There are an incredible amount of Minnesota Newborn photographers. So many different styles. When you are choosing the person to capture your baby's first days it is important to love the photographer's style. We are all very different and our style is our strength. I tell my clients that my focus is on moments. I don't do a lot with posing or outfits. My favorite is to capture families spending time in their home so that the entire picture will tell a story for years to come. This time of year when it is so cold out no one wants to go out, especially with a week old little miracle. The at home lifestyle photography session makes life so simple. I come to you. No need to bundle baby up and trek out in these below zero temperatures. Your session can be as simple as a cozy corner of your home or it can be a chance to capture all the little nooks and crannies that make your home your home. Here is another favorite summer 2018 newborn. We captured all the nooks of their adorable farm house out "in the sticks" is how they described it to me. I absolutely loved the adorable moments we captured surrounded by the cozy character of their home.
This incredible time of bringing home your first baby or watching your first born turn into a big sibling is all about the love, happiness, mixed with a little chaos and exhaustion that you want to look back on for years to come as the memories that tell your family's story. Sarah Ann Photography would love to help tell your family's story.
Meet Sonny. He was born on the Fourth of July and so this blog post is long overdue. I didn't spend much time on blogging in 2018. My 2019 is about to kick off and I thought I would blog a few sessions to get myself fired up! Baby Sonny had all the hair and that dimple and that meant no one could keep their hands off him. His big brothers were gentle and his mom and dad so relaxed given they are baby boy pros. I LOVED that they had me help capture his first bath. Here are some of my favorites from this July newborn session.
Contact Sarah Ann Photography if you are in the Prior Lake, Minnesota area or any other Minneapolis/ St. Paul surrounding area and are looking to have some first moments captured in the cozy of your own home. No need to bundle anyone up to head out into the frigid MN winter. You just keep your slippers on, keep your coffee pot filled, and snuggle in. I come to you!
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With the summer sun heating up our days, this mama is watching the calendar and counting down the days. The last weeks of a summer pregnancy can be exhausting and hot, but
"Don't try to rush things that need time to grow"
(seen on Pinterest)
I also know this mama is cherishing the time left with just two little guys underfoot. Soon there will be three and her days will be a wee bit more busy. I am so glad she took time out of her summer to have some moments captured one last time as a family of four. And I am so excited to be capturing the next year with their newest family member. (Sarah Ann Photography offers customized annual plans to include what you want captured. ) There was no way to narrow down this session for a short blog post. So here is practically their whole session.
Brother moments <3
While the little boys explored the rock path I took advantage and captured some mom and dad moments.
We ended the session with a few candid family moments at the beach. Can't wait to meet their newest little person in just a couple of weeks!
Baby number two is coming and you are overwhelmed with thoughts on how number two will fit in to your daily chaos. How will the big sibling handle the transition from being the only to the "big brother/sister"? How will it go juggling two who need to get in and out of the car? How will you feed baby while number one is needing attention? How will you parent at 6 am when big brother is up and ready for the day and you have been up all night with baby number 2? And planning for newborn pictures is likely not on your mind at all?
Newborn pictures are so special. They capture such an incredible time. But newborn pictures for your second capture SO much more than just a new baby!
What is so special about newborn pictures for the second (or third ...)?
The thing that is so special is capturing the start of a lifelong relationship between your first and the newest member of your family. This newborn session we focused on capturing Keegan and Gavin and the start of their brother adventures.
And here are a WHOLE BUNCH of my favorites!!!
Now booking Fall of 2018 Newborn sessions!!!
" I'll be the greatest fan of your life..." Edwin McCain
Mom and dad are five days into their adventure as parents and adjusting to their newest role in life. They are now his greatest fan and not much else matters these days as much as sweet Maverick and all his tiny-ness,all his needs, and all his moments. Hours lost staring at him, stealing a few seconds of shut eye as they pass him between each other's arms, eating bowls of cereal while standing at the kitchen counter trying to remember what their old normal felt like. And realizing that this new normal is somewhat a blur, but also the biggest adventure they have had yet together and they want to remember it all. Congratulations B tribe! It was an honor capturing this precious little boy and the start of your journey together <3.
It was hard picking a few favorites so here is an over share of my favorites.
Last year around this time (April 24) I was handing this adorable gallery off. There were touches of green grass and the fact that this little beauty was in short sleeves and bare toes...well, it looks like spring 2017 arrived far more timely than 2018. When I check the weather app it does look promising that the snow may melt in the coming days and spring is right around the corner! So bring on the green grass, bubbles and chalk play, bike riding, bruised knees, muddy shoes, and sunshine smiles! And if you are pondering a photo session do not hesitate to touch base with me.
I really have no words for this session. Just a gorgeous girl with her gorgeous mama in her gorgeous nursery with gorgeous light. So yeah, one word.
Gorgeous.
I can't get enough of this little guy (and his handsome big brothers). And since I have been capturing them all since pre-Mr. M...I must say that it really works best that I hang out with the star of the show and mom step out of the room for a bit because, well, I think she and I could have coffee and chat...and have it turn into lunch, and then dinner. I was blessed that all of my sessions last week were with repeat families who have really found a place in my heart. And when the sessions end and I stand in the doorway chatting about life...it makes me leave with such a smile. It is such an honor and it really makes this seem like less than a job and so much more like capturing my own family. And the moments just seem that much more authentic. So thank you Mr. M for smiling so big for my camera this round.
But l am pretty sure like all parents who watch their baby turn one they also had all the overwhelming emotions and the disbelief that the first year has passed, they had a few moments they survived & and millions where they thrived, and are amazed at how much their love for this little man continues to grow. I am so grateful to have gotten to help them freeze time just a wee bit so they can look back at their journey.
Waiting...
Newborn Mr. D
6 months
And ONE!!!!
Benjamin is six months handsome and my camera just loved capturing this little man.
Here are a bunch of my favorites!
Your baby is born and then you blink and they turn one. And in between that time they go through so many changes. The first year is such an incredible year and though there are days and nights that seem long - when the year is over you will be in denial. Capturing your little people during that first year is something you will never regret. Newborn families can book milestone sessions throughout the first year to capture the changes. 3,6,9 months are all great milestones. Sitting up and standing can also be great times to capture. At home milestone sessions mean they can interact within their comfort zone and it means you don't have to bundle anyone up, trek to a new location, and deal with any elements that are out of your control. And the entire picture will tell a picture for years to come! Here are some of my favorites from Billy's 6 month milestone session.
Six month milestones typically include toe grabbing, smiling, cuddling with mom, belly laughs with dad, sitting up, tummy time, serious looks, and snuggles with favorite items like nuks, blankets, or bears.
Last September I met this tiny fellow! The second little boy for this adorable family. And now he is 6 months and I will be catching up with him later this week. It is crazy how much they change in that first week, first month, 6 months....that first year. And it all goes so fast...especially when it is number 2. So capturing them just a week into life is a choice a family will never regret. Because those tiny little parts grow and change so much.
And your first baby all of a sudden seems SO much older.
The sibling moments are always my favorite to capture. They are often candid and so authentic. There is no way for a 2-4 year older sibling to fake any joy or love when they interact with their new sibling. The moments captured are always so natural and real and usually make everyone in the room giggle, sigh, and smile. Big B and Little B are lucky to have each other.
I am sure these parents are in awe of how quickly the first six months have gone. It is such an amazing journey watching your children grow, change, become a little more their own person, and build lifelong friendships with those they love.
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Last September I met this tiny fellow! The second little boy for this adorable family. And now he is 6 months and I will be catching up with him later this week. It is crazy how much they change in that first week, first month, 6 months....that first year. And it all goes so fast...especially when it is number 2. So capturing them just a week into life is a choice a family will never regret. Because those tiny little parts grow and change so much.
And your first baby all of a sudden seems SO much older.
The sibling moments are always my favorite to capture. They are often candid and so authentic. There is no way for a 2-4 year older sibling to fake any joy or love when they interact with their new sibling. The moments captured are always so natural and real and usually make everyone in the room giggle, sigh, and smile. Big B and Little B are lucky to have each other.
I am sure these parents are in awe of how quickly the first six months have gone. It is such an amazing journey watching your children grow, change, become a little more their own person, and build lifelong friendships with those they love.
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Sarah Ann Photography is so grateful for the many clients that have come to me from referrals! This family was referred to me by a high school friend who lives on the other side of the country!! The fact that dad is from my hometown and knows my sister from back in his high school years gave us all something to laugh about. If you know someone interested in a cozy at home session focused on capturing their new "now" send them my way! My passion is capturing authentic moments that give evidence of the excitement and love of this exciting time!!
Miss E as a newborn!
Miss E is 6 months beautiful!
And in July we met up to capture her at the amazing age of one. We captured her being Everly and then we captured Everly conquering a cupcake! Here are a few favorites!
On a sunny morning in June, this young lady greeted me at the door and was all smiles from the moment I arrived!
She had a wee bitty reason to be smiling so big! She is the proud big sister to the newest baby in the family, Juliana! Born June 14, 2017 this little girl was treasured by all right from the start. Here are a few of my favorite moments from their newborn session.
While baby sister had a snack...big sister had a snack and jumped on her bed, danced with her dad, and continued with the big grins.
Sarah Ann Photography is a Minnesota Lifestyle Newborn Photographer. Sessions are focused on capturing moments and not perfectly posed pictures. The backdrop being your home means the entire picture will have so much meaning for years to come!
Contact Sarah Ann Photography now to book a 2018 newborn!
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She's just a mother.
Which is kind of like saying,
"It's just the sun."
-Matt Walsh
This smiling lady just radiates motherhood. And I am so lucky to have gotten to know her during some of my mothering years! Last fall I got to capture her family and a little bit of the extended family and I loved the time spent with them. I also loved the pictures. I can't believe I didn't share them last fall. Fall gets crazy for family pictures and I lost steam in the blogging department. I am sharing a few families in the coming weeks to remind people how priceless an hour in front of my camera can be. Forever capturing happiness and the connections you and yours have with each other!
I also have had questions about whether a mini session or a full session is right for your family. Everyone only NEEDS one family picture and one of each of their kiddos. But it takes a gallery of photos that make your heart smile to find the handful that make your heart burst! A mini session doesn't give you time to relax and hang out. Though a mini session can be short and sweet...a full session offers the chance for kids to warm up. It also allows for multiple backgrounds. It doesn't mean that your family is sitting on a blanket for an hour. We wander, climb trees, explore a park, blow bubbles, play tag, hula hoop, eat ice cream, swing, throw rocks in a stream... it is never dull or painful! At least no one has described it that way...yet :)
Here are some of my favorites of their FULL session!
These sweet lips belong to Miss Piper. A sweet little lady who began her life adventures July 8, 2017. She was a dreamy little newborn to capture. And her mom and dad were so smitten it was easy to capture their love for their sweet little lady. Here are some favorites!
On July 21, 2017 this pretty little lady with a full head of hair began her life adventures! I was the lucky one to capture some of her first family moments. And now she is a beautiful 6 months old and thanks to Facebook I get little glimpses of these precious babies from time to time. I fell behind with blogging sessions with the my summer adventures that turned into the busy fall photo season. So I am playing catch up and sharing a few sessions. Here are a few favorites from her newborn session.
Many families capture their little ones throughout their first year and it culminates with a little celebration. I love when families embrace the chance to capture some everyday moments that really document baby's stage in life. This sweet birthday girl woke from her nap when I had arrived and you can't a more happy girl when waking from a nap. Everyone was happy to greet her and the looks she gave big brother are priceless. We hung out and let her be herself and then we had a treat and finished with a sink bath. Here are some favorites from her one year old session!
At Home Sessions are my very favorite. I love helping capture life as it plays out in the most natural way and in the most real setting. Contact Sarah Ann Photography now if you want to inquire about capturing life as it is right now in the place you call home.
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When your first bitty baby arrives you spend hours and hours soaking up all the tiny moments. The end of the day comes and you wonder, "what did I do today?" And maybe you didn't get a To Do List accomplished, but with a newborn in the picture you have your priorities set straight if the minutes turned into hours and much of the day was spent just being with this new little wiggly baby. These two naturally fell into moments of just being with their handsome little guy. And my camera loved capturing it all. Here are some of my favorites!
Meet the beautiful Miss Hadley. This pretty girl met my camera when she was just under a week old and I could not get enough. All that hair and a few bitty rolls in all the right places makes this girl very yummy. And boy oh boy is her family smitten.
She is the second little one for this tribe.. making someone a very proud big brother! Theo was so much fun as he shared his energy for life and his love for his little sister. Here are a whole bunch of my favorites from our time together.
Meet Everly! She is 6 months beautiful and I enjoyed catching up with her for her six month milestone. Here she was as a newborn.
Six month milestone is probably my favorite! They are so smiley and getting so much more personality. And the changes are so huge in those first few months!
Contact me if you have a milestone you want to capture! Short and sweet and a little slice of life in the first year frozen and captured.
Thanks, E family for having me up to your neck of the woods!
Welcome, sweet Callahan! Such tiny toes ....
...and, such an enormous yawn for only five days old.
The W family is my most recent newborn session and once again I am reminded how much I love newborn sessions. I roll up to a relaxed house where big brother is still napping and Callahan is ready for is day five bath. "Yes, please!" says my camera. I mean that is an everyday moment that will change so drastically in the first year.
And in the quiet we capture baby C. We capture his tiny on mom and dad's bed.
There is time for mama to feed baby...and look at those tiny, firmly grasped fingers.
Big brother wakes up and we capture them together.
And as a family of four!
Newborn sessions have my heart. Real, authentic, natural, and meaningful moments captured of this precious time that goes by far too fast.
Send me all the newborns! I will love you forever!
Meet Miss Mia! There she is at 6 months....
Here she is as a newborn!
This sweet girl gave some smiles, but wowsers her six month stare down captures are my favorite. Just stunning, sweet little girl. Here are a whole bunch of my favorites from her milestone session back in January. Newborn clients can take advantage of the annual plan to capture multiple stages of baby's first year.
Last month this little balloon holding, puppy loving, cupcake devouring little man turned 1. I absolutely loved the moments we captured of him being one. Turning one is such a milestone. Makes every mama realize how fast that first year goes. Their personalities really are starting to show through and though some things get easier (maybe sleeping through the night) other things get busier...as they learn to toddle and walk and get into things. Happy Birthday, Mr. August. And Happy BIRTH day, mama. What an incredible happy boy you have!
This is the beautiful Miss Emerson! She was one of my first real newborn clients...meaning, I didn't know her and they gave me a chance when I was just starting out. They gifted me the chance to capture her every 3 months that first year and have continued to let me share in the joy of capturing her as she becomes this delightful little lady. So 3 years for Miss Emerson and 3 years for Sarah Ann Photography. Wow!!!
Here are a few moments from our Sunday morning session in January.
or to follow big sister who is in the mood to jump on her bed!
The way they go up or down. The confidence. The independence. It changes as they grow. And the light is often just perfect on the stairs.
One of the reasons at home sessions are my favorite is because I get to shoot most like I shoot for my own family. I get to capture authentic and simple moments and show you how beautiful your real and your everyday can be.
Going into 2017 ponder the idea of having your family photos done in the comfort of your own home. The entire picture will tell a story you will love to look back on for years to come.
Checkout the kitchen as a backdrop here.
Checkout the crib and the fun that can be captured here!
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Little boys should never be sent to bed
They always wake up a day older.
-Peter Pan
I have been capturing this crew for awhile now and now there are three little boys and this session we focused on the bitty boy's three month milestone. But his brothers were there with so much joy we got some of them too! This mama has a lot of love coming at her with all these handsome guys in her life. And though she doesn't want them to wake up a day older...I am sure there are many nights when bedtime gives her peace to rest. And if she is like me...looking in on three little boys dreaming peacefully with their heads on their pillows are likely some of her favorite moments of the day. Safe and sleeping gives a mama's heart time to reenergize of the next day of adventures.
Also included in this session was their handsome dad. He has escaped my camera the last couple sessions and I was so thrilled to get him in there with his boys. Such a beautiful family that embraces my natural at home sessions.
Pancake flipping, cookie decorating, family chats and cuddles can all happen in the kitchen. Playing games at the kitchen table, arts and crafts, donut devouring, birthday cake smashes, and sink baths have all been captured with my camera. The kitchen is the heart of a home and the tasks that your little ones explore will grow and change. No matter what though, it is a place where memories will be made. Think about your kitchen and the potential it has to be a beautiful backdrop to tell a little bit of your family's story.
Miss Emerson Age 2
Miss Emerson Age 3
How many of us mamas avoided the camera when we were pregnant?
And how many of us now regret that we don't have more moments captured while we were on one of the biggest adventures of our lifetime? I know this mama will have no regrets having some moments captured with her adorable baby bump.
Mama Becky, relish this time with that little one who finds your heartbeat and voice the most peaceful and soothing sounds. Right now only you know when the hiccups show up or when a change of position is needed. He/she is all yours for the next couple weeks. So many are anticipating and waiting to meet him/her and help love and care for baby (especially, dad). They can't wait until you share him/her with the world. Can't wait to hear the news and to help you capture this next chapter in your journey.
And now you need to pick a name :)
The perfectly imperfect is quite possibly my favorite thing about naturally candid photo sessions. Every hand isn't perfectly placed, every smile isn't facing the camera, and sometimes one is hanging upside down but, the evidence is captured and there is no question this family is full of love and happiness and are at the stage of life where the imperfect is perfectly beautiful. Love this family and loved catching up with them for a little mini session this fall! Here are a couple of my favorites!
In the coming weeks Sarah Ann Photography is going to do some throwback blog posts. I never blogged many of my fall sessions, because I was trying hard to get familys their galleries more timely for holiday cards and gifts. So today I am starting with the T family. Beautiful family who is just in love with their pretty little lady Miss B. Such a joy to spend a pretty mild fall morning capturing their "now". Thanks T family for returning to Sarah Ann Photography in 2016. Here are a handful of my favorites!
Meet this gorgeous crew!
I think that shot up above was the first shot I took. I always aim to get the everyone smiling at the camera shot done right away. And then from there everyone can relax and there is far less pressure on everyone for the rest of the session. 2016 was the year of extended family sessions. I had more extended family bookings this year than ever. I have come to love the large group session because there is usually a lot of laughter and I always walk away feeling blessed that they chose me to capture their tribe. It takes a lot to get everyone together. Finding a date and time that works, no one is sick, and getting everyone thoughtfully dressed. I think all the chaos to get everyone to the session is always so worth it once they are together and realizing what is being documented!
This sweet girl could turn that frown upside down in a split second :)
My first 2017 Gift Certificate for an extended family session went out today. With any extended family session there is an opportunity for each individual family to add on a small mini session to get a little of just their family captured too. What a wonderful gift to give this holiday season!
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Sarah Ann Photography was so blessed this October to capture so many beautiful families. I worked hard to pass of galleries timely so that holiday cards could be ordered and everyone could look super on top of things. (Not like my family since I have no idea what picture we will be using yet). Usually I blog a session right after sending it off. But, I skipped that this past month to try and be more productive with the galleries. And it worked. Now I am realizing how fun it is to now go back and look at the gallery and pick some favorites to share. So in the next few weeks I will be sharing a few favorites from each of my fall sessions. First up is this adorable family. An early morning session at Centennial Lakes park was a perfect little adventure with many natural moments and smiles and even a few not so happy moments that are sometimes my favorite captures. Take a peek at this family's time with Sarah Ann Photography. Thank you D family for returning and being up for an adventure.
What a special session this was. Grandma and Grandpa were gifted a session with their grandchildren. Treasured moments they will forever relish. The malt making, accordion playing, reading with Grandma, and moments with Grandma's elephant collection just fill my heart up and I am not even related. The memories I have of my time at my grandparents house are all about the little things we did often when visiting and when I pull out my parents photo albums the pull back shots where I can see their home...the parts of their home like the carpet, wall hangings, and knick knacks bring so much back from my times visiting them....Even the smells and tastes. Grandma will have lots of frames to fill with these four beautiful grandchildren they enjoy so much.
Being invited into a family's life is such an honor. So grateful for these families that find me and trust my eye to share their lives. They relax and live life with my camera around to capture the little everyday moments that they want to remember. Meet the H family. We met one morning when it was a little windy, but not so chilly. We wandered down to the lake they live by to capture some family moments and then we captured life at home with two beautiful little girls. Snuggles, dance parties, hide and seek, jumping on beds, changing into princess dresses and so much more! A favorite session for sure and so much fun this time of year when the park sessions are fast and furious. I relish slowing down with a family to do sessions like this.
This family was made for October and it was so fun to meet them this year. Just happy and relaxed and oh so many natural smiles throughout the entire evening. I loved every capture from their gallery and knew it when I came home and uploaded them. I was dying having to wait to dive into editing this session. Fall just looks so good on all of them! Here are some of my favorites!
This little guy turned one and I have really enjoyed capturing him throughout his first year! He was a bitty little boy when he was born..
And at 6 months...
And now Mr. Blue Eyes is snuggled up with his biggest fans. We captured some family moments, some sibling moments, and a few of this boy and his gorgeous blue eyes and happy smile! I am always sad to see a year end with a little guy who I have captured multiple times during the year! Such an honor. Cheers Mr. Jackson! You are loved!
Sweet Evie and her mama came and spent a wee bit of time in front of my camera to capture her at 2 and some love between a mama and her daughter. I had way too many favorite and culling their gallery was once again the hard part! So here are a whole bunch of my favorites. I love that when there is time we get to capture the many smiles and facial expressions that a little one has. I hope her mama finds a whole lot of Evie in these captures!
Meet Bo.
He is new to Sarah Ann Photography and what a joy he was to capture. A little unsure of my camera at first, but then he got busy with mom and dad and the moments are all him.
A one year old who is learning to walk, loves reading in mom and dad's lap, who was a bit more serious in front of my camera, but makes his mom and dad just beam. The night of their session the winds were blowing and it was a tad more chilly so without much notice mom and dad were up for some at home moments combined with some backyard fall moments. I LOVE that it worked out this way. Now they have some of their everyday captured along with some fall family shots, too.
I absolutely love at home sessions where the family does their ordinary and they trust my eye to capture their life. Ultimately, when you hire a photographer you are hiring someone to capture your life through their eyes. At home sessions can be a little scary because when you look around your home you see all the to do lists and clutter. Sadly, we often look in the mirror and our eyes focus on all the imperfections. But, remember, when you hire me...you are hiring the gal that will show you your beautiful life through my lens. I don't see the to do lists or clutter. You will be in the pictures immersed in your family instead of on the other side of the camera. And oh how perfect it always is. My goal is taking your ordinary and showing you how extraordinary it really is!
He dove into mom's arms but turned right around to smile at his proud daddy.
And then headed back!
Thank you B bunch! It was so good to meet you! What an adorable little guy you have!
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Booking a newborn means you can choose to participate in an annual plan that allows your little one to have some of the big changes that take place in the first year documented. New rolls, bigger smiles, new skills, and other milestones. Many choose to document 3, 6, 9 months. Others choose skills like tummy time, sitting up, and standing. The first year really flies by and what a gift at the end of the year to have some great moments captured to throw into a first year photo book and celebrate! Weston is now 6 months handsome and he was full of smiles! He was also in a new house with a new front porch! I know how valuable all those newborn and 3 month pictures will be to look back on when they show him the house that he came home to. And so fun to now have their new house in the pictures! At home milestone sessions mean the entire picture will bring back memories! Here are some of Weston's 6 month captures!
I arrived and he was napping and I have not met a kid who wakes and has some odd lady in their room with a big black camera react like he did...
He took me in and gave me a huge smile and then snuggled in for a bottle..and then changed into a new outfit and smiled for the rest of the session. Dreamy sixth month old.
If you are pondering the annual plan please don't hesitate to call or email me with your questions!
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Three little boys experiencing their first Minnesota Fall after moving from California. Mama grew up around here and has always wanted them to experience the Minnesota fall excitement. So we found leaves and they tossed them and they snuggled up as a family in them. We made sure they were in the picture. With three little boys I love how candid and real their gallery turned out. You can tell there is a lot of happy, joy, and busy in this house. What a lucky tribe! Here are some of my favorites!
Sometimes the best bait for a good picture is some candid family time where the kids are busy with an activity. That can be when their real smiles just show up. This is a favorite family who I have captured for the last three years (I think). So these boys are growing up. So we ended their session throwing their lines in and even though they didn't catch anything this time...I caught some smiles!
And before we threw in the lines...we captured some family moments during our walk to the pond.
When you book your next session with Sarah Ann Photography ponder an activity that your family enjoys and is meaningful to you. And add a little storytelling into your session.
What better Mother's day gift than to have everyone gather for a few smiles to be captured so mom can fill her frames with all those she loves. Well, that man up there did that. He contacted me to book a family session for his beautiful wife....
What I call their "originals".
And then they were lucky enough to add this guy to the tribe....
which means there is a pretty incredible group of people who gather, hopefully more often than just the holidays... to laugh, smile, and enjoy each other.
The best smiles came in the in-between moments.
It takes someone in the clan to organize an extended family gathering. Getting everyone together at a particular day and time. No one sick or with unexpected reason to reschedule. The sun to shine and the wind to not blow too much. Well, they did it! Happy Mother's day, Wendy!
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The simple things.
Our children have us juggling and worrying and planning and doing so many things every second of the day. There are so many experiences and opportunities we want our little ones to experience, however, when they are little...it is really just the simple ordinary daily things that really make them light up. Like making pancakes on a Saturday morning...
Letting them pick the bowl, scoop the flour, and pick their mixing utensil make them light up.
Slowing down to just enjoy the simple means he notices your earrings while you are pouring the pancake batter.
It is the simple things they take pride in ...like getting the newspaper.
And showing their tiny treasured collections.
A family portrait on your front stoop makes the ordinary pretty extraordinary...because this is your space. The place they watch for dad to arrive home from work, where they sit and eat a popsicle, or color with chalk. It is home.
And a few steps from home is your everyday walking path that sometimes entertains for 10 minutes and sometimes an hour...
Another at home session with Britton and Lovisa was made perfect with pancakes, a walk, and just hanging out at home. Treasured everyday moments that will look so differently a year from now. Lovisa will want to stir the batter and Britton will be flipping the pancakes without dad's guidance. It all goes so fast. Such an honor to be invited into their family for a morning to help them capture some of these fleeting moments.
Is to help me take my life less seriously, it's only life after all.”
It was a chilly evening, one of the first chilly fall evenings, and this crew cuddled up to stay warm. Here are a bunch of my favorites of this returning family! Again, I can't say enough how special it is when you return and I can see your kiddos grow and change! Thanks E bunch.
Another beautiful family on a perfect fall evening. It is extra special when I get to capture a friend and her amazing family. I am lucky to consider her a big part of my village when it comes to surviving the day to day busy of being a mom. Whether it is some mama time, helping with pick ups and drop offs for school, or just hanging out so our kids can play...I can't thank her enough. Here are some favorites from our time together.
I always enjoy when these three silly ones find their way in front of my camera. The first family to trust me to capture their newborn....before I was officially "Sarah Ann Photography". And they have stuck with me, sent friends and family, and are one of my favorites to capture. They have grown into these amazing kiddos...just as they have probably noticed my growth in my photography. I am more sure of who I am and how I love to capture families. And even with my camera on them ...they just naturally fall right into the moments that will forever bring them back to this time in their lives. Here is a little of their extraordinary captured.
Up next this fall was the B bunch. 3 little ladies...twin beauties and their adorable little sister who is ready to conquer the year of ONE. Some family moments, some sibling candids, and a few portrait updates should give this mama some new pictures to fill her frames. Here are just a few of my favorites.
Another favorite Sarah Ann Photography family who has been with me from the start and continues to allow me to help them capture their life and all it's stages. This round Shea turned one this month...cake smash blog comes right after this one. And Kennedy turned 3 this month. And mom and dad had an anniversary. So we ended with the cake smash but, spent some family time capturing a little of everything before frosting was all over the place. Beautiful family, beautiful moments. Thanks again G tribe!
