Within the next couple weeks, we will soon find out out where we will be moving next!!!šš¼šš¼šš¼Ā #militarylifeĀ š¦š On one hand, Iām 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 thatās entailed in each moveā especially with a tiny brood underfoot.Ā
Thereās also a chance we may go overseasā which makes it all the more potentially complicated. Iāve gone back and forth weighing the options and Iāve 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 Iāve ever had running my business.Ā
So thatās why you havenāt seen much of me here on social mediaš The boys and I have been visiting family in Alabama (ask me about that 14-hour road trip, I dare youš¤Ŗ, enjoying lots of story time reading (checking out no less than 25 books from the library each time šš), building forts āŗļø and constructing lots and lots of LEGOs!Ā
But in the midst of the fun, I did squeeze in time with one of my dearest friends Kelliāwho just gave birth to her third baby boy!!!ššš Kelli & I have known each other since our college days at Penn State and now (thanks to the militaryšŗšø)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.Ā
A head full of luscious hair and the sweetest cheeks youāve ever seen, he was a DREAM to documentāØBetween 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 thingās for sureā 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 locationā„ļø (01.19.20)
#newbornlifestyle#lifestylephotography
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{Lotter Family | Newborn | Burlington County, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
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{Yi Family | Byrne State Forest, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
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 cooperateš 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 workš
P.S. this family did all of the above and our session was playful, emotional and SO MUCH FUNš (12.13.19)
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{Lannie | Byrne State Forest, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
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)
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{Danielle & Josh | Las Vegas, NV | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
Very few friends qualify into the ābestā category, but this girl certainly does.
After forming a strong connection during my freshman year at Penn State, weāve stayed close for over 15 years.Almost every place Iāve lived since college, sheās visited meā from Alabama to Japan to Florida to here in New Jerseyā sheās traveled far to be by my side on my wedding day, flying in to be with me during deployments and sheās even helped babysit my kids on countless occasions (she spoils them rottenš). Favorite memories together include tailgating at PSU; road tripping to Niagara Falls, Canada; humpback whale watching in Okinawa, Japan and squeezing into the busiest pub in Dublin, Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day. With her, it’s always an adventure.
So when she asked me if Iād be interested in photographing her and her husband for their two-year anniversary, I was stoked! First of all, theyāre both gorgeous & have the best sense of style. Second, theyāre absolutely in love so I knew the images would be genuine. Alsoā when we realized weād both be in Vegas the SAME exact weekend, it was FATE.Ā
Thanks to my photographer friend Essie, we discovered this breathtaking location just outside the city. Just south of the Valley of Fire, the Redstone Petrified Sand Dunes are a majestic burnt orange haven in the middle of the desert.Ā
And with the sun setting below the Nevada horizon, our evening together couldnāt have been more perfect. Here’s a small preview of my very favorites. LOTS more to come soonš (12.01.19) -
{Heil Family | Ft. Dix, NJ | Emotive Storytelling Photography}
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)
