Every so often, I plan on taking a break from my photography to just write, and hopefully you relate (sounds good in theory, right?!). And tonight, well tonight I reflect on what I would consider a bad day of parenting on my part. Not the first, nor the last sadly. Long story short, Gemma was pretty emotional today- her naps got all messed up, and well, everyone suffered. I was trying to learn a new program, edit pictures, run errands, pick up the house, referee the cat and the dog (believe me, it’s necessary), do laundry, cook dinner, return messages, and parent my child. You can probably guess by the title of this blog where I feel I MAY have failed today. It seems that as soon as I figure out how to balance her needs with everything else, she changes, and my poor child is left with a mother that is utterly befuddled on how to proceed.

 

I haven’t photographed a ton of weddings. My clients know this. Everyone must start somewhere though, so when I’m commissioned to be a wedding photographer, I feel privileged to be a huge part of such a special day. It’s such an honor to be present on such a momentous occasion. I love every minute of wedding days. Who doesn’t!?

Meet Rachael & Matt Williams. This bride LOVES everything related to the fourth of July, so it was appropriate when she decided on July 5, 2014 for her wedding. Rachael nailed every detail. Every. Single. One. Every time I turned around, there was an element of the day I felt needed forever remembered. Red, white, and blue elements garnished the church and reception hall while rustic elements brought her beloved family farm/pond into the mix. Needless to say, the day was gorgeous as the weather we were blessed with enjoying.

I love when clients bring their newborns to me.  I love it even more when they decide to come see me again!  Mindy & Matt brought miss Chloe to me last week for her first of hopefully many milestone session- her three month session.  This little girl was so alert her whole session.  Mom and I stressed for a bit because we weren't getting classic Chloe smiles.  Low and behold, as I was editing, I realized I got some amazing smiley pictures from her!  I love these toothless smiles of this age!  Click this link to see more of Chloe's album with a handful of precious smiles! One of my favorite things about babies are when they grab their toes.  I can't tell you why I enjoy this little facet of infancy, but it cracks me up, and I love capturing them grabbing their tootsies and folding in half like only a baby can (well perhaps there are adults that can, but I highly doubt its as adorable).

I love every session I photograph. Every single one. I laugh, learn, and appreciate every time you let me pick up my camera and catch a piece of time. You all get images that capture a moment in time (that you hopefully cherish and love), but I leave each session changed, and yearning to pick up my camera over and over again.   This particular session reaffirmed my love of photography with its amazing backdrops and more than willing subjects. This past Sunday Steele & Andrea welcomed me onto Steele’s family farm for their engagement session. I love my locations that I know like the back of my hand, but letting me loose on a whole farm? Oh man, so much fun to be had.   I made them get in a creek. Yes. It happened, and the images are amazing. But first, I have to tell you. I’m NOT directionally challenged until you put me in the country, my GPS doesn’t work, and my brain goes into overdrive imagining the pictures I could take if trespassing wasn’t illegal.

Gemma at 1 week, 6 months, and her first birthday By now, you’ve gathered I have a daughter, Gemma Marie. My life. My pride. This little ball of fire graced us with her arrival (albeit a week late) March 2013 and brought so much light to my life I didn’t know was missing. She’s humbled and frustrated me, made me cry tears of happiness and doubt my parenting skills many times. But my heavens, who knew the joy a child can bring along with a myriad of emotions. Gemma is a cuddly, mischievous, spunky, sweet, and caring 1 year old. Her loves include most foods, her blankie, sleepy time, her kitty & Gigi, Tangled, and of course, her mommy and daddy. She has been the main subject of my camera since she was born. Every idea I’ve conceived, I’ve tried to execute using her as my model.