Introducing Mr. Henry. The second little boy for this beautiful family. That means that Mr. CJ is now a big brother...a job he is already mastering with pride. He is busy giving kisses, snuggles, sharing his hat, and sharing his mom and dad's lap. So many changes in this house. More love, less sleep. More reasons to smile. One holds baby and the other tosses the football. Life is so good. Here are a whole bunch of my favorites!!
For those that follow my photography, especially those newborn families. You know I have a thing for little feet. I just love capturing them. So this baby got a few of his adorable toes! Meet Mr. Mateus. A third little boy for this family. Mom wanted baby and sibling pictures because dad couldn't be there but, I convinced her to get in for a few. And I will make sure dad is there for baby's three month milestone update! Put it on your calendar proud papa of three handsome boys! Here are a whole bunch of my favorites of this little guy who looks like he is up to no good in this next shot.
Sarah Ann Photography offers an annual plan that will help you capture all the changes that occur during that first year of life. Contact me for more details!!!
]]>And Mama V and I checked in a few times since the sky was looking pretty dark.
However, four pretty girls were ready to go, so...we said, "Let's do it!"
When I first started this photography journey I often wished for overcast days. They are safe and easy to shoot in. You can go everywhere. But, now...if it is looking cloudy...I am often disappointed. The sun can be the family member in your pictures that you didn't know was there. The sun can bring so much to your pictures. So as I drove to the shoot I was disappointed because I really wanted the sun for this family and this location. But, it wasn't showing up. So we got to hang out in the purple, which I never get to do because of how the sun hits this spot.
And then it was like magic. The clouds parted and out came the sun..... at just the right moments. When families book a session it is one of the big differences between a full and a mini session. Time. Time for the sun to come out. Time to move about a park and get a variety of spots. Time to wander and give the kids a break so they cuddle back up and moments of happy can be captured. Time.
The other thing about time. The time of day I know can be frustrating to families. It is close to bedtime. It is sometimes overlapping dinner. It is NEVER the best time in my house in the evening. However, when you show up for a session with me...I like to think you get to spend time with your family. You get to give your kids all your attention. There isn't laundry to fold, dinner to make, or bills to pay. For about an hour you get to just relish some family time. And then kids soon realize that they get you. They get your hand to hold, arms to snuggle in, and eyes to look into. They get tossed, hugged, cuddled with, and more. They get you so it usually goes just fine. Worth it to roll the dice on a little bit later bedtime.
So when you book some time in front of my camera...the time of day and the gift of a few extra minutes means there is time for moments instead of of a photograph. And here at Sarah Ann Photography I hope to send off a gallery of moments that will forever remind you that your ordinary is actually quite extraordinary. Just you all. Hanging out....and maybe, with a little sun.
Fall is here and I can't even tell you how excited I am for all the families I will be capturing this month. If I don't say it enough, THANK YOU for trusting me to capture your family. V family...your gallery is coming soon!
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When you bring your first baby home...everythign changes. The sounds, the stuff that sits around, the energy level, the daily to do lists, everything. And your house is now the house you brought baby home to. So capturing a family on their front stoop is something I think they will look back on for many years.
Welcome, Baby Keegan! A beautiful little boy who fits perfectly into mom and dads arms. Here are a whole bunch of my favorites from their session.
Thank you W family for allowing me to help you capture and freeze this incredible time in your lives. Congratulations!
This beauty just turned 1. I love capturing a little one throughout their first year and this girl found her way in front of my camera every three months. It has been so fun to watch her grow.
Newborn...
3 months...
6 months...
9 months....
And now she is a year and their family can't remember a time when mom and dad didn't each have a mini me. This family has become so special to me. Many, SO MANY, of you who have trusted me to capture your family have come my way via Meghan. So I know for a fact that she not only has a beautiful family, but she is surrounded by so many beautiful people (inside and out). So here are a few of our captures during their September evening session at a local apple orchard.
This little guy and his adorable tongue are six months handsome and I have to giggle because his beautiful older sister did the same cute thing with her tongue. Here is a throwback of Miss Molly:
A perfect end of summer Sunday morning session worked perfectly to capture some adorable moments of this little guy and a few family moments tossing rocks in the pond and wandering the park. Here are a few more of my favorites from our time together.
There is nothing like a ready to turn one year old little girl and her very smitten parents. I captured two one year olds this past weekend and it brings me right back to the first year of my journey as a mom and how our Charley was the center of our world and how much joy he brought as he conquered all his firsts. I remember thinking how can anything beat what felt like the most life changing and fast year of our lives. Watching that tiny little miracle grow and change and develop a personality. The second year will continue to be full of firsts, but also filled with mastering many things that have become everyday tasks. Slowly this girl will become more and more independent, BUT the adventures continue to be awesome. I love that parents allow our sessions to be laid back and relaxed so we can capture a little of what life is like, right now.
The reach with those unsteady toddler legs.
There is time for giant smiles when daddy is peeking out from behind me making his girl just light up.
There is time to capture so many of the faces...
and little things that you will want to remember forever.
Loved meeting this beautiful girl and the parents who love her so much. She is a beauty inside and out.
This girl is 2 and boy, oh, boy is she off and running! Her milestone session meant we let her run and explore and I just looked to capture her busy personality!
She brings such joy to mom and dad and her big sister is enjoying this fast adventuring partner. A little ring around the rosy, some tire swinging, walking with mom and dad, and running free all brought out her smiles. Here are some of my favorites!
I am always a little sad when the milestones start to slow down (usually around 2) and I don't get to see these little ones as often as I did when they were 6, 12, 18 months or sometimes even 3 and 9 months old. But man, they change so much those first two years. I look forward to watching this cutie continue to explore the world.
I recently met up with this clan to capture the littlest man's 6 month milestone! I love milestone sessions but they also make me realize how quickly time passes. A little family time on the front porch captured happy, content, quiet, and snuggle moments. Here are some of my favorites!
Valley Fair became a favorite spot! This was our first year doing season passes and we enjoyed it to the max.
The kids experienced their first drive in movie adventure. I think they liked it...the just didn't like waiting for their friends to arrive.
We went to a local water ski show and had treats at the Kona Ice truck. We actually met (Erin from the group here). It was a beautiful evening.
We found ourselves in various pools this summer. Our gracious neighbor shared her pool with us and we always have fun with her grandkids!
We wandered to parks and all three still found joy on swings and slides.
The beach was our first summer stop.
The library was a great place we explored on days when we wanted to just get out of the house for a bit and return home for some quiet time.
The horse races at Canterbury.
One of our last summer adventures was at the Crayola place at the Mall of America. Definitely a spot we would have frequented more often when they were all younger.
But when it comes down to it...our frontyard, driveway, and backyard are often the best places for happy summer memories.
Our final summer outing was without Charley since he started middle school a day or two earlier. But our favorite bakery was perfect with Henry's buddy on this rainy morning.
And now carry on to see more Minnesota photographers capturing places they explored in Minnesota! Erin Blair is next! She always captures beautiful images with her photographers eye!!! Click here!
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Families of little ones tend to be who finds their way in front of my camera. However, I LOVE spending time with some teenage confidence. They listen and stand still and I come home without grass stains from crawling in the grass. So much fun to capture these gorgeous girls ...and I even convinced mom to jump in a few. Here are some of my favorites!
And these special sisters belong to a lovely mama who taught my Henry this past year! Thanks for letting my camera capture you lovely ladies! Dad will have lots of pictures to update his desk frames with.
My family doesn't take enough pictures of the whole clan and everytime I capture a "whole clan" picture I think..."we need to do this more often". Everyone changes and new family members come about and there are so many excuses to wait a little longer to get that shot. I love that this summer I have had several extended family sessions. In the past I have hesitated because the larger group means more posed in order to get everyone in the picture. The amazing thing...the family's that are finding me to do their whole clan still want the natural and candid moments. The imperfect of not everyone smiling or looking actually make for the perfect captures.... Because when you all get together...when is it ever not chaotic.
So this family picked to hang out in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard. Let the kids lead the way, since they are all under the age of 3. We got a little of everything and a little of everyone. Some everyone smiling. But also some relaxed time where Grandpa had the boys help fill the birdfeeders and Grandma had them help water the flowers. They were troopers to meet early before the sun was high and the light was so pretty and the temps were just perfect. The dew covered grass didn't keep this crew from enjoying some barefoot backyard moments filled with laughter and love. Here are a whole bunch of my favorites!
Can't even handle how every session becomes my new favorite. And so thankful for all the people who are hiring me to capture moments. Fall is booking up fast. Weekend dates are almost full. Don't wait!
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I captured this little guy when he was born and now he is 1. Originally, they booked a park session to capture him as he is right now. But a day or two before they changed their mind and invited me to their home instead. I don't think they will ever regret it. They wanted a few family portrait type pictures in the backyard and then they wanted to capture their everyday playtime, dinner, bath, and nighttime routine. Right up my alley! I can't love this session more than I already do. Immediately I had some of my all time favorite client images. There is no better way to capture your now than surrounded by your everyday life. Your backyard...
Your front yard....
Some inside playtime.
Dinner time...the sip cup is bigger than his face, the dog's spot, and a little cupcake action.
And then off to bath time ...
And then these next shots. These are my favorite because later on in life they can look back and remember this room, this light, this boy, this stage, and this happy time when bedtime was all about the chase, the cozy pjs, story time, and snuggles.
Thank you for sharing your life with me G family.
P.S. If you have a session booked this fall...it isn't too late to change it up and do something at home. Carving pumpkins, baking a pie, sipping hot cider, raking leaves...the possibilities are endless and beautiful because they are you and your life! Don't wait. Weekends sessions are just about booked up.
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Welcome baby Mia!
This bitty baby girl joined a family who had been anticipating her all summer. Big sister is very attentive and interested in her gentle and loving way. She gave lots of kisses and snuggles. Baby Mia is happy as can be...which you can see from the smiles she gave during her first photography session. Just love watching a family grow and telling the story of their first days as a family of four. Congratulations O tribe.
This is what it is all about. Mama and her girls.
This big sister I met when she was just 9 months old. They found me when I was just starting out. They have grown with me and allowed me to help capture their family multiple times. And now they have this wee little addition and they have moved and their story just keeps getting more and more beautiful. It is so meaningful to be invited back to capture moments. This big sister was so kind and gentle. Here are a whole slew of my favorites!
Congratulations E tribe. Take time to step back and take it all in.
Newborn!
to 3 months in a blink of an eye.
He was an adorable newborn burp king.
And still is!
I can't wait to see him at 6 months! Such an honor when a family trusts me to capture their story. Annual plans include a newborn session, 3 milestone sessions, and a one year full session. And in the end you will get a year of memories that capture all the changes! Now booking fall and winter newborns!!
This handsome Henry just turned one. What fun it was to spend a little of their everyday with them. Capturing moments that when they look back will be the ones they want to remember. Yes, a family photo standing in a beautiful park location would be nice. But the entire picture in all their captures will tell such a story of this time in their life. The house, the yard, the pup, the toys, the furniture and of course the happy. This mama and dad were completely smitten with this little guy. I am completely smitten with their gallery. Here are some of my favorites!
Look how proud this new walker is! I think they said Grandpa had been working on walking with this little guy and predicted he would be walking by his birthday. He was right!
Which means life just got a wee bit more complicated for mom and dad! Look at those tip toe reaching skills.
And after a little cake...he hopped into the pool!
I don't doubt he went straight into his pjs and was tucked in before I hit the highway.
So thrilled these new to Sarah Ann Photography families find me. Again, such a happy and beautiful life they are living. And now it is documented for years to come.
]]>When I pulled up at this adorable home I knew there would be some magic happening in that front yard. For this family there is history to this home. And I loved that they wanted to capture their family being together with it in the background. With three little tribe members we kept things fun and relaxed and there were smiles by all. Here are a whole slew of my favorites.
And then a quick park stop to capture a few more moments.
More and more as I drive away from spending time with a family I just keep saying "What a beautiful family. I wonder if they know how beautiful their life is." And then I get so excited to get home and look at the images and I can't wait to share them with mom and dad. Because I think in the busy of having three little ones you sometimes don't stop and step back to see the life you are building and the smiles that light up on everyone's faces during different moments. So grateful for families that relax and are real so that I can document their life and show them how it shines.
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These two. Mr. T and Miss M are just a week or two into knowing each other and already Mr. T shows such a tenderness towards his little sister...but, also the typical boy who sometimes gets a little too close. So during our time together I go to witness the "awwww" moments that transitioned to the "oh, oh, too close" moments. And that. THAT is love. And that is the gift that Mr. T has no idea he was just gifted. A forever friend who he will know longer than anyone in his life. And Miss M doesn't know it yet but, she will look up to this handsome little guy in the not too distant future. Capturing some of the first moments together is something that these parents will forever love to look back on. And very rarely does a newborn shoot work outside in a family's backyard. But Mr. T spent time on my quilt as a newborn and so to have his little sister cozy on this blanket surrounded by her family meant the world to me. Here are a whole bunch of my favorites!
A family of four with a new little one who will fight for control over many of the moments in this house. Sleeping, eating, and going out on adventures will mean their hands are more full but their hearts...their hearts are even more full! Congratulations W bunch! You have a beautiful family!
Welcome the P family! New to Sarah Ann Photography! As summer progresses I am so excited to meet new, adorable, and happy families while also catching up with returning families that are so close to my heart. It is thanks to word of mouth, tagging pictures/ Facebook, and referring people my way that this whole adventure keeps going. So thankful for it all. This crew met at a favorite spot and we captured them as they are right now.
Little guy was serious...until he wasn't and his smiles broke out!
Ah, those hands!
Big sister was so much fun and all smiles!
Some exploring, reading, bubbles, and love...and little guy was tuckered out!
And squeezing in some pics of mom and dad so they might be tempted to put a pic of just them in a frame around the house. Because we all know it is so important to capture mom and dad too!
Sarah Ann Photography's family continues to grow and I am so excited to meet more new families in the coming weeks! Don't wait if you are thinking about a fall session. Things are starting to fill up!
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Everytime I catch up with this family I think they can't get any cuter. I mean the smiles and the clothes...the hair and the headbands. Both kiddos are on the move and that means summer is full of busy. And after a busy summer day we met at the park to capture Miss Emerson because she is 9 months beautiful. The girl has no shortage of smiles. Here are a whole bunch of my favorites from their summer session involving smiles and some sprinklers and splashing!
Such a beautiful family and so many favorites! Here are just a few!
June 21 - missed a pic
June 22
June 23 - Charley off to Valley Fair with some buddies (NO parent). Big step for this mama.
June 24
June 25
and was surprised by my husband with the help of two amazing friends for my 40th birthday coming up in July!!!!
June 26 -mastering a cartwheel and snacking on homegrown raspberries
Summer is here and summer sessions offer up beautiful weather and the chance to get an everyone smiling picture along with some splashing in the fountains and watermelon devouring pictures. I met these busy boys last fall and seeing how much they have grown and how full of life they are was the perfect way to spend a summer Sunday evening.
P.S. Every time I capture a family at this park and we involve the sprinklers I come home soaked. My kids wonder why I never get soaked when I bring them there.... One of these trips I will have to surprise them.
Don't wait too much longer to contact me about a late summer/ fall session. Space is limited (especially weekends). I am always impressed by the on the ball early planners. I am more of a fly by the seat planner.
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June 14
June 15
June 16
June 17
June 18
June 19
June 6
June 7
June 8
June 9 - Last walk into school together until they are a freshman and senior in high school!
June 10
June 11
Missed :(
June 12
June 2
June 3
June 4
June 5
Some sessions just flow and the kids are just so happy hanging out that they go a wee bit longer and I get home and am overwhelmed with the moments captured. Picking something to DO during your session can really help the kids and adults to relax and just be themselves. This family chose to explore a park and play at the creek. And it is when they forget I am there that the magic happens! I think that is why I really love the at home sessions. It just happens naturally because kids are in their natural space. When family's book they assure me they just need a family picture and one of each of their kiddos. And they get that in their gallery. But I also hope they love all the moments captured from the hair pulling everyday mama moment...
to the everyone is smiling moment. Sessions with Sarah Ann Photography aren't about a handful of captures...they are about a whole bunch of moments and connections captured. Sessions are longer so that the natural and real can happen. So little ones that are tentative warm up to my camera. So that when you drive away your little one might even be talking about throwing rocks in the river with Sarah.
It takes a lot of pictures to get the gems and my gems are probably different than your gems...since you will see different things than I do. But one thing is for sure...with every family I capture I see a beautiful family and an amazing life. I usually watch their video slideshow over and over all day. And I say at least once to my husband, what a great family and life they have. So here is an overshare (because I have already shared so many on Facebook) of some really adorable moments that happened during this family's session.
Thank you Tinker family! I hope you find lots of moments to treasure from our time together!
This is the camera carrying mama and she needed some pictures with her boys...all of them! So they booked a session to capture a little of everything...but with the focus of getting mom in the pictures! Love this! And even better we met down at their creek where they have many family memories. I love all the moments we captured! Here are a whole bunch of my favorites!
It is the little everyday moments that someday, when time has passed, you will want to go back and remember and feel them again. Today my daughter finishes up her last year of preschool. And I have had a lot of moments of deep breathes thinking about how fast it all has gone. Right now it is just her and I at home during the week. And before I know it these days will have passed too. Knowing this I offered this mama a little at home session documenting some of their everyday mama and CJ moments. Number 2 is on the way this fall and so I know these days are precious. And so we hung out for a bit and I captured some of their regular old Wednesday morning moments...pull up a stool...
Pour yourself a cup of coffee...and see if some of these moments bring you back to the days when you had a little one underfoot! Or maybe you have a little one underfoot and it will remind you how beautiful the simple little everyday routines are so very big in the eyes of your child!
And true mama of a boy ends looking for worms with a cold cup of coffee.
If there is a mama in your life that spends her days with little ones at home...or that mama is you! Think about having some of those moments captured. Getting your kiddos in the car, shopping at Target, baking pancakes, and folding laundry. The ups and the downs...they all will be beautiful moments you will give anything to relive...just as soon as they are off to Kindergarten...which happens before you know it!
Love watching smiley guys grow up in front of my camera! And even more so, I love when I am able to capture their spirit with my lens. This kiddo is bursting with joy...and boy energy...I think we caught many of Isaac's expressions this session. And the brother shenanigans when his big brother joined him show the fun they have in life. Here are a few of my favorites!
You do not find the happy life
...you make it - Thomas S. Monson
Pour yourself whatever makes you happy this early morning and settle in to see a glimpse at a family who is making one happy life together. This is the second at home session I have captured for them. I love finding families who embrace my style and eye. They know I am a lover of seeing the beauty in the real and everyday and not the perfect, but rather the perfectly imperfect. The moments.
So this round we captured simple Saturday morning shenanigans ...starting with pjs, coffee, and donuts with sprinkles. Followed by couch jumping, cuddling, feeding the cat, playing inside, and out. I think their gallery of images will definitely be proof that the life they are making is one beautiful adventure. And they will have great evidence of what life is like right now...so in years to come they can remember ....
Will she always eat her donut like this?
Thank you Lind family for a fabulous Saturday morning!!!
Captivated by a little girl....
This newborn session was all about the captivated moments. Baby Eliana captivates everyone and I know they are savoring this bitty stage when the moments turn into hours as they memorize everything about her tiny time. But this round is different because they have a very proud and excited big brother with a happy enthusiasm for life. He is already looking forward to throwing the basketball with this little lady. I have so many favorites of each of them captivated by this baby girl. Here is an overshare of their newborn at home session!
A few minutes on mom's lap and this little guy gave my camera many adorable expressions! And he continued to share his many little looks throughout our little session! He was so bitty when he was born and he is still a little peanut. But those deep blue eyes are breathtaking...especially, when accented with some tasty green baby food. And typical of this age...after a meal, comes the bath. A little of everything during this little guy's six month milestone!
Meet the Williams tribe.
It had been awhile and I love that we caught up in their backyard! Now there are three adorable small ones to capture. The backyard was perfect to capture a little bit of everything. Some love, some laughter, some smiles, some busy...surrounded by their real and everyday environment. And then both sets of Grandparents jumped in for a few pictures.
Then we popped into the house for a few more bed jumping, reading, and snuggle moments.
At home sessions aren't all that quick and that is because it takes time for the everyday real to show up. Family's take time to hang out so the real and natural smiles and snoozes happen. Thanks W tribe for inviting me into your backyard bliss.
Wee little Weston would like to welcome you into his adorable nursery to get a glimpse of his now! A little over a week old and this little guy already fit so perfectly into all the right spots, especially his mom, dad, and big brother's arms. But also his changing table, crib, and more.
He is the third little gentleman that the Meyer family has brought into this world. And watching Mr. N go from baby to big brother is probably causing mom and dad to pause and think, time is going way to quick!
I love this moment of the three brothers...almost like N is confirming with L that W will play hockey with them someday.
"So you mean, we can play three against Dad?"
Weston was very content in his biggest brother's arms...
And his dad's arms of course!
This mama is going to have many years of pampering from all the boy in her house! She is one lucky lady!
Enjoy your new little member! He is fitting in just perfectly!
And remember, mom and dad, it is so easy to let three busy boys take over life...keep finding moments to enjoy each other too!
This beautiful tribe of three was so much fun to capture. So much joy in such simple little moments as a family of three. Relaxed and so in love with this little boy of theirs that is about to become a big brother. I love that they chose to have a relaxed session capturing a few moments with mama's belly as they prepare for exciting family changes with the addition of another little miracle.
While I was editing their gallery my daughter Sydney came and asked me if I had a picture of her in my belly. If I could go back I would do it so differently....because, I honestly think I have one picture. Pregnancy has most of us avoiding the camera...but, mamas, you will not regret having some pictures of this amazing time....or really, anytime in life. Your children just want to see you in pictures.
And the pictures showing you interacting, enjoying, and smitten with the life you are immersed in are just the most beautiful. Here are a whole bunch of my favorites! I hear that Mr. Kip was chatting about me after our session and our time throwing rocks in the creek. So the added bonus will be when I show up for their newborn session and he remembers me just a wee bit!
Newborn clients can book a maternity session at a discounted rate. Sarah Ann Photography also offers annual plans that allow your family to be captured 5 times throughout baby's first year! And at the end you will get a video with images from all the sessions...a year in review!
Sarah Ann Photography is now booking summer and fall newborns!
(With a little time available for some more new bitty babies if you know of any spring babies!)
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When we met Miss E was on the way and I was just starting this adventure!
3 months
six months and that bitty tongue!
...AND ONE!
And now she is 2!!!! And she greeted me with a "HI! Sarah!" when I arrived!
And now mama has another baby in her belly...so Miss E thinks she does too!
From the beginning, this family has trusted my eye and style. They invited me into their home for their maternity session. At one we captured who Miss E was all around the house. They have trusted that the everyday simple moments at home would be the most beautiful. We have also met at parks to get holiday card pictures that changed things up. And this session we hung out in the backyard during golden hour. And captured her toes in the grass, her smile while playing in her castle, and her happy just being with mom and dad.
It is one of my favorite parts about this adventure...watching little ones grow and watching families change. New parents who are tentative and cautious. Houses that are toyless and slowly start to accumulate the toy chaos that little ones add to the home. I don't think they realize how meaningful it is to me. Thank you O family for once again inviting me into your home to help you freeze your now!
Earlier this spring I caught up with the Wagner girls! They are growing so fast and it is so fun to capture all the changes. This session we hung out at home. The girls spent time in front of my camera alone and with each other. The fun they will have as sisters in the years ahead will be filled with lots of adventure.
"To me, photography is an art of observation.
It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place...
I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them."
-elliot erwitt
When a family hires me to capture their life as it is right now, they are trusting my eye to capture the beauty in their life. At home sessions have my heart. I love getting to know a family and allowing things to slow down so that the real and the natural show up. For me, just like how my love of photography began, it is the beauty I see in the everyday moments. Beauty in the real. Truth in the awesome of the real.
A little one year old girl climbing the stairs with such pride and joy.
The everyday toys that will soon sit unplayed with.
The comfort of their everyday surroundings giving them the confidence to show off the start to new walking talents.
And the everyday busy of opening drawers and cupboards gives way to the real smiles...not the "Say cheese" smiles!
It is your house in the pictures. And forever and ever the pictures will tell such a story.
And instead of sitting pretty...you can let them snuggle and romp...
And the best smiles will appear with their favorite bunny at their side.
We will have time to take breaks and have those breaks become moments that will forever be captured.
And a quiet serious moment can become your favorite image. This one is one of mine from their gallery.
When you get your at home session gallery, I like to think you will feel like this little drawer opener feels when she opens the drawer and finds a new little treasure to carry around. The everyday real moments are treasures and I hope that you will consider trusting my eye to help you freeze time and find the beauty in your now.
Any day now this little guy will no longer be the baby of the family! He is going to be a big brother, VERY SOON!
He will have a new little sibling to share his cars with...
And from the looks of this guy's hockey skills...he will be able to teach him some hockey tricks too.
He will also have to share his mama's lap.
For now he will just have to keep wondering who this crib is for :)
Before you know it the bitty baby goes from
hours old...
to days old....
to 3 months old...
to 6 six months of beautiful girl!
6 months...when sitting, tummy time, and smiles come easy.
Sarah Ann Photography now offers an Annual Plan that allows us to capture your little one 5 or more times in the first year. Capturing all the little and big changes and milestones that come along. And at the end of the year you will have it all wrapped up in a slideshow to music that tells your baby's story. The annual plan includes a newborn session, three mini milestone sessions, and a one hour year session to wrap it all up. Clients can add on other mini sessions at a reduced rate to capture the baby bump before baby arrives or any other milestones that come up that you want to freeze and add to your year of memories. Some use them to capture baby with grandparents, a holiday card picture, or to document a milestone like bath time, park play, or hanging out in the backyard. The possibilities are endless and I would love to help tell your little one's story. Contact Sarah Ann Photography to learn more.
Miss Emerson is six months beautiful and brings so much joy to this family's life.
Just last week I captured a lot of love in a whole bunch of photographs. Another favorite Sarah Ann Photography family welcomed their second little boy. It is ALWAYS such an honor to be invited into a home, but this time upon entering I was immediately handed their baby to snuggle. And we sat for a bit and caught up. I told mom how special it was to have that bundle plopped in my arms right when I walked in. My camera didn't come out of my bag for the first 15 minutes. I got to take in their new little guy and catch up with the family. And you know what, I think it made all the difference. Big brother didn't look at me like scary lady with a camera...instead I was a friend of mom and dads. And the rest was history. The moments full of love were plentiful. There was laughter and smiles. I think we captured it all. The big, the little, the quiet, the chaotic. While they immersed themselves in this new little Brady, I captured the love. Here are WAY too many of my favorites! I am going to have to see if mom and dad would be okay with me sharing the whole thing.
A gallery of love.
"Slow down, you move to fast
You got to make this morning last...
Just, kicking down the cobblestones...
Looking for fun and feeing groovy....
Life I love you...
...All is groovy!" - Simon and Garfunkel
In a whole bunch of years when you look back at pictures from your at home session with Sarah Ann Photography, I am confident that you will have a reminder and evidence of how beautiful your real was. How the perfectly imperfect captures will show exactly what life was like at this particular stage in the game. This family will be reminded of the busy and moving toddler they chased while expecting another in the not to distant future. They will remember how he made almost every shot while playing basketball for hours. They will remember this house and how it looked when they started their family. I LOVE sessions like this. They truly are as close to freezing time as you can get.
So excited for the year ahead and helping this family capture many memories!
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When favorite Sarah Ann Photography families announce they have another baby on the way, my heart is just so excited. I LOVE watching little ones grow up, but the ultimate is watching families grow, hearts expand, and little ones become the big sibling. There is no bigger compliment to a photographer than when a family returns, showing they trust that I will capture their story as it is right now. And for this adorable family it means they now are parenting a big sister and a wee bitty brother. And even though the first weeks of having 2 is overwhelming, there is also a constant reminder how amazing life can be and how simple it all can be if you just let go of some of the things you THINK you need to be getting done and just take time to be together. And I always hope that a session with me during this adrenaline filled time, when exhaustion is looming or has already settled in, ends up being relaxing because it means you get to just be with your family. Such joy watching this family be together in the first days of being a family of four. FAR TOO MANY favorites. Here are a few that make my heart smile.
