Don’t stand still girls – run around your parents! Not the traditional shot but I think a welcome change from the usual.

This father’s day session took place a few days ago and you’re going to have to help me keep it a secret from Maryn’s dad (I’m fairly certain he’s never checked my blog or anything so we’re safe unless you leak it). I knew going in to this shoot that Maryn was an active little girl, like most one year olds. She had some toys so we played and ran and read some books, and through all of the action here are some of the moments that I captured. She has the most adorable little smile and is one of the happiest little girls, so it was a lot of fun to spend time with her and document her growing personality.

When Maryn looked at me I brought up the camera quickly to capture the honest look that she had. I didn’t have the camera as a barrier between her and I so that I could interact with her and get some of the expressions you see in these pictures. Photographing one year olds isn’t easy, but it’s rewarding. They have no programmed reaction to the camera and by being outside and playing they share so much of their personality… so much more than in a studio.

I love Raggedy Ann dolls, and so does Maryn.

We had some fun playing on the benches outside and hide and seek brought this big smile out. Adorable! These are going to be the perfect Father’s Day Present.

I don’t know about you, but in my family* everyone except me and my brother in law have a birthday in between a one month span… starting Dec. 24 until Jan 25. So, not only is this a busy holiday time, it really is birthday season. It started with my niece’s birthday on the 24th, who is just as adorable as in the picture above. Sitting in her birthday outfit – that I picked out, thanks to target – she was delighted and puzzled at the presents and attention. I can’t believe she’s one already and wish I didn’t have to live so far away from her!

Today we celebrated the next birthday, my mom’s, and after eating the gourmet dinner we cooked up Sarah played several rounds of happy birthday on the piano and we dived in to a lemon chiffon cake (recipe from the cookbook of our famous cousin Jen and her restaurant Hell’s Backbone Grill. Ours didn’t look as good as the picture so I’ll have to call her for tips.) Tonight’s activities ended with a rousing came of scattergories and it was good to be at home. Next up: my husband! His birthday is in mid January and I’ll admit I don’t have much planned as of now. Anyone want to email me some good ideas?

With the holidays the days have blurred together, workouts fell by the wayside, and it’s been a struggle to switch back to work mode. Things have picked up although I’ve enjoyed some nice time off that was much needed after a very busy year. Today I had a great time shooting some engagement photos and have included one below for you. Elizabeth and Jared were so fun to photograph and I can’t wait to come back to Michigan in August. I’m getting ready for my wedding this weekend and am looking forward to finally celebrating New Years with friends in Rochester New York. Lots of plans are being made for next summer, and like many people I heard stories of fabulous engagements over the holidays. If you want to check my schedule and get some more information email me sooner than later so that you have first choice on the date and I can work out the details with you. I can’t wait to complete my 2010 wedding line up and already have some fabulous brides I’m so lucky to be working with!

There really aren’t many things that rank up there with family, which is why I was especially excited to be able to make a recent trip to MI. I’m not sure if life – and the life of a family – can be documented better than through photographs… and yet, how many people actually like going to a family photo? I’m not sure if I can think of one! I also think that the majority of the population would think “awkward studio pose” when they hear of family photos. Family portraits have really progressed with the evolution of photography – from a time when people had to stand still for one minute to get the exposure, to the current flexibility with digital photography that allows people to be relaxed and personality to show through.

I love documenting my little niece (she’s grown a lot in 3 months) and my sister + brother in-law as their family grows. I plan on making an album at the end of Julia’s first year, compiling all the photos I’ve taken so that they’ll have the perfect little book to look back on. Isn’t organizing photos sometime the hardest thing? I’m kind of thinking that I’d like to do the same for other people as well…. :]

I’m so excited to present the winner’s of my photoshoot contest and show the photos that came from that shoot! Robin {number 55} won by commenting on the contest post, and so we arranged to take photos soon after she gave birth to her third boy, Sam. There are so many that I love, so I’ll start with my favorite of little Sam…

I love this one with the light and the lens glare- beautiful

I spent some time getting all of the boys and here are a few of my favorite from that…

nothing like a sword fight in the playhouse! I hope you all enjoy these and congrats to Robin + the family on your new addition! Is anyone inspired for some baby or children’s photos?  In the spirit of our contest and this post of our winner, I’ll be giving an additional 8×10 or 5×7 print to anyone who books a portrait session between now and next week (that would be until the 23rd). I look forward to hearing from you!

Wow a week has flown by! I’m excited to post these photos from a recent shoot with Maddie, Laurel & Cassidy. While these three sisters share many traits, they each have their own personality. I think the photos capture that, and I especially like the set of two photos for each girl and the combinations in each. These girls were a blast to hang out with (and photograph) and I had fun meeting their baby chicks and seeing the clubhouses they played in. If only I could go back and be younger I would have loved to come over! They definitely were comfortable outside playing and I enjoyed being able to capture a glimpse of that- here are a few more from the day to enjoy!

Cassidy is so sweet- and I was amazed at her tough feet… I think this was the only time she put shoes on!

look at those eyes!