I am grateful to this family for inviting me back time after time to watch their little ones grow. It's truly the best compliment <3
Seriously, if you don't have a lot of time to spare this holiday season, but want updated family pictures, 20 minutes is all you need!
To be able to experience the Opera House when there is almost no one there was unreal. To be able to be on stage looking out into the seats was unreal, and for Jacob, to be able to sing on a stage like that was probably a mini dream come true. I say "mini" because this kid has some BIG dreams and BIG plans for his future and I can't wait to follow along on his journey.
I mean just keep giving me all of these moody fall photoshoots! I will just live here forever. Seriously, the color has been so beautiful lately and I am getting the perfect families to match that beauty!
Can you believe that this is their property? I mean... yes please!
In true Michigan fall fashion, we pretended that it was a beautiful fall day, but we were sweating by the end of it because it decided to be a heatwave for our session. In the end it was worth it for these shots and these beautiful colors!
Think again. We, as photographers, try to make the session as fun and relaxed as possible, but sometimes the kids have their own plan in mind. When that happens, the whole thing can feel like chaos and you can walk away feeling like there is no way there is anything good. My promise as a photographer is that there will always be pictures to love from your session. Because even when we are setting up a shot that might not turn out well, I'm still shooting the in between moments that are always some of my favorites from the session.
Jake had a very clear idea of what he wanted and didn't want. And he did NOT want standard senior photos. We were both spitballing ideas and making things come to life. It was a beautiful night in the city, and this might be one of my favorite sessions of all time.
Excuse the overshare...I can't help myself.
It means so much to me, as a photographer, when families want the special moments to be captured. Hillary came to me and wanted each kid photographed in their own space, which I though was so special! We, also, got a beautiful mix of Christmas card worthy photos and beautiful candids for their memories. At one point, their youngest told me that family pictures were so much "fun" and my day was made.
Let the connection of this beautiful family speak for itself <3
Seriously though, how beautiful is she? All of the poses and prompts sent her way, she tackled with grace and beauty. I forget how much I truly love taking senior portraits.
Shooting at the DIA was new for me, (I hadn't shot there before and I have another one there this month) but I loved shooting with all of that beautiful texture. There was so much room to run around and chase these busy kiddos. On the outside this place feels so fancy, but I loved how we made it be so casual and the perfect backdrop for this beautiful family.
Families, be sure to make extended family photos a thing at least every 2 years. It's a big undertaking, but families grow so fast! Trust me, you will want pictures of your parents with your littles while they are still little. It's a beautiful way to coordinate for a gallery wall and a perfect gift for the grandparents <3 It's a hassle, but it's always worth it.
They are so quick and easy and the kids (and husbands) don't hate them!
I was so excited to set this one up with Laura! I have taken photos of her family in the past and she wanted one of these as a mommy and me session and I was so on board! We had so much fun working together and I can't wait to share these images with you!
The styling is always on point as well as the location. Luckily the rain stopped just in time for us to be able to follow through with this shoot and I am so glad it did.
It seemed like yesterday when we took Megan and Dillon's engagement pictures and I was able to witness how truly perfect of a couple that they were together. Being able to photograph their wedding was an amazing honor and I truly wish them the best of luck moving forward!
Here are some pictures to spark creativity and if you would like to book one of these sessions with me, I can't wait to create those memories for you!
last image photo credit to @amandapearchphotography
I was approached about doing a branding session and updated headshots for this company and we had so much fun! Everyone did the updated headshots, and some of the therapists decided to do their own mini shoot for marketing purposes. It was so much fun spending time with this group and the fact that their boss offered this perk says a lot about her and her love of the company and those who work with her <3
This little lady was such a ham during this shoot. She loved little brother, would sing to him and count his toes, but she was also very ready to be in the frame and wanted to wear her best jewelry (which might be my favorite thing about all of the pictures with her in it.)
Thank you for allowing me to see growth in your family. Thank you for allowing me into your children's lives and trusting me enough to capture such amazing details from your daily life. Thank you for letting me be your family historian.
I can't tell you how much it fills my soul seeing your kiddos grow and catching up year after year.
