and then there were three.

February 1, 2016

I am constantly reminded how lucky I am to work with such amazing people. I made a bit of an oops with my most recent clients. When searching for a location, I was all, “let’s got to Lamberton Conservatory in Highland Park!” Thinking, it’s the middle of winter, it will be warm, there will be flowers, we can then utilize the park after. Perfect idea, right? I walked into the conservatory and very first sign I saw was NO PROFESSIONAL PHOTO SESSIONS DURING OPEN HOURS. Uh, oops. I just assumed that if I paid my $3 and was aware there would be some people floating around, I could do what I wanted. Wrong. I mean, I still took a few pictures anyways. But it felt super awkward because I was nervous about being reprimanded by the 18-year-old-looking girl who was running the place.

We were all pretty relieved to head back outside, or was that just me? It was super hot in the conservatory and I was ready to start doing my thing. We walked across the street and THIS happened.

This beautiful mommy-to-be wanted to include some nursery décor and baby girl items as props. I am always open to photographing you with any props you’d like to bring along to help make your session as personal as possible.

Snow covered sessions are highly underrated. We live in a tundra, so let’s embrace it shall we? Well, maybe after Mother Nature stops being hilarious with her 50 degree days in the middle of winter.

10 days new.

January 18, 2016

I’m very in the moment with newborn sessions, which is why I love them because they allow me to be more creative and give client’s a unique experience. On the other side, I stress HARD about newborn sessions until I walk into the home and see what I’m working with. The second I walked into this nursery, all the stars aligned, angels sang, and every worry left me. Just LOOK at it. Sigh. Is it strange that my bedroom walls are the same color? Mommy’s got good taste!

I recently purchased my first L lens. I chose the Macro to help capture those close-up newborn details (and it’s nice to have on hand for weddings, which I am getting into this summer). I love being able to close in on baby’s tiny features because they will never be this small again.

I also love getting everyone all snuggly on the big bed. The art of the everyday happens right here.

But my FAVORITE part of this session, even more than the nursery, was big brother. He LOVES his baby sister and it was SO apparent during my visit.

I want to thank this family for inviting me into their home and being SO wonderful throughout the trials of a newborn session. I was able to do my job well because of their easy-going personalities!

what a girl wants.

January 12, 2016

I am so pleased to feature fellow Boss Lady, Julie Lynn of Julie Lynn Makeup Artistry & Skincare in today’s post! She is girl-next-door sweet with the bonus of being able to flawlessly glue on fake eyelashes in seconds (I’ve seen it). Julie may not literally be next door, but she recently opened her own studio in LeRoy, which is close enough. Her space is in the other half of Stella’s Bridal, and, I kid you not, there’s a chandelier in every room. When I walked in for the first time I was very serious when I asked if I could live there.

Julie’s talents do not end with the perfect eyelash application. She is a makeup artist AS WELL AS a licensed Esthetician (YES, she can fix that one crazy eyebrow), AS WELL AS a licensed Cosmetologist, AND certified in organic airbrush tanning. Let’s just add interior designer to her resume for fun, my pictures don’t even do her justice.

Let’s talk about ORGANIC spray tanning for a minute or seven, because it is chemical free, safe for pregnancy, and there’s a chandelier in that room, too. You’ll have to see for yourself because there’s obviously no natural light in her spray tanning space so I’m not sharing any pictures, but it’s modern and gorgeous just like Julie.

When she’s not airbrushing your face, making your skin look flawless, Julie relies on Mary Kay makeup and skincare to do the rest. Julie, and her services are a MUST HAVE for every bride-to-be. A year and a half ago I was a Julie Lynn bride, so I would know.

Just in case you’re still not sold…

If you’re a Boss Lady who’s interested in being featured on my blog, please contact me!

christmas mini recap.

December 10, 2015

My very first time holding Christmas Minis was a huge success! Now that I have another first under my belt, I feel comfortable offering more Christmas Mini dates next year so that I can accommodate everyone who asks. Turning down families made my heart hurt but I didn’t want to overextend myself. I do this for fun after all.

Half of me doesn’t want to interfere with people’s Christmas cards, but the other half is over here dying to show off some of these shots. So here are just a few.

Day one…

Day two…

I’m feeling extremely blessed for the amazing weather and the beautiful families that chose me to capture their holiday memories. Things are going to slow down as winter approaches. Just a reminder that I only work with natural light, so the only indoor jobs I take on during the winter months are lifestyle newborn sessions, which can only happen if your home has a lot of light coming in. If you are looking for an outdoor winter session of any kind, feel free to contact me! I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

rudolph’s at sunset.

December 2, 2015

I absolutely LOVE small town life. My husband and I get our Christmas tree from Rudolph’s Christmas Tree Farm (on Sonricker in Attica) every year. This year, I called with this whole speech about me getting my tree from them, how I’m a photographer, I’ll plug their business, can I PLEASE have my mini sessions there? The man I spoke to was like. YES. The end. No questions asked. So I’ve been there 4 times since.

This family is super special to me. They live out of state, but come in for most holidays (and ALL family emergencies) so I was beyond excited when we were able to schedule a session.

Three-year-olds are some of my toughest customers. Our strategy? Well, we started with “SAY ARIEL” and this little girl would smile and say “Ariel!” Next we went with “SAY I LOVE JENI” and my heart exploded when she said it back.