We began with bundling Drew in a big red basket in front of their living room fireplace. Kudos to Chris for lighting the fire.

Next we brightened things up with a pop of festive holiday color. Look at that smile!

And for contrast we next tried out a crisp white and steel blue setting. He loved the soft, snowy fabric his mom picked out.

A quick change and it was time for photos of the entire family.

Drew started getting sleepy while he was in mom’s arm. So as he drifted off, we nestled him into a green wreath and the results were some of my favorite from the session.

Sweet dreams to this little “Bell!” And happy holidays to a great family!

Anna Lea making sure the sugar is sweet enough!

Dry goods mixed, now time for eggs…

Check the batter and add the bananas!

One last taste test and then into the oven.

While the banana bread baked and made the house smell yummy, we goofed around in their backyard.

I love this one…

Then these cool girls were off to ride bikes.

Back at the house we took advantage of this older home’s great architecture. Who could pass up this cute divided door!

Oh, don’t forget to check on the bread…

Thanks Zora and Anna Lea for a fun afternoon. It was awesome to get to photograph a mom and daughter spending time together doing the things they love. It made me think of my mom and am sure it will touch on fond memories for all the moms and daughters who see this post, too. Happy baking and biking!

We shifted gears and headed outside. I love the punch of red this vintage glider that was a hand-me down from their grandmother provided. But its hard to look past these sweet faces and bright eyes!

Lisa has the Taj Mahal of Pyrex collections. Miller was a little antsy at this point, but I loved the look Lucy gave him when he couldn’t stand still!

A big thank you to Aaron and Lisa for letting me photograph Lucy and Miller!

This shorter, 45-minute session is perfect for immediate family with up to 5 people ($25 per additional person) and includes a disc of at least 25 edited images with print release and copies designed for posting online. No minimum print purchase is required – ever!

We don’t use a studio – instead we capture your family in your homes, neighbhorhoods, and favorite community spots. We strive to have fun and let all those personalities show through. I’ll offer direction, but we’ll also let the kids be kids (and that goes for some grown-ups, too).

Here’s our mini-session schedule. Contact me to reserve your spot today!

Saturday, Oct. 15  BOOKED!

Saturday, Oct. 22: Downtown, Governor’s Garden and Capitol Grounds

10 a.m.  BOOKED!

12 p.m. Still Available!

2 p.m.  BOOKED!

3:15 p.m.  BOOKED!

Mastercard, Visa and Paypal also accepted.

Drew was napping for most of our session, but above he gave us a quick peek of his baby blues. Below, he snuggled up bare bottomed on the beautiful blanket and set of pillows his two grandmas lovingly made him.

In the next series, I love the contrast between his soft, light skin and the warmth of the dark blanket we wrapped him in.

Stephanie is always prepared. She had ordered this adorable knit hat for his photo session and I love how it frames his cute face!Chris and Stephanie also had the idea to use some of the baby blocks they had in Drew’s nursery. We used them to spell out his name, as well as the phrase “I AM CUTE” to mimic a photo of Chris when he was a baby.

Above, Drew’s smile hints that he’s having a very sweet dream. Below, I got close-ups of all those wonderful baby features. Button nose, little eyelashes, baby toes – with mom and dad’s wedding rings resting on them!Chris and Stephanie had some fun ideas for our session, and we tried them all. The size of bookcase emphasizes how tiny Drew is, plus I love all the photos of family surrounding him. Drew’s dad Chris is a rugby player and coach and had the idea to lay Drew in a deflated rugby ball. The two below turned out, but I’m not sure rugby(or at least the feel of the ball)  will be Drew’s cup of tea.The next series of images capture Drew with mom and dad individually. They both already have a wonderful bond and connection with their little guy and it shows…
At Stephanie’s shower, friends and family each gave their favorite children’s book. Needless to say, Drew has a full library. Soon they’ll be reading these classics to him, but for now they work as a great place to curl up on under the window.
We also replicated an image from their baby bump session, with Drew all curled up in front of his mom’s tummy.
And we would have been remiss to not picture this Baby Bell with a few bells. By the end, we were all tuckered out, especially Drew. So this new family snuggled up on their bed for some closing shots…

Congratulations Chris & Stephanie! Welcome Drew! Here’s to your beautiful, new family!

Meet Luke…

My sister Karla also tasked me with capturing Dave, her husband, with his hunting dogs. And both were in good form…Luke is above and veteran Cricket is below.

My dad and Dave caught shooting the breeze while enjoying the breeze on the front porch. And Taffy got in on the action as well. Gotta love Corgi butts(above right)! Below she poses with my nephew Kutter.

I also got my folks to play along. My dad’s impression of a “pancake face” followed by a few happy, smiley shots…

Even the Tiefenthaler’s hogs were photogenic. Gus seemed to be their new best friend, too.

And meet “Naughty Piggy!” She’s the last to survive of her litter and is always begging to be bottle fed. She got her name because everytime you pick her up she throws a fit…such a naughty piggy.

Thanks to my sister for a great weekend visit. Can’t wait til we all can get together again soon!

We started in the nursery, decked out in beautiful colors either a boy or girl would love.

Then we moved outside to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather and their lush green lawn.

Next up, Chris joined Lindsay for some leisurely time on their couch. They snuggled up and felt for the baby to kick while I snapped away.

I am so excited for Chris & Lindsay! They have had a big year and I know being new parents will top it off!

I love how Melanie’s eyes pop in the next series of images. She is a beautiful expecting mom!

I love the shot above I caught as these soon-to-be parents were walking through their backyard. Melanie had the idea for the photo below. The little pumpkin is so cute, and gives a great point of reference for just how big her baby bump was!

The series above was on their front steps. I especially like the bottom right where Melanie’s bump is peaking out. The series below is in a dry creek bed behind their house.

A big thank you to Karen and Mike, Melanie’s parents, who connected us!

Miller loved the attention and even showed off some of her skills in the backyard.

After Miller tuckered out, we gave her a respite and snapped these of Richard and Susan in front of their great home. Love that picket fence and peak! And not to mention their great smiles and obvious love for one another!

We ended the session with a stroll up to the corner shop that had the most beautiful collection of fall mums in bloom. The fading sun and warm colors from the mums scream fall. The last image, my favorite – adorned their holiday cards.

Thank you Richard and Susan for letting me spend an afternoon in the fall with you!

I love Lindsay’s sweet, but mischievous glances to Chris in this next series.

Va va voom! Look at that dip!

The sweethearts slipped into some more casual clothes and we ventured over to the governor’s garden and the landing to take advantage of the spring blooms as a beautiful backdrop.

I love how intimate they were in the next few shots, letting me sneak a peak while they whisper “sweet nothings” and steal kisses.

A quick stop by one of the fountains in front of the capitol was next. Fortunately, Lindsay stayed dry!

We next skipped over the few blocks to the newly revitalized Old Munichburg section of town.

We ended our day at the Welcome Inn, a great little corner bar in Old Munichburg where the couple spent many of their early outings getting know each other while battling at shuffleboard.

Here’s to happily ever after!