Everything about it is special to you. Every picture on the fridge, every crayon mark on the wall, every dirty dish in the sink holds something special to you and you alone.
That's the thing I love about these sessions. From the way each room is decorated to being in the middle of projects, it's a house that could be created by your family alone. Love it for the beauty that it is and capture it just the way it is. These are the homes your kids grew up in so make sure to capture them here, being a child and loving their beautify ordinary.
Using your home for a session spot helps everyone be more at ease. Kids show their personalities easier, husbands don't hate being in the shots as much when they just get to play, and mom's just get to be without having to wrangle everyone around and get them to smile. We get to capture their favorite toys and favorite activities all in one space.
This family has such a beautiful dynamic and to be able to capture it in their most comfortable space is going to be such a treasure. I loved seeing the twins favorite dolls and accessories (which were handed down to them) and I loved seeing big brother be super into LEGO and letting his personality shine in front of the camera.
If you ever gift yourself anything, let it be an in home session. I promise you won't regret it.
This session did not disappoint. And it was double the fun! I loved watching the similarities of these boys and how much they love mom, but are also becoming more independent from her and each other. Have you ever asked a mom of multiples "how is it having twins/triplets/etc?" Watching Paige with her boys I can give you an answer right now. All the feelings of a mom, multiply it by two- including exhaustion.
Also, peek at this brave little dude who decided today was the day to pull that front tooth out in the most epic way possible <3
If you need me, I will just be over here staring at this gallery :)
The weather and lighting were perfect, the senior was extremely photogenic, the locations were amazing and I wasn't chasing around a toddler the whole session. It turned into a family affair which made the whole hour so much fun!
We wanted to make sure he had gorgeous pictures to hang on the wall next to his brother and sister when they were babies and we sure got them. I love that you can clearly see the love and connection this family shares. Enjoy being transported into this gorgeous newborn session with this sneak peek!
Images with little kids can be tough, but let me assure you, there will be lots of dancing, lots of playing and lots of tickling! And yes, we were absolutely dancing to "We don't talk about Bruno." Now guess what song will be in my head the rest of the day?
First, I had been trying to call this brewery all week about shooting here and no one ever called me back. So we said "just chance it" and I asked as soon as we got there. The hostess had this whole downstairs room closed off for an event (or at least that is what I heard her say) and the other hostess told me I can use it at my "own risk." Confused by the statement, I went in while the couple went to grab some beer. I was setting the table up and moving chairs around while they were getting drinks. I asked when the event was starting and she mention, "no there is an event upstairs, this room is closed for the day." Okay perfect! We have the whole room to ourselves; that worked out nicely.
We start our shoot and about half way through, the couple mentions there is a bird in the room; "a really fat bird." Well nope, it was a bat that came in with a crowd a night before and they had closed off that room until they could catch it. Now understanding the "own risk" phrase, Megan and I are dodging low while this bat is just flying in circles. The hostess keep screaming every time it flies towards the doors where she is standing and Dylan is stepping up and trying to get the bat out of the room.
The hostess calls on the walkie for someone to come down because "the bat is flying around again." Clearly, they had been trying to catch this bat all day and this guy who came down to take care of it had been the same one trying to catch it all day. Finally, it flew into a hallway with a door on it. The worker closed the door behind himself and all we can hear is a book slamming against something, walls, floors, I don't know. We half expected the bat to come out of the door with the worker lying on the ground, but alas, he came out of the hallway, squeaking bat wrapped in a towel, and threw it outside. After all of the excitement, we finished our shoot and I had one of the most memorable shoots of my career.
I was so excited when this family came to me to take advantage of the Holiday sale and they wanted to decorate their tree. The littlest kept showing me every ornament and the oldest wanted to read the backs of all of them. I love that I was able to catch a glimpse of this family through their tree decorations and I hope these memories will be cherished forever.
I jumped on the opportunity when she was looking for a branding shoot. I couldn't wait to put my name in the running and when she picked me, excited is an underwhelming statement for how I felt.
The shoot today was a dream and I love seeing the hard work done by the person behind the brand. Brianna is a lady of many hats but wears them all beautifully! I can't wait for you to dive in to the beauty that is this brand and this wonderful, powerful woman!