Thank you K family for continuing to think of me as your photographer.
**Now booking newborn sessions for April and beyond. Contact me for details on session options and pricing.
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Yesterday I shared my first outdoor park family session of 2016 and today I wanted to share my first at home session. I shared a video of their session, but never blogged it. I love both types of shoots, but at home sessions make me feel like I am part of your family capturing your life as it is everyday. They make me feel like I am capturing your family like I capture my family...which is how I fell in love with photography. This family always books at home sessions with me. I think they love getting a gallery of moments where the entire picture tells their story.
The moments captured tell their stage...the pre-potty training stage where they let her play with the potty.
During these sessions my camera is on the ready for little moments that show personality filled portraits.
And the beauty in the everyday...daddy making coffee and the girls coloring.
Your at home session is customized to your family and the stage you are in. We make a list of some of the activities that are part of your everyday and we also go with the flow. If it is a nail painting moment it becomes a nail painting moment.
In 2016 I challenge some of my park families to open their heart to letting me show you how beautiful your everyday is. It truly is a chance to capture authentic and natural moments that will remind you of life right now for years to come....and mom and dad are in the pictures too!
Currently booking 2016 sessions at 2015 prices.
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Spring is right around the corner and I love that this family was willing to roll the dice with Mother Nature and book an outdoor photo session in February. They lucked out and the sun was out, the snow was melting fast, and the girls even put their rain boots on at the end. Families that return to Sarah Ann Photography mean the world and I love that the kiddos start to know me. This session we hung out and explored this park that looks beautiful anytime of year. Here are a few of my favorites!
So excited to hear from so many families already interested in setting up their 2016 sessions. Contact me soon to take advantage of 2015's pricing and session offerings.
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Together.
It has been over 8 months since this little guy had his family together! And in his short life that is too long to not see his daddy. So honored to have been asked to join him and his mama early one morning to hang out and wait for his daddy's plane to land. Telling stories is my favorite part of photography. It was so much fun to capture the before moments, the homecoming moments, and the happily back together moments. Here are some of my favorites from their homecoming story.
So much thanks for this family and all that they do for our country.
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This past week our Minnesota winter was a bit more routine...this pup was visiting for a week and he LOVES to go outside and NEEDS to go outside.
And that means this mama is tormented with the guilt of not taking him out ALL the time and getting things done around the house.
When he left today, my heart was sad, and our fridge was bare...because, I wasn't about to leave him another time to run to Target.
This pup helped our family enjoy the Minnesota winter this past week.
He loved playing in the snow....
Especially if given a tennis ball. He would lose that thing in the foot of snow we got...and then find it the next time we went out.
And when we came in ...well, we watched him snack on the Minnesota snow.
I don't go for many winter walks around the neighborhood.... But, when we have Fox visit I am reminded how a nice brisk walk can make one's heart happy. Especially if your daughter tags along and entertains your camera with some cute moments.
We had a great week getting out and enjoying the snow...taking walks around the neighborhood, trying to coax the pup onto a sled, and just watching how a dog enjoys some fresh powder.
The night before he was heading home, I turned around and found him just like this. Frozen, eyes open, but leg extended in the air. He held that position for far too long and then it slowly sank as his eyes closed. We don't have a dog...but, we are so lucky to be trusted to have this pup become a member of our family every once in a while.
Go check out Erin's Minnesota captures! Definite eye candy!
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And the West tribe became a tribe of 5. This week I got to catch up with them to capture what a year later looks like. A bit more busy, a bit more grown up, but still as cute and happy as ever!
Then...
Now..
well, that was the warm up moment <3
We captured a little bit of all Mr. Arthur's emotions. And no matter what...that mohawk he sported made him off the charts cute no matter the mood of the moment.
It goes so fast and before they know it he will be celebrating 2! The question is...will the mohawk hang around for another year :)
Thanks, West Tribe! So fun to catch up with your beautiful family!
Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays.....
And there is no better place than home to have your family pictures captured. We forget that our everyday backdrop is also something we want to remember. I enjoyed getting to know this family and capturing them playing memory, eating snacks, painting nails, playing with glitter, drinking hot cocoa, reading, and just hanging out! Here are some of my favorites....probably, too many!
The stage when both your children fit just right in the nook of your arm for book time.
This girl was content when she had her hands full.
There were a few sweet moments around the tree.
And then while one had a snack....
The other little lady had her nails done...
And then got to paint her mama's nails.
We grabbed a few family portraits on the front porch. Their front porch.
And then it was time for the wee one to take a nap.
While she rested there was crafting and hot cocoa.
At home sessions are the perfect way to capture your life as it is right now. Your children relax and get to be themselves and when you look at the pictures the entire picture will tell your story. And no matter what the weather brings you can be cozy inside or we can head out and get a few in your yard. Contact Sarah Ann Photography and we can start planning your at home session for 2016!
Just recently, this young man turned 2! And this birthday he got to celebrate with a three month old little sister! Here are some milestone updates for this 2 year old little guy and his adorable 3 month old sister!
My mom's recipe, in her handwriting, is a traditional holiday cookie in our family. It has been a great cookie to bake with my kiddos. While they unwrap the kisses (with the promise of getting to eat 1 at the end) I am able to prep the other ingredients! My sweet girl and I baked this sweet treat today and I picked up my camera a little. Here is a glimpse of our baking adventure today.
A mini session to catch up with this little fellow who I captured just three months ago just days after entering this big old world. And now he is sitting cozy on his mama's lap listening to daddy read a holiday story by their holiday tree. Each holiday with little ones is such an adventure. And those first few Christmas seasons are so filled with wonder as they re-experience Christmas for what feels like the first time each year until they really start to remember. Cheers to a beautiful holiday G family!
And a few 3 month updates :)
All I want for Christmas is you, baby!" ~Mariah Carey
Those two wee feet joined this bunch of adorable feet in the last week or three. And I am thinking mom and dad can't think of much more to put on their Christmas list. (well...maybe some solid sleep, hot coffee, and a few quiet moments of peace)
Their hearts are full....
....and so are their laps.
This season will bring lots of chaos with three wee ones who probably wake too much in the night and demand a bit too much during the day...but, the lap moments and other quiet ones where they are all snuggled for a few calm moments reading a book, watching a holiday cartoon, riding in the car on the way for an adventure, or eating dinner together will make this holiday season magical. I know this mama embraces the beauty in the real and is relishing this chapter in their story.
I loved capturing this family celebrate their new little Clara girl in the comfort of their own home. Such joy and excitement! What a magical holiday season they will have. Thanks Anna and Jared and crew!
A week or two ago I spent a beautiful fall afternoon with this outstanding tribe. They booked a relaxed and natural at home session. We kicked it off with a couple everyone is smiling at the camera pictures and then we hung out and I captured them in some of their favorite spaces doing some of their favorite things.
Most at home sessions mean we will capture a few moments on your front porch. Unique, familiar, and always means some perfectly natural family smiles.
Mother daughter captures are my favorite. I could capture mothers and daughters all day long and my heart would be so happy. I don't think our children are aware of the looks they get that are so filled with love.
And a couple of just mom and dad.
By the end there was gorgeous light and some dancing going on. Such a fun and happy family! So honored to have been invited into their home to capture their now. The winter months are upon us and families don't always think of this time of year for family photos. But cozy captures in the space that your children will always look back and remember as their home can be the most meaningful and unique to your family. Contact Sarah Ann Photography to learn more.
After 2-4 reschedules...we finally got a pretty gorgeous fall morning...that was void of a ton of wind or rain! So fun to catch up these girls after wondering if Mother Nature was going to keep us from meeting this fall. They will have lots of captures to fill frames and gift to family and friends this holiday season! Thanks for returning to Sarah Ann Photography to have your 2015 now captured H girls!
This crew rolled up with smiles and laughs on a beautiful fall evening...probably the last gorgeous fall evening of the year! We got the whole crew and a little of everything else! They all smiled for me, gathered up, and even the littlest had snuggly moments with mom and dad and with all that was going on I snapped those moments up too. We we walked back to the car Grandpa and I chatted about how they are all scattered about the metro and how thankful he was that they could gather to capture their now. I loved hearing how he values having life captured since the kids are all growing up so quickly. The big kids thanked me as they hopped into their car to go home. Such an amazing crew. Here are some of my favorites!
I wish them many long sleeps in the coming weeks and many good laughs as they embark on their journey as parents.
This mama and papa were thrown into parenthood a few weeks before their due date. But Mr. Finnegan was ready and decided to set sail on his adventure, called life, a week or two early.
But, they are smitten and relaxed and in love. Here are some of my many favorites of this little guy...who is oh so new...as you can see by those wrinkle lines from when he was cozy in mom's belly. Those lines are the evidence that capturing the beginning of their story is so incredible. Because the changes are fierce day to day in the first weeks and year. Enjoy the road a head...
These two pairs of little feet showed up on Sunday looking all handsome and they brought the magic. Today I get to send off their gallery and surprise mom and dad with the beauty of their now. Surprise them because I know when the walked away they probably had doubt any would turn out.
Here's the thing about family pictures....We just did family pictures too and I am guilty of this...as we pulled up, after forcing them into clothes that may not be what they wanted to put on, I finished up my lecture reminding them how important these pictures were. Repeatedly emphasizing that they needed to listen and smile and be good. And as we stepped out of the car and throughout the entire photo session I think I was trying to telepathically make my children smile and be perfect. Heck, we took time and were investing money in these moments and I wanted them to turn out great. And I too walked away thinking the photographer got nothing.
But here is the thing, every session starts out a little quiet and awkward and then all of a sudden it goes from calm to chaos. I see it with 98% of families. The kids start running away and I can see mom and dad start to panic.
But here is the thing...there is magic in letting your children be themselves. They will look adorable crying, staring me down, running away, or smiling. So relax and trust the chaos. It is my motto. And I try and quietly remind parents while we are together to relax and trust the chaos. I know it is hard. So I murmur it quietly and gently. But even in the chaos and panic moms and dads you forget about meand there are incredible moments. And you don't even realize it but I am snapping up the magic. Moments like these....
And when we finally let the kids have a break and I offer to capture a few moments of just mom and dad...well, all of a sudden they aren't running away. Cracks me up every time.
If we trust the chaos we capture the real. I bet this look is common when this particular item comes out of mama's diaper bag.
And when mom and dad just enjoy the moments then the proof of a beautiful life is right there in the connections captured.
Trust the chaos. It really does bring the magic. And I love the chaos. Because when I say good-bye...I return to the beauty of my own chaos. Which I know I don't see as beautiful enough of the time. So good to meet you E family! Hope to meet again in the future! You have an incredible tribe!
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Last weekend I spent a few "not as chilly as it could have been" morning moments with this crew. I have captured them enough that the kiddos are starting to know me and this time they got it. They smiled and cozied up with mom and dad. So we got so much in a a few mini moments that they will have some tough choices when putting together their holiday card, gifting some prints, or updating frames. Here are just a few of my favorites.
This family found me when their little guy was born. Dad surprised mom with a newborn session and they continue to value capturing their family and updating moments with Sarah Ann Photography. Families that return over and over probably don't realize how much they mean to me. Thank you Corrigan crew for continuing to support my journey.
This family's gallery was sent out today. They were one of the quietest families I have met. And so kind and considerate of each other. The kiddos just went with the flow enjoying some family time exploring a local park. They smiled and enjoyed getting their little brother smiling. Here are a bunch of my favorite moments from our time together!
Another new fall family for Saran Ann Photography was this fantastic bunch! They rolled up with smiles (well, not the little man) and even the pups were excited! We hiked a trail and captured a little of everything. Full family sessions mean you get a great mix of individuals, siblings, family, mom and the girls, dad and son, candids, and everyone smiling. And even the pups got in some time in front of the camera. Here are a whole bunch of my favorites!
I have the honor of introducing Jackson.... and the rest of his incredible clan! They welcomed this little fellow a wee bit ago. He was a gigantic 4 pounds 8 ounces. Smallest little baby I have had in front of my camera. He is loved by his big sister and his mom and dad are very smitten with the little guy. My time was spent with them hanging out and capturing some little moments that I know in years to come will be amazing to look back on. I am sure he has changed so much with each ounce he is packing on! Here are some of my favorite moments!
I am a sucker for newborn images in black and white. I love the classic and the emotion they evoke. I love how the shadows and the light bring atmosphere. You will get a lot of black and white from Sarah Ann Photography newborn sessions.
smile!
Excited to share this gallery today. It is mom and dad's anniversary and I am so thrilled that it all timed out that they will get their gallery today. I always hope that when families get their galleries they get to step back and see the beauty in the life they have built. I have been capturing them since baby girl was born. They were one of the first families to give me a chance when I was portfolio building and trying to figure out the start of this journey. That first year I captured them every three months for her milestones. I am so glad I got to catch up with them this fall.
So pour yourselves a glass of wine and settle back and watch your gallery video together as a family and be amazed! Many favorite moments...here are some of my favorites! And, Happy Anniversary!
Spending a perfect fall afternoon at a favorite parks of this gorgeous tribe is definitely a great way to begin wrapping up an October full of fantastic family sessions. These three blondies were full of smiles and energy. We got a little of everything but, my favorite ones were when they were busy in their own moment and not paying much attention to me at all. Each of their personalities popped through during our time together and it was so fun to see the sibling fun they have together. So good to meet you S family! Here are a whole bunch of my favorites!
Well, I have no idea how this mama will pick frame updates, a holiday card, or a picture to gift the aunts and uncles this holiday season. I love every shot from our short little time together. And usually, I have some I love in black and white and really, the colors around them and the outfit colors they picked just made it hard to turn any into black and white this session.
These boys have grown quite a bit since the last time I had them in front of my camera. It really is such a gift to have people return so that I can see their family grow and change. I am hoping their littlest little guy crosses paths with my Sydney next year in Kindergarten!
I have enjoyed all the fall air sessions but, boy oh boy, I love getting a baby fix and spending sometime cozy and at home with a family. I love embracing the light and finding the life in the shadows. Baby Shea arrived at a full 10 pounds plus some ounces and he was a chunk of love that is being cuddled and enjoyed by his whole family. Here are some of the moments captured of this family of four.
Also new to this household is the role of big sister! And this girl is a little hesitant to hold and cuddle much with baby brother just yet...but, she definitely got out her doctor kit and made sure he was all good to go. SO adorable!
Newborn sessions should be booked a month or two ahead of time. We can get all the details and plans ironed out before baby is here and life is a bit more chaotic. Sessions are best scheduled the first 3-10 days of life. Sarah Ann Photography is careful to book only a certain number of newborns each month to make sure there is some flexibility with scheduling your 2-3 hour cozy at home session. So excited for some more fall babies coming my way!
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Another Sarah Ann Photography family who I captured when their little girl was just days old returned for some fall captures. With four kiddos you would imagine chaos but, this crew played along with all that we did during our time together. Mom and dad should have lots of fun images to pick from for frame updates, holiday cards, and throwing them in a photo book is always my first piece of advice. Your children will love sitting and giggling at all the moments. Speaking of moments, here are some of my favorites from our time together! Thanks Nikki and Adam and your whole crew for letting me capture you as you are right now!
So excited to get this family in front of my camera! This beautiful lady was my son's teacher last year and I know he loved hearing all the little adventures she shared about her small ones! The goal was a family portrait capture and I love that we got some of those and also some moments that show the natural joy they find just being with each other in the moment. Thanks S family for spending a few moments this fall with me!
I had challenged them to run together, but I could tell that big brother was speedy and would not be able to hold back. I love that this picture shows his energy and his sister's happy determination to try and keep up!
I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers - Anne of Green Gables
And I am so glad I live in a place where Octobers are colorful and crunchy. I am also glad that this little peanut has been in front of my lens from the beginning of Sarah Ann Photography's journey. I captured her in mama's belly and I am pretty sure every three to six months after. It has been so fun to watch her grow and become this little girl who knows what she wants, is starting to talk, and smiles with such joy. Here are a few of my favorites from our fall mini session.
Oh goodness, I love how mom and dad are smiling down at this strong willed little peanut who wanted freedom so badly....
So they let her go and look at how happy and proud she is. Favorite shot from the session.
I recently got to catch up with the S family! They moved and their little man, Henry, is now 6 months old! He is smiley and happy and I loved capturing them in their new home where they are going to start making memories. The coming months will mean decorating for the holidays, shoveling snow off their new front walk, and reading holiday stories around their fireplace. The first year in a new home can be so exciting to watch the seasons pass and how your yard changes. And along with their home they are watching their little man change so quickly and experience so many firsts. Standing, exploring, and tasting anything that he can get his hands on...well, they have a busy season that will be filled with joy with this little guy!
You know the stage where they get something in their hands and their mouths open before they get the rock up there...the next snap of course he had that rock in his mouth!
This time of year is kind of a toss up on warm or cool temps for sessions. And I always hope when we have little ones we luck out with warmer temps...and this morning crew who met me when the morning sun was still low and beautiful got a definite crisp morning. But these two little cute ones were troopers and we captured many family moments. Another new family who I was so happy to meet.
Once in awhile a tribe shows up in two cars. And in this case daddy came a few minutes later and I love that I got to capture some moments that I know are probably seen daily when mom or dad arrives home for the day. The excited smile they give and the running into your arms is something you will always think back and want to remember. Once dad was there we jumped into capture moments with three very busy but adorable kiddos. Here are a whole bunch of my favorite captures from our time together. Love this bunch and so happy to call them friends.
A year ago or so this little guy turned 1 and we captured this adorable shot. And now he is 2! And this fall will be the last time I capture their family as three because they have exciting changes happening! I had a whole slew of favorites and I will most likely be sharing their video in the not to distant future. Full park sessions mean we hang out at a park and explore. We move and change up the location and we relax and let little people warm up, have a snack, cuddle, play, and smile. We make sure it all happens. And you will see that at then end we gave this adorable shot another go :)
Relaxed, happy, and loved this is a bunch who I know they have incredible daily adventures. The quote:
Sometimes being a big brother is even better than being a superhero - Marc Brown
Was definitely one that fits these two!
We explored a more city type location and captured many fun and fierce moments. Here are a few more of my favorites!
So good to see you B tribe! Enjoy the rest of your beautiful fall!
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It is so easy to put off family pictures. Sitting down and finding the right photographer - usually a bit ahead of time. Many book up early. It requires the daunting task of figuring out what everyone is going to wear and then the scary day when you wonder if your kiddos will pull through and the pictures will turn out. Plus throw in busy schedules, sick kids, bumps and bruises, and mother nature...well, the whole thing can seem overwhelming. But, I don't think anyone regrets it after they have done it. I like to think that sessions with me are full of laughs and focusing on your family. It would be nice to get it done in 15 minutes but, if you want real moments to happen, natural smiles to show up, and options...well, it takes a little time. And when you get your gallery video from me...I like to think that just like child birth...the work it took to get those pictures in your hands will be a past memory and you will be hooked and excited to find another time in the future to capture more moments. This is important. This is your life. Investing in family pictures every once in a while is one way to freeze time and make some memories last. Missing teeth, braces, hair cuts, clothing style, dispositions and moods, and the every growing personality of your little people...well, it is all real and it is all beautiful.
I am so glad that this family finally made it in front of my camera. Their mama and I have chatted about doing pictures for a while and we got it done and I think they will be happy with what we captured. Here are a whole bunch of my favorites.
My fall calendar is pretty full. But, the amazing Minnesota winter can be a cozy time to capture outdoor moments in the snow. Keep it in mind and inquire to see some of the late fall and winter possibilities.
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This family was up for a little family adventure at the apple orchard. These adorable girls got to run the tree lined paths, eat apples, love up their mom and dad, ride in wagons, and of course smile for my camera. It was a session filled with candid fun and I love sessions like this. Where the moments are what we focus on instead of the smiling for the camera. And some of the best looks and smiles happen. Thanks G tribe for sharing your evening with me.
Fall park sessions are full of moments and a few are meant for a holiday card. And this crew pulled off several that I would pick for a holiday card! Amongst the portrait updates there were some moments that captured the love and happy that comes so naturally with this tribe. Here are a whole slew of my favorites!
I often walk away from a family session and think "What a great family! I would love join their tribe any day." And this is one of them. Laid back, fun loving, silly, and kind. These young gentlemen were game for our session and I swear I heard of them say at the end "That's it...That went fast." Best compliment this girl could receive. When the kids have enough fun to think that an hour of picture taking went fast! That is always my goal. We captured a ton of portrait updates for this crew and I loved the moments leading up to or following some of the pictures almost more than the actual moment. Here are some of my favorites.
The big beautiful world recently gained a sweet girl named Lola and so many lives have changed. Someone became a mama and others gained a grandchild. And I was the lucky one to capture what often probably feels like ordinary moments and now get to show them how extraordinary this little one is and all the love that she is bringing out in the world. Here are just a few of my favorites! Welcome, little Lola!
Fall has arrived and with fall comes the busy season for many photographers. Everyone wants to update pictures, nab a good holiday card photo, and capture their family surrounded by Minnesota fall. Though the leaf colors ON the trees have been lacking so far...they are falling and the Autumn vibe is taking over each park. The sun drops earlier and I am able to convince more families to schedule during golden hour when the light is soft and magical.
Park sessions are the most popular right now. And I look forward to getting to know families or catching up with families from the past as we breathe in the fresh air. My jeans need to be washed after every session again, from crawling on the ground capturing little ones at their level. I am loving this time of year. Bring it on!
Last week I caught up with a family I have captured twice before. This mama has spent Friday mornings gabbing about mom stuff the last couple years with me and I am so grateful to have watched these boys grow. Such a beautiful family. And this year, they got the whole photo session thing. They smiled and laughed and explored. Here are a whole bunch of my favorites. As you can see park sessions definitely mean we can capture some nice everyone is smiling with a very natural and candid style but, I am always looking for ways to work in my moment documenting. And I always seem to capture some moments that make my heart smile...so I am guessing their hearts smile too when they see their gallery.
Bringing their pup Lexi really gave us some great natural and relaxed family moments.
The end of summer and the beginning of fall mean photo sessions can get confusing. People aren't quite sure what to always wear...because they don't want to be too warm or too cold. But when mom and dad are relaxed and go with the flow...we can incorporate a little of both. LOVE that Miss Molly got to hop in the fountains while we were together. She is at the stage of being on the move, all. the. time. And so capturing her busy and on an adventure was a perfect way to capture her at this time in her little adorable life. ( I will admit watching her gorgeous hair get wet though was hard. Just beautiful! but still very adorable wet)
Here are some of my favorites!
to this...
to this!
During their session I am pretty sure I heard dad say, "wow, they are so grown up!" And when you look at the last two year's pictures it becomes so incredibly in your face how quickly they grow and change. They are beautiful little girls and are so lucky to take on this life adventure in such an incredible tribe. Thank you Hansen family for trusting me to capture your family moments again this fall. Here are a few of my favorites!
Right on inside so that I can capture who he is and what his family's stage is right now. A stage full of building blocks, Thomas the train, evening bottles, a favorite sleepytime friends named Ned, big brothers who devour large sandwiches.... Laughs and tickles and play in the backyard. All the everyday things that someday they will look back on and wish they could go back to this time for a day and remember. So that is why I am there. To capture it and freeze it.
This time of year the parks turn into beautiful fall backdrops. The leaves are changing and the temps cool down. And this is the busiest time of year for families to update their photos so they can throw some on a holiday card, gift some to grandparents, and update the walls. And I do love park sessions and love to capture natural and candid family moments when we explore a park. But, what I REALLY think is beautiful is your family in their everyday space. The space you will look back on and try and remember. The carpets, wall colors, their bedrooms that evolve and change, and the toys that they play with and then suddenly sit untouched...are there. In the pictures. For you to look back on for years to come.
At home sessions are longer because we move about the house capturing moments in different rooms or we even tell a story of a particular activity like pumpkin carving, cookie baking/decorating, board game playing, or backyard fun. These types of sessions typically mean you will end up with a ton of photos and that can be overwhelming. So my first advice....
.... is to throw them in a photo book that can sit on your coffee table. And you will be amazed that the book doesn't sit all that much. Your little ones will hold it and stare mesmerized seeing themselves, their favorite place, and their mom and dad in pictures engaged in moments with them. I know everyone has their cameras and phones out snapping moments all the time. And that is great! But how about the opportunity to be in those pictures playing blocks with your son and to have it documented so years from now he knows how awesome his dad was to get down and do that.
Sitting on your front stoop with the most adorable red mailbox. Whether this is their forever home or they move someday..this mailbox will forever bring them back to this home where they started their family.
The days where their little ones were content to swing and play in the fenced in backyard when life was so simple.
The everyday moments. That is where my love of photography started and I am so excited when I find clients who find me and trust that this is the type of session that they want to embark on.
If you booked a fall park session and are second guessing things and would like to upgrade your park session to an at home session. Let me know. We can see if it works with our busy fall schedules and capture this beautiful time of year. Raking leaves in YOUR yard. Sitting next to pumpkins you picked at the pumpkin patch last weekend. Baking an apple pie as a family. Or roasting a marshmallow by your fire pit with sticky fingers and noses.
Life is beautiful. The parks are beautiful. And your home is your real. And real is beautiful.
And with your at home session you will get a video of your story to keep and watch and love. Here is a snippet of this family's session.
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This tribe is one I am lucky enough to call friends and neighbors. Their spirit is spunky, fun, and kind. And anytime we get to hang out is always good for a laugh. It was so fun to spend an hour roaming a nearby park capturing a few portrait updates. So fun and easy to capture such beautiful people, both inside and out. Here are a bunch of my favorites!
Each session I learn something unique or special about each family and this family has a cheer. LOVE it!
Isn't it funny how day by day nothing changes,
but when you look back,
everything is different - C.S. Lewis
Senior year, an incredible year! And this gal is ready to live if to the fullest. I am guessing mom will look at these pictures and think, "It went too fast. How did we get here already." I don't do a lot of Seniors but, when I do I realize they are hard on my heart. I hang out with them and see how incredible they are and I realize, I will be here before I know it with my own. I want to know how they got here. I want to get it right so I have a happy, confident, and beautiful both inside and out senior who is off to great places. I am also in awe of the relationships that I get a peek at between the senior and their mom. The love, respect, and happy that they share during our time together. Michelle's family has a year to celebrate this lovely girl before she starts the next chapter of life. Here are a few to many favorites from our time together.
Congratulations, Michelle and family! Enjoy your senior year!
Miss P is one and I love looking back at her 3, 6, and 9 month galleries to see how much she has changed and how much she is still bitty P that I met when she was so wee and tiny.
3 months.
6 months.
9 months.
And a few favorites from her one year mini session.
Newborn families can book as many milestone sessions as they would like during the first year at a discounted rate. And just recently, Sarah Ann Photography added a newborn family annual plan that allows you to book a newborn, three mini sessions, and a full one year park session with some savings.
Mini sessions are short and sweet and focus on one child (with the ability to have parents and siblings in the picture). We typically spend time capturing portrait type updates or focus on telling a mini story of a particular milestone or stage they are reaching (crawling, walking, eating, bath time, tummy time).
Contact Sarah Ann Photography for more information!
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The teeny and tiny adorable moments were what this session was all about. Miss Isla found her most calm in Mom's arms and listening to Dad's heartbeat. You can tell they are already in love and completely smitten with this new little baby girl that has probably rocked their world and propelled them into a sleep deprived but, completely content world of parenting. She was curled and bitty and adorable. Here are some of my favorites from my time with them.
I don't do a lot of Senior Sessions because they are quite different than the way I typically shoot. Most sessions I am crawling around in the grass chasing down little ones trying to get that magical smile moment. But, every so often I like to change things up and push myself to try something different. So I took on a couple Seniors this summer and had a lot of fun with each one. This guy is actually someone my kids have always looked up to. We get to hang out with him and his amazing family at Thanksgiving and Easter and other special times. My kiddos were pretty starry eyed watching him start his session with me...as they waited for daddy to pick them up.
