What to Wear to a Family Photoshoot

I had the best session out in the quaint little town of Mount Laurel a few weeks ago. This family has been one of my favorite clients to photograph, and the mother nailed it with what to wear to the photoshoot. The flowing white dress, with an elegant, vintage style was perfect. The dad and baby, an absolute doll, perfectly complimented mom with their navy and brown accents. For a session out in the wooded outskirts of the town, the light filtering through the trees really brought out the crispness of the color scheme. The natural setting and the classic colors made for a timeless look. As I tell all my clients, wear what you feel comfortable in, confidence is your best accessory. But for those looking for a little inspiration, neutral colors and clothing with smaller patterns are always a good place to start. And I’m always just a few clicks away if you want to discuss setting up a session.

Do you remember your first photograph?

Do you remember your first photograph? As far as I can tell, this was mine. Not bad for a 4 year old, I guess. As we look through the albums that my mom has curated over the years, this is the first one where she is actually in the picture. That is such a mom thing to do. I look back at some of my pictures since I started having kids and I am rarely in them. For many reasons, moms think that it is ok not to be in the picture. They feel like they have let themselves go, don’t want to be remembered that way, etc. Truth is they are the most important thing in a child’s life, and they will one day ask, “where are the pictures of mom”? They do want to know what you looked like. It doesn’t matter that your hair is in a messy bun and you are wearing yoga pants for the 5th day in a row. You are their source of comfort, their guardian, their personal chef, their executive assistant and so many other things. Get in the picture moms. Better yet, hand your kid the camera.

Simplicity

Sometimes all you need is what you already have. An empty room, a beautiful light, and an awesome kid. I’ve been blessed.

Fresh 48 Sessions

My #fresh48 sessions are all about capturing those fleeting moments in the first 48 hours of life for these precious little ones. From the tops of their heads to their tiny toes. These are the details I love to capture, because they will change so quickly.

Mini Session in the Greenhouse

Even in the colder winter months you can still capture beautiful moments with family. The greenhouse at the botanical gardens is one of my favorite spots during the winter months because you can stay warm and take advantage of the diffused lighting that the greenhouse offers.

Greenhouse Mini Session at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

For the next month I will be offering mini sessions for a limited time. Quick and easy access to quality photos for your Christmas cards, or simply the gift of memories to cherish forever. These 20 minute sessions will be held at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, in the center of Birmingham. The mini sessions will be held in the greenhouse, so there will be no need to plan around the unpredictable southern weather. Book your session today!

Mini Session at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

I first met Mona about 15 years ago—a busy mother of two whose active life has not only escalated in its intensity but also in its capacity to love.  She had initially asked me to photograph her daughter Deya’s third birthday—out of that first encounter, a friendship based on shared experiences has blossomed.  Deya now requires full-time care and Mona is there to meet those special needs, selflessly.

As someone who spent a brief part of my life being a full-time caregiver, I have a special place in my heart for Mona and all other mothers who have to pour a little extra into everything they do, everyday.  The love in this family is tangible and vibrantly evident.  I was most impressed with Cazpian. Cazpian is only eight years old and he helps care for his older sister, as if he were a grown man.  A lot of responsibility rests on his tiny shoulders and he carries it like a champ. 

 Part of what I love about photography is the way it can capture a feeling and freeze it in time to be enjoyed forever.  Sometimes we are weary and we forget how to love each other.  I want to be able to look back on this photo and remember how much this little boy loves his sister and mother...How much unconditional love the mother has for her children.  I hope everyone can see the love radiating from the faces of this family. 

Unposed in the Garden

Sometimes the best photos are the ones that aren’t planned. The ones you just let happen. It usually takes this sweet little girl at least 30 minutes to warm up to the idea that she is having a photo taken. But here you can see that she is more relaxed and just loving the special attention she is getting from mom. Isn’t that what we really want to remember?

Now Booking Spring Sessions

Finally! A little bit of sunshine is returning to Birmingham. Although it’s not time to put the jackets away just yet, it is Alabama, you know, it is the perfect time to start thinking of scheduling your spring pictures. I am starting a new thing this year, with indoor Lifestyle sessions. Lifestyle photos are trending, and can be done in the comfort of your home. What better way to capture your kids personalities, than in their own environment.

A typical session

I've been photographing this little doll since she was born, and now I have the pleasure of photographing her twin brothers! These photos represent what can be expected from a typical photoshoot.

Special Pricing for a limited time!

To celebrate the launch of the new site, and back to school, now through the end of September photo sessions are 25% off!

The start of something good

Here we are, holding on to the last bits of summer. School has started back and we are finally getting into a routine. Well, maybe. The afternoon sunlight is too tempting, begging us to slow down and capture a few more memories. Pretty soon there will be a cool breeze, and we will be caught up in the promises of longer bike rides and conversations with friends that can only be held outdoors.

As the kids head to school, I am working furiously in my studio and making good on all the promises I made to myself over the last few years. Promises that I wrote down in a simple leather notebook. I feel alive, and I feel like I have breathing room for the first time in a long time. I know that I am on the verge of something good, and that feeds my creative soul. I can't wait to share my creative journey with you.