And what is better than capturing your kiddos being themselves? Capturing your parents being grandparents. If I could stress any session, it would be grandparent sessions and mommy and me sessions. I believe, with my whole being, that these are the most important things.
Dream session right here <3
Launching storytelling sessions! These might just be my favorite sessions that I offer. We get to hang out for 3 hours and I get to photograph your family doing whatever they do.
I visited this beautiful family and we documented some of their favorite things to do. Dad and little babe mowed the grass, the kiddos played with the playset dad made for them, everyone was swinging in the hammock and we spent time on the front porch.
Sessions don't have to be fancy, or at golden hour, or with poses. Sometimes everyone just feels more comfortable at home; where we all love to be.
I've saved the smiley ones for the family because I really wanted to show off the love and ease of this beautiful big family.
Our time was filled with fishing, renting a pontoon for a day, s'mores, campfires, ice cream and lots and lots of swimming.
I loved the way the seem so perfect for each other. Love and life seemed like it came easy to them, and the comfort and ease they have around each other only comes with people who have been together for a long time. Going into a marriage with someone you feel like you've been with for a lifetime is going to make their marriage last. I can feel it in my bones.
Honored is not a strong enough word for how I felt when Kylee told me she only wanted me to take her photos. It's a whole new feeling, as a photographer, when someone comes to you with that much determination to get you to photograph their special day.
All swaddles are from The Swaddle Company (www.theswaddlecompany.com / @theswaddleco)
Here is the cool thing though, when you are game to do a early morning or an evening golden hour shoot, we get this amazing warm light, and I get to edit warmer and get it out of my system <3
I love shooting with prompts during my sessions. It lightens the mood and it makes it more fun. Especially with a 4 year old running around. I, also, love looking back at the images and knowing which prompts caused these emotions. I always think the goofiness makes it all worth it for images like these.
From an outsider's view, this seemed to be the case for Alecia and Scott. My hearts go out to them on needing to rethink such an important day of their lives, but I think everything came together beautifully and they were truly surrounded by those who loved them most. You could absolutely feel it in the air <3
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month out, especially if I've already done the fresh 48 because I can focus on the connection and flow of a brand new family member and the people who love them.
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It's been a while since I have done a fresh 48 and let me tell you, there is just something so special about that time in the hospital. I don't know if I can really pinpoint what it is, but there was so much love in this room.
I can't wait to see this little lady grow!
Then I get an inquiry from the same people asking me to do their wedding photos! I couldn't wait to meet the infamous couple as well as capture a love that bloomed right in front of my...ears?
I hope you enjoy married life and find it as fulfilling as your time getting to this point. I know you were nervous, but when you're around each other, love and ease just flows from the two of you <3
]]>I love stories like this, and families like this.
Chris and Becca were a prime example of that phrase "just meant to be." They both told me that they weren't very photogenic, but all I see when I look at these photos are two people in love and so comfortable with each other that it makes an engagement session fly by because they were so easy to work with.
I am so happy I get to be a part of your journey to forever. I can't wait to photograph your wedding in August!
I met Savannah when I was building up my portfolio when I first got into photography. Her and her mom traveled to me and were so incredibly nice and easy to work with! Savanna's senior pictures were some of my favorites for a long time.
Fast forward 4 years and I get a message from Savannah saying that she's engaged and wants me to photograph her wedding!! I met with her and Andrew and she was just as nice as I remembered and Andrew was no different than her.
On their wedding day, even though things are always crazy, they both made me feel extremely welcomed and appreciated. I think I got about 3 high fives from Andrew with a thank you, and Savannah's mom mentioned to me that they thought of me to photograph as soon as she got engaged. Her mom said they knew they could trust me!
I mean, this was Savannah and Andrew's special day, but they somehow made me feel special too.
Their wedding was as beautiful as the people they are and the special quiet moments in between the big ones. I wish you two happily ever after!
I adore sink bath pictures. Our kitchen isn't even close to being on our priority (because if it still works, why change it, right?) so my sink is the ugly, standard silver basin sink that always seems to look dirty. The spot that the window is in is absolutely stunning, and I can't wait to utilize it for photos, but until then, I have to outsource.