So proud of Noah and I know he is off to great places. Here are some of my favorites from his session.
And let him lead the way!
Let him be the star of the evening and show you all his tricks.
Let him climb and test his limits...
With his gorgeous mama right there by his side.
And letting him lead the way means when mama grabs him where the light is gorgeous you get a few moments like these.
And you capture all his looks, smirks, and smiles. Some that only his mama knows are "Grant".
Let him laugh....
and explore.
Quiet moments ...
and moments where you can see the joy he feels when swinging with his mama.
To try and forever freeze his now you capture him and all his little boy moments. Like finding treasures (pennies) and putting them in his pocket.
Capture the boy, his bike, his skinned knee, and little bruised toes.
And you show his mama how their ordinary is quite extraordinary. Filled with so much joy.
I am a sucker for mamas getting in front of the camera. And I don't think they ever regret booking sessions so that someday when their kiddos look through pictures they see their mama. What a fun evening Sarah. It was so good to meet you!
I have captured Noland since he was just days old. His mama took advantage of the mini milestone sessions which means I got to watch him grow this first year and what fun that is.
And when he turned one I got to tell his birthday story. Here are some of my favorites.
The party begins when the birthday boy rises from his afternoon nap.
Sweet cousin girl anxiously waiting!
Thank you, Noland and family for letting me capture his first year!
]]>Baby number one turns you into parents and a family. Baby number two makes a big sister and propels you into tag team parenting. Baby number two expands your heart and proves that one can love more than you ever imagined.
Sweet Lola made their family into the incredible crew of 4 and her parents got to watch the amazing sister relationship begin. I LOVE capturing sibling newborn pictures. It is so interesting to see their personality, interest, and how they react to this new little being.
Big sister was amazingly loving and happy to hold little sister.
She also was close by and very interested in all that mama was doing with baby.
Miss Lola is a beauty. Thank you O family for allowing me to capture this special time!
-Meister Eckhart
And just like that they added mom and dad to their roles in life. And this adorable pup has a brother. They recently welcomed a new addition to their happy home. And forever their life will be changed. It is so fun to meet new families who are welcoming their first. I am always amazed at how calm and relaxed and pulled together they are. I do not remember our beginning of parenthood like that. I am sure it doesn't feel calm and pulled together to them. But, as their photographer of this new chapter, I can honestly say they are embracing the new magic that this little Leo is bringing to their lives. Here are some of my many favorites!
Weekend afternoon naps will be a tad different from here on out.
THE CHEEKS!
Pup was always around!
Baby stretches. Melt my heart.
I love newborn pictures in black and white. I think they calm everything and make them timeless and really allow baby to be the focus.
Enjoy it all Melissa and Brian! You are on an adventure of a lifetime.
Soon enough this mama will have to share this little person with the rest of the world. For now though, it is just her and baby. Even though the end isn't the most comfortable time, especially in the heat of summer, try and enjoy it Mama Mandy.
Here are a few of my favorites!
Looking forward to hearing the news!!!!
It has been a few sessions since Miss Emerson smiled more than she gave me the stare down. Letting her go from her playhouse, to her swing, to bubbles, back to her swing, and ending with her favorite treat meant she had the power...and the smiles came naturally and almost constantly. It was so much fun.
Looking back in years to come I think these pictures will bring her parents back to the time when the mention of ice cream gave this girl a smile that was almost too big for her adorable little face. Her daddy gave the biggest pushes and her mama was always there for quick reassuring pick ups and hugs.
I think people forget that there is so much beauty in your everyday. And so often we get so busy and are hustling about that we don't get to step back and realize the big picture. The picture that shows your family, doing their everyday thing, in the place that you will always want to remember. And the pictures can be just as beautiful, if not more, than hunkering down on a blanket in a field. THESE are the pictures I wish I had of my Charley at this age.
And if you have a pet let them be around. Let me capture them. Because we all know they are very important parts to the family and a good picture of them will forever warm your heart.
Once again, Kelly and Aaron, thank you for welcoming me into your home and trusting me to capture your sweet girl!
And then suddenly, she was here!
It has been so much fun to watch them become parents and this sweet girl grow up into a gorgeous little one year old. I am extra lucky, because she pops over to her grandma's house across the street and I get frequent glimpses of her cuteness. Speaking of cute...Here are a whole bunch, probably too many, of my favorites from her session. We hung out in their backyard and finished with a cake smash...which finished with daddy watering her like the beautiful flower she is. Congrats Shea and Chase on conquering your first year as a mama and daddy.
On the most hot and humid day of July, at least I think it was, I met up with two of my favorite families and the rest of their extended crew. I like to always say that I don't do a lot of these extended family sessions. But, I had to meet the third sister and the wonderful parents of the two mama's that have allowed me to capture their families. They hid the extreme heat so well. Here are a few of my favorite large group shots and some grandparent moments with their 5 adorable grandchildren.
Fall sessions are booking quickly! Don't wait to contact me, especially if you desire a weekend time and date!
I always shoot families with a very natural style. I like to think I capture moments, rather than perfectly posed pictures. Sarah Ann Photography isn't your gal if you want everyone's hands placed perfectly, sitting up straight, and smiling straight at the camera. I love to get everyone cozy and let everyone relax...while I putter with my camera...but, really am capturing the golden moment when everyone is relaxed and not worrying about me.
Like here...
And then seconds later we get this one...
Now these were probably the most posed I got this session. Often I will help families navigate through a shoot. But for this session I was there to document their summer fun. I asked Kristen what are some things they like to do as a family and she replied that summer evenings often involve pool time, grilling, and a fire with s'mores. So I said, "Let's do it." We chatted about the flow a bit and then off they went. I hung out and snapped up moments... with the hope of giving them a story of Sunday evenings in Summer.
This stage in life has them in the throws of parenthood. With a 7 year old, 5 year old, and 8 month old they are embracing lots of girl energy. They were all VERY mellow for me...until they started jumping on couches. I think mom knows that next time they need their girls to spend 2+ hours quiet and calm...have Sarah come over with her camera. Seriously, they were perfect....too perfect. I was hoping for a little tantrum :)
So here is their Sunday Summer Story in pictures....
As this fall rolls around and you start to think about booking a fall family session to update your family photos....ponder the thought of an at home storytelling session. These sessions can be unique to you. I can be a fly on the wall or there and guiding you along. We will work together to plan some time that will allow for your "now" to be captured. Moments. Happy. Real. And we can throw in a few family portraits too. You can rake leaves, carve pumpkins, roast marshmallows, bake cookies, visit an orchard, play a board game, have pizza, take a wagon ride around the block, or enjoy the cool evening in your driveway. Yes, park sessions with pretty backgrounds are nice...but, when you really look back in a few years...a session like this will truly bring you right back to this time. Throw all the images into a photo book and it will become your children's favorite bedtime story right NOW. Promise!!!!
July meant I got to finally meet this couple! We had the date picked long ago and had a plan! With each family, couple, or client that I work with I work hard to bring out something special or unique about them. So I have them think about their life and share with me what they would like to incorporate into our time together. This couple surprised me with the word "longboarding" ! I will admit that I had to google it to confirm...since, I wondered if it was the longer skateboarding thing or if it was something like surfing:)
It was in fact skateboarding and I was so excited! We started the session getting some nice moments as a couple and then she got out of her dress and into her jeans and they hit the pavement! So. Much. Fun! Sessions where they share a part of themselves with me really have me leaving so excited. Because I know when I look at the pictures, I will see their true happy come out. And when you get to the longboarding pictures you will see what I mean! Here are some of my favorites!
Let the FUN begin!!!!!
My very favorite is this one!
This type of shoot is where I get the magical power of freezing their now and showing them how extraordinary it all is. This family didn't actually tell me too much about what they wanted. They trusted my eye, which is a huge compliment. So at first, like usual, this duo of small tribe members were pretty unsure of me. But watch as the whole family relaxes, even forgets I am there at times. And as I captured them I easily saw that little sis sucked her thumb and little brother used a nuk and held his little ear when he was tired or needed a cuddle. And dad brought out the biggest smiles and with mom there were loving and tender little moments. When they all were in the frame they all looked the happiest.
Follow along to see why it was so important to capture their home.
Here is an overshare of an incredible family!
Unsure littles relax immediately in mom's lap.
And immediately realize I am not so bad!
We scooted over the the park to get a few little moments during the golden hour.
They started in this home just the two of them and brought home these two little miracles along the way. They had sleepless nights, holidays, and all the little everyday moments like learning to walk, spilled milk, and first birthday parties. This was their home for a very precious time in their life. I know they will soon realize that a house is not a home. Their new house will feel like home very quickly with two busy littles pitter pattering through the hallways. Good luck, L family! Until we meet again!
You don't have to wait to move to capture your everyday real. It is your ordinary that will be extraordinary someday. Let me help you capture it for your forever.
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I recently was honored to capture some of this family enjoying life as a family of four! We hung out at home, in their backyard, and even wandered to the park. With two under two the simple moments when both are happy, strapped into the stroller, or just chilling all together are the ones that make it all worth it. During our hour or two together there were many of these moments. Here are some of my favorites<3
These two in between moments are favorites!
1 is how old you need to be to jump on the bed :)
Take a look at little sis in the background. SO much joy for her little brother...who isn't showing a ton of joy.
Good to meet you S family! What a magical life you lead! Enjoy the summer moments! Until we meet again :)
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My kids have been on summer vacation for only 3 weeks and we are already 7 days into July! This summer is flying by faster than any summer I have experienced. This blog post gives ending to our June and starts our July. I plan to share more of our Fourth of July adventures in my late Sunday story coming up this week still! After peeking at my 365 captures, grab a little more coffee and peek at my Minnesota friend Lori's captures.
Monday morning we transferred our mail order ants into their new home!!!
Tuesday was Charley's last soccer game of the season.
Syd is refusing to give T-ball a try. She is signed up for a pee wee sport camp. Tuesdays are t-ball and Thursdays are soccer. She bounds out onto the field on soccer day but, is very stubborn on t-ball day. Do we even try again tomorrow....
I thought summer was going to be less trekking to and from school. I feel like I am living out of my car these days.
Pre-firework ice cream!
Family picture with Lake Superior in the background! Thanks Grandma Charlie for snapping this!
On the shores of Lake Superior (as shown on my husband's shirt) we savor another Fourth up North. A definite tradition!
Now onto Lori's week!
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I grew up on Lake Michigan and my husband grew up on Lake Superior. When we go visit his parents we get to spend time in the town and place that is filled with his past and memories. My parents moved from the town I grew up in when I was in college and I don't get back there...really, ever. And home is definitely where my parents are and I have fallen in love with their new quaint and perfect little town. But I have always wanted to take my kids back to my my stomping grounds and have them see where I grew up.
We moved to Sheboygan when I was in third grade and my dad would take us to the lake and have us run the dunes most nights of the week.....until we started putting up too much of a battle I think. And when the dune running wasn't thrilling anymore then we would watch the wave report and high tail it over to the beach when the waves were high and we could ride them. When I got old enough I would bike to the beach with friends. Watching my kids run and play and yell "This is the best place ever." brought tears to my eyes and made me realize what a gift it was to live so close to such awesome natural entertainment.
We had no sand toys and they were happy for the 3 hours we roamed and explored. Here are a few of my favorite moments...some are in color and black and white because I couldn't decide.
I know I shot daily last week but, I am taking a class on story telling photography and I think I am so focused on editing for that and clients I missed some of the shots from the week. So I am sharing a few images that I took to tell the story of Syd's bath and a few other random pics.
Now carry on with the blog circle and see what my talented friend Cynthia Dawson clicked this week!
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I don't do a lot of these extended family sessions because they are a tad more formal. In order to get everyone in the picture it takes a little coordinating of where people are standing and my love is the moments and the natural. But when they approached me last winter sharing that they wanted to gift this to their parents I fell in love with the sentiment and value that they had in documenting their tribe. So we set them up in natural groupings and then I let them relax and I snapped a TON of pictures. But as I go through them I look for the ones where everyone relaxes and their real smiles shine through. Here are some of my favorites.
It all began with this crew...
And then they grew and their hearts welcomed new family members.
Some moments with Great Grandma.
We walked past the swings and someone said they wanted to swing...so I said, "Let's do it!"
A beautiful mama and her gorgeous gals!
This next one is a favorite...a moment where I have a feeling everyone's personalities shine through just a wee bit.
And then the handsome guys of this tribe.
Some of the grands with the grandkids.
I hope they find some gems in their gallery that show the happy and joy that they radiate! Good to meet you all!
Summer is in full swing and I am LOVING capturing our simple moments. I sometimes worry that I share too many glimpses at our life but, I hope the moments I share give you a sense of the easygoing, simple summer I try to give my kiddos. We do a few big things throughout the summer but, we aren't jetting off to exotic places. My glimpses are hopefully give you a sense of the beauty I find in our everyday simple fun.
Here are a few glimpses...
Summer evenings watching our Charley grow as a soccer player...especially these last couple weeks. HOLY COW!
Soccer treats...they may have been offered as a bribe for some aggressive play :)
Mornings at the beach.
Staying up too late to visit new parks with friends.
My view when she grabs around my waist and looks up at me!
Letting her try too.
Getting the mail.
Father's day at golf.
No clue?????
Trip to the zoo for our first cotton candy treat.
Favorite capture this week!
And now follow the blog circle to see more everyday moments from my friend Jenny from Hawaii!!!!
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Last week I took my small tribe of three to the zoo. Most of the time we meet people at the zoo...fun for the kids to explore with friends and I LOVE to chat with a friend as we meander through the zoo. But this time, we went just us. I am taking a storytelling photography class and so I had my camera strapped on in hopes of capturing our zoo story. I realized during our walk that the zoo is a perfect family adventure to have Sarah Ann Photography capture for you. There are so many moments that happen at the zoo...all moods and emotions are felt and so often mom or dad is carrying the camera and is either too busy or too distracted to snap up some of the best moments. So let me join you and capture a summer memory that will last a life time. Here are some of my favorite shots from our morning.
When I head to the zoo I have my camera ready. I have to be ready for the rare chance that my kids can take in an amazing moment without strangers in the frame. And I got lucky, A LOT, this trip. Sometimes, it means standing back and watching for a bit. But, totally worth it when you get the rare moments that make it look like you have the zoo to yourself. I also try and look for different ways to capture my kids at the zoo. Here were some of my favorites!
I love that my cautious Henry wouldn't go up close to the glass.
And this moment was magical to me! Her little reflection of her face and hand and shirt in the glass. Love.
There are sibling moments, brother moments....
And big brother little sister moments!
And tiger moments!
Kind of tired and crabby moments...
We stayed to watch the new Hawaiian Monk Seal show and had time to get some cotton candy...the kid's first taste! This perked them up! Here is a peek at that adventure.
And then we had to wash Syd's sticky fingers and dry them!
The only thing that could have made this trip better would have been if dad would have been able to join us. Next time!
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Family sessions that involve a little activity and exploring mean mom and dad can relax a little, the kids aren't forced to sit for pictures for very long, and genuine smiles and moments are captured with no stress....and sometimes the kids have to change clothes after because they got a little wet :)
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I was so excited to meet up with this little ham again! He is 18 months and has some big news to share!
He is going to be a big brother! And though he doesn't seem to quite get it yet, he will!
But for now, he has both parents watching his every move!
And chasing his cute little toddling self around!
He still fits perfectly in mom's arms!
But, will soon have to share mama.
But no doubt mom and dad will master being parents to two in no time!
Such love and excitement for this family....and this photographer who has another little eye lash model coming along!
Absolutely loved that they were willing to meet me at 7pm. And I hear Little G man even got ice cream after our time together!
When the sun drops it is soft and makes for some gorgeous golden moments....that possibly could involve a star burst!
Maternity sessions are a mini session add on that can be booked when booking a newborn session with Sarah Ann Photography!
Bubble blowing girl!
Cookie baking cutie!
Sweet sibling park play!
Pro Saturday afternoon napper!
This summer I feel a lot differently about bees and bugs!
Summer readers!
First summer picnic!
Now follow the blog circle and witness some of Kelly Jacobi's 365 moments!
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The summer days can feel long, sigh, but... summer itself is going to pass by incredibly fast. The big events.... Family picnic weekend in Wisconsin, fourth of July up north, a week at the cabin, my husband's hometown's homecoming, visits to Grandmas and other bigger events that mark our calendar fill us with anticipation. The anticipation has us counting down the days and THAT makes it go so fast. So for my mama heart, it is important to me to relish the simple things like our first day of summer picnic at the park. (Don't be fooled, one child here had NO interest in being there and let me know it....until we got there of course).
After the picnic I continue the tradition that my mom started with me and my siblings. We head to the library to sign up for the summer reading program and to fill our bags with an obnoxious amount of books.
This summer I hope to share a summer story on Sundays. ( I will most likely fail most weeks to get it out on time)
The story will be told mainly in pictures and will help me complete a summer photography project. At the end of summer I would like to take our summer story pictures and throw them in a photo book so my children can look back and remember all the small and big adventures they had. Because, we all know they seem to forget to relish how lucky they are to live in a world with so many amazing freedoms....like checking out unlimited books. And we all know that printing pictures is something most of us struggle with!
Cheers to our first summer story!
This little lady was 9 months when I met her. They were one of the many families that gave me a shot when I was building my portfolio. I am not sure how they even found me. But I am so glad they did. They returned when she turned 1 and now she is 2! It is flying by so fast. We spent an hour together and for part of that time it rained. I am amazed at how much we captured and how their session went from smiling in the flowers to splashing in the puddles!
I know I won't forget this session. How go with the flow she was even when it was thundering and hailing as we huddled under a front porch...maybe because her mom whipped out a red popsicle! YES! She pulled out a popsicle! And also because her mom and dad smiled through the whole adventure. I loved how they embraced every moment!
Here are too many of my favorites!
I love how a candid moment allowed us to get the perfect everyone is smiling picture!
She was so cautious at first!
So mama showed her how it was done!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this one! It would go big on her daughter's wall if I had any say! Timeless and a reminder of this carefree moment...every time that girlie slammed her door in the future.
The chance of rain was 30% of a rain shower at 7pm. We moved their shoot from 6:30 to 6:10 and by 6:40 it was pouring and hailing. Love when the weather guys are completely wrong! But, I think looking at what story we captured...I wouldn't have had it any other way.
I have captured this little lady a couple times in the last year. I so appreciate families that return. I feel like I really get to know them and they take up a little place in my heart! It has been so fun to watch her grow and amazing to see those adorable brown eyes stare me down the same way at each session. She recently turned one. So her mom wanted to capture her and also do a tea party with grandma. They had some family tea party essentials and so mom brought them and set it all up. I got to capture their tea time story and the looks that I snagged are just adorable. And then we ended with a fabulous cake smash! This girl took on that full size cake and won!
I tell clients interested in a session with Sarah Ann Photography that I like to think I capture moments rather than perfectly posed pictures. And this tea time had a cute little set up, but the perfect part of these pictures are the moments and looks of love.
Here are a few of my favorites.
Here is May into the first week of June! And then carry on to see what my friend Annie has captured this past week!
I am excited to join in with my Minnesota Blog circle this month. I think I have missed the last couple of months. This month I am sharing a little Minnesota fun that I like to do with my kids. Simple and outdoors. I love to take them fishing. We grab our poles, some worms, a tackle box and a rag and of course mom's camera and off we go. There are many parks in our area that have docks and have the perfect small panfish literally jumping out of the water. So the kids don't have to wait too long to catch a few. We tried this park for the first time last night because my oldest had soccer practice. It always seems like so much work but I never regret when we take an hour or two to go fishing!
Have an extra cup of coffee and follow the circle to see more fun MN Photographers May captures linked at the end of this post.
Syd played with chalk earlier that day and had quite the dirty pants :(
Next up is my good friend Tina of Tina Fisher Photography!
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I love when new families come into my life. It is so fun to meet them, hang out, and walk away excited to share with them how awesome they are! This tribe is full of life. The kids were excited and busy. We hiked, we grouped up for family pictures, they hung out, did bubbles, played at the park, and finished with a summer watermelon treat. Here are a whole bunch of my favorites!
I kept putting sweet sister in the middle and the boys were so willing to give her kisses. Suddenly middle brother said he wanted to be in the middle for some kisses. Crack me up...
Rumor has it these two are celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. Glad I got a few snaps of them!
In this next picture...take a look at the looks on their faces! There is excitement and admiration of their incredible dad who they told me "can blow the biggest bubbles!" I have a whole slew of pictures and in most of them they have these looks. And I am guessing dad has been so busy blowing bubbles that he never got to see the love.
When your first is born you are amazed at this little person that you brought into this world and after awhile you realize (often their first birthday) their arrival was also when you turned into parents. You added the role of mom and dad to who you are. And it is life changing part of bringing a baby into the world.
When your second is born there is another life changing moment.
The moment when your first born becomes a big sister/brother. And in this house there is now a big sister.
When I arrive at a session I meet the family and peek around the house to find where the light is going to be best. I am also taking in the moods and personalities of all the little people. I am deciding, with mom and dad's input, on whether we should start with family shots, sibling shots, baby shots. Sometimes siblings need time to warm up to me. Sometimes they are ready to go and don't really care I am there or are happy that I am there.
The big sister moment was where we started and I will never forget it this pair.
We placed baby in sister's lap and I bounced from in front to the side to up on the bed and looking down to capture moment after moment of natural big sister love. It was just breathtaking. Big sis is 2 and so these sisters are such gifts to each other, whether they know it yet or not. Mom and dad will be busy for a spell, but then these two are going to become the best playmates for a lifetime of adventures.
After big sis we conquered a few family pictures and then big sis and dad went and had a snack or played. And we got some of baby and mom.
Love this classic baby nose and wee lash shot.
While mama feeds baby I hang out with big sis and capture a little of her "now". These are always a little bit of a surprise for mom since she isn't usually around. I love giving them a little special attention letting them show me their room or talents.
And for the first time we had gorgeous weather outside so we took the family outside for a few newborn moments. They just hung out and I clicked away.
Newborn sessions are 2-3 hours so we have time for breaks to feed baby. So we can get some of everything. And walking away I always feel so lucky to have gotten to see a family transition to their new normal. Their reality is now 2 and they look completely ready for the adventures ahead.
Congratulations, C family! Enjoy the moments!
Last week I caught up with these lovely ladies! Growing up WAY too fast and getting more and more beautiful, inside and out!
They were raring to go when I pulled up! Taking selfies to prepare with their phones or ipods or something. I didn't have to do much for this shoot. They knew what they wanted to do and I just had fun letting them do their teen thing! They are so lucky to have each other and I can tell the adventures they have are probably incredible!
I often have friends with older children say they don't know what they would do for a session with me. Their kids are too big to read books on a blanket. What story could I possibly tell....Here are a handful of portraits..some are just some nice frame updates, but in the mix are a few that are TOTALLY Kate and Emma. Who they are right now sneak out. And at the end we went for ice cream and it was a perfect little story to tell that brought out the most natural of their smiles. And their pup Murphy came along and I don't think they will ever regret capturing some with him in it. Those pups are like family members and I am always up for including them in the session. They often bring out the biggest smiles.
So if you are stumped about a story I could tell....well, let's go for a boat ride, let's build a bonfire and roast marshmallows, let's cook out in your backyard, let's eat ice cream cones, watermelon, or lollipops. You could bake cookies or pancakes as a family. Play a board game at a picnic table. Rent a canoe on Cleary Lake for the hour. The possibilities are endless! I really do think that doing a little something during your time with me helps everyone losen up and the real beauty in the story of your family shines through! Hey moms and dad, have a beer and let your kiddos play chalk in your driveway. We could get out the sprinkler and play on your swing set. Give it some thought :) The possibilities are endless.
And now some of my favorites!
This is them :)
Growing up with the word "selfie" in their vocabulary.
And I will always try and convince mom to get in the picture if she is there!
And probably my very favorite image of these two...This is the one I would hang up big on my wall. I just love it.
Thanks ladies for a fun evening! I think I was grinning as big on my side of the camera as you were on your side!
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A field of weeds or a field of wishes?
For this sweet girl, who has a birthday this weekend, it was a field of wishes.
We met for a mini session to capture her 3 year old now and I got so swept up in this adorable family I have too many favorites! Here are just a few!
Such a quiet peaceful moment. Right?
Last week I got to spend some time with this handsome guy. His mom wanted me to capture him as he is right now.
This kid went from this...
(off the charts on the cute factor here)
To this during out time together....
Did you know a little healthy snack of yogurt can make a 4 year old boy turn into...
...a ZOMBIE!!!!!!
His 5 year old brother too!
Brushing his teeth ....
turns him back into this kid.
These brothers played with chalk and bubbles and did the boy "fake" fight thing plenty.
And a few brotherly moments that melt my heart!
So fun to hang out and relax with these boys and let their true personalities shine! Mom and dad are getting a gallery full of personality!
Well, it has been a year...and that means Mr. A is now 1 and is adorable sister is 3! One year olds have the amazing ability to motivate a family to get family pictures! Love that! So we met at a park on a beautiful evening and I got to document their May 2015 now. The one that includes a spunky and happy big sister and a quiet and still not very mobile 1 year old little brother. Here are some of my favorites!
What a fun and relaxed session with such a beautiful family! Thanks, Sean and Beth! Enjoy the summer with these two amazing little people!
I love this quote. One of the hardest parts about this adventure is passing off a gallery and not being there when they watch. Not knowing what they think. What are their favorites? A lot of time I am guessing they aren't the same as mine. I would love to sit with them and tell them why I LOVE each image in a gallery. Because as I put a gallery together I get so excited with each image I add.
So, when I capture moments for people I always hope that they really don't need a lot of words to explain the pictures. I always hope that the feelings and emotions captured tell the story all on their own. And I was so honored that this couple, who recently became engaged, allowed me to capture their story. I think you can definitely tell that this couple is not only relaxed and natural, but also fun, happy, and in love. Here are a few of the moments I captured with a few rambles on why I LOVE some of them.
I try with each family to bring in a little something that is "all them" and for this couple they have a love of fun beers. So what better way to relax in front of the camera than over a cold brew!
I never knew that the hand slap game could be so romantic....and give a glimpse of....
a future moment...the one where she says "I do"....I mean look at that look <3 <3
They are ready to tackle this journey called life together, side by side.
Congrats A & B!
I love that my candid style can bring out the love and fun a couple shares. I would love to do more engagement or couples pictures. So. Much. FUN! If you know someone who is looking to capture their love whether they are just beginning the journey or are celebrating an anniversary....send them my way!!!!
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This smiley 9 month old beauty met me at the park for her milestone captures.
And she brought along her sister for a little wagon ride.
I really don't think she cried during our time together...I am thinking this might be from the wind. I have no idea...but, each time I have captured this pretty girl there has been one shot that just completely captivates me and once again her little face looking all serious has done it again....and add that crocodile tear and boy oh boy.
Mini sessions are short and sweet so after we spent a few moments capturing the sisters, mom took big sis to the park and dad stuck with me and my camera to get some smiles. Loved this one below. Just perfect playful moment.
Princess P is not quite sitting up all on her own, but dad worked at it and with my fast shutter click we got a glimpse at the summer ahead. See you in a few Miss P...but, not too soon. Enjoy the grass at your fingertips and some sand in your toes.
I don't doubt that this mama believes in love at first sight. I met her when this little guy was just born and have checked in every three months and there is just more and more love each time around. And her lessons about love at first sight are having an impact because when big brother comes around this little guy just beams! I think I am going to insist we get some brother shots next round.
These milestone sessions are such a gift for this gal! I get to watch them become more and more of a little person! I don't doubt that in just a few more months he will be all boy....he is already on his way to filling his pockets with treasures!
