Max

What a treat to be in the company of a gleeful little six month old, so excited about their own bodies and thoughts. It's also a reminder that little ones keep us on their schedules, so how do we schedule around them. When Max arrived he was feeling just a little blue and obviously needed some down time. That's just part of a session with me, the flexibility and understanding that while our children are wonderful, getting these glimmering images of them, requires a sensitivity to what they need. So, we turned the lights down and little Max settled into his mommy's arms and a warm bottle of M.I.L.K Creating the perfect setting to get those cuddly close warm moments where they tuck into loving arms and drift off so trusting. Viola, after his quick cat nap he was game for plenty of play. This attitude towards sessions, relaxed, low key, low stress brings out the best in our children and us. If you watch your children, they will mimic the energy levels of those around them. So, when someone is yelling something about smiling and looking and threats and treats... it's a recipe for disaster. Sessions like Max's help us all remember why we are doing this in the first place. To document those moments our children melt our hearts, requires a general sense of peace and trusting that everything is exactly as it is supposed to be.. even when discord rules the moment. Thanks Max for helping us all remember to milk the most out of every moment!

Three Wee Munchkins

These three siblings just adore each other, so much that they were even bribed with holding their baby brother!! That's sweet that doesn't make your tummy ache. Working with these three kiddos is always miles of fun! Loads of energy and charisma they dazzle my eye. These three are some of my favorite to photograph for their engaging and whimsical nature, but also because their parents truly see the depth each photo has and why it was chosen. The idea that photography can bring out our complex personalities as insight into ourselves. We so often just don't see ourselves or our kids, because we are simply so too close and involved to really see. It's a reassuring experience as an artist to work with clients who see so closely to what you do, it's a perfect match. Often times clients creative eyes have a different view on which images are the cream of the crop. It's a creative and very personal experience, choosing the photos that speak to you. It was such a fun session, and we finished off with nostalgic Christmas moment, not complete with out matching moose pj's. Quintessential!

Awe Marlowe

Sweet smiles, that swell up in your chest.. Every time I work with Marlowe I feel such a joy of life. It's surreal the change that babies make in their first year. Having photographed M at four days, three months, and six months has driven home the miracle and wonder of babies. Ever evolving and engaging in deeper ways, from innocence of birth, to laughter and meaningful engaging. Having these photos reminds us of all these fleeting stages. Thanks for sharing Marlowe so often. I can hardly wait to put together her first year of life in an artistic documentary series.

Red Dress On!

I love the whimsy of age four, innocence and confidence. Ruby, shined like the north star in her sparkly red dress, adorned with crown and magical wand! It was a joyful thing capturing her off in wonderland dancing away. Children have this incredible power to pull us right into the moment, candidly. It's powerful to witness three generations working and living in close community. It does take a village to raise a child, and this family really embraces that. The beauty in support, friendship, and respect was truly evident throughout our photo session. Becoming present and focused on each other is the greatest way to really get candid engaged photographs. Thanks to this extended family for being open and sharing their beautiful dynamic with me!

Tiny Tea For Two

Donning felted cupcakes, a tea set, and don't forget teddy, this photo session was made for little Iris. A girl so girl she even runs with her pinkies out! It was almost as if 'she' had brought her whole family along with her, hmmm three year old model! I have photographed Iris since she was born, three years ago. It's a precious bond that develops when over time I get to document this birth of little people's personality and their own unique style and gamut of expressions. Iris has as many different pensive expressions as there are names for snow, but today she left many of them behind, turning over a more confidently happy set of expressions. Thanks Shelby for bringing in the creativity and a willing dance party. Hey, when it comes to being candid in the studio, I'm thinking family dance party!!!

A Lesson Children Teach Best

It's fun to see the sparkle of the holidays through the bright eyes of children. In the cozy comfort of the studio tucked away from the elements I have been having lots of fun. These sweet kiddos just had such a ball playing and glamming for the camera, they were on the floor laughing over an hour later, in no hurry to go anywhere. It warmed my heart to see them act with such love toward each other. Kids are excellent role models for how to simply "be" in front of the camera, candidly. Thank You Hawkins Family!

S T O R M

The pounding of rain and wind beats down on the roof, excitement pounds in my heart. Never mind the days and weeks of drizzling rain. Sudden sideways wind and hard storming rain forming braided rivers down streets, where by only those donning rain umbrellas, boots, and parkas dare venture out.... fascinating! Amidst the normally buzzing city lie empty streets where the only sign of life are golden windows and the occasional wafting of baking goods. Fleeting storms like yesterday's inspire life in me. These images posses their own language, of short fall and winter days, and the sharp contrast of cold and hot, wet and dry, but beyond that those feelings and emotions that we struggle to explain. The tangible and intangible changes we undergo during the earth's metamorphosis each year.