Photographing this sweet little baby girl in her home was a pleasure. I think it is important to document the little things, like where you slept as a baby… in Zoelié-Louise’s world, that is in a vintage Belgian bassinet, a family heirloom.

…and capturing little details like the Belgian tradition of announcing your new baby and gifting your visitors a small, decorated package of “suikerbonen” (almond shaped pastilles filled with almonds or dark chocolate.)

and then of course… it is all about the baby. It is so sweet to watch them sleep!

Sweet slumber

This next image is one of my absolute favorites, and I wanted to show you how cute it was when I created a custom Thank You Card for my clients. This was an adorable press printed 5×7 folded card with the inside left blank. (My logo watermark was not printed on the front of the card – that is just to protect my images on the web.)

Such a sweet & beautiful baby!

The story of Gray Wolf…

It all started with a stuffed animal from the local zoo…  This little gal needed a bit of extra comforting, a boost to bring out her bravery. Her mother asked her to choose a stuffed animal from the gift shop. An animal totem if you will, a friend she could tell anything to. She chose a gray wolf, and her nickname was born.

She has always felt an affinity to dogs, and after a chance encounter with an Arctic Wolf near Yellowstone where she had the opportunity to pet this beautiful animal… her choice was easy.

For Gracie’s session, I wanted to give her something to remember this time in her childhood. Her story touched me. We’ve all felt anxiety as children, and whatever that item is that helps us through – a blanket, a doll… it becomes so special and real.

I am quite certain that it isn’t a good idea, and my insurance agent would agree – to hire an Arctic Wolf to pose with Gracie. So we found the next best thing in my mind… this handsome Husky, named Sitka (Thank you Brandi A.!)

Watching Gracie with Sitka, it was pretty apparent that dogs love her as much as she loves them. They are drawn to her.

We took some fun shots hiking in the woods, and capturing what it’s like to be Gracie.

Yes… they have an incredible hair gene… I’m a bit jealous! Thank you Hailey & Gracie for a very fun session, I really loved this one!

Seriously… what a darling little boy! Pablo was five months old when we shot his session in the April flowers.

Fun with Dad!

I loved shooting this session – Diana & Jonathan are such a nice, friendly couple, and they sure love their little man, Pablo!

Pablo loves his mama!

I paid him to smile like this… j/k! Pablo went crazy with smiles for about 5 minutes near the end of the session and then fell sound asleep! Precious!

Such a sweet family moment…

The Spring blooms were gorgeous & the perfect spot for this cute family. Thank you Diana & Jonathan for a great session!

Just look at how he smiles at his mama!

An adorable one year old! Danny loved exploring the paths and flowers.

“Don’t pick the flowers Danny!”

He is already a steady walker, and loves his freedom…

What a sweet disposition he has! I love that to get him to hold his hands together, his mama told him a prayer…

Thank you for a fun afternoon in the flowers Brenda & Danny!

Walking in a Winter wonderland…

Our snowfall was a bit sparse this season, but the skies opened up and dumped fresh powder just in time for this family session! A beautiful blue sky day!

This family is so sweet!

Etta braved the cold temps, and hugs from mom & dad made it ok…

a quick change and a little bit of exploring her neighborhood…

Etta is such a darling & I love her style!

Thank you Etta & family for a fun winter session!

This little darling enjoyed his first photo session at 5 weeks old.

I love sweet sleepy babies… I think his mama & I said “awww…” a few dozen times! This cute hat was knit by a loving relative.

Just look at these baby lips!!

Shooting a session in the family’s home works so well for a newborn shoot. It’s nice for mom & baby to be comfortable because newborn sessions take time. Time for changings, feedings, cuddling, flossing… FLOSSING?? I turned around to see what big brother was up to behind me, and he was deep in concentration with a whole lot of dental floss. ADORABLE.

The end. Sorry, I couldn’t resist…

are you ready for some sugar?  sisters Millie (4 mo.) and Rosie (4 yrs.)

Beautiful girls…

Just look at Millie’s expression!  What a darling!

and big sis Rosie… 4 years old, adores her little sister, loves her mom & dad very much… and Scooby Doo

and watching Glee… I was photographing Millie when her mom said quietly, “look at Rosie dance”.  There she was, lost in her thoughts, dancing like no one was watching.  It was such a cute moment that just made you giggle.

being a big sister brings big responsibilities, and Rosie has stepped up to the job.  Hugs… check.  Kisses… check.

sisterly chats & advice… check.

just look at these kicks!  every girl likes a little bling now and then!

the girls’ beautiful quilts in these photos were lovingly made by their mom, who is completely talented in every crafty and cooking way, and could beat Martha Stewart with her hands tied…

a sweet family for you to meet…

I was honored when Krista, a longtime friend and fellow photographer (Krista Ellis Photography) asked me to take their family photos.  Bill and I have known Krista & Ben for years… before our first homes, when our dogs were our first “kids”, through pregnancy (Megan was born 4 months after my Noah), to now, as we both get ready for those little babies to enter 2nd grade!

love this laugh…

mama’s sweetie

and, of course, daddy’s little girl…

Thank you Krista, Ben & Megan for a fun session & fantastic dinner afterward!  I think my family was a bit jealous that I got to hang out with you all night!  🙂

Banner met Harry in a restaurant in Italy and they fell in love.  True story, and it’s a cool one.  More on those two coming soon…

Jump ahead a few years later, many trips overseas and a move to Utah, and they are married and enjoying being a family together with Banner’s two boys.  A rock-climbing, snowboarding, mountain biking, camping, gourmet cooking family.  Don’t be jealous… they’re very nice.  Banner, Harry, Van & Cael… now you can be jealous of their incredibly cool names.

Van & Cael : rambunctious sweet mischievous adorable adventurous brothers

Happy family.  I love that!

Harry & Banner, it was a pleasure photographing your family!  (mosquitos & all)  Cheers to a happy life together!