Relishing the last week of weather here in MN! The evidence that spring had arrived and the possibility that summer is right around the corner! This week...not loving the switch to dreary fall like weather. Hopefully it will turn around! Don't forget to go check out the next gal in our blog circle. Cynthia Dawson is a force to be reckoned with. Her eye and talent is gorgeous. Go take a peek! Link at the bottom of the post!
And now carry on to Cynthia Dawson's page!
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April came to a close and May is in full swing! I am trying to savor this last full month of just me and my girl during the school day. Come June we are thrown into the full time chaos of three kids home for the summer! Here are a few snaps from the last week...
Syd loves when I put her snack/lunch in a cupcake tray :)
She got her hair cut this week...this is when we were waiting to be called back!
Henry had a first grade program last week! He sang, smiled, and enjoyed it....once we had him convinced to get out of the car. ha!
I am playing with sun flare and I am pretty excited to work on placing it in just the right magical places!
Now carry on with the circle this week and go visit Annie's 365 captures this week!
]]>The best gift their parents have ever given them is each other. I got to change things up last week and hang out with these cool kids to capture some of the fun they have together. Big brother, little sis, lots of laugh,s and I think I nabbed some great big sibling moments! I didn't wear any holes in the knees of my jeans crawling through the grass capturing them! They naturally sat chill and smiled so easily! Such a good reminder to get in the picture with all those important people in your life. Heck, your siblings will know you the longest in life. So enjoy it and document the awesome gift they are to you! Here are a few of my favorites!
Took a little break, dang it, but am getting back in the swing! Here are a few images from the last 14 days! Pushing myself to use my macro lens a little. And LOVE that we can be outside playing during the golden hour! So many adventures to come!
Now go take a peek at what Kari posted this week!
]]>that in such a short time
you've become one of my favorite things" - Amy Seeley
Last week these two got to share one of their new favorite things with me. Safe to say they are pretty smitten!
And they wanted him to smile SO badly. But like most 3 month olds...they kind of exercise their power by taking photoshoots mighty serious. But we did get a few little smiles. Here are some of my favorite moments captured!
And let's end with a 3 month fist bump! Happy Monday!!!!!
And she still has some gorgeous blue eyes. But she is no longer doing her unique little butt scoot. She is running. NON. STOP. And I think mom and dad left our session thinking we got nada. But look at the busy girl and her blue eyes and a few captures of where she is at now!
Only time she sat :) Gave me a chance to get those nummy toes! Those toes are going to have an incredible summer. Soak those toes in mom and dad. They are only nibble friendly for a wee bit longer :)
It was windy and cool and this is the look while she tries to take off her jacket with all three of us saying, "Oh no! Keep your jacket on!"
An imperfect image in a few little photography ways, but might be one of my favorites! High five, girlfriend! You are gonna be a big sister and I can't wait to continue capturing your family's story :)
I recently met this adorable family. We met for an adventure that was laid back and fun. Our time together allowed for each of their kiddos to show their personalities. It was so much fun to get to know each of them.
This little lady just turned one and I think she was the reason that mama booked this session.
How big is Hattie????? Sooooo big!
Big sister is a beauty. Look at those lashes. She has almost conquered Kindergarten, is ready to try rollerskates, and I am thinking this mama can now imagine a flash forward 10 years when she has to book this gal's senior picture session.
And then there is this guy. Shy one moment....
but, also so willing to have some fun. He didn't hesitate to flex me his muscles.
And then later showed how he uses those muscles!
The whole crew was up for a little wander to the park for a few candid moments.
So glad we made the trek because on the way back the sun had dipped down and we got a few golden hour moments. This is why I love this time of the day.
The only one yelling "cheese!" this session was the small guy with muscles! I have been overwhelmed lately with the amount of people contacting me to book sessions. (So much more organized than me to get their photo session on the calendar!) And as I get to know people I want them to make sure they know that they won't get a perfectly posed cheese picture. I am not a picture taker. I am a moment capturing gal. I do give some direction. I will help you all get situated and I occasionally will do a little song and dance to get you all smiling at times. But, your child's biggest smiles happen when they forget I am there to take pictures and they are having fun with you, or each other, or even me. Moments. This family definitely got a whole bunch of moments of their "now" captured. Thanks, E family!
You start your journey as a parent and there are times when they don't sleep well and it feels like it is going to last forever. But then all of a sudden....they are one! And it all seems like a blur.
And if you are smart, you pause and take in the moments of each stage and even if they are hard you appreciate them. You take in the joy when they see you and take off running to get to you.
And when they reach for your hand and really can only get your finger in their tiny fists.
One year olds can be so tricky to capture. They have this new freedom and this perseverance to explore all that they see in the world. And I am enjoying getting down, ruining the knees in my jeans, and seeing the world through their eyes. Because there is magic in their chaos.
I am kind of in love with these little one year olds that are a challenge to capture but, so darn cute when I do get them. I think I won with this little guy!
Well, really his mom and dad won! They hit the jackpot with this little stunning gent. I am just glad I was the one who got to give them an album of memories!
When your child's crawl becomes quick and determined...and you spend a few moments each day hunched over helping him take his first few steps...
Well you know you have a one year old in the house! Master Logan is the cutest Jedi Knight that I have ever met...shhh, don't tell my own little Star War loving boys. He is one and that means he has mastered so many big milestones this past year and is going to be mastering SO many more things in the next year.
It was so fun to meet this adorable family. They were relaxed and natural and ready to have some of their everyday moments captured.
Grandpa and Grandma popped in for a few pictures.
One of my VERY favorite pictures from the session. Pure joy on all three!
Once again, so honored to capture this family, in their space, doing their thing. Their real. Just gorgeous.
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Amazing how a year can pass by so quickly and so many changes can happen. I met this couple a little over a year ago when their story as parents was just beginnning and was honored to capture them a number of times this first year. A natural and relaxed maternity session in the comfort of their home was where we started. This couple has allowed me to snap up moments that I LOVE to capture right from the beginning. My journey in photography has been quite the adventure and it is so fun to meet families that give me the opportunity to capture their magic with my documentary storytelling eye. My heart just LOVES capturing the real. The magic in the ordinary everyday moments that are the ones you will look back on and wish you could go back and do over. It is such an honor to be invited into a family's home, their personal space, and I am so glad that more and more families are finding me and my photography voice. After documenting a story each family takes up a little place in my heart, especially those that share these everyday details with me.
Miss E is now one and her parents are now pros. Here is some of their "now". Once again, captured with little coaxing or pressure. Mom and dad had their little list of things Miss E does these days that they want to remember and we just hung out and helped those moments happen.
The reach.
the toes.
The crawl.
the bottle.
The little helper underfoot.
Playtime with mom and dad and her furry friend.
first steps.
I just finished an incredible class that had me look closely at my photography work and identify my voice. This shoot came right at the end and it really confirmed my love of documentary storytelling sessions that capture people's real moments in expressive ways that show the beauty in their everyday. This is where I want to focus my photography journey as I continue. It really is why I began picking up my camera and where my passion lies. Thank you Selina and David for growing with me this year. It has been a joy to capture your little girl's first year.
So, I have decided after a very successful 365 project month of March...that I am going to change things a little bit. Instead of a shot each day....each week I will share 7-10 of my favorite shots from the week. I think the pressure to have one each day is too hard. In March I didn't have any client shoots and was taking a class that required daily shooting which helped and I find that the days I have clients shoots I tend to need a break from my camera, personally. So my goal is still to shoot daily, but I feel like when I had all that pressure to shoot daily AND conquer client shoots I failed with my personal shooting. So this will give me a little space to "fail" on my personal daily shooting, but make it up later in the week. So here is my week of April 5-11.
Easter day we took a hike as a family and it is now my FAVORITE thing to do as a family. So we ended our week on a hike, but was able to have some of our extended family along for the stroll.
A boy and some bubbles
Jumpy park brothers
Three boy cousins and a girl
My dad working at my kitchen table. For my lifetime he has always had these HUGE sheets of paper with mysterious engineering stuff on them. Still does.
My mom brought a bag of my grandma's old jewelry for my sister and I (and Syd) to go through. So fun.
Waiting for our picnic lunch.
Gathering magic potion treasures.
And now, take a few moments to check out Annie Otzen's beautiful captures! So honored to be in this circle with Annie and all the rest!
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March 29 - Making Mail for Grandma Charlie <3
March 30 - Sent my 35mm lens in to have it looked at and tried a macro lens and took one shot in the store quick to just see....bought it two days later.
March 31 -Library with my girl
April 1 - My amazing nephew came to visit for a few days :)
April 2 - Girl cousin time while the boys are at school. Picnic in the front yard.
April 3 - The girls painting their coffee mugs...took them on a little adventure just the three of us.
April 4 - favorite egg dying picture. Elbow dimple. three eggs in the cup. little fingers. melt!
Now carry on and take a few more moments to enjoy a few more friend's and their 365 captures. Starting with the amazing Cynthia Dawson!
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Everyday moments in March! March is speeding by fast and furious. I took March off from doing sessions for other families. I wanted to concentrate on my family and extended family, I wanted to take some time to shoot for myself again, I am taking an intense photography class, my camera needed a tune up, and I wanted to get a few things together for the coming months. The break has been good, but I am also very anxious for some fun things that I already have lined up for April. And a newborn in May and October! So excited for the coming months!
March 22 - snack and cartoon time
March 23
March 24 - Bedtime snack
March 25 - last snow dump and home sick day....
March 26 - Thursday moments
March 27 - my girl and her bike
March 28 - bathtime moments with Miss Syd
Now go check out Melissa's everyday captures this week and carry on to be inspired by some of my other favorite 365 photographers!
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We were on spring break this past week so we had a few adventures! Here is a snap (or two) from each day. I am stuck in a black and white rut. I think I am just sick of winter and am ready to see some spring colors pop around here! Carry on with the circle to see some other unique 365 captures by Jenny Wilkerson with Through my Lens by Jenny.
March 15 - missed this day
March 16
March 17
March 18
March 19
March 20
Onward to Jennifer's week!
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January and February gifted me the chance to capture the beginnings of 5 little people. And this one, this beautiful little girl, wanted to hang out in her mama's tummy a bit longer than expected. So she became a March baby. And Miss Cora, you arrived perfectly as spring arrived here in Minnesota. So the sun is shining these first days of your life. And as you uncurl from that newborn curled up stage the grass will turn greener and the flowers will bloom. And your mama and daddy, new parents, will enjoy experiencing their first spring with the title of mom and dad. And I doubt there will be a cuter Easter basket around.
This gal's tiny new pink toes found their way in front of my lens WAY too much!
And this mama's hands now hold a ruffly little bottom that has changed her life!
And this proud papa was all hands on deck. He was right there ready to pick her up every second she was free. This girl is loved.
Congratulations Cassie and Jeff! Her adventure begins...as does yours! Enjoy the ride!
Just keep clicking! Winter finished up this week and spring arrived! Ski time to scooter time. Crazy! Check out my snaps and then follow the circle to see what Cynthia Dawson's eyes captured from her everyday!
March 8 Last ski race of the season!
March 9 FINALLY convinced my girl to get her haircut!
March 10 Playdate snacks around here...empty ice cream cones.
March 11 It was beautiful out and so I dragged the kids to the ski hill at sunset, finally. I climbed the hill to get this shot.
March 12 Snow is melting fast....actually it has now melted. Scooters are out!
March 13
March 14 Spring break we hit the book store to get everyone a new book.
And onward to Cynthia Dawson's captures...
March 1 - First place in the 4th grade end of season basketball tournament
March 2 - Wild Mountain ski meet ..Charley's free time was spent doing this.
March 3: The art of packing lunches while serving breakfast to the small tribe.
March 4: Wednesday afternoons were spent at the ski hill this winter. She passed four levels this season and even road the huge magic carpet to the top, all by herself with no adults, and came down the big hill all by herself. Mama did have a panic attack and cried. Good to know that the third little skier could make mama cry too.
March 5: Didn't snap one....
March 6: First spring stroller walk to the neighborhood coffee shop
March 6: Cheers! It's Saturday!
But it sounds like spring is arriving this week. And all winter this family has been waiting for some fresh snow. We rescheduled 2-3 times I think. And last week we heard snow was coming and we jumped on it!
And this crew met me and they played in the snow and I snapped away. And some fun family moments were definitely captured!
I LOVE that this mama wanted a candid winter session. And with two busy boys it was the perfect fit!
Snow tossing, kid tossing, blanket tossing, and then the boys tossed back some hot cocoa! Here are some of my favorites!
So, so glad Mother Nature gave us some fresh white and some milder temperatures so I could capture these smiles! When I finished their gallery I realized...I have no idea what color hair these two boys have! Maybe someday I can capture their toes in the mud and get a glimpse of their cool haircuts!
]]>-Frozen
Everyone, except me, enjoys the ski sport. And actually, this season I have enjoyed it too....as a spectator and a camera holding mama. Last weekend we had our last away meet and it was fun to watch the kids explore and push themselves at a new hill. They have all grown so much this season. Sydney went from not skiing to wanting to go more than the boys. Lasting longer on a free ski day. And she braved her lesson this week when it was -7 and I felt like maybe I was making the wrong choice. But she loved it and with all the great gear they have was unphased by the cold.
Here are a few Minnesota winter shots from the last month. It looks like winter is ending...and for this family....it is a mix of emotions.
Then carry on with the blog circle and check out what Erica captured with her Minnesota eyes!
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Happy Birthday to this sweet chair standing cutie!
This weekend I am sure she will have a splendid celebration surrounded by those she loves, a sweet treat, and some fun.
She was full of smiles and busy as all near one year olds are! Here are a few of my favorites from our cozy at home session!
Learning to walk is her "now".
Watching out the front window with her big sis, tosses with dad, tugging on mom's necklace, and just looking smiley and adorable are who this girl is at this time in life. What a lucky little girl to be so loved!
Happy Birthday, Miss A!
6 months into this adventure called life and Mr. T is handsome and happiest when absorbed in mom and dad's arms.
6 months into this adventure called parenthood and these two are happily enjoying the moments!
6 month mini session moment with dad allowed the camera to capture his biggest smile!
Love these moments of love with mom!
Love this content little moment on mom's lap with his toy and his belly!
And an adorable family moment captured on a brisk winter afternoon! So good to see you W family!
I LOVE keeping in touch with these little ones that I got to capture as newborns! Mr. N is now 6 months and was all smiles! He is rocking tummy time and sitting up! He just beams when his mama is in sight! Here are a few of my favorites!
**Newborn session families can book as many mini milestones throughout the first year to capture all the little ages, stages, tricks, and talents! It is a great way to keep your frames updated since they grow so much the first year!
Each family I meet who has a new little addition captures a wee little space in my heart. This crew was incredible. Meet Miss E and her brother and two big sisters! Amazing little small tribe!
40 ....this summer they will probably need an extra bottle of soap to clean all these tiny toes.
Miss E is here and they are all taking her in. Often during sessions parents realize that they haven't had the time to just sit and take in what has been gifted them. And their session allows them to gather on the couch and immerse themselves in all that is incredible and how they all fit on their laps still.
This kiddo took a tumble the day before and had a tough looking big brother lip to show off... making sure everyone knows he is the big brother in the house.
Big brother...but, still little and with three sisters...he will have an exciting life!
So for now he will teach his new little sister about trucks.
And grow into teaching her how to jump on the couch, find the snacks, and race some cars. During the day, this is the new now. These three.
And I don't doubt that in the hours before and after school the big sisters are ready to get their hands on their new little sister.
Of course, the newest little lady is quite content in daddy's proud arms.
And with all the busy that surrounds a second, third, or fourth child...I wish this mom moments like this.
Congratulations B family! It was wonderful to meet you!
]]>Welcome baby Luca. You are loved.
About a week later I got to hang with Luca and the ones in this world who love him the very, very most. Music played, Miss Mila was a delightful big sister who even assisted with some photos, and mom and dad (and the whole gang) were able to enjoy some moments with Mr. Luca. I have way too many favorites to only share a few. So here is a baby Luca overload!
Sweet Mollie girl is turning 1 and we spent a little time in the big city capturing her "now". I continue to get comments about her hair. I am guessing her mom and dad get a little tired hearing people just go on and on about her beautiful hair. It really is the most beautiful color and the little bob on such a little peanut girl, well geez.... My camera just ate her up! Here are a few favorites!
Doesn't this look like big sister is giving her the advice to look and smile and it will all go much faster?!
These girls are adorable and I loved capturing them again at wee P's six month milestone!
Here are a few of my favorites!
Meet the W family.... An incredible clan that I had the pleasure of hanging out with after their littlest crew member arrived. Mr. Arthur arrived and everyone is pretty excited! They are embracing the chaos of three like pros. I too have three and people sometimes make the comment that my hands are full....and yes, their hands are full but, their hearts...well, their hearts are bursting. They have so much to love.
Tiny Arthur and his wee mohawk styled hair and those chubby little cheeks! Melt.
Here are a few more (too many) from the session that I just love.
Enjoy it all, mom and dad. You are blessed!
Sweet you rock and sweet you roll...."
-Dave Matthews
A sweet picture of 3. Well, they do have two adorable pups that were pretty much incredible during our shoot, so maybe the number is now 5.
They have this new sweet girl in the house and they are all trying to figure her out. But mom and dad are snuggling her up like seasoned pros! They have settled nicely into their new roles as mom and dad.
Here are a few favorites from sweet Winnie's first photo session!
This little gal just turned one and had a full weekend of celebrating. I got to hang out with her before the big day and she really didn't have much interest in her itty bitty perfectly adorable cake.
Miss Emerson is another very special gal! Another newborn family that kicked off my Sarah Ann Photography newborn journey that trusted me with capturing their little miracle from the start. Not only was it so special to capture her but, it also was my first experience during a shoot.... going back in my own heart to the days when Ed and I became parents. Their nursery was perfect and their house was not overtaken by toys. I remember coming home to my crazy house after the shoot telling my husband to think back to when we had just brought Charley home and repeatedly told myself that night that a year from now that little girl will have overtaken their house with toys and chaos. But a year later proved that though their little gal is definitely the center of their world...her toys have not overtaken their house. And I never felt chaos in all my interactions. Peace, love, and content, but no chaos.
January 2014
January 2015
Seeing them throughout their first year as parents was just as much fun as watching their little girl grow into a beautiful one year old. We focus so much on these little people but, need to take more time to realize the impact they have on us when we gain the role of mom or dad. And these two have embraced it and enjoy every second. This is also why all sessions whether full or mini milestone usually have mom and dad in the pictures in some way. Even if it is just little glimpses like hands or smiles.
3 months
6 months
9 months
And now she is 1. And I realize that these little people who I capture when they are newborns become so special to me. Especially, if I get to capture them throughout that first year. So thank you Kelly and Aaron. Such a gift you have given me this first year in business!
Here are a few from her first birthday shoot! Happy Birthday, Miss Emerson!
And Grandma and Grandpa popped in for a few captures!
Now go check out what Lori Dozier Photography has captured for her My Minnesota captures!
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January got away from me and I missed posting a couple weeks. I also missed shooting some of the days but, other days offered up multiple opportunities. So here is some of late January!
January 14
January 15
January 16
January 17
January 18 Newborn shoot for my good friends!
January 19
January 23 Syd turns 4
January 24
January 21
Friday January 30th - My sis and cousins visit and we hit the Mall of America!
January 31 Ice Skating with cousins
Carry on with the 365 blog circle and take a look at Annie Otzen Photography's 365 project this week. Her South Dakota eye is fun and colorful!
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Meet the gorgeous Miss G!
A little lady that stole my heart! Her gallery is one of my all time favorites. As I was working on putting their gallery together each picture became my favorite. She wasn't the most smiley little girl this round but, she was stunning in her most unique and stylish little G way. Mom and dad are so smitten and I just loved capturing them and sharing with them my view of their beautiful life. So much happiness, peace, and love. When I left mom said, "I hope I looked okay, I didn't really pay attention." BEST compliment ever for this photographer. I am not a photographer that poses people much. I will guide, but my goal is always to help get you relaxed and in your moment and then capture the magic. There isn't a lot of look here, stand there, put your hand here....maybe, a little but really very little. And this family relaxed and just hung out and I snapped up some favorite moments. Here are a whole slew of my favorites. Like I said I had the hardest time not putting every snap in their gallery. So their final peek is very similar!
When people ask the difference between a mini milestone and a full session...the difference is the time, the variety, the ability to get a little of everything, different rooms, different outfits, time to nurse, time to rock, time to hang out and capture your real. The beauty in the real that you often don't get to see until you open your gallery! Mini-Milestones are good to capture a few moments to update frames... But, full sessions are meant to capture your "now"...the whole kit and caboodle! From the big moments to the little details...
Like moments on the changing table that will constantly change as they grow and get more distracted. But for now, Miss G is infatuated with daddy's attention when she is in this spot.
And playtime with mom!
Time ....full sessions give time so that these moments can happen.
And these!
And right before I left I probably was a pest asking if we could plop this sleepy girl on their bed. And man, such a favorite image of mine. A moment all parents want during that first year...some sleepy nappy moments!
Thanks again, Miss G and parents! It was so fun to meet you! Until we meet again, I hope <3 <3
When I arrived she was getting ready for her photo debut.
This little beauty didn't want to sleep a wink during our time together. But, she did great and we captured so many beautiful moments. Which is again why I set aside 2-3 hours to spend with a family. It can sound overwhelming...but, the baby isn't always on board and she wants to rock, snuggle, eat, have a diaper change, eat, etc. So we go with the flow. She was quite content when being loved up by her sisters!
How adorable is this girl tribe!
While baby gets a new diaper, a snack, and some cuddles with mom or dad....I spend a little time capturing the big sisters!
A little family time...
And then some time with mom and dad.
In between all these moments we capture baby P in all her little spaces.
And then I leave an exhausted crew who I hope all gets naps. And I race home to upload my captures. And I am just so excited to share all the beauty that I captured. It really is such fun to stand back and snap and then show people the amazing life they have. And with newborn sessions especially, when everything is so overwhelming and exhausting...it is so easy to forget the beauty in what life has given you.
And for this family...they were given a third little beauty who will triple the giggles, the bows, the shoes, and someday the sister drama.
And oh how beautiful it all is! Congratulations all! So honored to have been your photographer!
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Fall of 2013 I gave photoshoots a little try. I took on a few friends to try it and help them get a holiday card shot and word spread outside of my friends just a wee bit. And I decided that I would maybe give this photography thing a little try. But how do I start? And I really, really, wanted to shoot "real". The sessions that fall where I was trying my best to get everyone smiling and standing nice on a bridge went fine. But, in my heart I knew that my love of photography began capturing my family in their everyday. And I wanted to do that for people. So how do you start....Well, you start with a friend who tells their little brother that they should give me a shot. And even though I tried to talk them out of it, they believed in me and invited me into their life to capture their little girl in the comfort of their home. So January 1st, 2014 I gave at home newborn shoots a try with this beautiful little girl. And then it just snowballed.
So while this little lady was mastering tummy time, sitting up, walking, and continuing to get more beautiful....I upgraded my camera twice, took classes, worked with mentors, bought and sold and bought more lenses, registered my business, got insured, took on new challenges over and over again, and learned that it isn't just about snapping pictures...but, loved every second of my time with each family that I met this past year. Snapping the pictures is still my very favorite part. What a year.
Miss A as a newborn
3 months
6 months
9 months
Miss Amelia saw me at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months....and she kicked off 2015 as my first little client again, turning 1. I doubt this family knows how much they impacted my life. And I will always be so grateful they believed in me when I wasn't sure I knew I could do it. Here are some of my favorites of Miss A at 1!
Thanks for a wonderful year, V family!
January 5: Gyrobot. Being honest...I forgot to snap a picture and Henry was working on this so I had him grab a flash light and took my shot.
January 6: "Too cold for school day" Syd still won a trip over to her best buds house which meant I had time to teach my boys how to play Clue...a favorite game of mine from my childhood.
January 7 -oops
January 8 Reality
January 9- oops
January 10 Henry and hoops on a Saturday morning
January 11 Ski meet Sunday...which means Charley goes off with his buddy and we catch glimpses zooming down the hill or flying by overhead!
The "And then we snapped" blog circle continues with Mary Slone Photography! Go check out this once coffee addicted but now tea drinking photographyerfriend who captures beautiful moments of her everyday life.
]]>Living in Minnesota means embracing the cold and venturing out even when it seems so much more cozy to stay in. After skating we went out for big plates of hot pasta!
Now carry on to see what Sarah Hudson Photography has captured with her Minnesota eye!
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This round has me finishing my first 365 and starting my second. I started 2014 off strong, started to lose steam, met this wonderful group of photographers who sparked my 365 again and kept me shooting. I did skip posting A LOT and I did skip a lot of days. BUT, I do think doing a 365 is a great way to learn, grow, push yourself, and document your family. So I am trying it again and hoping to not miss as much and to post regularly. I also learned how I want to better organize my images ...which is such an ongoing learning experience in this game of digital photography. So here are a few images from the end of 2014 and the first few days of 2015!
Dec. 28 A favorite gift from my holiday. Thanks mom!
December 29: Will present opening take place in the morning or evening? Morning won.
December 30: Bedtime stories with Aunt Becca
Dec 31: Skiing into the 2015! We spent a quiet New Year's Eve as a family. We ventured out to the ski hill for a wee bit of skiing. Some stayed longer than others and I just shivered and snapped a few pictures with my camera!
January 1st : First 2015 family adventure...ice skating for the first time. Everyone loved it.
January 2: Boys went to a movie and my little cheerleader kept me company while I edited pictures.
January 3: Early birthday celebrations had us hanging out at the bowling alley! Little sis dressed herself, since I wasn't home...and it was cosmic bowling so the lights were hard.
January 4: Happy Birthday, Henry! I know the week ends at January3rd...but really, our week ended with this big guy's birthday!
Now carry on with the circle and witness some incredible images captured by Lori Dozier Photography from right here in Minnesota!
This is the B bunch. And my brother (over there on the right) is part of this great family. Working on these pictures threw me for a loop. I always think of our family as his family...same with my sister and her inlaws...and when I see pictures of their other sides...it throws me. I am sure they feel the same way about seeing pictures from my in laws. They gifted my sister in law's parents a family photo session. And I actually had a few people inquire and book sessions in the coming year to capture some family extended family portraits.
These sessions are always tricky for me because my style is natural and often candid and I don't like to give too much direction...but, it is always nice to get everyone looking and smiling and when you have a big group you have to give them a little direction so they all fit. So I hope they like the natural family portraits in their gallery. Lots of joy and love. A good looking crew who you can tell is hunkered down together for a few festive days of holiday celebration. Honored that they took some time out of their time together to spend in front of my camera. Here are a few of my favorites!
This little guy turned 1. And I am taking forever with his gallery because, I have loved capturing him this year of his life and I am sad to think I might just see him once a year now. It has been so fun to watch him grow....
3 months
6 months
9 months
And now he is one!
His one year old session was a full session. We had plenty of time to capture him doing his one year old thing! We also got in a quick cake smash! And a few family pictures outside! He is a busy guy verging on walking and still as cute as ever. These family's that have returned multiple times in a year have grown so special to me! Thanks again Meghan and Aaron for letting me capture your special guy and all his milestones!
I have done several cake smash sessions lately and I love the storytelling part of these. I love that you don't know what they are going to do. And I have found that I prefer them edited in black and whites...something about simplifying the pictures..Here are a few from his cake smash!
I have been out of the routine of getting anything posted timely but, with the fall rush over I have been capturing more everyday pictures of my family! Here are some favorites from December. Some have multiple shots because I liked both. Some weeks my daughter wears the same outfit everyday. Sigh.
Now continue on with the blog circle by visiting Sharyn Thompson Photography from way down under in Australia!
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This lovely family wanted to capture a few holiday shots..and maybe you will be one of the lucky ones to see one of these appear in your mailbox. These are a few of my favorites. I love that it was almost 50 degrees and may have been misting a bit. But the overcast skies and the tree lights made for some festive shots.
This little lady and I hung out on Saturday morning for a little cake time! It was a mini session with the focus being
Miss N vs. the cake!
