Meredith, 10 Days Old

I visited Meredith in her home for portraits, but as soon as I arrived, I was whisked away to Grandma's house for some beautiful four-generation portraits!  All four of these ladies were in great spirits as we captured some images that will surely be treasured by the family for years.  Once we got back home, I got down to my regular business of building a warm, comfy set for Meredith's first portrait session... she was an angel, completely relaxed, and did beautifully!

Little Miss Maggie, 2 weeks old

I shot Samantha & Chad's wedding last July, and when they stopped by my open house in October and let me know they were expecting a baby, I was thrilled to hear the news! These two are so sweet, so very honest, and so very in love. It's enchanting to be around them... but even moreso when they're both staring at their newborn daughter.

Chad contacted me to arrange for a surprise session for Sam-- I gave her a call when I was in Galveston (to give her the news of her gift) and told her I could come that day or the next. No big surprise, although she was overjoyed she opted for the next day... so she could be ready. I had offered to come back one evening when Chad could be there so we could get some family shots, but he was able to be there when I arrived for the shoot. LUCKY ME! I got all three of them : )

Like most newborns, Maggie was wholly uncooperative for the first 30 minutes or so. She was awake, crying, hungry, squawky, and all-around not into it... unless she was being held near her Mommy or Daddy's face. We took advantage of this and got some absolutely breathtaking candids. There's one where Sam is holding Maggie up to her face, eyes closed, and it just looks like she's breathing her in. You can almost feel that swelling of pride in Sam's chest, knowing she's holding her perfect little angel right there in her arms. It's a true portrait of a mother's beautiful, happy, miraculous place in the world.

After about 30 minutes, Maggie fell asleep, became much more pliable, and let us put hats on her. Chad evidently bought the little guitar hat, and when they found out they were having a girl, Sam's mom sewed a little pink bow on for her (Chad's a guitarist). We took a pic in the cute little owl hat, since the family's last name is Hooten.

There was just so much emotion flying around this room. I had an absolute blast shooting this session! Thinking back to our first meeting at a coffee shop when they were engaged (when I knew I'd like them because they hired me, wrote a check right there, and said they totally trusted me to do a great job and had no worries... can we say IDEAL clients?), to Sam's bridal portrait session where she showed off her flashy purple shoes... to all of the beautiful moments at the wedding and the utter happiness that flowed through their fingertips as they touched one another during the first dance... to the smiles when they told me they were having a baby...

...and there I was, looking at them both having become parents to this beautiful little girl.

I absolutely, undoubtedly love my job. More than that, I love the people I am blessed to have come in contact with, and built friendships with.

Welcome, dear sweet Maggie! I'm so excited to be a part of your life already. Your parents are really special people, you are one lucky little girl : )

Heeeeeere's Hailey!

I posted some of gorgeous little Hailey a while back, but here's a little collage for even more sweetness:

Brand New Madeline... 7 days old.

I recently shot Madeline's Mommy's maternity portraits, and was thrilled to be invited backto their home for her newborn session.

Still new and wrinkly and pink and snuggly, Madeline was bright-eyed and very awake when I arrived! After a few little snacks here and there to relax her, she finally nestled into my favorite baby-backdrop rug and fell into peaceful slumber... ahhhhh.

We took some beautiful first-family-portraits right there in the nursery, and several of the new baby with each parent. Grandma was also there, so we pulled her in for a few shots. Mom looked absolutely amazing, glowing, spectacular; you'd never guess she gave birth seven days ago.

On a personal note, my very, very favorite shot from the session is Madeline's father holding her and looking down, smiling at her. I know they will both cherish that photograph for years to come... and there will literally never be another time when they can have that particular moment, when she will fit into the palms of his hands like that, when he will stare into his future with such anticipation and wonder. It reminds me of a beautiful poem my Dad wrote for me when I was a baby-- noteworthy, as this session took place on the first anniversary of the day my father passed away. I couldn't have asked for more than celebrating new life on that day.

Tiny Baby Hailey!

This is just a quick preview of sweet little Hailey, who is 7 weeks old. We shot at her home, and I was so happy to finally meet her! There should be plenty more to post for you later next week. Welcome Hailey!

Little Miss Zofia

Two-month-old Zofia's mommy decided that in her last few days of maternity leave, she'd like to have some sweet baby pictures of her little lady! I took a trip out to their home and little lady Z did not disappoint... she snuggled so sweetly, and even gave us some beautiful baby smiles. She did love her pacifier, but Mom was ace at popping it out just at the right time for me to capture a calm and resting angel.

We tried out some new wraps and even attempted the "baby hammock" (clearly I need to sharpen my skills on this shot, but mom loved the poppy black and white against the ocean blue "hammock").

Thanks to Mom Kristin for all the help during the session, and for the delicious homemade lunch afterward! I enjoyed spending time with you both : )