Bad Blogger

Not sure why, but somehow the busiest times for photographers seem to coincide with the busiest times for teachers (which happens to be my full time job). May at school is the month where the last bits of curriculum are being taught, final assessments are being made, field trips are happening, after school events take place (which require lots of extra work), class placements are being determined and of course the dreaded report card writing starts. All of these things take time. Weekends are filled with all the little school jobs that can't get done at school and leaving the school at a reasonable hour becomes less and less easy to do. It's just something you get used to but dread nevertheless (despite the summer break on the horizon). 

When it comes to photography it seems spring echos the busy schedule of the final days of the school year. Weddings are in full swing, new babies are welcomed into the world and families are dying to get out for a photo session in the lush greens and fresh air. 

For those to reasons I have been a BAD blogger. I am editing away, but posting very little. But, with the taste of summer on my lips I'll soon be able to get my act together and post some recent sessions. I have some beautiful pictures to share...it'll be worth the wait. Looking forward to getting some extra time to spend on pictures...and having a break from 44 Kindergarten students is looking pretty good right now too!

Enjoy a few of the pics I have to share....

Oh boy!

Love, love, love this little man! At three months old Korbin was all smiles and loads of fun. Photographing a little one at three months old is always a challenge (I find) because baby isn't yet sitting, may not be able to push himself up on his tummy and doesn't have a consistent schedule (which can mean doing a session when baby is tired). Korbin however, was not a challenge at all...he was amazing! He smiled, cooperated through outfit changes and generally seemed to enjoy the whole process! He even held off from his nap until the last few shots of the session.

Now you see it...now you don't!

While shooting Deidra's photos Mom mentioned that she was getting sick of seeing Elmo in all of the pictures she has of her daughter. Elmo is Deidra's very special toy...the one that makes her laugh...relax...do all the things that a photographer loves! However, that little red guy would start to get annoying if he popped up in every photo....so, through the magic of editing Mom has pictures of Deidra with Elmo and some that are Elmo free!

FOUR

Four years ago today (yikes) my daughter Lara made her much anticipated appearance into the world. The day started off rather early and as dawn was approaching on a hot and humid spring morning my hubby and I left for the hospital. We listened to music, laughed and talked. We were so excited to meet this little person. I was one day past my due date but still wasn't convinced that this was "it"...but to appease my hubby we continued to the hospital. As we drove something happened that took us both by surprise...we saw a star shooting across the sky. It was right in front of us...and almost seemed meant for us (who else would be up so crazy early?). It was at that moment I knew I was ready to meet this kid....it was going to be a good day!

So, on Mother's Day today I celebrate my daughter's 4th birthday,  my sweet little boy and being a mom! Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and moms-to-be!

Earlier this evening I found out that a friend of mine had lost her father after a long battle with cancer. Cancer is unfortunately one of the things we have in common. Both her Dad and my Grandfather were diagnosed with lung cancer around the same time. There are so many up and downs when someone you love is fighting cancer. I can only hope that when it feels difficult she can look back on the memories they shared.

This past fall I was lucky enough to join her family for a photo session and while although it was not one of her Dad's best days he came and joined in anyway. I think we captured some special memories that the family can look back on fondly.

Thinking of you Helaina....

Celebrate!

How cute is this little birthday boy? I had so much fun photographing Adrian for his first birthday. What made the shoot even more special was the fact that I did his first shoot when he was about three months old. It is so much fun for me to watch the little people I photograph grow and change over time...I am truly grateful that I get to do what I do and capture important memories.

10 photos

I have photographed Sam a few times over the past few months...and he is one energetic little guy! Having a son and being a Kindergarten teacher I know all to well that boys don't sit still long. That means my job is to move FAST! Along with some sibling shots Mom wanted a few of just Sam so I started with him first, took maybe 15 photos and got everything I needed. Of those 15 shots mom got about 1o of them...not too bad for a few minutes work. Both mom and I were realistic and knew Sam would only want to be in front of my camera for so long so we didn't push him...and he did great! :-)

Reading a child's mood can make the difference between a great collection of images or a disaster. Pushing little ones into doing "just one more" when your toddler is running away out of boredom/annoyance won't get "the shot", it'll only frustrate everyone. I will always make sure I've got "the shot" before I wrap things up...just don't be surprised if it takes less time than you expect!