Breath of Heaven

I love newborns. They are so small and fragile. I think they give us a glimpse of heaven in their eyes, so new and pure. You can see their spirit trying to figure this world out.

I had the opportunity to do a photo shoot with Leah and Tyler's new baby: Zoe. She was just 10 days old at the time of the session. You can tell that she is already starting to move past that curled up, sleepy newborn stage. Having been through it, now I realize how fleeting those moments are. So, at the shoot, I tried to capture her innocence and newness.

I really wanted to get some sweet pictures of Zoe sleeping. This only lasted a little bit, since she was too interested in what was going on. She really is a very alert and curious baby.

I love this photo because daddy is changing Zoe, with a little help from mama.

Zoe started getting a little mad with all the moving around. But daddy had the magic touch.

I love this one because daddy is singing in Zoe's ear. Every time she would start to fuss, he would sing to her and she would instantly quiet down and listen intently.

This is definitely a daddy hold:

I really like this set with mom holding her little girl:

Zoe was so sweet in this little basket. She was quite content to sit outside and look around at everything.

Their little doggy was feeling left out. He really wanted to be in the pictures, so I obliged:

And for everyone that asked about this photo in reverse--with her looking 'ahead'--here is that version. I actually did this one first, but ended up liking the one I posted below. I think we would need to see her face in the mirror for this one to be better.

Earthquake!

We just had an earthquake a few minutes ago - crazy! I was sitting here, updating my blog and Eli was taking his nap, when the house started rocking and rolling. I rushed in to make sure Eli was okay, which woke him up (not the earthquake, go figure). It seemed to last a good 30 seconds. Before it even finished shaking, Brian was calling us to make sure we were alright - he felt it all the way in West LA! So it was a pretty big one. Initial estimates say it was a 5.8, but I don't know anything else because our phone is now out and so is our satellite TV (but that might be because Eli was playing with the remote - don't know what he did). :)

What's in a name?

What should I call my photography business? There is so much meaning in a name. It's connotations, sounds, and syllables all help to form a mental picture in our heads. I studied linguistics when I was in college, so I think I am way over analyzing this decision...

The name should be memorable and sound pleasing to the ear. I would also like the name to be fresh and fun, but also romantic and nostalgic.

I need to pick a name for my photography business, so I'd like your help. What would make you pick up the phone for a wedding? baby? family? Feel free to leave any comments or suggestions in the comments below, and please vote in the poll to your right -->

Reflections

I just did a photo shoot with Leah and her new baby girl, Zoe. Look at my post a few weeks ago to see Leah's maternity shoot. She had her baby about a week ago, and I went over as soon as they would let me to get some sweet newborn photos of Zoe. I'm not done processing the rest of the photos from the session, but here is a sneak peak. It's a special one I envisioned during her maternity shoot. At the time, I didn't know if it would work, but I'm really pleased with the results.

First "Real" Photo Shoot

This weekend, I had the opportunity to do a photo shoot for my friend from Stroller Strides. Her baby, Stella, is 3 months old, and she is simply adorable. I loved her bright blue eyes and all her different expressions.

This was my first real photo shoot. I was so excited, but also nervous. I think it went well and we were able to capture some sweet moments with their little family.

Invitations

Eli is turning one! In less than a month! I can't believe my little baby is growing up. It doesn't feel like he should be a toddler yet.

Despite my disbelief, I am really excited about it. I have been planning his party for months. Luckily, Brian has kept me pretty reigned in, so I don't go too overboard. His birthday is in August, so I decided to do a 'Under the Sea' theme. I am going to have wading pools and sprinkler toys for the little ones. So, to go along with the theme, I made water bottle invitations. I wrote the party info on plastic and rolled it up inside water bottles filled with blue water and glitter. It was way cute and easy too.

Eli's party is on August 16, from 2-4pm if you'd like to join us. Just email or give me a call for the info.... :)