We used to call my brother “peanut” when he was little. Truth be told, we still do, but it’s not near as cute when you’re 38. This little guy reminded me of him from the old pictures I have in my head. Something about his mouth and nose. Mom and Dad were so laid back and so confident for first-time parents – and clearly so in awe of the new addition to their family.

I love it when sessions just click, clients simply “get it” and we create lifelong memories like these. Ashlee and Joey – thank you so much for a wonderful experience and truly being a bright spot in my week! I fell in love with your little peanut and can’t wait to watch him grow during his first year.

I’m behind on blogging, but they’ve got just a few more days to go until they meet their son and I instantly fell in love with these images – and their obvious affection for each other – while editing. We shot at 7:30 p.m. before sunset and the light was beyond perfect. I love that time of day for sessions! We even managed a little bit of sunburst behind them kissing. This was a Signature Maternity Session incorporating both outdoor, natural light on-location (in this case, an old barn and its surroundings) and an indoor studio session featuring fun, clothed shots and also several more artfully done  ‘boudoir’ maternity shots.  (Which I would love to show you, but I will save those for my clients.) I also offer Mini Maternity Sessions which are shorter and feature either natural light, on location photography or in-studio styling. Both types of maternity sessions are only available with a Signature Newborn Session or a Signature First Year Program.

You’ll see Baby Jax here on the blog in about three weeks, too. Can’t wait to meet him!

Note: June and July are booked and August is nearly full. If you’re pregnant and expecting this fall, call to schedule now to ensure a slot.

For those who think the index finger and biceps are the only muscles that get a workout during a photo shoot, this next post pretty much sums up what’s it like photographing children between the ages of one and two.

And to that I only have two words:  good shoes.

Yep. You can attempt to “pose” the new little walkers – and lightning fast runners – to your heart’s desire, but at the end of the day, it’s their world. And what a big, big world it is to someone this small. I always tell parents during these sessions that, although it may feel like we’re running  a marathon and playing crazy games of chase (more like avoid the girl with the big lens) and not getting any great shots, I’m getting great stuff here, there and everywhere the whole time.

Meet Stella. Future track star. Girl of a thousand beautiful faces. Keeper of mom’s heart. Busy, busy little bee. (She’s also my 2010 Image of the Year Blog/Facebook drawing session winner from January).

LOVE these outfits from Matilda Jane (www.matildajaneclothing.com)! If you’ve got a little girl and a session coming up, I highly recommend you check the latest line out.

Playing around with texture and a vintage color wash here:

we kicked off her 2010 high school senior session. I’m nearly positive she thought I was out of mind when I explained my vision for this first shot even before we got to the little stream. But having nursed my share of blisters and sore arches for a fabulous pair of heels, I know that there are many things we girls will  do in the name of fashion …. or, in this case, senior portraits. Ironically, when asked about her favorite music, she quickly replied “Toes in the Water” by the Zac Brown Band. Coincidence? Hmmmm.

So was being barefoot in an icy stream worth it? Oh. Yea.

I have too many favorites, so be prepared to do a little scrolling. I’m also linking her slideshow of all session images below. Just click on the arrow in the middle to play. So many of her expressions – the smile, too — remind me a bit of a cross between Uma Thurman and Julia Roberts. So beautiful.

Meet Taylor. Class of 2010. Crusader to the core. Spirit on the Friday night sidelines. Urban fashionista with a country girl heart. Big sister. The “smart one.” And the “pretty one.” All in one.