Happy 1st Birthday Kalaya!

I must take a moment to wish this little princess a very Happy Birthday!  This little girl has some of the best facial expressions, I ♥ her.

Days Gone By

So, with all the babies making their way into the lives of many of my friends, family, and clients, it has me all reminiscent about my pregnancy.  I look back at photos and wish I knew then what I know now.  It's been five years (I would have been 5 months along in May of 2008), it seems like forever ago, but I thought I'd share some of my belly pictures.  These were taken by me in a very tiny space in our apt at the time, with a makeshift lighting system given to me by a dear friend, a tripod and a remote.

Respect Your Photographer

There is no gentle way to say this, so I'll post this handy little image someone else produced.

 Family and friends need to be specifically aware of this.  My portfolio has plenty of wonderful examples to choose from, my experience, while I'm always learning, is great enough that I do not need models for TFP, and my time is very full right now so while I love you, I simply can no longer afford to offer you free sessions.  Please be aware of this when you inquire about shooting with me, I will expect payment for my services unless I have very specifically, very clearly, stated that a shoot is my gift to you.  A girl still has to pay her bills.

Kalaya is Turning 1!

This little cutie is about to turn the big 01, so naturally documentation had to occur.  She had so much fun playing peek-a-boo in the basket and I love how it shows in this picture!  Click HERE to view the full view!

The Perks of Being a Photographer & Mom

So, being a mother who happens to also be a photographer has it's serious perks.  This is an example of one of them.  Since my husband and son often accompany me on shoots (sometimes as helpers, sometimes they go off and do their own things while I'm actually shooting) the times just before or just after often offer some opportunities for some great just spur of the moment shots... that don't really look like spur of the moment shots.  Case in point, Jude helping bring the balloons from the shoot back to the car, just a moment, imperfect in some ways, but I love it nonetheless.  I'd view it big, the thumbnail isn't as much fun :)