Ok, so technically, it's not quite on Lake Taylorville, but seriously, it's close enough.  To say the Oesch's have a gorgeous property, especially for a family session is an understatement.

I've known Clint and Lindsey for about eight years now.  It seems like I photographed half of the Moweaqua peeps' weddings and whatnot for a few years and he was in a bunch of them- if not all- so he was photographed a lot in those few years!

One day I needed a pony fix and Lindsey volunteered her and her gorgeous paint, Lexi for the session and a photography friendship was born based around babies and ponies and pictures (she was preggers with Landon the first time I photographed her and Lex).

I did Camden's newborn session last year, and it was beyond time for his first birthday session. 

I'M BACK!

Full disclosure: I've been traveling since last Friday and have scheduled posts. I haven't responded to any comments because aside from Saturday I've been going non-stop.  However, I had a lot of thoughts that wouldn't fit in a post on IG, and who reads through crap on FB anymore, right?

For some time now, every time I've left the kids, I really didn't "pine" for them so to speak. I thought about them, hoped they were behaving for whatever governing authority was home with them, but otherwise was doing what I came to do.  Whether that be work related, self-care with a girlfriend, or a quick getaway with my husband, I've always enjoyed myself.  I've always looked forward to and love my little two day trips that I've taken (the whole two times this year).

Friday/Saturday was alllll me time with my best friend in Mizzou country.

When should I book?  I hear it often.  For many, and I truly mean MANY moms, the idea of a newborn photographer doesn't occur until after your newborn is in your arms.  I get it- I truly do.  However, I want to discuss when to book your newborn photographer.

There are plenty of factors in determining the best fit for you and your family.  Would you prefer to go to an in home studio, commercial space, have them come to you for a newborn lifestyle session or Fresh 48 (which are obviously not a go right now under the current conditions).  Do you want contrasty, earthy tones or "light and airy?"

Booking a newborn photographer is a personal decision.  One that will (what I hope) will be more than just a one time decision with HGP.  With my newborn clients, I always look forward to future sessions.

For years now I've been telling my best photographer friend that I live for pretty light.  When do you have prettier light than during summer family sessions?!  I literally just told someone today that I get why ya'll love fall sessions- I really do- but I LOVE light.  I live for light.  Everywhere I go, I'm looking at the light and dreaming of photographing you gorgeous people in summer light.  Our road trips around Central Illinois revolve around looking for light.

I wish I were kidding.

So I did what I do.  I looked for the light and love the results (so much so, I can't wait for my own session).  My cousin hasn't updated her family pictures in awhile.  So we waited.  And waited.  And waited some more for the right time.  The right light.  I'm not kidding when I say we probably waited months for the right Tuesday to appear.

The older newborn.

Babes older than a months but less than two months.

You survived having a newborn during a pandemic.  You seriously deserve a medal, momma.

Yes, I may not be able to do as many curly poses.  Or sometimes, we will...

Yes, more patience and time may be required, and that's absolutely fine!

Yes, you should absolutely consider getting this little chapter of your lives photographed.  The one that says I survived social distancing with a newborn.  Covid-19 took so much joy from this period of your lives and we're about to infuse a bunch back into it.

May 29th.  That's the day I can legally open.  HGP will still have some self-imposed restrictions to ensure the peace of mind of everyone, but in just five days, we're good to go.