So she was covered in frosting for almost all of the shoot! Here are a few of my favorites!
At the end she got plunked in the sink for a little clean up! I had to stick around to capture a couple of those!
And then there is Henry! He is on the team this year and so he is off riding the chair lift with his coach and making friends! I can't wait to capture Charley....but, he too was off with the team, no where to be seen!
Now carry on with the blog circle to see what some other fantastic photographers captured this month! Next up is Denise, love this Michigan photographer!
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Meet Miss I. She is turning one in the very near future so we hung out at her home and captured her now.
Her mama wears beautiful jewelry so I am sure this girl will have her own pretty sparkly things in the not too distant future!
Their at home session meant we could relax and move about the house and change Miss I's environment and capture lots of adorable moments!
Like reading with dad....
Sitting pretty in her rocker...for a second!
And romping in mom and dad's room!
She was so wee but moved fast and confident!
And a little one year old snack meant we got a few more pictures ....
Before it was time to snuggle up with mama and take a little nap!
Sweet Girl, you are almost one and you are a favorite of your mama and daddy's. And I was so honored to get to capture this time in your life!
Happy Birthday, little beauty!
4 months a just adorable as can be!
Loved meeting this little gal and her crazy cute hair, blue eyes, and shy to smile little personality.
Mom and dad are in love and it was so fun to capture their now in the comfort of their cozy home. However, the temps were mild so we did a quick trek to a local park for a few outdoor shots and they can check holiday card off their list! Here are a few of my favorites!
"It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
There'll be much mistltoeing
And hearts will be glowing
When loved ones are near
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year....." - Andy Williams
Ending November with some beautiful family sessions nestled amongst the pines. Love the holiday feel that these pictures give. So fun to meet this family and so much fun to capture! Here are a whole slew of my favorites.
This sweet little family met me on a cold and blustery day to celebrate Miss Henley turning 1. I met Miss Henley when she was 6 months and BOOM! She is all of a sudden 1 years old! Crazy how fast it all goes!
And this little session flew by too! We had fun in the snow!
And then we headed to the bakery....so dad could warm up with a fresh donut with sprinkles :)
Tiny jeans, tiny shoes, and tiny adorable vest. Sweeeeeet!
And then we let Miss Henley take on her first cupcake! And mom and dad are getting the color versions of all these pictures too. But because we were in a busy little bakery in addition to the the busy of a cupcake smash...I like the cupcake smash story best in black and white.
What a fun afternoon with the snow and the sugar! Thanks for letting me capture the adventure! She is a beauty and your family is adorable!
Meet the M tribe! An incredible family I met about a week ago. It was a bitterly cold morning so we chose an indoor location. But I snagged the boys for an outdoor shot....and it proved too cold to smile naturally! But still so adorable!
Once inside, the smiles came easy and we captured many keeper moments of their busy "now".
These boys were adorable and I loved capturing their little expressions! Here is an overload of sneak peeks because I had too many favorites!
Thank you M tribe for hanging out and letting me capture the beauty in your now! And I hope you all made it to the movie! Your adorable little boys earned it!
This sweet lady is half way through her first year and just keeps getting more and more beautiful! Syd and I play with her and her big brother every Friday morning in a little class and to have captured her at the hospital after she was born, in the golden light of her own backyard at 3 months, and now at 6 months is just so much fun! The year is flying and I can only imagine how her parents feel if I am seeing it flash before my eyes.
When I was introduced to this adorable little tree farm I immediately thought of this family. Miss J's mama is a lover of snow, coffee, and the holiday season. And I knew that this was a perfect spot for them! So we did a couple at a warm little bakery and a few at the tree farm! And the snow gently started falling during our time at the farm. SO perfect. I love WAY too many of them! Here are a bunch!
I am in love with these milestone sessions because each time I get to know a family more and more and they become so special to me. Thank you for letting me capture your "now" Anna and Jared!
Miss Darby is 3 months and we did her mini milestone session at a perfect little tree farm. Nestled amongst the trees I captured her serious little stage of three months....although, I did capture a few little grins! I LOVE that Shea and Chase didn't fear the chill and these captures will be perfect for a little holiday card in the coming month! What an adorable little family!
Just wish we had the dogs in one :)
Life is a grand adventure and it is much more meaningful when you have lots of people in your pocket to experience the ups and downs with. And this crew has great adventures ahead. They are becoming a family and each of their family trees are growing branches. So we met for a family session to celebrate family.
Where the hour of bedtime was discussed...
And you can tell who is winning the arguments around here.
It was a cold evening but I loved the setting with the birch trees and dried grass. Perfect for tree climbing, hanging out, and capturing some great moments. Here are a few of my favorites!
Loved capturing this tribe! Thanks B & T & L.
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Fall is officially over here. And our world is snow covered. Some are complaining, but I have had 3 fun snowy sessions, a house of anxious downhill ski lovers (not me), and the world is beautiful and white! I HATE that in-between time when the world is muddy and dead looking. If it is going to be cold then at least it is pretty! However, today it was too cold. So here are a few of my first snow captures! And a few more from the last week!
Next in the circle is Lori of Lori Dozier Photography in Minnesota! Go check out what she captured this week!
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Blue eyed little gentleman. Handsome as can be.
Three months into this adventure called life and he is most cozy in his mama's arms....
......and when his big brother comes around then there are big grins!
A dapper little dude in a diaper and an adorable little hat. So good to see you again Mr. N!
I was so excited to see Mr. A again! He was a newborn who's little lip and little hands captured my heart 6 months ago! And boy has time flown!
And now he is 6 months into life and looking oh so handsome!
This was a 6 month mini-session so we captured him on his tummy, sitting up, hanging with his sis, and being cuddled by mom and dad!
And since the holiday season is fast approaching, we snapped a few family shots too :)
Love these milestone sessions! They make me feel like a part of the family, or at least a magical time freezer so that they have some "now" moments captured forever. So good to see you C clan! Enjoy the coming months of holiday fun!
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These tiny little toes would lure me to play "this little piggy" all day long if they lived in my home.
So tiny and so perfect! And attached to a little girl who is just a peanut.
Ahhhh, more adorable little toes!
Her big sis had some adorable toes too! Adorable outtake alert!
Yes, little P will be looking up to her big sister P for many years to come. And this house will be filled with girly giggles! But for now, they are still figuring out each other!
I think little sis is trying to get the scoop on when this photo session thing would be done from her big sis!
I always hope they give a good yawn. Mom and dad will find three good yawn shots in their gallery! She was a pro!
I love capturing those little details...the little hands clutched! And those adorable kissable cheeks!
Sweet Baby Girl P, it was so good to meet you! Thank you mom and dad for letting me help you capture her tiny three month stage :)
My kids leap over these big balls every time they go...and that happens more often than it should.
Moms claim that an hour alone wandering these aisles is like a mini vacation...
And girlfriends challenge each other to enter and leave with what was only on their list....
There are trips when the aisles are filled with glaring and judging people who make you feel like the worst mom in the world, even though you are holding your ground and refusing to buy some sugary treat for your dear daughter. But the kind people in the khaki pants and red shirts lean over and whisper, "You are doing the right thing, stay strong."
And other days when you may have stayed home ALL day and not spoken to another adult and the guy who hands you the free kid cookie makes you feel human again!
Minnesota...Target....Target...Minnesota...you can't argue that Target is a big part of Minnesota! I think my parents pass 4 of them in a 20 minutes stretch ending their drive to our house!
Carry on with the blog circle to see what the next Minnesota photographer, Erin Blair , captured this month.
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Meet Mr. E....6 months handsome and so smiley!
He is loved by these two!
And we pondered doing a quick mini-session or a full family session and I am SO glad that we did the full session! It was still very quick since it was chilly but, there are SO many pictures I love and I think mom and dad will too! It was a chilly afternoon and I called mom to make sure she didn't want to reschedule, but she said let's do it. And then on the way to the shoot the sun came out and when you see how the shoot ended...well, I am just so glad that it all went as planned! There are so many favorites...here are a few too many!
Full sessions give more time to capture mom moments and dad moments!
And cuddly mom dad sandwich kisses!
There is time for smiley moments....
And even the sad moments are just perfect!
There is time to explore new spots along the trail for family time filled with Joy!
And when the smiles run out and the perfect serious hat shot is captured...and we think it is time to call it a day....
There is still time for dad to pop the question to mom!
Mom to say yes! And lives to change forever!
Congrats Taylor, Blake and Baby E! So honored to have been there to capture this moment and all the family joy that came first!
9 months and this sweet thing is turning into quite the blue eyed beauty! We got smiles this milestone! LOVE THAT. An indoor pumpkin pile was the perfect spot to still get those tiny toes! Here are a few of my favorites!
Mini Milestone sessions are a perfect way to update frames and capture the overwhelming changes that happen that first year! They are short and sweet little sessions that last anywhere from 10-30 minutes. The focus is on baby, but their "now" is often snuggled in mom and dad's arms so we can get some of everyone in the frame! I have loved watching Miss E grow this first year! It went way too fast for me...so I am guessing mom and dad are relishing these last months before she turns the big 1! Thanks Kelly, Aaron, and baby girl E.
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I ended October meeting these lovely ladies! This mama is raising some beautiful girls!
When working on their gallery this quote came to mind:
"Here’s to strong women.
May we know them.
May we be them.
May we raise them."
-Unknown
I loved that they all came with their own style and brought their pup to be in some of the pictures too. We walked a trail and stopped along the way to capture some sweet moments. Here are a few of my favorites.
I definitely didn't shoot everyday this past week but I did shoot too much on a few days and got a few favorites. This first one is from a session that I did for a family! Dad took me by surprise when he asked if I could snap a few more pictures after the session had come to an end and then got down on one knee and popped the question! She of course said, YES! Most of the other images this week are from Halloween celebrations we enjoyed. Thanks for taking a peek and don't forget to carry on with this amazing circle of women who challenge themselves to keep picking up their cameras to capture the everyday little moments that make their hearts skip!
Jana is next and her Canadian eye and style always captures beautiful moments. Now go check out Jana's weekly captures!
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Meet the G tribe. Some of my favorite people in Minnesota! This mama is a great friend and these girls are just the sweetest. And the dad isn't too bad either. Last year when I started out I captured these little ladies and this fall I convinced mama and dad to jump in the picture! I think this whole session lasted 20 minutes! They are stars for the camera! Big supporters and so grateful to have them in our lives. Here are a few of my favorites!
This adorable mama and papa welcomed this little guy about two months ago. So I am sure he has changed SO much already. But we kept things kind of quiet until baby announcements were out! Little T was also welcomed into the world by these amazing little people...
smiles by ALL.
I was invited to capture their beginning as a family of 6 in their little quaint town and their home, filled with such history and love, an amazing setting. We captured baby with the siblings and then they ventured off to school. Then we captured some with mom and dad and just wee T. Here are a few of my favorites from this family's session that tell the story of their "now"! Thanks again C family! What an incredible family you have!
These two are roommates!
If you know of someone having a baby in the coming months and you know they want to stay in the warmth of their own home where baby is most cozy and comfortable let them know that I am your gal. Newborn sessions with Sarah Ann Photography let the backdrop be your real. Baby's nursery, your living room, the backdrop of where you call home. Moments are captured, not anything too posed or with any fancy props, but completely unique and meaningful to your family. Everything is of importance and tells the story of your now. It is good to book your session before baby arrives. I will put your due date on my calendar and we can coordinate your session once baby is here! It is ideal to capture baby the first 3-10 days of life! I would love to celebrate and capture your new little one and the incredible beginning of your new family.
I have been challenged a little lately do do some 5 days of bw captures. So a few more black and white images. But otherwise, it has been an incredibly busy fall and I haven't had my camera out as much to capture my family. But, here are a few from the last two weeks. Continue on with the blog circle to have your socks knocked off by Jenny at Through My Lens with Jenny! She always amazes!
Through My Lens by Jenny is your next stop. Her shots of her little guy at her table always amaze me! The reflection she gets is amazing!
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This family gave me a chance when I was just starting out. I am not sure how she found me but, this mama has been such a big supporter this first year in business. Many people have found me thru her and I am so grateful. We have even gotten our girls together to play. I got to capture them each season this year and they are always adorable! Here are a few of my favorites of this incredible family! Thanks Jen and crew! There are those moments when you try to remember how someone came into your life because they impacted it in such a huge way. I will always be grateful for your support of Sarah Ann Photography.
Kisses for everyone!
Priceless!
This little lady is 6 months and we spent a wee bit of time capturing her now. Her now means toe grabbing, sitting up, and of course, looking pretty! Here are a few of my favorites!
This adorable little guy turned one! And he met me one chilly morning and was all smiles (just like his Aunt Sarah said!).
Stunning blue eyes, a brilliant smiles, crawling still is his mode of transportation, and a bit of that fantastic boy drool. He is all 1!
Love this little outtake below.
How cute did this kiss shot turn out!?! Smiling even upside down.
And we ended with a quick cupcake smash...or rather, cupcake inhale. This kid and this cupcake didn't hang out very long. Dad set it down and he bee lined it right on over. And...
Just
like
that! It was gone!
Happy Birthday, kiddo! So fun to meet you and your amazing parents!
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I know this mama is anxious to see their photos. When you have 7 in your crew and you go for a photo session I can only imagine how curious you are that any turned out with everyone smiling. But what an incredible crew! They were up for some fun. We did lots of family poses. They even had some ideas along the way. I can tell that this bunch already has a lifetime of fun memories and so many adventures ahead.
When I get families set and the smiles are feeling too unnatural I will often have them look at each other. And then the next few snaps happen and it is the fourth or fifth snap in when I get the winner. It is when they are looking at each other and they go from awkward staring at each other to cracking up and then natural family happiness. This is my most favorite from the session. It came towards the end so everyone was probably feeling done with the pictures. But when they weren't looking at me and my snapping camera, their joy just burst out! Love it!
Thank you T family! You are one lucky family to have each other!
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I am so lucky to call this fun loving bunch friends and neighbors. So honored they asked me to capture them this fall. And we snapped fast, but it wasn't hard to capture such fine looking folks! Here are a few of my favorites.
These girls are such amazing little gals inside and out! Spunky and friendly. Kind and considerate. Just lovely.
And their session piggy backed on their cousin's session so we got a couple cousin shots. When they look through their gallery I think they will giggle because when you see the similar pictures in a row you can't help but laugh at the expressions and how they change on all of their faces. I bet the family gatherings are just filled with joy!
These boots are made for walking....
But this little lady is not quite walking. But, I don't doubt that the next time I see her she will be moving faster and probably walking! Everytime I see her she smiles SO big. I just love those moon shaped smiley eyes! And would you like to know who makes this smile happen....
It's this guy! Her biggest brother. He just has to speak or say "Amelia, peek a boo!" And she stops and looks and grins this big!
But it is her other older brother who's smile I see in her. And as I have seen them this year I have really started seeing their parents in each of them too. I just love it. Such an honor to have them return again and again for these milestone updates.
I just love working on her gallery each time because her eyes and her little looks, especially the ones where she isn't smiling are just so darn adorable.
One happy family that I love capturing! Thanks again V crew!
This little beauty and her lovely parents met me one chilly fall evening in October. And we hustled to get some adorable pictures before everyone's teeth were chattering. Fall sessions are tricky, the weather can be too warm for fall clothing or too cold for comfortable relaxed sessions. It is a toss up what you are going to get! This family did amazing for the chilly evening they were gifted from Mother Nature.
Sweet Miss N was a tad shy, but definitely flashed her big smile plenty! Here are a few of my favorites!
I have been pretty good about getting a couple mom and dad pictures during a session lately. I just love when there is time for a relaxed moment or two. Love these two captures so much!
Packer or Viking fan? It often comes up during shoots. Sometimes shoots are even scheduled so that games aren't missed. It is something that typically brings out smiles, well for Packer fans, and I like to joke that my camera might not work for Viking fan families :) So I was pretty thrilled when this crew showed up with their Packer jerseys. I knew my camera would work and I knew any mention of the Packers would bring smiles given the awesome games they have had lately! Here are a few favorites from our quick session!
P.S. Each step along the way this year has been such an important experience. Last fall a fellow teacher friend who does great photography graciously allowed me to trek along for a shoot to see how a photo session flows. And the S family happened to be the crew that he was capturing. I know it is hard enough to smile for the guy with the camera, and then to have someone extra standing there watching doesn't make it any more fun. So thank you again S family and Tom for letting me learn and grow. And to Tom for generously sending people my way this fall! An honor. Truly.
Every session becomes my favorite. And so currently...this is my favorite session. The joy is off the charts in these pictures. I really have no words.
So here is an overloaded final sneak peek of some of my favorites!
In the last year, I have been given the chance to capture these three adorable little ladies a few times! Each time is an adventure filled with cuteness. And each session I come home tired :) They are busy little ladies. But oh so adorable! And this round we met at an orchard to capture the new little three year old and the news that there is a fourth little one on the way! So we got some sister shots, captured the new to three little lady in her glory, and captured a few with mama's gorgeous little belly! It was a fun adventure!
When booking a photo session, sometimes, if your crew is little and busy...picking an activity, like the apple orchard makes the photo shoot less about sitting still and doing anything in particular. And instead you can slip in little pictures while they are busy exploring and snacking on apples! It is a challenge to capture those real and natural smiles. But when they are having fun and I get to be part of the adventure...then I am not just a stranger with a camera all up in their face blocking them from having fun! Well, there is still a little of that :)
Here are some of my favorites!
This little guy got bundled up and headed to the farm to meet me last weekend when it was only about 38 degrees. It. was. cold.
But! You can't tell from these pictures. This little guy smiled. He didn't complain a bit. His nose didn't even turn red! Mom and dad rolled up and we had him in and out of the van a few times for quick warm ups. It wasn't the typical relaxed session but, I love so many of the pictures! Thanks little guy for bringing the crew and being such a trooper on one chilly MN October morning!
October is here and fall family pictures are in full swing. It was so fun meeting this family of boys! These are three busy boys are full of life. I can tell that the journey ahead for these three brothers will be full of fun. And these parents are probably constantly going from one adventure to the next! We captured some nice family portraits and did some fun stunts along the way! Here are a bunch of my favorites!
"....Living in the moment
Living our life
Easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
With peace in my heart
Peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home
Living in the moment" - Jason Mraz
One chilly Saturday morning I got to meet the B family to capture them living in the moment. What an amazing little family with a whole lot of love. The looks and the cuddles came naturally and they definitely earned their hot cocoa at the end of the session! Here are a few of my favorites.
Love the look that daughter is giving dad. I give too many images when I do sessions like this. Some of the shots are very similar but the little looks and smiles can mean something different to mom and dad. So I like to include them and I know that can sometimes mean there are too many too pick from. But when we take time to capture candid moments the pictures aren't perfect everyone is smiling pictures. But they capture looks and feelings. Like this one.
And once again, so glad I got mom and dad!
Thanks B family! It was so fun to meet you!
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I started this adventure last fall and I remember asking Melissa if I could capture her family. I figured with little twin boys under the age of 2 and a big brother ...it would be a good test on whether I could do this photography thing! And I loved their pictures last year. This has been an incredible year and looking back I realize how much of last year was a blur. Now, I am realizing how much of a photo session is out of my hands. The weather, the leaf colors, the wind, the kids moods....it is all kind of a toss up. This crew was ready for fall but, they got a summer like day. The temps were beautiful. The kids were a year older and it was just so much fun to capture them again.
Here are too many of my favorites of this incredible family!
Mom told me this kid catches frogs EVERYWHERE....
....mom was right.
When you have three little boys and an airplane flies over ...well, all must stop to take in such a little joy!
If you know these boys you know they have books in their hands ALL the time. So I came prepared!
This dad tossed the highest last fall. And this time the out did themselves when little guy held a book during the toss.
Love this crew and so honored they returned!
I have missed the last couple weeks. Sadly, I fell behind on the 365 but am completely inspired by the ladies in this circle and am ready to jump back in! So here are a few of my end of September captures. And from here on out I will be shooting daily again. I am in the last week of my class with Kerry Varnum and am learning so much. And have spent many fabulous golden hours with lovely families capturing their now. I notice when I get busy shooting for other people I stop shooting for myself and I need to keep that in check. My love of photography stems from capturing my family and shooting daily has pushed me and helped me grow so much. So here are a few September shots and the entry of October. Don't forget to carry on with the circle to see some amazing photographers and their everyday eye!
That little lady, right there in the middle, is turning 1 this week. See how she is showing us! And her mama got us all together to capture their "now." It had been a while for the whole gang to be captured together. I love that she showing she is 1, because when they look at this picture, years from now, they will know that this picture was taken when she was turning 1.
We had a location picked out but, when I got there there was a huge party going on...so being the flexible and go with the flow crew that they are...we trekked just a wee bit farther to find this fall spot and it worked brilliantly! So here are a few of my favorites from our time together.
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Well, actually, this crew showed up one fall evening in late September ....and it was probably 80 degrees. So even though we captured their beautiful family in a perfectly fall spot, it felt like mid July! And I have so many favorites I am going to overshare a bit. I loved so many of the cuddly moments with mom and the tossing and romping moments with dad. We lured the boys into pictures with blocks and cars and captured boys being boys hunting for acorns, being tossed too high into the air, climbing railings, and being hung upside down. These two brothers have many adventures ahead of them and these two parents are completely ready to enjoy the ride! Thanks so much for a fun summer fall evening.
Got to change things up and capture another 2015 Senior. Such a different experience from the family sessions with little ones running to and fro. The focus is quite different during the Senior session. This guy was up for a ton and we hiked around capturing some different spots at a location in Shakopee. He naturally just hung out and I snapped as we went. I would love to capture a family in this location in the coming weeks. We'll see! Thanks Matt! Congrats! Enjoy this last year of High School!
Miss Bailey is quite the little almost two year old. Her smile is amazing, her spirit is spunky, and her energy knows no limits. She explored, was chased by mom and dad, ate ice cream, and ended the evening prancing freely in the most adorable little dress. Her parents watch her with such joy. They are so lucky to have each other. It was so much fun capturing their "now." Here are a few of my favorites.
Do you realize how amazing your real is?
I captured the image up above by shooting through their front window. Not the most clear of shots, but clearly shows a family doing their everyday "now". And at this stage of the game the fridge is covered in things that they are all proud of. Big brother is sipping a grape pop. Mom is feeding the littlest the bite sized pieces that are required at this stage of the game. Love this.
This family hired me to spend a couple hours to capture their real. They didn't want much direction, not any really. They wanted moments that happen. And looking through their pictures you can see that their life is full. Full of family, full of two little boys, and a great team of parents. We captured a few with Grandma and Grandpa, hung out around the house, made pizza, played a board game, shot hoops, and just hung out outside. Here is an over share of this super session with the S family!
...The day fell completely still
The dream was a lot like this
But I never knew until
He came to meet me....
- Hem
Meet Amy and Scott. Two people who recently decided to make it official and get married in the not too distant future. They don't have a ton of pictures together and decided that taking some engagement pictures would be a fun way to fill some frames. We planned their session so they could relax with each other in the outdoors at sunrise. Pup Esther would tag along for a bit. And a blanket that will go on many outdoor adventures with them in the journey ahead, along with a favorite game (the board made by Scott) would all set the stage to capture some great natural moments. Thanks Amy and Scott for waking early to catch the sunrise and let me capture you!
She makes the day brighter and leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes. -Kate Spade
This little girl turned one and she had this adorable dress and together they needed to be captured!
I have photographed her three times now in the last year and each time she stuns me with her eyes and her quiet shy smile. This time she was toddling around. Some kids go from not moving to running. She let me capture her toddle.
I would LOVE to know her on a happy day, in her own space, where I know her fierce little personality shines. But, I will take this quiet girl that shyly shares a few smiles, but her peaceful and calm looks are so fun to capture!
This little lady is as cute as a button. Well, actually, that phrase doesn't even make sense because she is WAY cuter than a button. But man, she is a doll. We spent a little time capturing her and her parents. So pretty! And then we had a cake adventure since this little gal is almost 1. So fun to capture cake smashes. And you never know how they are going to react. But this gal....well, she took on that cake and she definitely won! Here are just a few of my favorites. I may just have to share the whole gallery in the next day or two. It is one of my favorites!
These sweet sisters (and their amazing parents) met me one evening in September when the weather was just perfect. One of the most natural families I have met. They just explored and I followed along snapping moments that happened. They let me guide them occasionally too. But, finding families that love to just do their thing (with a wee bit of guidance so we find the best light and get everyone captured) is so much fun. These little ladies smelled flowers, played hide and seek amongst the corn stalk thingies, had a picnic, explored the farm, and chased the sunset at the end.
This next shot melts my heart.
The dress, the boots, the little adorable face, all so cute...but, those rolls are off the charts when it comes to cuteness.
What a fun evening H family! So good to meet you!
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"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." - F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
That first year of life is such an adventure. Every thing is new ...being set down in grass, falling leaves, crisp fall air, new tastes and touches, humid summer evenings, splashing in pools, and the freezing MN winters. So this little guy met me with his parents at a local farm for some family pictures on a perfect fall evening. And I can tell the coming weeks of pumpkin patches, leaf piles, stroller walks with blankets, and new adorable jeans and sweaters are going to make the fall of 2014 a memorable one for this family. I was so excited to meet them and capture a few of their first fall moments.
Here are a few of my favorites!
I captured these two little ladies last fall when I was just giving the photo shoot thing a try. They were my first official stranger shoot, haha, that sounds a tad funny. But everyone last fall to start out with was a friend or a friend of a friend. And so when I met these two ladies I started realizing that "this was turning into a real thing!" I was honored to have them return this fall and was in awe of how much both gorgeous girls had grown! We had a lovely little shoot at a local farm and the moments captured showed what great sisters they already are! Here are a whole slew of my favorites! I had so many favorites!
These two boys are my nephews. They are incredible. Their spirit and their energy. They come from two pretty awesome parents and today is their mama's birthday! Yep, it is my younger sister's birthday. And lame-O me doesn't have her act together to get something in the mail. And she was so gracious to make my birthday week so incredible...because we were up North for my birthday. And I got to share a cocktail with her. Watch our kids catch minnows. Fish for hours on the pontoon. Eat meals. Get crabby. Steal moments to chat. Laugh with our guys. Have wine with our mom. The week is our favorite. And this year she specifically asked me if she could book a session with me while we were up there. So one evening around sunset she got her crew cleaned up...but, their feet didn't stay clean for even 2 minutes. BUT, one thing about our week up north is that our feet are never very clean. So I know the feet pictures will mean the most. Here are a few favorites of my incredible sister and her amazing family. Happy Birthday, sister. Thanks for being so patient!
My boys start school tomorrow so they were home today to give her a big send off. Henry watched so closely as she settled in and we departed. I think he was digesting all of it, because tomorrow he goes for a full day and it will be a HUGE step for all of us.
When we got home she came to get her snack and she said, "It was good, mom."
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August 31: Two boys watching one dad give the other dad a wild ride!
Sept. 1 Farmer's market bouquet
Sept. 2 Little helper
Sept. 3 Finding her name
Sept. 4 Mom dropped her sunglasses....
Sept. 5 Showing her new teacher her first preschool piece of artwork
Sept. 6 oh. just a mermaid
Now don't forget to carry on to visit an amazing photographer, Summer Cates at Summer Cates Photography, to see what her heart and eye captured this week.
]]>I was really excited to get to get all the kiddos together to capture them with their grandparents (who do not look like grandparents AT. ALL.). So we hung out for an hour or so and captured some great moments. Here are a few of my favorites.
My favorite. I love the serious looks in this next one. Like everyone is soaking in this moment.
Here are a few of my captures.
Now continue on and visit Ally to see what her Minnesota heart and eye captured.
This little guy is master of the look to be sleeping like an old man...
but, then wakes himself up with his tiny arms and legs.
But, he nestled in and snoozed with daddy just peaceful as can be.
Yawn.
Mama cuddles.
Turning this image black and white doesn't completely make it less Viking (haha!).
I am thinking this is a scene that will be part of their new Sunday routine.
