baby K

This post will be longer than most, because I have a lot to say. For the last few weeks, Matt and I have been consumed with prayers and thoughts for this particular baby. This little guy had a very scary start to his life, and struggled for several days. Sharing with his parents in their disbelief and fear brought back many memories for Matt & I. It doesn't seem possible that it was almost 3 years ago that we were fighting the same fight for our angel Henry.

I'm so happy to say that last week, baby K came home to his family! He still has a few hurdles ahead of him, but our hearts are overflowing with thankfulness for this little miracle.

I had the privilege of photographing him today, and this is the song that is running through my head as I am proofing his session...(photos follow)

miracle

you're my life's one miracle

everything I've done that's good

you break my heart with tenderness

and I confess its true

I never knew a love like this 'til you

you're the reason I was born

now I finally know for sure

and I'm overwhelmed with happiness

so blessed to hold you close

the one that I love most

though the future has so much for you in store

who could ever love you more?

the nearest thing to heaven

you're my angel from above

only God creates such perfect love

when you smile at me, I cry

and to save your life I'd die

with a romance that's pure in heart

you are my dearest part

there is nothing you could ever do

to make me stop loving you

and every breath I take

is always for your sake

you sleep inside my dreams and know for sure

who could ever love you more?

J & B- thank you for sharing your miracle with me. kisses to baby K.

~S

Crush Part 2

I promised I'd post some more images from this session once the parents saw the proofs, so here they are! I haven't heard from the parents yet, but I assume they've seen them since I sent the link yesterday :)

this is one of my absolute favorites...so much joy and love.

this was such a close family...i swear you can hear the giggling here!

big brother says hi to baby but i think he wants mom all to himself :)

i made this family go all over the park to find the best lighting and sun flare....but it was so worth it for these shots!

the end! no more sneak peeks until next week!

I have a crush...

on an almost-3 year old. Normally when I hear that my client is between the age of 2 and 3, there's a good possibility they will do one of two things: 1) they will run from me crying OR 2) they will run from me screaming.

Well, "C" proved me wrong last weekend! From the very start he was charming me...showing me "Red" (his fire truck), telling me about "Mater" (parents of toddler boys you know exactly who I'm talking about), and just in general being super duper sweet! To top it off, his parents were so fun and laid back...just stepped back and let me and him do our thing. Here's a sneak peek for them...enjoy you two!

you know it's going to be a good session when your subject shows up looking like this:

i told you he was a charmer...look at that last one!

C's momma is pregnant with their 2nd baby, so i snapped a few of her perfectly round tummy :)

family of 4 :)

i couldn't decide which family shot was my favorite, so i posted both!

i have so many favorites from this session...it was so hard to only post a few! i'll post more once mom and dad see the proofs...promise!

~S

Winner announced

for the testimonial contest! Katie Schott wins a 5x10 storyboard from her session, as well as a set of wallets just for participating! Thank you to everyone who submitted a testimonial...your free wallets are waiting for you :)

Here's Katie's winning testimonial. Either she really likes me or she REALLY wanted that storyboard! Just kidding, Katie! You rock, did you know that?

"Summer is amazing. From the moment she walked into my home, I felt instantly comfortable. She made us feel at ease and really created such a fun and creative atmosphere for our session. And I think that is one of the reasons our pictures turned out so great. We were able to be ourselves, and her ability to capture moments with her camera is something you just don't find every day. We had so much fun during our session, I didn't want it to end! The pictures from our session are truly moments in time that we will cherish forever. The whole experience has exceeded my expectations."

...and because I just have to put a fun picture to go with this post, here's one from C at the park last night:

My baby is turning into a little GIRL!

{processed using Michelle Black's RAW presets}

http://michelleblackconcepts.com/resources.html

FREE prints!

I am in need of testimonials for some new brochures I am designing. I would LOVE to hear from you! Everyone who submits a testimonial will receive a free set of wallets, and anyone's testimonial that is used for the brochure will receive a free 5x10 storyboard!

Please email your testimonial to: summer@summerknoblochphotography.com and tell me what you loved about your session and/or images.

Your wallets/storyboard can be used on a past or future session. I want to see lots of emails flooding my inbox this week! Winners will be announced on Friday, so HURRY!

A few more...

A couple more calendar examples for ya!

I have 4 people so far interested in a group buy...just 6 more and everyone gets the discount!

More stuff for YOU!

I've been feeling very festive lately. Maybe it's the cooler temperatures, or the pumpkins sprouting up in the stores around town...but I am SO excited for my favorite season....FALL!

With fall comes some "fun stuff" for all of you! I have been considering buying some calendar templates for awhile now, but was disappointed to find that the ones I like only come in a 5x7 size. So, I decided to make my own! Here are 2 examples...I hope to add more in the months to come:

The calendars come printed as indivdual months, in a 8x8 size. Perfect for tacking up on your bulletin board (I'm off tonight to buy one for my work station -woo hoo!) I love that they aren't your traditional calendar, and even better that it's a picture of my daughter and not someone else's kid (or puppy, or kitten, etc) Price: $55 for 12 months So you basically not only get a calendar, but (12) 8x8 prints of your child.

