​Facebook, some could argue it is a giant time suck, stealing valuable human interaction from as we we click and “like” away in a virtual reality. To a certain extent I would agree.  

However, for myself, there is an infinite value to be found by utilizing the Facebook machine as a way to stay in touch and reconnect with people.  Finding friends from grade school who would have other wise been lost, keeping in touch with those crazy college coeds, and getting grandparents the opportunity to see their grand babies daily. Those are the most valuable assets of Facebook.

I was blessed in recent years to reconnect with a friend from grade school and high school. Via Facebook, we chat, keep up with one anthers lives, pray for each other, and support each other. Even if it is only once or twice a month. This lady is so positive and kind it is a joy to read her posts and comments.  

So, when she found out she was expecting, I was even more excited to be asked to take pictures of her newborn. How fun to meet an old friends new baby. To catch up over lunch at a planning meeting, and in general just become reacquainted as parents.  

Planning a session with her was great fun, seemed like we were on the same page from the beginning. Being able to travel to her, and shoot in her home was so great, doing newborn photography in home is a blessing on momma and baby, it keeps baby away from germs and momma is able to relax and not have to leave the house with a new baby.  

Finally little August arrived, in October, and the date was set. I loaded up my vehicle, practically to the brim and  set off early one morning for their home.  For me, to see someone I had sleep overs with, become a momma and watch them with their babies, it is such a special moment. I really just enjoy seeing that bond, and as corny as it sounds, motherhood in any fashion is awesome, but in its first bloom is really a miracle happening before your eyes.

Makes me smile, every time!

Mr. August was such a trooper for his session, snuggled up to his momma while I unloaded and got set up. He slept like a champ, nursed one time in the middle of a set change and was back out.  When I travel I really try to streamline my blanket and prop usage to eliminate too much stuff. So a majority of his session was on my lovely brown fuzzy flotaki rug. Adding different wraps and layering pieces to mix it up a little, keeps my load a little lighter, and makes the session go smoother.  

We really lucked out because the sun was shining and we were able to take Mr. August outside for a few frames.  He seemed to enjoy the sunshine and his canine brother enjoyed the walk! 

As with all good things, the session ended too soon, and I had to head home in time for school pick up.  I passed around hugs to baby and momma and headed home.  I was smiling the rest of the day however, seeing my friend and her son was really a bright spot in my week.

I am so excited to share the pictures from this session with you all, and even more excited to see this handsome young man grow and become a chubby cheeked toddler, and then a rough and tumble little boy.  Congratulations Cara and Larry, he is a precious gift and thank you for allowing me to capture his newborn portraits for you. 

Here are my favorites from this session, take a peek and enjoy. Don’t forget  I offer in home and in studio Newborn photography, and would love to discuss your newborn session with you, 573-864-0106.

Here's the scene, its early morning, cold, and quite frankly I didn't get enough caffeine to start my day.  Sun is coming up and clients pull into the agreed upon meet point.  
Kiddos are shivering, dad's fussing with his hair, and momma is trying to get every one straightened up and ready for action.  

However, despite the weather conditions we soldier on, and it is magical. The light is beautiful, kids are cheery despite and cool air. Grins are popping out left and right, and even a few giggles, I really have to hand it to this family. They love each other, and really respect one another. They know how to bring out the best in one another and it was such a treat to see them interact.  

Not only were they pleasant to be around, they are also amazingly photogenic. Seriously folks this family is just stunning. Can't take a bad photo.  There were so many options for them to choose from for their package, even I had a difficult time narrowing down their choices. 

We piled into my car and popped to several different locations, and they even scaled a wall at my request. 
Honestly this crew was just a fun time.  We moved so quickly through the session that we even had time to head back to my home and let the kids see our small menagerie of farm animals. It is truly a joy to witness children seeing livestock and learning about farming. I love sharing that part of my life with children and adults.

Here are my top picks from this session, it was hard to narrow them down but here are my top choices.  

​Preparing for your family pictures.


I am sitting here in the studio working today, and feeling no small amount of pressure for this evenings event. My own family’s pictures are tonight.  The outfits are prepped and out on the bed, the kids have been warned about the activity,my husband has promised to be home early, and my photographer has already texted me to ensure me that it will go smoothly. Check, Check, and Check! 

Why do I still feel anxious?  A multitude of reasons, first and foremost, I know how family sessions can go. Couple that with my knowledge of my children and well, I can force disaster!  Secondly, we are shooting in a road way, a seldom used and slow traffic road, but still a road. I know safety first and trust me we will be, but y’all this lane is so beautiful and I drive down it daily to and from our home, it seems an ideal place to capture some memories.
Lastly, there is no small amount of pressure to create images for my family, it’s what I do!

