Cleaning Off the Cob Webs

Wedding season officially kicks off for me on Saturday, May 16. I am excited to get back to it! It's been a long winter, and my brain is craving some activity. I miss the people, the dresses, the hair and make-up, the dancing, the CAKE, and all the love.

During the slow season my gear usually sits in a corner, gathering dust. You would think with a 1 year old, I'd always have a camera at the ready to capture all his big milestones. But to be honest, after a long wedding season I'm often loathe to bust out the big guns. I tend to rely on the easy point and shoot for family stuff.

The worst thing about the slow season is losing touch with your gear. When you use something every weekend for 8 hours straight, it becomes an extension of yourself. Thankfully it's like riding a bike and it all comes back to you fairly quickly. But just in case it doesn't, I always like to warm up with some personal work. With only my little 50mm 1.8 lens, I stalked Henry at the playground, at the table, where ever he managed to find himself in some good light.

If it's been a while since you've seen him, Henry's now a full-on toddler. He's talking up a storm and getting into trouble at every turn. If you run into us somewhere, Henry will point out all of the trucks, planes, and birds and will blow kisses at you (often after you're gone). And yes, I know he has long hair. I'm not ready for his first hair cut yet.

Look Who's Talking

Two and a half years ago, wedding clients Kristina and Jim bought a Baby Steps gift certificate for their expectant friends, Tanya and Matt. That first year of Sydney photos was so much fun, and I couldn't have asked for a more adorable -- and easy -- model. She willingly obliged when we propped her in various positions as a one month old, braved the harsh winter winds gusting off the ocean as a six month old, and happily explored the beach (and tasted some, too) as a one year old. It was a real treat to capture those huge first year changes, and I was sad to see the sessions come to an end.

Not too long ago, Tanya contacted me and asked if I would extend the Baby Steps package to Sydney's second year. I was delighted to do it and looked forward to seeing what changes had taken place in the year since I'd last photographed her. When I saw Sydney I could barely believe my eyes. She had doubled in size, her hair had gotten darker, and she was talking and walking (and running and dancing). It amazes me how much children grow and develop in such a short amount of time, and I can't help but marvel at it and wonder what my boy will be like at that age.

Picking just a couple of images to share here was nearly impossible. The online gallery will be available on Pictage shortly. Please contact Tanya and Matt for the access code.

Welcome Molly Shea

When event planner Nicole Garvey contacted me about photographing her new baby girl, I was so excited to see her latest creation. Molly Shea does not disappoint. Though we caught her during the not so perfect "baby acne" stage, Molly proved that even red bumps can't diminish her fabulousness. I haven't finished editing all 400+ images I took that day (someone get me an editor!), but I wanted to share some of my favorites so far.

All Grown Up

I first met Sydney when she was only 8 weeks old. She was a teeny weeny baby with big blue eyes. Her mother seemed completely together -- an inspiration for me at a couple of months pregnant -- and Sydney was an easy and willing subject. By our second session, winter had arrived. Sydney remained completely content to be photographed while the rest of us froze for some sea side pictures at Kettle Cove. On the occasion of her first birthday we met again at the beach. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw how big she had gotten. Now a full-on toddler, I was worried we'd be chasing her all over the beach trying to get a good shot. Once again she proved to be a joy to photograph. Thank you, Kristina and Jim, for connecting me with your friends. It has been a real pleasure getting to know them and watching Sydney grow.

Look at the tongue on this one:

Gabriel

My friend, Kate, and I spent most of this year pregnant. Well, I'm still pregnant, but her baby boy is finally here. His first photo shoot was at 4 weeks old, and he found it very hard to stay awake. I have no doubt the next time we photograph him that it will be very different!

Sydney's Second Photo Shoot

I arrived to photograph Sydney and found her nose running and eyes red. The poor thing had a cold. Usually that does not bode well for a photo shoot. But Sydney persevered like a super model. She even tolerated a cold and windy trip to Kettle Cove. I'm looking forward to her third photo session only let's do it in the summer!

Emma

Emma didn't quite know what to make of me and my big camera, but after a while -- and a snack and diaper change -- she got used to me. The lighting wasn't great, but I think we captured some of her sweetest expressions and features. It's going to be fun seeing how different she will be in three months and then at one year when I photographer her two more times as part of the Baby Steps portrait package.

Baby Sydney

One look at this wee little baby and we'll all start wanting one of our own! She's all big blue eyes and tiny hands and feet.

Baby Ethan

I couldn't resist posting this image -- look at those adorable little lips! All of the photos will all be available on Pictage next week.

... the ultimate baby shampoo??