As I was sifting through my archives the other day, I found myself getting lost looking through past sessions. I thought it might be kind of fun to bring back a few blasts from the past every now and then:

I sometimes wonder what I sacrifice in exchange for improving technique. At the time of this session, I think I was about a year in and had only photographed a few newborns. I wasn't as technically proficient as I would like to have been and maybe just a teensy bit heavy on the photoshop. But I felt like I had a vision...like I did see things from my own unique perspective. Do I still do that or am I too focused on trying to get something technically perfect these days? 

What do I remember about this session? Hmmmm...I remember I was captivated by how handsome these two brothers were. The toddler was very charming and actually quite well behaved for his age. I remember I loved the layout of their house, but I was too afraid to photograph much indoors ;-). Their mommy was stunning, but she didn't want to be in the pics and I was soooo bummed. We had fun flipping through her wedding album after the session. And little man's slack lip when he fell asleep just made my heart leap.

It's so shocking to me to see babies when they're newborns and then at one year. I can always recognize their features, but am constantly blown away by how much they've changed, too. The best part is finally getting to see some personality emerge. I know it is a precious journey for the parents, but for a photographer, it can be a truly unique perspective. Gosh she was lovely and the setting of their home + the weather + the light that morning could not have been more glorious!

I've grown really close to this little lady and her mama. From the first time we ever spoke on the phone (more than 3 years ago and I was *very* pregnant w/ baby number 3), her mom and I just clicked. We get excited over the same things and I love that we can just start chatting and one idea leads to the next until we've created a totally unique theme for each one of her little girl's birthday sessions. I love that I can say, "I wonder if we could..." and she finds some way to make it happen. I love to watch the two of them together because they are as close as I hope my own daughter and I are. I love the thought that I could one day be taking pictures when she turns 10...or even sweet sixteen. It feels amazing to be part of a tradition like this and I treasure that honor.

That's my boy!!! A little sneak peek from the photo shoot I did for Oh Fiddlesticks!