I spend with my clients behind the camera are amazing, but the memories that stick with me come from the times when we can put the camera down and just hang out. You guys…I just can’t wait to meet your new baby girl…I know she’s going to be beautiful and oh-so-loved by her big brother!
…”It’s a GIRL!” and everyone–and I mean everyone–in the room felt their joy! Major congrats to you guys…little girl, your mama is pretty amazing!
I met Jackie about a year ago at Barb’s amazing workshop and learned that Jackie lived just down the road from me (which is rare because I’m in the boonies!!!). Love Jackie’s work, too!! So glad she was willing to come out for some underwater play before her sweet baby girl was born! (One on dry land HERE and my personal underwater fav HERE.)
Speaking of workshops, did you see my announcement on Facebook? I’m considering starting professional photographer workshops back in 2013!! I’m incredibly excited about the potential plans (which may include me traveling for the first time–eeep!). To make sure you’re among the first to know the details, fill out the “let me know” link on THIS page!
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.)
Underwater photography absolutely fascinates me and I’ve been trying to experiment more with it. It is NOT easy, that is for sure, and I can’t say that I’m very good at it at this point. I did find I was much better w/ my iPhone (the last three shots were taken with the iPhone), but one “turns-out-it’s-not-so-waterproof case” and a brand new iPhone later, I’ve given up on aquatic iPhonography for now. I am going to keep trying with my big girl camera, however. I love how this recent boudoir image turned out and I believe I have a willing maternity model coming up soon. Wish us luck!