That is where my mom comes in. She (recently enough) just did her kitchen and painted her cupboards white, replaced her countertops, put in a NEUTRAL backsplash and GOT A BRAND NEW SINK. Did I mention she only lives a block from my house AND she has everything I would ever need to take care of either of my boys? Have I mentioned lately that I am glad she works from home, and I am able to take advantage of the hard work that she has put in to making her house look great.
So sink pictures are what I set out to do, and sink pictures are what I accomplished that day. Please enjoy these, and I hope that my love for this session really pours out in these final images I chose to share with you all.
First, this little boy LOVES smoothies, so let's go to the store, get some fruit, and let him put in a little work for his treats :)
He was so into it, so he was a little apprehensive when I asked him to stop and told him that we were going to get the bubbles and take a bath in the sink. He looked at me like "you know I am going to be 3 and I am large for my size...so you want me to fit in there?!"
You know what kid, if you fit, you sit.
He ended up having an absolute BLAST and it was so hard to talk him into getting his out. His toes were pruned!
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We had a surprise birthday to go to for my husband's grandpa. He was turning 90! So we decided to rent a place and went all out! Beach and everything!
Jack is at an age where his little memory lets him remember extra fun things, so this beach trip (although not his first) should be one that he remembers for a while.
We have been friends since high school.
Our oldest kids (her daughter and my son) are the best of friends.
Now, it's only right that this little boy on the way is going to be only 3 months younger than my youngest little boy.
I can wait to meet you Muskateer and I can wait for you to join this friendship clan!
This fellow photographer was also the photographer that I reached out to when I was looking to get into the business. She showed me the ropes in lifestyle photography and taught me a lot about the business and photo editing.
Now she's moving and leaving her photography behind. She was kind enough to do one last shoot for me and asked me to do the same for her. How could I not? I tried my hand at a new editing style that was out of my comfort zone to make the pictures more to her taste, just like she has done for me so many times in the past.
I am sad to see you go and I am sad to start over with another photographer, but here's to hoping they are as go with the flow as you! Please, please overshare pictures of Colorado- I know I will always be wanting the mountains as my backdrop rather than trees. Enjoy my take on your beautiful mommy+me session.
]]>I love this little girl and being able to see her grow over the past year has been a blessing. Happy birthday Charlotte!
Even though she lives so far away, I was lucky enough to grab some shots while she's in town for her birthday party!
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We had some bumps in the road to finally get to today, but the weather was beautiful and so worth it!
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I had the amazing honor of working with a high school friend and her adorable kiddos. They moved back to the mitten, and she was so sweet to ask me to take pictures of her daughter and son. I couldn't have been more honored, and nervous! I can't help but get nervous when I take pictures for people I know- but I had a blast and they are probably some of the EASIEST and most ADORABLE children ever! Enjoy these pictures from Mr. B's first birthday shoot! And of course we had to add sissy in the pictures- after all, she is his world <3
When I met Stephanie and Todd, I knew, immediately, that I could not wait to capture their wedding. From their adorable little boy to their very laid back demeanor, I knew that we would be a good fit together.
And, as I expected, their day was beautiful, casual, and so full of love. Never have I met a more calm bride! This girl had her head about her that day and wasn't going to let anything get in her way of having the best day! Every detail was thought out, and if anything went wrong- no one knew :) The day couldn't have been more perfect!
Congratulations Mr and Mrs Davidson! Enjoy the rest of your honeymoon, love birds <3
This little lady's momma and I were on the same wave length for what to do for her pictures, and I think they turned out to be just as beautiful as the girl in the pictures <3
Here's the story:
My grandpa came to me and wanted pictures of my grandma in her garden (couple goals?). I showed up and she found the cutest and most perfect dress for these pictures, she brought out her gardening hat, and made up a flower arrangement in her basket. We had the most fun and dare I say it, I think she had fun and actually liked the pictures!
]]>Since becoming a professional photographer, I have felt the need to only portray the best pictures (especially of my own kid) because it shows my work. However, with this post, I wanted to portray a few rougher images.
