Alaina & Shelby | Cousin session

There is nothing in the world like a good cousin.  Trust me, I would know.  As an only child, I fortunately grew up very close with my cousins and I'm convinced they were better than having an actual sibling.  We had the camaraderie of siblings, but we weren't with one another 24/7 to get the opportunity to really annoy one another.  My cousin Lauren was my first best friend.

When my Linda contacted me to photograph her granddaughters (oh... and yeah... they're my like 4th or 5th cousins???  I lose track on my Mom's side of the family hahaha!  So many distant cousins!) I was thrilled!  Seeing the relationship between Alaina and Shelby was like stepping back into time and watching Lauren and myself.  The girls are as close as two can be.  It was an awesome session.  The further into the session we went, the more alive they became.  Enjoy some of my favorites!

Happy Mother's Day!

Baby Stella : Newborn Session

Baby Stella.  What can I say?  A beautiful name, a beautiful Mommy and Daddy... so of course, she is stunning ;).  I loved getting to meet the new little one of my friends, Julie and Josh... although she might not have been as excited for me heheh!  She wasn't quite ready to let go of mommy on her photo day, but we went with the flow.  But who could blame her?!  She was only 6 days new and snuggles are the best things in the world, after all, no matter your age!  I loved taking photos of my friend, being such a perfect example of motherhood.  She is so calm, kind, and patient and it was an amazing thing to watch as she went through the motions of calming her newborn girl as if she had been doing it for years.  While this first image of Stella all nestled up against Julie is one of my favorites, I think the absolute top of my list shot from this day is the one of Julie bouncing Stella on the exercise ball.  This moment is near and dear to me as with my first son, this was a go-to method of newborn calming!  This shot is just, to me, true life at it's finest.  Which is what I enjoy photographing most!  A calm moment between Mommy, daughter, and of course... a canine friend, in the first days of life!  Enjoy, everyone!

Princess Paisley's 2 Year Session

THANK GOODNESS!  It was FINALLY time for me to see my special girl, Paisley, for her 2 year old session!  As usual, her Mommy (my unofficial creative director, as I refer to her!) had Brought along accessories and outfits that would make Cinderella, Aurora and all of those other well known princesses jealous!  And yes... we had the perfect setting... a castle.  What else would you expect?!  Loved this session, Love this family.  When is our next photo date, Stephanie?!

The Silvers Family

We moved to the area known as Liberty Township just a little over a year ago and we have honestly been having the time of our lives meeting new friends.  Mary Beth and Jerry and their two boys have become some of our new and fabulous "Circle of Friends".  Photo sessions with friends are always extra special and usually include lots of laughs and adventures!  On this particular session in Downtown Lebanon, Ohio (yes, one of my favorite shooting locations) I learned how to get on those train cars... despite locked doors! 

We started off at those trains then made a little "back stage tour" of a few of the more industrial buildings.  It was behind of those seemingly less than interesting buildings that one of my favorite images from this session happened.  Tell me the irony of this shot doesn't crack you up?!  It gives me quite the chuckle.  Best thing about this?  I didn't even realize that "Trustworthy" sign was on the wall until I was reviewing the shots as we walked to our next destination.  I about fell over laughing.  As a mommy of 2 boys myself... this is a little priceless. 

Thanks so much to Jerry, Mary Beth, Zander and Lincoln for helping to make this one of the best summers for our Family!  I can't wait to see Shenanigans the boys (not the little ones Mary Beth... the big ones!) will get into next!

Had it not been for Jerry's skills in "finding a way" up on this car... I never would have gotten this angle!  Thanks Jerry!  I'm always trying to find ways to use new and different angles around this location!