Ahhhh, back before the snow. So much snow. As it starts to melt a bit here, I’m remembering back to beautiful fall days and a bunch of wonderful families I got to photograph. If you’re interested in something a little shorter for your busy life and energetic kiddos, ask me about my mini sessions!
It was perfect that I got to photograph my sweet nephews during National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month. My youngest nephew made his debut four months ago, and not only was it my first time meeting him, but I also got to be a sponsor for his baptism. He was born with a cleft lip and palate and also has the sweetest personality. Watching my sister-in-law and brother care for him is so special, and each day it is apparent how much they love their three boys. It's always a treat to go back home to see them.
My heart swells when I get to spend time with such sweet, beautiful, plump-cheeked newborns, and little Paige was a delight. I plan for breaks during newborn sessions for feedings, comforting, really anything that can come up with such little ones, but Paige was a champ. She was so content, happy and sleepy during our time together, relishing in the comfort and love that comes from her parents.
I got to meet this sweet family from a referral from another friend, and I'm so thankful for it! The Mill City Museum is a special place to Trisha and Levi as they also took their engagement photos here. I'm sure during that time they had no idea they would be taking photos there again with their sweet boys! Twins hold a special place in my heart, and these two cuties are absolutely perfect. With their chubby cheeks and happy personalities, this was the perfect way to kick off a new year of family portraits.
Another buggy evening, but also another wonderful session. This family is great and so easy-going, which makes our time together so much fun. Their little girls have personality for days, and I loved capturing the joy and funny faces. Can't wait for the new little one to join them soon!
Henry recently turned one, and boy was he happy about it! This sweet boy had so many smiles for his mom and dad, and even though it was a buggy evening, they couldn't slow him down. Happy first year of life, H!
On this cold, cold February morning we made our way to the Landmark Center in St. Paul for August's one-year photos. Rice Park is a special place for this family, but because of the biting temps and chattering teeth, we explored the beautiful historic building in downtown St. Paul. What a wonderful place for family photos! We found some bright spots by the windows, and we even stumbled upon an old courtroom that was the perfect place for a toddler to explore.
I love the stage August is in. Balls and peek-a-boo were the ways into his heart, and we had such a fun time together.
We have been blessed with a beautiful fall so far. I met this family at a park in St. Paul, and the leaves, trees, and clouds were just gorgeous. Unfortunately many of the leaves had already fallen off the trees, but it still made for some beautiful fall foliage.
It was my first time meeting this wonderful family, and I had so much fun during our time together. It was so great to see their boys jump to different spots throughout our walk to the river and say, "Take a picture of me over here!" It showed me that they were excited about what we were doing, and I loved, loved, loved that. Their sweet little girl was a little tired during part of the session, but we still captured some adorable moments, and, wow, she is a cutie pie!
I caught myself smiling a lot while editing these photos. There is just lots of love and joy in their family, and it definitely shows. :)
I've recently been taking the time in my sessions to find the details. I love the feel those images give. As I've watched my kiddos go through two years of life with me, I start to think back to all the times I've kissed those chubby little fingers and toes, tickled those plump bellies, and--I hope this doesn't sound weird--nuzzled my face into the softest heads of hair. I mean, my son had silk for hair for a good year, and I just remember every night as I cuddled him and his sister, I would touch my cheek to his head.
These are the things I want to know about the families I meet. What are those details--those things about your little ones--that you just love? I want to capture that, to freeze it in a photograph, so that memory stays with you.
My hope is to capture bits of these little details in all my sessions, and I love it when families share which ones are most meaningful to them before the first picture is taken.
My twinsies turned two a few weeks ago, so I just had to take photos to commemorate this special event...mostly the fact that I've survived two years as a mother of twins. These two have been an incredible blessing to my life. They've helped me get back into that delightful state of wonder and playfulness I would like to live in more often. They've helped me remember that watching a colony of ants on the sidewalk can be so fascinating. Or they've sat me in the grass to watch the rabbit (who I'm sure was plotting how to get to my garden) move about our yard.
I love these two to pieces. Happy two years of life, sweet peas.
Photos with this family are always a favorite for me. We just have fun together, and we have some good conversations along the way. Their little girls are absolutely adorable, and love playing, and the play and joyfulness is what I like to capture.
This was one of the sweetest newborn sessions I've had the privilege of photographing. It was just smooth, and these kiddos were so wonderful. This family's love for one another was so evident throughout the session that it was such a fun shoot to be a part of.
This girl was a joy to photograph. She is on the move and curious as ever, and I love getting to watch little ones explore. It was even more exciting to see the love her parents have for her. Her face would light up as they sweetly spoke to her from behind the camera.
We took an adventure downtown to photograph a family that has a special place in my heart. I've photographed this family for the past few years, and I just love watching these sweet boys grow into little gentlemen. There was never a lack for interesting spots as we made our way through the Rice Park and Mears Park area, each giving a different feel--one more contemporary while the other shows that old, historic charm. This session definitely had a more photojournalistic approach, which is what I love to do.
I made my way up to Arden Hills to photograph a beautiful family in their beautiful backyard. Full of peonies, ferns, water features, and a pergola, it was an absolutely wonderful setting that will carry a special meaning for years.
I love, love, love this family, and I always enjoy photographing them. Their little ones get cuter every year, and I feel so lucky that I get to watch them grow up.
Lake and family time are a must during a Minnesota summer. With the harsh, harsh winters, summers in Minnesota are so glorious and should be spent outside as much as possible.
During our vacation we were able to spend some time taking photos, and I must say, I have the cutest nieces around.
So what's with this title? Well, what you don't see in these photos are my crazy kids and their sweet cousins running around in the background. My trip to Nebraska continued with a mini-session of a few more good friends, Amy & Nolan. Their adorable little girl was very interested in the chaos happening behind me, which led to some great reactions.
Seeing this sweet girl grow up and spending time with friends makes what I do the best job in the world.
I had the privilege of photographing a good friend of mine when I was in Nebraska a couple weeks ago. Jenni and I played basketball together in college, and she has been a dear friend since. She is the type of person who is always fun to be around, and conversation flows easily. It was great getting to spend time with her, her husband, and her little kiddo. He is a cutie! And he has another brother or sister on the way!
Jenni, thanks for letting me spend the afternoon with you, and I'm still waiting for us to take our show on the road!
