Just Trying to Keep Up

'Tis the season for family pictures, right? Last Sunday, my dear friends, Caroline, Marc, and Alex met me at Pike Place Market to see if we could catch some family images. Catch would be the operative word there, because 18 month-old Alex is a RUNNER! Sure, you can hold him in one place for a couple snaps, but that's not going to get a smile. Turn him loose and try to keep ahead of him and THAT'S where his smiles are. These are the days when I realize how long it has been since I worked out with Baby Boot Camp. Gosh, Baby Boot Camp should be a work write-off for me! Here are a few of the images we caught:

A sweet moment.

Alex loves stairs, too. I love the clouds in this shot.

One of my favorites from the day.

The coffee cup over Marc's head is SO appropriate. Alex and I ran this hill several times.

I can't stay away from these close-ups.

We thought we'd try the shoulders as a means of holding Alex down.

Love this!

Gorgeous pepper bunches hanging from one of the market stalls. The trick was keeping Alex from actually touching them.

Right before Alex takes off.
Looking back at mom and dad.

Walking through Post Alley. Maybe between swings?

Another favorite. This is one shot I don't get tired of.

Caroline and Marc, I hope you see something you like. Thanks for a wonderful Sunday morning and lots of exercise! Talk to you soon!

Baby Fever II: Kaylin

Oh, the sweet, cuddly babies who sit but don't move! This has got to be one of the best ages to photograph. Thursday morning I made the long trek out to Maple Valley to photograph 6 month-old Kaylin. It had been ages since I had been out there, and I couldn't believe how much that area has grown!

Anyway, I met Kaylin and her mama, Brianna, in their immaculate home for our photoshoot. Waves of guilt washed over me as I looked around. How does she keep her home pristine and beautiful with a 6 month old baby? Brianna admitted to a dash of anal retentiveness, and I guess that's the key. How do I get some of that?

I'm thinking that another piece to the puzzle is the cheery, laid-back Kaylin. Such an agreeable (and adorable!) baby has got to help with keeping the rest of your life in one piece. We started our session in Kaylin's room, where the light poured in from the window and was instantly warmed by the yellow walls.


Love this shot of her eyes. Kaylin has quite a collection of lambs, and I think she chews on them all.

Through the slats of the crib.

Standing up already! Doesn't she look proud?

We took a little nursing break at one point. This is a shot I wish I had of Abigail and me. Can't you see the love?

After her snack, we moved into daddy's office and took advantage of the chaise by the window. I love that her toes are spread in this shot.

Then we popped outside for a minute to showcase the milk delivery box on the porch.

Oh, the laughs! And isn't this a great hat? Brianna said she found it on Etsy, so I think I'll be doing some shopping there soon.

No, you can't have too many baby feet shots.

On her parents' bed. She looks like she's up to something.

We tried out a few holiday shots. Can't you see this on a Christmas card?
Or this?

I'm including this one because it's a great self-portrait. See me?

And then we stripped her down for some purely baby shots.

Nothing can beat a baby bum shot!
Finally we went back into Kaylin's room and laid the sheepskin out for some close-ups. There are a ton of fun ones, but these are two favorites. This one because of the smile (brought to you by many monkey noises)...

And this one because it makes me laugh out loud every time I see it.

Brianna, thanks so much for the opportunity to photograph Kaylin and to see your gorgeous home. You've definitely inspired me to do something about my own hovel, I mean home. I had a wonderful time with you both, and I hope you see some photos you'll love.

Baby Fever: Macy

I'll bet you're thinking that I've been slacking and that's why there haven't been any new posts recently. HARDLY! Trevor and I have been frantically working on my brand new website which should (hopefully!) launch next week. I'm so proud of it, and I'll be so relieved to have my entire portfolio in one place! I'll let you know as soon as it's up.

I took a break from website work yesterday and got back behind the camera. I think I chose the absolute darkest, rainiest day of the year for this session, but even with the lighting challenges, I had a wonderful time and love some of the images we created. I met Macy and her mama, Tish, at their GORGEOUS home near Lake Washington and was immediately intimidated by the artistry I saw in every detail of Tish's design. The coolest part? Macy's room! It is actually the laundry room (strange, yes, but amazing!), complete with giant sink and washer and dryer. (Come on, moms out there. Wouldn't that be heaven?) The way Tish made the most of a very small space -- not only making it functional but beautiful and fun -- well, I was very impressed. Of course I don't have any pictures to show of it because I'm good at kids, not rooms. Believe me, it was fabulous.

On to the pictures I do have! We made the most of the light in the master bedroom. Macy enjoyed some naked time on the bed.

Blue, blue eyes. And a gorgeous handmade blanket. Have I said before how much I love knitted/crocheted things?

Such a happy, mellow little baby. What would that be like?

At the kitchen door. Doesn't she look like she's ready to go out and play?
We experimented with some holiday shots. Tish makes these hair clips! Don't be surprised if you see Abigail with some in the future. So serious!

It may be hard to tell, but Macy is holding a giant Christmas ornament. She was fascinated. I love that the family pictures are in the background of this shot.

Don't freak out! Mama is right there, ready to catch, though she wasn't needed. Macy is getting the hang of sitting quite well.

Her lips! Her eyes!

Yes, it seems I have an addiction to baby feet.
And here is the shot that would have made the whole day worthwhile, even if we hadn't taken another picture. I ADORE this. Her hand on the glass, the raindrops, the reflection of her hand, the peaceful, slightly wistful expression...I can't stop looking at it.

Tish and Macy, I so loved meeting you and seeing your beautiful home. Yes, I was a little awestruck, but your genuine warmth and easy conversation made me feel entirely at home. Thanks for a wonderful, rainy morning!

PS. I'm still looking for newborn models, if anyone knows anyone!