Warm pink sinking sand. A peach setting sun. A gentle mother anchored to her three well-behaved, beautiful boys, All embracing lovingly, poetically. Very well, perfection in the making.
As promised, here are a few of my favorites from #theDreamMakersretreat I attended in Utah!
Within the next couple weeks, we will soon find out out where we will be moving next!!!🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 #militarylife 📦🌎 On one hand, I’m excited to FINALLY know where we will be living the next 2-3 years.. but on the other hand, completely anxious knowing how much house-hunting, school-searching, and endless hours of purging/packing/organizing that’s entailed in each move— especially with a tiny brood underfoot. There’s also a chance we may go overseas— which makes it all the more potentially complicated. I’ve gone back and forth weighing the options and I’ve decided to just sit back and BREATHE while we await official orders (#easiersaidthandone). And by breathe, I mean focus on my family and take a loooong, much-needed break after the busiest season I’ve ever had running my business. So that’s why you haven’t seen much of me here on social media😉 The boys and I have been visiting family in Alabama (ask me about that 14-hour road trip, I dare you🤪, enjoying lots of story time reading (checking out no less than 25 books from the library each time 📚😂), building forts ⛺️ and constructing lots and lots of LEGOs! But in the midst of the fun, I did squeeze in time with one of my dearest friends Kelli—who just gave birth to her third baby boy!!!💙💙💙 Kelli & I have known each other since our college days at Penn State and now (thanks to the military🇺🇸)we live less than 30 minutes from each other. It meant so much to me when she asked if I would be interested in photographing her very last baby, Beckham. A head full of luscious hair and the sweetest cheeks you’ve ever seen, he was a DREAM to document✨Between him and his adorable big brothers, our morning was full of kisses, snuggles and giggles. No matter where we end up with this next move, one thing’s for sure— I will truly miss my beautiful friend and her family. For now, I vow to soak in all the moments I have left here in NJ, knowing life will soon look very different in a brand new location♥️ (01.19.20) #newbornlifestyle#lifestylephotography
I know many of you wonder what my secret is for a successful photo session— and the truth is, there’s no secret at all. If you show up, throw out any idea of “perfection,” and solely focus on LOVING your family, playing with your children, connecting with your spouse– all while embracing EVERY moment (both good AND bad)… this is where real, authentic, MAGICAL moments happen. No matter how much time you spend coordinating the perfect outfits, no matter how many hours you spend curating the perfect day allowing naps/snacks/etc before the session even begins, there is always bound to be a meltdown or tantrum during a session… or a child who refuses to cooperate😂 But that’s OKAY. As long as you stay positive. And remember to remain calm.
Sometimes just counting your blessings and focusing on gratitude–in the middle of the chaos– can transform your ENTIRE perspective.
So let your kids RUN, don’t force them to smile at the camera and for the LOVE of all things holy, think of this hour as a sacred opportunity to document your family JUST AS YOU ARE. Leave the stress at home and I’ll do all the work😉
P.S. this family did all of the above and our session was playful, emotional and SO MUCH FUN💛 (12.13.19)
The relentless pressures of parenthood. Always wondering, as a mother, am I doing enough? Am I teaching them enough? Am I raising my children in a way their lives will bless others? It’s something we all question. But sometimes all it takes is for someone else to see & share the beauty of your family… for you to know that yes, you’re doing enough.
Lannie, your boys are respectful, kind, loving and the best of listeners. The way they snuggle up close to you, kiss you and cling to you tells me you’re their blanket of security, their place of peace. The way you gently speak to them and caress their tiny faces tells me you cherish them with your whole being. The way they laugh and play with you tells me yours is a happy home where you savor joke telling, wrestling and silliness.
Lannie, it’s not often I leave a session in pure awe, but I’m absolutely amazed by your strength and gentleness as their mama. You’re raising three handsome, CARING boys and you should be so, so proud. Thank you for giving me the chance to document your precious love. (12.06.19)
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I just want to say how #thankful I am for all the clients I’ve encountered since I first began this photography journey. Each of you holds a special place in my heart. Getting to know your families, connecting with your little ones and capturing all your tender moments is truly my joy.
Here’s my recent session with the Heil family– who also happen to be the SWEETEST neighbors! And when I say Candace can bake, I’m not even joking. This girl surprised me with a French apple cake (MADE FROM SCRATCH) on my birthday this year! Oh, and did I mention, she’s an abstract artist who paints/creates the most beautiful water-inspired pieces? @candacecheil#supertalented
The day of their shoot was drizzling, foggy and overcast but it was the exact vibe Candace envisioned for their autumn session! Every time we turned around, the boys were discovering creepy crawly insects of all kinds– even a preying mantis !! We collected acorns, jumped off logs, threw leaves and also managed to sneak in a few snuggles. Needless to say, we had such a fun afternoon, making new memories. @ Ft. Dix, New Jersey (11.27.19)