So how does one prepare for family sessions? From a mom’s perspective. 

First : Talk to your photographer, find some one who you can work with, and feel comfortable with. Some one who’s style you like and want to see on your walls. I know my style isn’t for everyone and there are fabulous photographers out there that I admire, but wouldn’t want to take my family photos. 

Second: Coordinate your clothing. That is the first most common question I get about these sessions.  I always say a few key things. No graphics, no bold patterns or prints. Find a common thread and keep it going for every one. For example choose three colors that look nice together, and every family member has at least one of them on their outfit. Take a peek at the color wheel, colors that touch are great, (analogous), Colors that are across the way from one another also look well together ( cross compliments). Bottom line however, make it represent you and your family.  If you wear ball gowns and tuxedos all the time please wear them, if your a jeans and boots family, bust them out! 

Third: How are my kids going to behave.  Second biggest issue clients mention, my kids hate pictures! Well that is ok, mom and dad are stressed and crabby, because they want it to go well. Kids feed on that. I would hate any event that made my mom a little on the crazy side too.  My personal philosophy is to keep it easy and relaxed. Not to be pushy or cranky, and to give the children involved a job to do. Simple little things make them feel involved and invested in the process.  Also a tip to the parents, unless your child is really being poorly behaved, let the photographer handle them. Kids are always worse for their parents, but a stranger or person they don’t know well will typically elicit better behavior. So let me deal with them, its a nice break for you and I don’t mind, it's my job!

Fourth and Last: Leave Pintrest at home. Yes this website is a great font of knowledge and ideas, and very fun to peruse with a cup of tea in the mornings after your kids go to school. ( I promise I don’t do this, often) However those people are not your people, those families not your family, and while from time to time we can borrow ideas and poses. At the end of the day its about your family, how you interact with one another, and how you are day to day. Those are the memories we are trying to capture. So take a deep breath, relax, and trust your photographer to capture the true you.

Hope this helps all of you out there planning your family photo sessions, and remember I do all of these things too, even though I know better! 

Kandi

What an adventure, this fundraiser came together in typical Little Mother fashion, off the cuff and full of enthusiasm.  

The local La Leche League leader approached me about the idea, and of course I was excited and so we ran with it.  Such a great concept of making breastfeeding the norm, and creating a world where women can feel comfortable nursing their babies when and where ever.  We (with permission) used the Women in the Wild title for our project based on the fabulous Erin White's movement and held our event at a local river access, in the "wild". 

Half of the participants fee went right to the La Leche League coffers to help support and educate local mommas about breastfeeding.  How awesome we were able to raise $120.00 for this great and invaluable service. I used the extensive knowledge and unending support of the La Leche League for my own breast feeding journey and credit them for much of my success.  So being able to help and support this organization was a great boon for me.  We even have plans to make this an annual event and there are talks bout attempting another one in the Spring, so if you missed out not to worry!

Here are some outtakes from this event, a few shots from each momma's individual session and then my top choices for the group shots. These ladies are just amazing and beautiful and I am so honored to be able to document their breast feeding journeys.

If you or some one you know needs breastfeeding support please use this link ! For support and information on meeting times and locations. 
​https://www.facebook.com/LLLofRolla
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Occasionally you meet people in your wonderings, be it at work, church, the grocery store, or in line at the bank. However you meet them, these special people are put in your way for a reason.  

This beautiful momma for me is one of those people. Her story, and her strength really spoke to me, and changed my way of thinking about some things. When we met to discuss her maternity and newborn photo session I was just really in awe of her strength. 

Her maternity photo session was a glam session and we had such a fun time at Studio K with Erin getting her ready then sorting through outfits and clothes to determine just the right look. Actually shooting was a blast, she tried everything I asked of her, and we really nailed some great images.

The excitement coming off of her about taking pictures of her little lady was almost palpable! I really love ti when parents are excited to bring their babies into my studio! Come the day of the newborn session, I have it all laid out and ready to go. Always in the back of my mind is the lingering question. "what if baby doesn't sleep?". Not this one, she was out for the entire session! She got a little fussy towards the end but that was a ok because my then we were ready for momma to hold and cuddle her and she really seemed to love her momma! 

One of my favorite elements from both sessions is the re-use of the maternity gown and floral crown.  I used the gown as a wrap for little miss and then momma put it back on for their together poses! The floral crown momma wore for some of her maternity pictures, is being sported by baby in a handful of her newborn shots. I love the continuity of these things. and more than likely we will she some thing like this for all of her grow with me milestone sessions! 

So with out further ado here are my favorite images from this special little girls newborn session.