If you're interested, please comment below. If there's enough interest, I'd love to offer a group buy...let's say 10 people, then it's only $45!

*Photographers: If you're interested in purchasing the templates of these, please email me at: summer@summerknoblochphotography.com

Also...you only have TWO WEEKS to get your Christmas Card request in! Don't forget! Have a great week!

~S

When blueberries attack...

...it looks a little something like this:

Little D

This sneak peek is way ahead of schedule, but I just couldn't help myself!

K- I know I told you I was taking the night "off" and wouldn't have your teaser ready until Tuesday...but C is in bed so here I am! I didn't think you'd mind though :)

Enjoy!

one of my favorites :)

I just love this little guy's expression here!

and because you know I can't resist a close up :)

Fall is coming!

Haven't posted any of my baby girl in a long time...so here's some shots from yesterday!

I've been tagged!

I've been "tagged" by fellow photographer Jessica Oatman.
Basically I have to list 8 random facts about myself, and then tag 8 other photographers to do the same. Jessica, you're gonna get it for this!

Allright...so here's all the things you never wanted to know and more :)

1. I grew up in and old farmhouse out in the middle of nowhere, catching bugs and playing in the cornfields. My dream is to do it all over again someday with our kids.

2. Matt & I love going to Wal-mart together. Not sure why, but we have been doing it for 7 years and it's still fun!

3. My favorite ice cream flavor is mint chocolate chip. No low fat or low sugar kind, either, thankyouverymuch. I hate diet deserts...what is the point? (that was an extra random fact for ya)

4. When I get nervous, I get really, really chatty. If I'm on my way to a session or to church to sing, I can't stop talking. The car ride usually goes something like this:
Me: Man, It's hot out today.
Matt: Yep.
Me: Wow, look at that car, the fender is hanging off.
Matt: Mmmhmm
Me: Hey, there's a dead squirrel in the middle of the road!
Matt: Gross.
Me: I wonder what Matt & Amy are doing tonight, we should call them.
Matt: Good idea.
Me: Or we could rent a movie, or I'll probably be tired after the shoot, we should just go home and I'll edit, or we could grab dinner, or we could take Charlotte to the park to play on the swings, but she'll probably be too tired and it is probably too hot out. Man, it's hot out today.
Matt: Yep.

5. I will not leave the house without makeup unless I absolutely have to (like if there was a fire or something). I'm not sure if that makes me vain or just tells you that I am not a natural beauty...but either way, makeup MUST be applied!

6. I am a little crunchy around the edges....not all the way through, but definitely on the edges. I cloth diaper part-time (used to full time but I admit I have regressed the last few months), we co-sleep, I still breastfeed Charlotte (yes, she is *gasp!* almost 14 months old), and I only feed her organic, natural foods (mostly vegan). I would even go so far as to only give her homegrown fruits and vegetables IF I had a garden, but alas I am too afraid of tomato spiders to grow my own. (yet another extra fact)

7. Every year, around October, it starts. I pout, I stomp, I resist until I am so uncomfortable that I can hardly stand it anymore. I eventually give in, but not without whining and crabbing and then whining some more. I hate to do it, but I have to. I put my flip flops away.

8. I think being a mom is the coolest thing ever. Really.

Allright, I really wanna hear from you readers! Tell me a random fact! The one that makes me laugh the most will get a little prize :) C'mon, I wanna see this post fill up with comments!

Allright, this is who I'm taggin in return!

http://tarawhitney.typepad.com/ - cause you are my FAVE!
http://bloggingwithbrenda.blogspot.com/ -cause your b/w actions rock!
http://www.meganrenaephotography.blogspot.com/ -cause I love ya :)
http://wynonarobison.typepad.com/photography/ -cause you're a shortie like me :)
http://lifelightexpressions.blogspot.com/ -cause you are so FUN!
http://pinkletoes.blogspot.com/ -cause I loooove your blog!
http://www.shutterblog.com/ -cause you are a template genius!
http://www.twinkletoesphoto.blogspot.com/ -cause your work is gorgeous!

Urban Sessions

I had my first Urban Session Sunday night, and I have to say...it was SO much fun! I once again had the privelege to capture a T.O.U.C.H. family.
(visit http://www.touchhearts.org/home.htm to see what this organization is all about)

I'm so glad the mom suggested something different for their session. As soon as she said "no parks", I thought of trying out our downtown area. We had a blast hanging out in the nooks and crannies of downtown, and ended the night with pizza and ice cream :) Doesn't get much better than that in my book! We got so many fun images - it was hard to only pick a few for the teaser :)

To the Z family...thanks for being my guinea pigs and letting us join you for dinner at the infamous Micheleo's. Thanks also for making the trip to Normal. We'll see you at the picnic in September! Enjoy your sneak peek :)


First things first...

...adorable 5 year old "A"

I think I managed to get on "L" 's good side and he went along with all my ideas :)

The oldest, "J"...future model here!

(click on image to view larger)

Another future model...I can't get over how comfortable these kids were in front of the camera. I think it helps that their mom is a photo nut like I am :)

I snuck A & T away for a few of their own...becomes moments like these are hard to come by in a house of six!

and the whole gang!

Thanks for reading :)

~S