Little J

I just finished a much-needed reprieve from sessions. I think we all need to take a break every now and then from our everyday routines. I had an opportunity to help out a fellow photographer at her first newborn shoot last week. She and I went to high school together several years ago (let's not say how many!), and she and her husband now reside in Texas. Her husband is into studio photography, while she would like to try on-location, natural light photography. She has been in town visiting, so we got a chance to catch up, meet each other's daughters (only 2 months apart!), and I helped her out with this wee one.
Just wanted to share a few of my favorites. Tomorrow I'm traveling out of town for another newborn shoot, so I'll soon have another baby to share!

You absolutely must click on the images to see them best! :)

I love the one-eye look!and my absolute favorite!

This one's for the girls!

Just a few side notes before I begin the "real" post for today....I am officially booked for the rest of 2007. ..wow! If you would like to be added to a cancellation list, please contact me. Also, I will make exceptions for the Newborn Collection Session (see website for description). I understand that a newborn session is not something that can be scheduled in advance, so I will accept those sessions, on a case-by-case basis, as my schedule allows. Thanks everyone for making 2007 such a fun, busy year!

Also, happy belated birthday to my AWESOME hubby! Matt has been my biggest supporter and constant encourager in life. He truly is a gift from God!

Now, onto the real reason I am posting today. I want to share with you about a great little company called Oopsie Dazie. Cindy, the owner, creates custom, one-of-a-kind hair clips/pony holders that are truly drool-worthy. I originally went to see Cindy to purchase a hair clip to match Charlotte's birthday dress. A few minutes later, I walked out with 4 clips, and 1 more ordered! I couldn't believe the variety of clips she carried. How would I describe the clips....? Trendy, girly, fun, unique. Every clip is handmade by Cindy, who has a great eye for design. Not only does she have gobs of clips already made up for you to choose from, but she also has spools of ribbon and attachments so you can have her create one exactly to your liking! The great thing about these adorable clips is the tiny strip of velcro on the inside...no slipping out here! Best of all though, they are the perfect accessory, and they certainly get noticed! Charlotte's only had hers for a week now, and she's already gotten several compliments.
Also, Cindy is super nice to boot! I went to pick up a clip that I had ordered, and she gave me a free clip as a birthday present for Charlotte. It was one I had been admiring the last time I had been in, and Cindy had remembered. You don't see that kind of customer service everday!
Ok, enough of my plug for Oopsie Dazie....and onto some pictures of the clips! Oh, and if you have a daughter, you just have to visit the site: http://www.oopsiedazie.com/

and of course, you-know-who is the perfect model for the clips :)

Charlotte is ONE!

Well, my baby girl is offically ONE! I still can't believe it. Everyone tells you how fast the first year goes by, and wow, it really does! This is a day that I always sort of feared would never come. After losing Henry, I've always wondered if I would have the chance to sing "Happy Birthday", watch my child open presents, and hear my child say "mama" as they stretch our their arms for me. I've gotten this, and so much more. While I lost that chance with Henry, I am all the more thankful for this last year with Charlotte. I am so glad that I have learned to never take one moment for granted, and to be thankful for everything - even the difficult moments. I'm warning you, there's quite a few pictures ahead! A few of them are just snapshots from her birthday...the lighting was terrible and I stubbornly refused to use my in camera flash (shudder) and was too lazy to get out the bounce flash :) They were too fun not to share, though. Charlotte LOVED her cake, as you can see! Thanks to all my faithful blog-readers...friends and clients...for keeping up with me and letting me chatter on and on about my special little girl :)

Little model

Sunday night I had the privilege to photograph this adorable little girl. I still can't believe she's only 4 1/2! She was posing like a model for a fashion mag! She was so easy to photograph, I went through two memory cards (which I never do) just from constantly snapping away. She had myself and her parents cracking up the entire night :)

This is a sneak peek for her mom...I included a few of my favorites but really, they are all my favorites! Christi, I really couldn't be happier with what we got! I can't wait to show you the rest!

(click on image to view best)

Up a creek

...or a lake. Long story, but let's just say that Saturday night's session had a little "adventure" that we could have done without! Thank goodness for easy going clients like Trish. She laughed it off better than I'm sure I would of! It was a little hot, but really turned out to be a pretty nice night. Trish's 3 little ones amazed me with how great they got along...I don't think I heard one "Stop it!" or "Leave me alone!" that's typical of siblings. So awesome to see such a tight-knit family.

Trish - It was great meeting you and your familiy! Here's a sneak peek into your proofs! Enjoy!

p.s. How was the ride home? :)

{click on image to view best}

HAPPY FOURTH!

Easy Peasy

I had the most laid back session a few nights back. This family was so easy to capture...the kids were the most behaved I've met yet, and the parents just went with the flow. Couldn't have been easier! I feel like I really was able to capture this family as they truly are, and got some great candids, which I love! Not to mention that Linda and I share the common bond of both being "heart mommas" and both have experienced the loss of a son.
Linda, it was so nice to finally meet you in person and hear a little of Scottie's story. I like to think that Henry and Scottie were watching us play in the park on Sunday and smiling as their moms talked about them. Here's a sneak peek from your session - I should have the rest done next week!
(click on each image to see it best)

A day at the beach...

I promised I would post some pictures from our trip last week, so here they are! These are from our last night in Orlando. We went resort hopping at Disney, and these were taken at one of my favorite resorts - The Polynesian. You felt like you were in Hawaii when you walked into this resort. The white sand beach was huge and the sunset that night was just beautiful. It was Charlotte's first time in the sand, and she loved it! (click on each image to see in full res.)




The last two are similar because I can't decide which version I like best. Would you help me? Please vote for which one you like best (the winning one will be used on my website). Just comment on the post and choose either # 4 or #5. The first 2 people to vote will receive 2 custom made notecards - compliments of me! You choose the image for each square card, and it even includes a coordinating envelope. They include an adorable little flap so you can stand them on your mantel, windowsill, etc and they are perfect for mailing to your friends.

Check 'em out!

So vote away - help me decide - and may the fastest posters win! :) We'll see who really checks my blog! (previous clients only please, as image on card will be chosen from your online gallery) You've only got until Friday!