They have a beautiful backyard so we captured a few back there.
And we even caught a tiny little grin.
Such an honor to meet this little guy and spend time with them! Thank so much Mr. T and family!
My monitor was broken this week so I couldn't edit new pictures for the week so I am doing a Throwback week and sharing a few of my favorites from this winter/spring. I began this project as a way to document our family's year. I also wanted to make sure that I kept capturing our life since it is so easy to get caught up with editing other family's pictures. Joining this blog circle has inspired me to see life in new and creative ways. So here are a few favorites from January, February, and March.
And now continue on to check out what Mary captured with her heart and eye.
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I haven't done a lot of seniors. And when this family contacted me I am pretty sure I tried to talk them out of it. My kiddos are young and my love of photography has me with my knees in the dirt most often capturing chaos. Senior pictures are a bit more formal and posed. But I am so glad that they booked a session and trusted me to capture his senior "now." It was a lot of fun!
Newborn sessions always make me remember my first days as a parent. Clients are probably a little glad to see me wander away, glad to not hear about some of my first parenting memories. But I love hearing their stories and their journey and they light up talking about their new baby. So doing a senior had my mind seeing the end game...what we are working towards.
That moment above was captured towards the end of the evening when he reluctantly changed his shirt one last time. I stood back and realized that I am half way to this point with my oldest son and I hope and pray that when his senior pictures roll around...he will go along with it, let me help him button his shirt, let me stand back and try and make him smile, and take in and realize how fast 18 years go. I will stop rambling now.
Be proud mom and dad! You have done it! You have raised a handsome and kind young man! Thank you for the opportunity!
Here are a few of my favorites.
I met him one rainy night and spent an hour or two where he will call home. He is loved so gently by his mama.
He is also blessed to have such a cool older brother.
And a proud papa and two furry pups (who sat perfectly for the pictures!) - yes, dad and the pups did well for the pictures :)
Love how his little hand found it's way up to his daddy's thumb and held on.
And we ended the evening as the sun was setting on their cozy front porch.
This little guy is welcomed into this world by such a wonderful family and I was so lucky to have been the one to help capture their new now.
Things got crazy here and I missed posting last week. The summer days are flying by and I find that some days my camera is out and some days it is a last minute grab. So I have missed a couple days. But, connecting with these fabulous ladies has inspired me more than ever. Here are a few of my favorite captures from the last week.
August 17 ----- lost his first tooth = ready for first grade
August 18 ----Cousins in summer
August 19 ----Independent onion ring ordering
August 20 Garage sale bag of junk turned little girl's jewelry store is open for business
August 21----mama getting better at braids one day at a time
August 22 ----early morning painting with braids that barely made it through the night
August 22---- Bucket of berries
August 23 ----a boy in the berry patch <3
Don't forget to carry on with the blog circle to see what Kim's heart captured from her everyday this week.
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And this little person is an adorable little baby girl who is so loved by her parents and so many friends and family.
Babies change your life. All of a sudden you are a mama and daddy. Your time is now ruled by this little bug that eats and sleeps and opens her eyes and new parents will be amazed at how hours can pass and ALL you did was sit and gaze at this little thing that has rocked your world to it's core. And, if this happens, you are doing just what you are supposed to be.
snuggling, gazing, cuddling, and losing yourself in this tiny thing.
The tiny only lasts for a bit. And then they stretch and wake and get a wee bit louder and much more demanding.
And the team you become as you conquer each unknown moment and find confidence in knowing her noises and needs is amazing.
Shea and Chase, congratulations. Lose yourself in her. She is amazing.
It amazes me how each family that finds me and gives me the chance to capture them becomes my favorite. It was hard to pick a few favorites to share because every expression she made is a keeper! But, here are a couple to brighten this somewhat gloomy Thursday!
....he is now a big brother! He has a itty bitty little sister, Claire.
And now they are a happy family of 4!
One of my favorite captures is the one below. Little sis...but can you spot big brother...love that little hand.
This is mom's view these days. Peaceful and content this daughter of hers is.
Her arms are full and so is her heart.
Big stretches.
Proud dad.
Big brother's moment. Love her little foot up by his cheek. melt.
And then we of course captured the big guy with each of his parents!
And then back to Miss Claire. I come with a bin of blankets and things. But, my goal is always to use what is important and meaningful to the family. Mama had this blanket out for the pictures. It was hers when she was a baby. Love that.
So many more captured for this family. But these were some of my favorites.
Congratulations to all! And thank you so much for the opportunity to capture the beauty of your now! Such an incredible time!
Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one." Jane Howard, "Families"
And more importantly you need to take time and spend it together. This crew all travelled from afar to rent a lake house in my neck of the woods. And they spent a week letting cousins hang out and make memories. There was lots of laughter and I could tell that their week was filled with adventures, smiles, and memory making. They are lucky to have each other and I was so honored to have the opportunity to capture their fun loving crew. I haven't done too many big groups so I was a tad nervous to get them all in a picture. But their easy going natural personalities made it so easy and I am really excited for them to see what we got! Here are a few of my favorites from my time with them! Thanks again, Toni, your family is so lucky to have you in their life. It takes someone to make the plan and make it happen and you made this happen!
August 4
August 5
August 6
August 7
August 8A
August 9
Now go visit Jen's blog to see what her heart captured this week!
]]>And as you can see, this family is bursting with joy. Miss Josie, a tad serious yet, but definitely content being loved up and cuddled. She reminds me of a doll in so many of these pictures! We have family pictures scheduled in September and I look at Mama Anna in these and hope that I can be captured showing this much joy being surrounded by my family. Just love it. You are one beautiful mama! So here are a few of my favorites from a short sweet session in their yard :)
Don't forget to follow the link at the end to follow the blog circle and get a glimpse of what other photographers were capturing in July.
Now go check out Laura Acton's captures in July!
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....these little toes now belong to a one year old!
And so we snapped up a whole bunch of her and her sisters! And even got mom and dad in a few!
When you come to do a session with Sarah Ann Photography, you best come ready to be in a few pictures! I will suggest, encourage, and beg if needed! I just had to suggest and I am so glad we took the time to visit this spot and get the whole family! I think they will love this incredible evidence that they have one beautiful family!
Thanks W family! It was so fun to meet you!
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These two are now officially parents! Baby arrived and I will meet her soon enough! Luckily, we captured mama's gorgeous bump before it was too late.
It was a new challenge for me and I loved it. So much fun to work with these two! So gorgeous and so natural!
A maternity session can be considered a full family session or you can do the mini-milestone add on when booking a newborn session with me. Anytime between 33 and 37 weeks is a great time to capture your bump.
I have shared less lately but have been continuing to capture daily moments, losing steam maybe or worried I share too much on Facebook. Part of this photography business journey has been very isolating. I am so thankful for the Facebook interaction because, though the shoots allow for face to face interaction...there is a lot of editing time where I am at the computer, alone. There hasn't been a lot of collaboration or any coworkers. And my past teaching experience and even my stay at home mom adventure has always allowed for incredible collaboration and community. So when a recent connection led me to this opportunity to link up to other photographers challenging themselves with a 365 project, I got pretty giddy! I am excited to see what others are doing for their projects. I am inspired to try sharing my 365 project on a weekly basis and less on a daily basis. So here is my first week of taking part in this new 365 blog circle. Check out my weekly captures and then continue the journey by clicking on the next photographers link at the bottom of my post!
The week of July 27-August 2
July 27 - Home from a week where my morning coffee happened here.
July 28 - summer slide is a reality... even with library books by the basketful
July 29 - A reminder that it is the little things that can bring such joy to our children
July 30 - Getting in the picture
July 31 - Her "I can do it just like my brothers attitude" gives my heart a workout.
August 1 - weekend gardening in Wisconsin
August 2 - Her garden treasure
Now head over here to see the everyday moments that Cindy found beautiful all the way over in Sydney, Australia this week....to continue the 365 blog circle!
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One of my favorite parts of this journey this past year has been the chance to capture little ones as they grow! Returning families mean SO much to me. They have had a huge impact on this experience. And Miss E is one of them. I met her when she was just days old. Her mama was trusting enough to hire me back when I was just starting out and trying to build my newborn lifestyle at home session experience. They have returned at three months, and now 6 months. It has been so fun to watch her become more of a little person!
Sadly, Miss E's big pups weren't along for the session. I have loved working them into their pictures. Maybe next time :)
Milestone mini sessions are short and sweet and capture the little things that baby is learning and changing. Toes are getting bigger, but are now instant entertainment (or a distraction!).
Miss E has been my favorite little girl to have staring contests with. Next session I hope to get her giggling! But man, she is gorgeous with those enormous blue eyes that will always blink AFTER my camera clicks. Love that!
Favorite things to capture...natural loving mama daughter moments.
Thank you so much Kelly and Aaron for the chance to watch your little beauty grow!
I am pondering adding a mini- milestone option for past the age of 1. I know there are parents that like to continue capturing the little changes or milestones! This opportunity would continue to be short and sweet and focus on one child (however, others can be in the picture since my style is candid) So stay tuned for this opportunity! Or contact me with your ideas and we can customize a session to meet your needs!
Also, as fall grows near the days grow shorter and the sunsets earlier. It becomes a little trickier to do evening shoots. So please, if you are hoping for a fall session, don't wait to contact me. I am already starting to book in October!
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My favorite thing to capture are natural moments that tell the story of a family's now. And we had to go natural with this crew because the new to 2 little guy did not really want to do anything that his mom and I had in mind. If we wanted him to sit at the top of the slide he slid down. If we wanted him to sit on the blanket he ran to the deck. And his big brother and sister were great helps and so patient when we kept telling them how to move so we could get them all in the shot. When I left I am sure mom got them tucked into bed, put her feet up, and wondered what would come of what seemed like such chaos. And THIS is one of my favorite parts about this experience. Leaving their house, coming home, and then being so excited to share what I captured with mom and dad.
Moments like these, that we didn't even realize happened because they lasted only seconds before someone was climbing up or down.
While big sis waited for mom to grab things for the little guy, I called her name and said "give me a smile" and YAY! We capture this gorgeous gal!
And hello handsome! Bet mom didn't know I got this one!
Because this guy made us crazy! He is so lucky that he is so cute!
He is two. A big boy now, but still so small.
It was time to take a walk to their favorite little creek to toss rocks, one of the littlest guy's favorite thing to do these days, and so I was trying to get this young man to join us. But his sister explained that once he is reading a book there is no stopping him.
And then this grasshopper landed on her leg and her brother explained that she normally doesn't let bugs sit on her! I love hearing siblings describe each other. They really do know each other so well.
And here are a few more of my favorites.
Thanks Erin and Dan for letting me capture your trio! What a wonderful family you have!
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And I am right beside you
More than just a partner or a lover
I'm your friend" -Jason Mraz, When you Love Someone
These two are the proud parents to...
....these two adorable little ladies who will be friends for life. Sisters <3
Capturing this family was such a fun summer evening! Adorable daughters loved by two relaxed parents. Throw in some flowers and some setting sun and I think they have themselves a gallery of love.
This past spring Megan won the free mother's day mini session and when she wanted to book a summer session with the whole family, I was excited to get dad in the picture too. And I don't think dad realized how many beautiful moments we captured so quickly! When he got out of the car I noticed his arms were covered in beautiful art, but then he put on a handsome shirt...midshoot, I asked if he wanted to get those arms in a few pictures. I am so glad I did. Some of my favorite images of all time.
A beautiful family captured on a beautiful summer evening. Doesn't get much better than that!
Thanks Megan, Elliot, and little ladies!
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Thank you, Nicole and Cory! Enjoy the rest of your summer adventures! You have a beautiful family!
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Well, now he is....
He is getting big, but his toes are still scrumptious.
And his parents are looking vibrant, happy, and well rested! Could he be sleeping through the night....
I was honored to be invited to come and capture his special day! So we did a few posed pictures and then I captured some of the moments of his day. He had special family visiting from out of state who flew in for this big event!
And then they had cake! It is always a mystery what these little people are going to do when given a cake! Some cry with all the attention, some only nibble the frosting, and some squeal and smash, and some get serious and devour it....
And you can tell his dad was loving up the mess!
So they dunked him in the sink!
He played a bit to burn off some of that cake sugar!
And then he got a little cuddle with mom before nap. The wonderful thing about one year olds...they are still very much little cuddle bugs.
But nap did not happen....so he got cuddled some more...
And hung out with Grandpa!
Happy Birthday, Connor! You were celebrated! You are loved! And before you know it you will be two!
While "up North" for a holiday weekend I got to capture this incredible dad and his two gorgeous daughters.....and their favorite pup, Abbey.
When I saw these pictures, I thought of this quote:
A Father dosen't tell you that he loves you.
He shows you.
- Demitri The Stoneheart
You can see he shows it in the looks captured on all their faces.
And we threw in a few cousin moments captured.
So fun to take this photography business on the road. A special place for this crew and a special place to me! And, the opportunity to find a new location without a lot of scouting keeps me challenged and fresh.
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Miss Ayla, surrounded by her happy family, came for a quick 2 year old session to capture the adorable little lady that she is right now. Since it was going to rain the night she was supposed to meet me, her mama was amazing and last minute took a later time slot on a beautiful evening. Though, I don't doubt that if we had shot in the rain this girl would be glowing, she is gorgeous.
When people contact me to capture their "now" and they want it outdoors, I try really hard to encourage a later evening summer time slot. The hour or two before sunset is called "golden hour" to photographers. The sun can bring so much to your pictures. When you disrupt bedtime just a tad and you make it fun...man is it worth it! Just look at the light! And look at this little gal!
The hour or two before sunset is the most magical time for light. I haven't been able to convince too many families to start their shoot at 7:30 like this family. Which I TOTALLY get. Bedtime is sacred around these parts too. BUT, it is something to ponder shaking up just once. This little gal did great and I don't think mom and dad will regret it after seeing how their little girl was captured in all her beauty. I hear that August will be a great month for golden hour summer photographs! Let's capture your family fishing, eating watermelon, reading, playing gold fish, building a sandcastle in the sand, exploring a garden of flowers, taking a canoe ride, eating ice cream, having a picnic dinner, or whatever else is your family's "thing"!
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"Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole!"
- Roger Caras
Last week the most lovely summer evening happened and I was scheduled to hang out with this lovely lady and her pup, Trigger. I don't shoot dogs all that often, since we don't have one ourselves. But these four legged friends are such treasured members of people's families and take up significant space in their hearts. And Trigger is loved by this gal. And capturing them in moments, enjoying each other, was such a fun adventure. Here are a few of my favorites!
When families bring along their four legged family members to incorporate into their family sessions, the most natural smiles are often captured. These four legged friends bring out so much joy!
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One summer evening I met this mama and her youngest of three girls. I told her how I got a tad teary driving to meet her because, when you have three kids it is hard to get that one on one time with each one. And to have that one on one time to capture her at 18 months seemed so special to me. So Miss Lily got some time in front of my camera. And she was pretty serious, but squeaked out a few smiles when we got bubbles and mama's sunglasses in the picture. Here are a few favorites from our session.
I have been offering mini milestone sessions for newborn families during that first year of life. But, I am so glad that clients aren't hesitating to ask for a customized session to capture their individual kiddos at 18 months or 2 etc. If you don't see a session that fits your needs on my investment page, please inquire and let me know what you are hoping to have captured.
Big sis and Big brother are so excited to introduce the newest little superhero to this amazing family!
Mr. Matthew!
Big Brother and Big sister have become favorite friends of ours this school year. Carpooling bonded them and I learned that Mr. Will LOVES both hockey and dressing up in superhero costumes. Many mornings I was thrilled to get to see various heroes. So going to take this crew's pictures, I had this idea in my head! And I love it. Mom and dad probably thought I was crazy when I asked him to go get his mask. But look how cute!
"Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a super hero." Marc Brown
Such a gift to meet this new little guy and capture him for his mom! Congrats E family! So happy for you!
Whenever we go "up north" to my husband's hometown the time flies because we are having so much fun. But it also slows down because I get to breathe, relax, and enjoy family time without the to do lists, house stuff, and life that keeps us going, going, going. We get a break from our house and easily feel at home at Grandma Charlie's house.
As a parent I have always had this tiny stress that I wouldn't be able to build traditions that our children would always remember. And as I have become a more veteran parent I am realizing that traditions often happen on their own. Some traditions can be for a stage in their growing up journey and may change or fade ...but will still be remembered (how we do bedtime, bath time, where we sit at dinner or our after school routine). And some traditions are the big things (holidays, extended family, trips, birthdays, first/last days of school etc.) Realizing that traditions often start naturally and only have to be acknowledged and loved has been a huge relief, no longer do I lay awake worried they won't look back and remember our family traditions.
One tradition is an easy one to share...Every year since Charley was born we have trekked up north for a small town Fourth of July. And each year is a little different as new little people are added to the mix...
My children now look forward to the cousin time, grandma's pancakes, fishing, walks to the park, playing in the woods, candy at the parade, s'mores on the fire, beach time at Lake Superior, ice cream before the fireworks, and SO much more. For this month's blog circle I focused on sharing moments in collages. My love of photography is grounded on capturing moments and often one picture doesn't always capture or tell the story. Sometimes pictures build off of each other...probably why clients often feel a tad overwhelmed when they get their gallery from me...because, I love telling stories and sharing pictures that build off of each other which often means larger galleries when their session is planned as a storytelling adventure. So here is a glimpse of our Fourth of July weekend story.
Fishing...
Parade....
Below is the parade pout that Sydney mastered when we wouldn't let her eat the candy.
Playtime at Grandma's house with cousins
Don't forget to continue on with the photography circle and visit Denise Button's blog, a photographer from Michigan, to see what she has been capturing! And once again, I am so grateful for this journey that I would not be on without the support of friends, family, clients, and strangers that hire me, like my pictures, comment, and send thoughts that put a skip in my step and another reason to keep snapping up moments!
]]>This little lady arrived just three months ago and she has already wiggled her wee self into her mama and daddy's hearts.
When I showed up she was napping. But when she woke up she flashed her deep blue eyes and we captured her many looks. Her "now" is spent in her mom and dad's arms, chilling in her cute nursery, enjoying bottles, swinging, and....
Belly!
....and when I left them she was napping on dad's chest.
The first year is such an overwhelming year of growth. They become their own little person with each day that passes. I loved capturing Miss Elliana at this precious and fleeting stage.
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Lately, I have been capturing a lot of little 1 year olds outside in the grass, on bridges, or on cute blankets. And we try to keep the sessions as natural and real as possible, but there ultimately is still the desire to get the looking at the camera shot perfectly posed on the bridge. The little one is herded into their spot and we have to move quickly before they are "done." But, recently Miss Reese's mom hired me to come to their home to capture her "now" at one. I was excited to get back to the natural and laid back more lifestyle shoot. Where we capture her doing her thing without the rush or the constraints of a bridge or a blanket.
Miss Reese is turning 1 this week and her mama is going with the UNO theme for her upcoming party. So we incorporated that into the pictures. She is verging on walking, and with a week passing, I could only imagine that she is doing it independently now. But one of my favorite shots from the shoot was this one.
Which eventually leads to this position :)
But she still uses this mode of transportation quite often! It's reliable and fast!
Rocking on her owl brought out big smiles.
Looking at books in her big girl room makes me sigh.
And capturing all of them smiling and playing is my favorite!
At UNO she is loved so much by her parents.
At home sessions mean we can capture lots of different family moments. We even threw in a little practice cake smash and this girl rocked it!
Another favorite shot...when dad took the cake away!
But then my new favorite post cake smash moments happen....
...in the sink!
Curious sink bather with eye lashes!
And one of their favorite games to play at this stage of her "now".
At home sessions give way to family portraits that aren't your typical everyone is sitting and looking at the camera...but, rather they capture moments where authentic and real love for these everyday moments happen. The ones that you are so immersed in that you don't get to be in the pictures because you are busy savoring them or trying to snap the picture yourself.
"Photography takes an instant of time, altering life by holding it still." Dorthea Lange
And this is what I love about lifestyle at home sessions...the real and the details that will bring back so many memories in the future.
Such a fun morning spent this with this soon to be one year old....and the overwhelming reality that these parents are probably feeling....
before they know it....she will be 2!
I recently was asked to capture the phenomenal party decorating skill that Michelle and Stacey, with All the Rage Decor, are able to provide for people. What they do is an art. I was simply overwhelmed and in awe of how they took this already quaint location and turned it into a spectacular Western Themed party. All the Rage also rents out these items, and many other themed items, for people who want to add a little pizazz to their party (graduation, birthday, work, girls night out, family reunion, and so much more)! Here are a few pictures from my time with them.
So check out http://www.alltheragedecor.com if you are throwing a party and are missing a few key decorating pieces, want to make it that much more spectacular, or especially, if you want someone to take care of the decorating so you can focus on your guests! Because All the Rage does an amazing job!
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I met this little girl on New Years day this year! She was only a few days old.
She is surrounded by these amazing people.
And her gallery makes me sigh. I really have no words for how cute she is.
So blessed they came into my life when I was just starting this photography journey. I remember tossing and turning MANY nights worrying that I wasn't ready to take someone's newborn pictures. Now I have gotten to capture her three times during this amazing year. And she just keeps getting cuter and cuter. Seriously, her little lips, smile, eyes, and eye lashes. Throw in there a laid back family and some adorable brothers. And it leaves me speechless. Here are a few of my favorites!
Thank you Adam, Sarah, and crew!
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Recently, I spent a summer evening with these fun kiddos (and some hungry mosquitos)!
We captured them together.
And then we captured them as they are now. Someone asked me once what their "now" could be with their older kids. Every age has a "now." You just have to step back and look at your family and your small crew and realize the awesome of this stage. For Mr. Oscar it is riding his favorite dinosaur toy!
For Miss Elly it is her American Girl doll!
And for an upcoming middle schooler it is getting lost in her kindle. She is a reader!
Right now they are sisters to each other.
And they are big sisters to an awesome little brother.
And mom was there spraying bug spray so we grabbed her for a couple too!
Summer evenings are a perfect time to hang out with the mosquitoes and capture brothers and sisters, at all ages, doing what they love...
right. NOW.
“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.”
– Marianne Williamson
Meeting this mama who is completely smitten with her little lady Rayna proved once again how much joy these little people give us parents!
This mama and daughter were so easy to capture with their genuine love and happiness just being together.
These are the moments I love to capture. The ones where they are absorbed in each other and not worried about me and my clicking camera.
And capturing a few of these itty bitty ruffles is mighty fun too :)
This was her first experience with bubbles and she was pretty unimpressed. Which proves....
....the happy that a mama brings out is far more incredible!
Once again, getting mom in the picture is a favorite of mine! Inquire for the summer mama mini session or full session discount opportunities!
“To be in your children’s memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today.” – Barbara Johnson
One of my favorite things to capture are moments between parents and children. So often mom and dad are holding the camera or are quickly snapping a blurry picture with their phone. So when parents book a newborn session with Sarah Ann Photography they are given the chance to also book as many short and sweet sessions throughout the first year of life to capture some of the beautiful and overwhelming changes that occur with their little people during those first 12 months. And I take advantage of these mini milestones to encourage mom and dad to get in there with them. They are an incredible part of their lives and looking back at pictures and seeing yourself in them will be priceless.
I always tell parents to come prepared to be in the picture. Because the reality of this first year....mom and dad are never far.
And so even though we also try and capture the star of show, independent and as they are right now...and for Mr. Garrett...that means SUPER smiley and SUPER happy. We also capture them with mom and dad.
This little guy's mini milestone shoot last night took approximately 20 short, sweet, and smiley minutes. He was so happy! And we got so many adorable little captures.
Thanks again, Meghan and Aaron! You have one handsome little man!
Here is my favorite image from their gallery!
One of my favorite things to capture are loving moments between mothers and their children. Too often mamas are the ones carrying and holding the camera. Or we find ourselves avoiding the camera, not feeling ready for a picture So when this mama and her two girls booked a relaxed Sunday evening girl time adventure with me and my camera, I was excited! We visited a new location that I am so excited about.
They are a snuggly threesome and tender moments were captured of this mama and each of her girls!
I think the pictures we captured will forever be a gift of this busy time but also this precious fleeting time that is passing by so fast! Little sisters who are growing and learning the gift they have been given. And for this mama, she can see what a beautiful now she is part of!
Thanks ladies! All three of you!
]]>Skipping and a jumping
In the misty morning fog with
Our, our hearts a-thumping
And you, my brown-eyed girl,
You, my brown-eyed girl."
-Van Morrison
This song could be written for this family....
One Sunday morning, this brown-eyed crew walked up for a little photo adventure. Their little guy turned one recently, which inspired mom to book a session.
A boy and his balloon....life doesn't get much better than that!
Well toss in a brown-eyed babe and you know the pictures are going to be adorable!
Just look at these two. Lifelong gifts to each other!
We hung out on the bridge...on blankets, eating snacks, looking at the water, and looking at books.
Then we hung out playing in the grass with bubbles and balls and mom and dad!
This outdoor loving, brown eyed family embraced the dew covered grass and enjoyed a family adventure and I was so honored to be there to capture their now. I have no idea how mom is going to pick, because this is just a handful from their gallery.
Family lifestyle sessions can be done at your home or at a location of your choice. Sessions are relaxed and fun. We don't rush or stress if everyone isn't looking at the camera. Instead, you enjoy each other, with a little guidance from me on where to hang out and where the best light is. The kids can forget I am there and the moments captured will be frozen forever! P.S. We will throw in some posed moments too, because I always love the challenge of getting everyone looking my way :) Summer sessions are filling up fast! So if you are at all considering a summer session, contact me now! Let's capture your now.
This is a big week in our household. Our guy Henry went to half day kindergarten last year. And this week, without knowing a friend, he excitedly said he wanted to do the weeklong, 9-3:30, science camp that Charley has done the last two years. We packed his lunch and today both boys are away. ALL. DAY. LONG. So when Syd and I drove away....
....and we stopped at the bank which gave me a chance to safely capture the reality that will happen fall of 2014! Coming this fall it will be time for some serious mother and daughter time. So this week is kind of like a preview. A reminder to relish the next couple months when all three are underfoot, often driving me nuts :) So, as we climbed into the car, Miss Syd asked if we could go get a donut. And so off we went.
Maybe she gets the stomach turning realization that Henry is growing up and going to go off...and her afternoon permanent playdate, isn't going to always be there. Who am I kidding...this was probably more likely the face boycotting the camera in her face.
Last week I made a major upgrade to my camera and lens collection! So these were taken with both new items and I have fallen in love! And participating in this blog circle gives me a chance to do exactly what I love to do and how I fell in love with photography. I LOVE telling stories with photographs.
Each month I am lucky enough to take part in a blog circle with a handful of amazing photographers from around the country. You can follow this link to visit Emily Hutson Photography from Michigan and then continue on to the next in the circle!
]]>My only sunshine.
You make me happy,
when skies are gray.....
Just a week ago I met this little lady on a rainy Sunday morning. She recently became a big sister to her little sister Lila. Her little sister was long awaited. Everyone was very patient, but also anxious for her arrival. She threw her mama a curve ball with some of her pregnancy shenanigans. So I know she is a treasure to all who know and love her already.
One of my favorite things about at home newborn sessions is the relaxed atmosphere that offers up incredible sibling shot opportunities.
And just when big sis is starting to ponder the photo session thing and is growing tired.....she can go off with dad and take a break!
And then mom and I can focus on capturing some of just Miss Lila and her mom. Each home offers up unique lighting and spaces to capture these first days of life moments. But all of them are natural and authentic, in mom or dad's arms. The backdrop baby's nursery or home. All things you will look back on someday and relish.
An at home session lasts 2-3 hours because while mama takes a break to feed and/or change baby....I spend a little time with big sis. Letting her show me her special space, toys, or tricks. Miss C showed me her room, played hide and seek, danced, read a book with dad, and looked at her baby picture book.
Then everyone can come together for a few as a whole crew! The new normal in this house!
And though the dads are never that thrilled for these photo sessions...the pictures captured of dad are always the ones that tug at your heart!