We were outside today, and brought out the sprinkler for the first time. He was being way too cute, so I HAD to run inside and grab my camera. Well, with a mix of toddler and water, I didn't get the best images. I either hated the color in camera, or didn't love how the photo edited, or it was blurry. But I always wanted to share these images. I learned a lesson in life today; share the image (especially to the clients) because you may have caught one of their favorites images of something their child does. I would much rather have a blurry image that shows him having a blast in the sprinkler, than no image at all. When I'm old and he's grown, I will look at his face and not care about the blurry-ness of the photo.
Of course, the best thing to do is set the camera down, but let's be honest, I could never do that.
Congrats girls!
]]>I am not one to have people dote upon me, but I am not going to lie, I could get used to this! This is my second mother's day with Jack and my husband keeps finding ways to make the day even more special. He pretty much covered every basis from a card from the dog, to not even lifting a finger for anything. I am not really sure how he could make Mother's Day any better!
The only thing I ask for on Mother's day is to get some pictures with my kiddo. Which is harder than you might think. Because I want the nice pictures, I have to re-teach my husband how to use my camera, all while I have a screaming and wiggly toddler trying to do anything but take pictures with me. Normally, I would just forget it, but I also try to make Jack match with me once a year- and this year we got little and big dipper shirts, so I have to document that right? We took about (what seemed like) a million pictures, and I actually had some turn out! Mother's Day success!
I truly wish you day was as amazing as mine! Happy Mother's Day! <3
"In a field of roses, she is a wildflower"
I am in awe of this opportunities these girls have at such a young age!
It saddens me to think that if we don't carry the tradition and take it upon ourselves to teach our kids about this movie, the legend of "The Goonies" could die.
My mom and I went shopping for summer clothes for me, and as usual, we not only didn't get anything for me, but we spent our money on this kiddo right here. Anyone else have a hard time NOT buying for their kid? I know I do! I got this roper on etsy from The Wild Bambino and I am absolutely in love with it! I know that he is far too young to even think about watching the movie, because let's face it, it was actually kind of scary at times. But, he will watch it when the time comes. And I will be there right along with him :)
That is what my sessions are like with this little spunky lady!! Since the first day I photographed her, I have been trying to get her to look at me and my camera with anything but a completely stoic face. Seriously! Whenever I would pull out my camera, every bit of a smile that was once there was totally wiped away.
Luckily, mom is a rockstar and just laughed about it with me, because she enjoys those looks just as much as I do. But as a photographer, there is always some pressure (usually from me and my internal battles) to get at least one picture with the kiddo(s) smiling.
So I would show up every session, and take those adorably cute, confused, and stoic faces and pull out all of my tricks to make her laugh or smile. And usually get no smiles.....
BUT THIS TIME.....I got to see her personality shine so bright! She couldn't stop laughing and smiling and moving all around! It made all of those times that I went and I tried to conquer those challenges head on so worth it! And let me tell you, she has a super infectious laugh...like the kind that makes you laugh even harder every time! I loved it, and I just love her!
Well, normally, I probably would have used my kiddo (which wouldn't have worked very well with a toddler) but he was fast asleep in naptime dreamland, so I chose a friend who keeps me company at my desk. Elliot.
This was probably a blessing in disguise anyway, because I don't think I have ever met a toddler who could fulfill the qualifications of the creativity challenge I needed to embark on. Pete's dragon is one of my all-time favorite Disney movies (yes, the remake too) so this little friend did a mighty fine job helping me out :) Look how many shots! And I could have kept going, but I figured I had enough for the challenge.
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Number 1, Sarah is one of my dearest friends who entrusted me to take pictures of one of the greatest times in her life- how could I not be honored? Number 2, her house had the most amazing lighting! We joked that I would have all future clientele come out to her house just to I could use it for lighting! Except there was one issue with that (all joking aside), she lives in Jackson, which has way more downsides than you would expect; like hardly being able to see her.
However, we always make the most out of our time together! This shoot, for example, was not only time that I got to photograph her (and her adorable puppy) but time that we were able to catch up with each other. What would normally have just been an hour long shoot turned into a whole day adventure! Needless to say, I can't wait for her little lady to come along! Get togethers are always more fun with babies <3