it's no wonder why i've been loving my newborn photography sessions lately and feeling completely at ease as i drive away. i asked these new parents what they do at the end of the day to unwind with their new baby. without hesitation they responded with "relaxing together in the hammock".. so i invited them to do just that. i love when i can truly be a fly on the wall, capturing quiet, serene moments - a glimpse into a family's unique daily life. it is my hope that these photographs will only grow with meaning as the years go by, always holding close the emotions felt when their little girl was just 2 weeks old.
a perfect day for dinosaurs..
there's really nothing better than documenting kids being exactly who they are today.
i absolutely adored these two boys on this beautiful September day. major props to this 3 1/2 year old big brother who kept this photo session a secret for almost 3 weeks! these photographs were planned as a special anniversary gift for his dad.. and i was honored to be a part of the surprise!
there are two boys who love to fly.
On two winter days
And across the country apart,
There are two boys who love to fly.
With their wide eyes turned up to the sky,
I see they are dreamers already.
los angeles baby photographer
grand rapids children's photographer
The first set of images was taken in December in Los Angeles, California. The second set was taken earlier this evening in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Both families were referred to me from the very same friend... what a small world this is.
Whichever kind of winter you are lucky to have, I hope you’ve taken a moment to see the beauty and soak up every last bit. After living in Southern California for a few (wonderfully sunny) years, I never thought I would say it… but, I think I missed the brisk, snowy winter. I am now seeing it with fresh eyes and I’ve never enjoyed it more. (32° is the new 72°) ;)
tiny toes.
I flew back to California this past December to photograph these tiny toes. I couldn't have been happier to help welcome this little one to the world... I had just moved away from Los Angeles 2 months prior and, with a broken heart, I thought for sure I wouldn't meet this little guy for several more months. However, a series of fortunate events allowed us to plan this session at the perfect newborn stage - just 2 weeks old.
I absolutely adore this family and hardly have words for how grateful I am that photography has brought us together. Not only do these lucky kids have the sweetest parents, but their mom shares my love of fine stationery and the hand-written note. Her notes are some of the best I have ever received and I can't imagine how many lives she has touched!
She also has an impeccable eye for design. I just love how she framed and arranged two wall prints from our first session when her adorable blue-eyed little girl was just 8 months. The gorgeous Keepsake Box on her mantle was an addition from our session this past summer. And she now has a matching Keepsake Box for her baby boy's newborn photographs - such a lovely way to hold your treasured prints!
capturing the everyday.
I truly believe in the importance of capturing everyday life. Beyond the perfectly poised portrait, I feel there is an even larger place for the photographs that capture the in-between. The ever so ordinary. The Cheerios-on-chins and larger-than-life baby-food-bites kind of moments. He will only be this age once. I am so happy I kept shooting during Ronen's snack break, as this series of images turned out to be my favorite of the session. The last image has had me laughing since November..
(Is this moment not priceless? I imagine he could sell some serious baby grub!)
I began photographing Ronen when he was still in the womb and when he was just 6 weeks. These images commemorate his 8 month stage and I'll soon be flying to Los Angeles for his one year session. Preserving memories for a family of their baby's 1st year milestones has to be one of the best things ever!
living with grace, patience, and hope..
Since it is the day after Memorial Day, it only seems fitting to post about this amazing couple. Alexis is currently serving the US Air Force on assignment in Las Vegas, away from her husband, Justin, who is a teacher in Los Angeles. I can’t even begin to express my admiration for the ease in which they have handled this time of their lives.. living apart with a new baby. I know they are counting down the days until Alexis begins her next assignment this summer and will move back to her home in Los Angeles. I have an incredible amount of respect for the challenges that military families endure and the strength it requires to carry on with such grace, patience, and hope.
It also amazes me that Alexis prioritized this newborn photography session amidst traveling between Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Michigan, and Alabama with her 6 week old in tow. Like so many events in life, it may seem that there might always be a better time, but this new Mom is beyond inspirational! It is all about declaring value and deciding what is important, holding back from excuses and making time for the little things..
Why always "not yet"? Do flowers in spring say "not yet"? - Norman Douglas