Once again, I just fall in love with these people who let me into their lives for a few hours. They share their space. They share their stories. Their children open up and giggle and laugh. And then I spend hours gazing at their pictures and get so excited to share them with the family.
Kelly and Brent you have two magical little ladies to love up! I don't doubt they will cause some drama down the line....but, goodness are they adorable and such gifts to each other. Treasure them! Thank you for letting me capture your family of three turn into four.
Just. like. that.
I met this family 9 months ago and found this little girl to be so adorable.
This was my favorite picture from her shoot at 9 months.
Her little hands, her little lips, and that intense 9 month stare down.
When we met recently and she was checking out the little river from the bridge....well, there were those hands and now there was a 1 year old staring back at me.
This little cupcake is part of this incredible little family!
They love her dearly and show her with kisses and hugs and smiles.
This little cupcake is still crawling a lot, but she is faster!
And it won't be long before she is strutting her cute one year old self all over this big, big world. This is their now.
And her crafty mama made this adorable sign that sums up Miss Adelynn at one. How cute is that!
One year young and a lifetime of adventures ahead! Thanks for letting me watch her grow and capture her along the way!
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This little peanut girl turned 6 months and I was so happy to capture her at this adorable stage!
The cuddles she gets with mom are precious.
And the giggles that erupt when dad has her are incredible!
Whether she was being held by one or both, this little girl is loved. You can tell by how they naturally just grabbed her toes.
I am so excited to share their gallery with them. Such adorable moments captured with this family of three. Many thanks for letting me be the one to snap them up for you!
What an incredible now that this family is embracing.
Summer evenings make for perfect family sessions! The calendar is filling up. If you are pondering having a family session, please do contact me soon! Let's freeze your now for keeps!
]]>My only sunshine.
You make me happy,
When skies are gray...."
Another new family crossed my path recently, and we spent one of the first hot, sunny, and humid evenings together. But I don't doubt that if we had been handed a gray and cloudy evening their smiles would have been all the sunshine needed. But a gorgeous evening we were given, and a preview of summer was had, which will arrive May 29th for our house. School gets out a tad earlier this year! So seeing these three with bare feet, big smiles, sun kissed cheeks...reminded me of what is ahead.
I began this photography journey last fall, when things were already starting to cool down. Colors were changing and a few families even had to bundle up in winter jackets. Tonight's session makes me so excited for the summer possibilities. I love that one with Cole waving. But I love this one too where he is gazing up at daddy!
Too many pictures that I loved. So here are a few of my favorites!
dimple.
Laughter!
stunning blue eyes!
daddy moments
little feet
brothers
mama moments
Thank you, Renee and Greg, you have a beautiful family. I was honored to capture you!
Summer is coming! Or maybe it has finally arrived and committed to giving us some consistent and amazing weather! If you or someone you know is interested in a summer session, please don't hesitate to contact me early. Weekend availability is filling up but, there are plenty of evenings when the light is golden and the natural and real moments to be captured are plentiful! There have been a few small changes on my investment page. Returning families, within a years time, can upgrade to receiving all edited images at no cost as a thank you! (This does not include mini sessions)
Enjoy your Memorial day weekend! And thanks again for supporting Sarah Ann Photography!
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This time around dad didn't get to be in the pictures. He was at home, ready to do the bedtime thing when mama got home with these three busy boys! I do hope she got to put her feet up when she got home. Dads are usually the ones who drag their feet the most when it comes to family photo sessions...so if you are a dad, book one of these for your wife and kiddos and you are good to go! :)
When I threw out the Mother's day mini session opportunity, Nicole emailed me and I was so excited! It is always such a gift to have a family return for more pictures!
This was meant to be a short and sweet mini-session...a challenge for me because I like to make sure I get enough shots and then have so much trouble narrowing down the gallery to a size that isn't overwhelming to the parents. Once again, 20-30 minutes proved plenty of time for so much fun and so many moment to be captured.
The Mother's day mini session date had to change because Mother nature was moody and gave us a cold rainy night the first round. I chatted with Nicole about how rescheduling was tricky with mini sessions and maybe I wouldn't do these again. But, once I got home and got to see what I captured...every mama should take advantage of this. And I may have to do it again sooner than later! Let me know if you are interested! Getting in the picture with your kiddos is priceless! And being able to get in a not blurry picture with them, with coordinating outfits, makeup on, and your hair done....well, that is just a bonus! I will definitely, do more mini sessions for moms! And of course, I can't wait to finish up the ones from this round!
"It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving."
- Mother Teresa
Last week I was given another new photography experience. A local elementary school had a group of amazing students who worked together to gather over 50 peers and parents to donate their hair for the Locks of Love organization. I was asked to capture some of the moments of the day. The emotions were incredible. The little people that gave were inspiring. Here are a few of the images captured!
And here they are shown to music!
"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."
-Winston Churchill
What an amazing opportunity to capture and witness these young people already making a life out of giving from their hearts so graciously and all of their friends and family cheering them on. I don't doubt that next year they will double the number donating!
]]>It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place...
I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them."
-Elliott Erwitt
When I began capturing people outside of my own family last fall, I noticed that I stopped picking up my camera to snap pictures of my own small tribe. This realization made me sad. When New Years rolled around I decided 2014 would begin with only one resolution. I was going to begin a 365 photo project. A low key and relaxed one. I would challenge myself to continue capturing my everyday life each day. This could mean taking a picture, editing a picture, or trying a new photography technique and coming up empty handed. But, I would not stop capturing my everyday life.
Four months in and I am loving this project. I have had a few lulls and quiet spells. But last month I printed off my first three months of pictures and have loved updating my frames and nooks in my house with these everyday images. Last month I witnessed several amazing photographers share parts of their everyday captures in a blog circle. A blog circle is a chance to link up to other photographers and see their world through their lens and then move to another photogs captures. I showed interest and was excited to be invited into the circle. So nervously, this month I am sharing a few of my favorite images that I have taken these first 4 months of my 365 photo project. I am always looking for inspiration to keep learning and shooting. I can't wait to see how this experience impacts my photography journey!
Carrying your camera can provide an opportunity to snap up everyday moments that seem so ordinary, but later you will realize how extraordinary those small, simple, everyday captures can be.
To see how other photographers see the world, continue on with Tess Ware's lovely blog.
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Their family of three was now four! She became a big sister! And I was so excited to be the one to capture their new NOW.
I was a tad nervous since dad was surprising mom (dad of the year award) and my style involves mom being in pictures and after giving birth I want to know that mom is on board, but how everything happened just was so natural and real. If they had been perfectly ready when I arrived, I wouldn't have been able to capture this story...starting with dad getting big sis dressed and mama putting in pig tails.
And then I got to meet this little fellow! Who was so chill and relaxed. Newborn sessions with Sarah Ann Photography mean you get to stay home and not feel the pressure of getting all perfect and being somewhere on time. You get to go with your new flow and I come to you. We capture the new little person in their natural setting. Surrounded by those they love, immersed in their new world, with a backdrop of their home.
Siblings get to be there. We work everyone into the moments and capture the feelings and new realities of the family's life.
We capture dad twirling his daughter while cuddling his son.
We capture all the tiny and so much more!
You can get a glimpse of what the real looks like when you get your gallery of pictures! No longer will dad be "off duty" when mama is "on duty" because now there are two little people who will be craving attention. And until they can both be plopped in the bath, these two will no longer be tag teaming, but trading to make sure both little ones get what they need! But often, all in the same room, enjoying the moments, together.
I just love the focus on baby with little sis busy in the background.
And family story time with little brother right there along for the ride.
Not sure if mama noticed this moment, but I did. While reading daughter naturally reached up and just placed that little hand on her shoulder.
Sigh. Just love it. Along with the crown, sparkle shoes....and there he is, little brother calm and quiet because he hears all the voices he has been hearing these last 9 months.
There is time to be silly!
And show muscles...but look at the joy on mama's face back there! LOVE!
While mama and son went to nurse, I got to hang out with big sis! So we captured her doing her thing! Piano, princesseses, and more!
And when little brother appeared again, we snapped up more of his wee little self. His lip just slays me. It is soooo adorable!
3 + 1 = 4
A happy and cozy family of four! I am so honored to have been invited in to capture this special time in their life.
If you know someone who is adding a new little person or hasn't had their "now" captured, send them my way. I LOVE capturing feelings, moments, and the beauty in the extraordinary moments that are your real life. Newborn sessions are best scheduled during the first 10 days of the new little one's life. Sessions last 2-3 hours to give time for rocking, feeding, changing, and rests. Parents and siblings are very much a part of the session.
Summer is a busy time! If you are expecting, don't wait to contact me! Let's get your due date on the calendar now!
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These lovely ladies spent a wee amount of time with me at a local park this past weekend.
My goal was to capture the lovely Mama Megan with her little ladies. They read and explored the dock.
The littlest lady sucked her fingers JUST like my Sydney did at her age. Made my heart ache just watching. I look back now and wish I had more pictures of her doing this. I know I have plenty, but so often we are reaching and pulling our little ones hands and trying to place them just right for pictures, but I am realizing when I do these photo shoots that hands show so much of who people are and the relationships they have. Hands connect people with where they rest and show such affection when they hold on. Look at sister grabbing so tight to mama's pants.
Look at mom's hands holding tight to the two little loves of her life.
And how naturally mama's hand fell onto her daughters.
I have never been so aware of hands in pictures, until I have started taking pictures of other people's relationships. And I am more and more amazed at the impact hands have in a picture.
Thanks Megan and beautiful little girls for a lovely Sunday evening adventure.
]]>His mom wanted some updated pictures of this kid in his three year old awesomeness. So we had him pose a bit!
And we captured him reading with mom. This little man has big time adventures ahead of him this May. They are moving. They aren't moving too far...but, everything he thinks he knows about his home is going to change. And it is going to be an exciting adventure. But he will quickly learn, that a family's house is just the building that keeps them safe and warm. Their home is where mom reads story and where dad plays knee hockey.
So I fast talked mama into doing his shoot at home and throwing everyone into the mix so they had a few pictures from the place where they built this family.
Andrew will see that his big sister and big brother will still be his closest neighbors.
but when you look back, everything is different..."
-C.S. Lewis
Just three months ago this adorable family came into my life. We captured their wee daughter just days old.
Now this young lady is a beautiful 3 month old!
Strawberry blond hair is sprouting and blue eyes that could win a stare down with the best.
She is becoming more aware of these massive pups that were always close by while we were capturing her "now".
Milestone mini sessions are an options that newborn family clients can take advantage of during the first year of their little one's life. I can come to you or we can meet at a location of your choice, as often as you would like during that first year of life for a wee $90 per session. This allows you to capture the many milestones and changes that happen! Think 3, 6, 9 month moments, bath time, meal time, playtime at the park, bedtime rituals, playtime with grandma and grandpa! Book them and enjoy updated pictures to throw into their baby book.
*Mini Milestone sessions do not include 1st year pictures. And the session typically captures one type of milestone. The sessions are quick and give you 20 edited images with print release. Newborn clients can also book full sessions to capture multiple milestones at a discounted rate. If you missed having newborn pictures with Sarah Ann Photography but you would still like to capture mini milestones, contact me and I can let you know how you can take advantage of these sessions.
Return clients mean the world to me. What a treat to get a glimpse of this little lady and these new parents that know their daughter so much more. Mama even commented that Miss Emerson's breathing signaled our session was coming to a close and nap time was right around the corner. She also gave me these looks that may have also indicated this.
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Only 23 hours young was this wee little lady when I got to meet her. Still cozy in her hospital room...not necessarily where mom and dad feel cozy, but I think all parents agree at least a little, the awesome and surprising feeling you have when this tiny little being appears. And the hospital and all who do their thing there, are a welcome safety net, ready at the push of the button to come and answer questions.
But these parents are pros. And this little peanut girl has a big brother who is so excited she is here. They have waited so long for her to be here. And you can tell they are already completely smitten. Dad is already perfecting his bow and head band hair doing skills. Because this little lady already had a head full of gorgeous locks.
It was a rainy evening when I visited. So the lights were dim and gave a different light to the pictures. I think hospital photos are best in black and white. Hospital rooms can tend to be so cold and un-cozy. But settling down the colors you can focus on the moments, feelings, and the little beautiful girl.
Not always happy, but quickly soothed.
One of my favorite shots from their session is below. It almost looks like she is laughing. 23 hours old and her eyes were so alert! Not soon after she gobbled up dad's nose! Those pictures are in their gallery.
This is my other favorite picture. The little toes...and the moment captured of mama nursing her hungry little girl. It always amazes me how these new little people know how to eat. And I would give anything to have a picture nursing just one of my kiddos. It is such a special time that only happens for a certain chapter of your life. At first, feeding your baby, by bottle or nursing, is how mamas and papas bond with their baby. I love this capture.
Two very happy parents will bring this gorgeous gal home and become a family of four. Their life will now start to have specks of more pink, bows, tights, and tutus ...to go along with the blues, cars, dinosaurs, and guys that big brother S already colors their world with. What an amazing gift it was to be there to capture these moments for them. Congratulations Anna and Jared.
Recently, I was asked to capture the story of an old friend's wedding. I hesitated because I am so new to this photography gig. I have so much respect for wedding photographers (and even more now). I know that a wedding day can't be reshot. That moments the bride wants captured happen in a blink of an eye. That there is so much going on and so many moments to be captured. Groom saying vows but, bride responding...and his mom listening. But, Cedar assured me that she had low expectations and wanted just the story captured. And for me, that is the photography that I love. The moments. The real. Not the posed and perfect. But the perfectly you. And when the whole thing was over, I had no voice, even though I was mostly silent for the hours I spent shooting. I could hardly hold my eyes open. But I was running on adrenaline! What an honor to have been there to capture their once in a lifetime day.
It isn't hard to capture beautiful people. Who are natural and happy. But it is exhausting trying to anticipate the moments, the light, the lens to use, and the angle and background and everything! I really hope that the story I captured is how she remembers it. Here are a few of the moments that stood out to me when working on their gallery of pictures. (Another sign that I am new to this...I ignore my family as soon as I am done with a shoot because I can't wait to share the pictures. I also over share. Sigh. I am learning and in love with this adventure.)
After each shoot I spend hours looking through the pictures, narrowing down the best. Tweaking them and pulling them together to tell the story and I fall asleep wondering so much about the little things. I am tricked into thinking I now am friends with them or part of their family....that I will know their stories of how they met and where this marriage or birth will lead. But, instead, I am a friend for a moment that allows their life to freeze and be captured so they can look back on it for years to come.
I know from spending the morning with Cedar and Jason and their strongest supporters that they have incredible stories that led them to each other and a future that is full of extraordinary moments.
When the matron of honor gave a speech you could tell that Cedar's mom is one incredible lady.
I don't think they know how honored I was to have been asked to be invited to be there to help make it memorable for years to come.
Congratulations Cedar and Jason and to all that stood next to you in that gorgeous spring sunshine! The road you walk down now is meant to be walked together, hand in hand, side by side, or at times leading the other on adventures that will make your life spectacular.
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Recently, I got to join this lovely little family on an adventure at the St. Paul Union Station. It is a great place for three little girls to explore.
Mom wanted 15 month and 4 year old portraits of these two beauties!
While also capturing their family and all it's extraordinary!
This location has space for leaping and dancing!
And Ring Around the Rosie!
They got to take in the city!
And we even got out some bubbles for a little bit!
Mom and dad even got a little ping pong action in. I LOVE this picture. Every session has a moment or picture that surprises me. Meaning, I know that a picture will happen in each shoot that is unique to their family but going into the shoot I have no idea what it will be. And with these three busy beauties, I think this picture shows the spectacular job these two parents do. Their little girls are obviously the center of their universe! But this mama and papa have proven they still can enjoy each other while juggling so much:)
Stop the game for a kiss!
Dad wants some love too!
I know this mama is craving a perfect family picture where everyone is smiling and sitting still, but I can also tell you she also knows that her "now" is full of little girls who are strong, confident, beautiful, and busy. You have a beautiful family Robin and Jim!
Thanks for the Sunday morning adventure to the city!
Today I found out one of my images was selected as a weekly favorite!
So excited! I submit favorite images every once in awhile on different photography sites. So fun to have been chosen!
This is the picture that was featured! I love that Giggles and Goldfish celebrates the everyday pictures, my passion!
You can go here to see the other favorite everyday moments that were selected!
From my experience, I notice that often times we mamas are the ones who are carrying the cameras and snapping the pictures. All to often I upload pictures after special family outings, holidays, or fun-filled weekends and there are no pictures of me. I will admit that I LOVE taking pictures but, I will also admit that by carrying the camera I am less likely to be in the picture, a trick I use to avoid having the lens on me.
Most moments of the day, I sadly don't feel ready for a picture. Maybe I forgot make-up, my hair is a mess or needs a new cut or color, my clothes are spilled on, and I just know I am not feeling photo worthy. But the sad thing is, someday, I will regret not being in more pictures. I know my kids will wish I was in more. I treasure every single picture of my mom. Especially the everyday shots.
To our children we are always beautiful. We are much to hard on ourselves.
So in honor of Mother's day - I will be announcing a morning or evening of mini sessions for moms and their little ones. Mama can bring their little ones and have a few special moments captured together. So make sure you have liked Sarah Ann Photography's Facebook page in order to stay up to date on the mini session date, times, and details.
BUT WAIT!!!!!! YOU CAN WIN A FREE Mother's Day mini session!
I am looking for one mama to take part in an early mother's day mini session to be used to get the word out on the mini session opportunity!
The winner must be available Tuesday or Thursday mornings or evenings for a quick 30 minute free mini session at a location of my choosing (Ideally scheduled in the next week or two) .
How can you win? Just leave a comment on this blog post sharing one thing about your mama life that seems ordinary today but, you know someday you will look back on and miss? (Shopping at Target with little helpers, early morning coffee with a wee one, rocking baby to sleep, helping with homework, flipping pancake after pancake, playing Candyland over and over, bedtime stories, walking your kids to the bus stop...)
Comment link is at top of post near the title.
Drawing will be held on Wednesday, April 16th at 8:30pm!
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April is a busy month in the Williams household. Well, everyday is pretty busy with two under the age of three! But in april, they both have birthdays!
Mr. W will turn 1.
Miss S will turn 3.
And mama and daddy will celebrate these two little ones plenty, and put their feet up at night all tuckered out!
These two have incredible energy and spirit!
This little spirit was in her element jumping on her bed (or spinning around the living room!)
And this fellow is busy crawling and verging on taking steps! I can only imagine his knees these next few days with the spring weather and the still muddy spring ground as he explores the outdoors for the first time!
This girl's eyes were incredible.
And her lashes were extraordinary! I think she probably thought I was nuts when I kept saying, "Your eyelashes are amazing!"
The greatest gift parents can give their children is each other. These two will have many adventures ahead. Thank you, Melissa, for letting me come and capture their "now." What a busy, but beautiful little bunch you have keeping you busy during your "now."
And then she arrived!
And for now, her little 6 pound self nestles right into dad's arm and fits right in!
Now mom and dad fit in moments where they are swept up in their wee bitty baby girl....
...while also making sure their boys tummies are full with snacks and meals.
They are back to nights with broken up sleep but, make sure to fit in playing castles and trains with their boy tribe.
I got to meet a 10 year old who loves to read in the quiet of his own space!
However, he also shows his veteran big brother status by naturally holding his baby sister!
It was such an honor to spend time with this family and the amazing mama that now has a daughter. A daughter who will slowly bring some pink into this land of boy. What a gift she is to her brothers! And how blessed she is to have been born into a family with three big brothers.
Soak her up mama! Soak. her. up! What an incredible "now" happening in this home!
They might apologize for the dirty dishes piled by their sink....when to me that pile of dishes means they are busy with a newborn and have their priorities correct.
I see their kiddos bedrooms unique and loved.
I see pictures on walls and treasures displayed on shelves.
I see laundry piles and piles of paper that show life is busy, just like mine.
Some parents sip a glass of wine or a beer and some have a Dr. Pepper or a cup of coffee, relaxed.
The nurseries of the first time parents are perfect. Absolutely. And I smile in my heart remembering my first son's perfect nursery. A nursery that then was perfect for our second son and amazingly, our daughter (with a few pink items thrown in).
I see children who are silly and excited and in love with getting to pile on dad's lap for a picture.
I see their real.
2014 also was the start of my year long photo a day project. I have loved the challenge so far! I have told myself to keep picking up my camera to capture my family. To challenge myself to keep learning by pushing new tricks and skills. To practice finding great light. And more! I started off sharing it on my personal Facebook page and then decided to move it to my photography page in fear that I was over posting But more importantly, I wanted to share a little of me with those people that share so much of themselves with me.
At the end of the year I will be able to print off my monthly galleries and have our year captured. Because, all too often I take pictures, I just don't print them. I am so thankful that my clients allow me into their world. So here is a glimpse at mine!
January 1 was the kick off to 2014, however, even more exciting was my first real newborn client! Miss Amelia was brave enough, or rather, her parents were brave enough to allow me to come and capture her when she was just days old. I am so thankful they were willing to take a chance on a new photographer who was both nervous and excited!
And when they said they wanted to do 3 month pictures for their little girl, I was so proud. Return customers mean so much! And even more exciting, I would get to see Miss Amelia again! What a beauty she is! This time mom had some headbands, dresses, and beautiful red shoes! And away we went!
Mother daughter moments. Sigh.
Again, mini milestone shoots are the perfect way to capture the BIG changes that happen that first year of your little ones life. They go from squishy little curled up things that barely open their eyes...to finding their voice, getting teeth, growing hair, having opinions, finding the start to their personalities, moving, grooving, eating, and laughing! Tummy time, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, walking along furniture, first steps, running...the growth during the first year is overwhelming! Newborn clients can book as many milestone minis as they want during the first year. Each session is a perfectly short session that focuses on baby and the stage or "now" that you want captured!
This year goes by so fast! Let me help you freeze it so you can remember the ages and stages forever.
Thanks again Miss Amelia and family! What a gorgeous little lady you are! Next time daddy and your brothers are going to have to hop in a picture or two!
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This past weekend I spent a wee bit of time with little man Garrett. There is something about his little face that is just SO incredibly adorable! Time flies and already he is 3 months old! And his mama wanted to capture some of his milestones.
A milestone mini session typically is available to clients who have had their newborn pictures with me. They can schedule as many milestone mini sessions with me as they would like. They are meant to focus on baby and capture a particular age or stage during that first year.
Garrett at 3 months old has moved to his crib at night. He is mastering tummy time. Drools. And hangs out with mom and dad smiling and flashing those blue eyes! They also really wanted a family picture!
Each family can view their pictures with music in a slideshow. Here is a sample of some of Mr. Garrett's three month milestone session!
What an absolutely adorable family! Thank you so much for letting me come and capture your "now."
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This is how he looked at me this past weekend as a big guy who recently turned 1!
This is Mr. P on a chair his big brother suggested we use for pictures! And a tie his mama found just for him!
This is Mr. P and his brilliant blue eyes!
This is Mr. P's big brother. So proud to present the cake!
This is Mr. P surrounded by his family! His family was so excited to see how this would play out! So was I.
You only turn 1 once! And Mr. P will probably never experience this type of moment again! I LOVED being asked to capture it. So here is a glimpse of Mr. P and cake!
If you are interested in having me capture a moment for your family, don't hesitate to contact me and talk to me about what you have in mind. Mr. P's mom and I worked together to customize a quick 1 year cake smash shoot that included everything she wanted captured! Thanks Mr. P and family for inviting me back into your life to capture such an incredible moment in his life!
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Just a week ago I met this adorable family. They opened the door to me so smiley and welcoming.
Miss Adelynn is embracing the 9 month stage...moving but not too quickly. Standing and walking along furniture. Smiling. And finding so much joy in the little things. Like bubbles and tickles with mom and dad. So we captured their now during their family session. The bubbles that mama pulled out were amazing! Although they didn't get the little lady too excited...she was more mesmerized than anything! I need to get some of these bubbles!
This proud papa and his daughter have a lifetime of adventures ahead. Soon enough they will be wandering the sidewalks, looking at bugs, splashing in puddles, and taking the neighborhood by storm. But for now, quiet moments gazing outside were captured.
This next picture is probably my very favorite from the shoot. I just LOVE her eyes and the look she is giving. Her tiny little fingers and those wee little lips making that little pout.
And mom and dad got into the book but, Miss A just wanted to eat it. And that right there, is their now! Embrace it and let her nibble up those books! The beginning of a journey with books starts by tasting them! You go little lady!
At the end of the shoot dad carried her into her room and started the bottle.
And then mama switched places and finished the job! Look at those eyelashes!
And the second shoot for a 7-9 month old ended with the little one snoozing away. I wanted to dawdle and take my time because, this stage of at least one nap, maybe 2, is long past in my house. So leaving their house meant, I was going to be returning to the chaos of my three! But I left knowing we captured so many beautiful pictures of their now.
Sweet dreams, little Lady. Until we meet again!
This past weekend I got the opportunity to celebrate a baby bump for the first time with my camera! With all my clients I send them a question sheet that helps me gain a little insight on who they are and what they want captured. This mama shared that she loved cereal during her pregnancy. Since I was a tad nervous about a maternity shoot -given I typically have children in the pictures and they seem to run the show...I knew that there may be a little more posing and less of a natural lifestyle shoot. We did a few shots in the nursery and the front room. They were cozy on their bed. We found unique light in the upstairs hallway.
And then I had them settle down for a bowl of cereal! And then I was able to relax, because I felt the natural that I love to photograph! I think they probably thought the whole cereal thing odd...but looking at the pictures I love these. The light on the mama's belly. The look the soon to be papa is giving her. The relaxed feet up on the chair...and when she looks at this picture she will remember a time when meals were quiet, they could gaze at each other, they could finish sentences, and that she loved cereal! haha :) After your world is rocked with the arrival of a baby - you think back to the days before baby and I honestly can't remember what I did or how we functioned without the chaos. So I hope these cereal themed pictures remind them!
Any day now that bump will no longer be the focus. Soon, they will have a scrunched up little being to love and gaze at. What an adventure they are about to embark on together! And cereal won't be a craving...but the go to meal because, it is quick, easy, and can be eaten with a baby laying across your chest sleeping to your heartbeat.
My capture of this little man makes my heart sigh. He is looking up at his mama...his little hands and wrist rolls...the light and those eyes...OH! And hello!!!! a bow tie! Just dying! The more I think about shooting a mini session for a milestone, the more I think it is a bad idea! This stage and age is WAY too incredible! TOO many things to capture and his world revolves around all those that love him....
So shouldn't they be in the pictures of his now too! Even if he is the focus and the star of the show!
This shoot actually wasn't mini in any way. I would consider it the super lifestyle session. We spent relaxed time together. Capturing so many of the everyday things that make this family unique. And mom and dad BOTH got to be in the picture - relaxed and natural. Real.
I can't even pick just one reading picture! Because each one has a detail that is incredible! Miss A giving me the look!
Everyone engaged in the fabulous Curious George book. The 100 year old closet door and mom's "Craft a day" book on the nightstand...because Mama Laura is a hands on mom, who fills her children's days with so much fun.
And two kisses...big sis to littlest brother and daddy to son! Ugh. Just love them all!
After reading we moved on to ...
capturing big brother showing me his bed jumping skills!
Followed by lego building with daddy!
Brother time!
And big sis pulled out her handy dandy camera and I have a feeling there are a few 100 pictures of me snapping pictures. But you know what, look at the smile I captured when she relaxed and wasn't thinking about me taking the pictures! WIN! WIN!
And we always made sure to capture Mr. L's little parts! How can mom and dad not nibble them up all. day. long.
His toes are spared today because, this family loves their oreo eating moments! Some are dunkers!
However, they all devour their cookie...this is a favorite time for this family!
And how cute are these little toes!
There are SO many more moments that I captured and may breakdown and have to share! But my dear friend Laura, this is your sneak peek for now! Your family is an amazing phenomenon that I am so grateful to have gotten to capture. Your NOW is so incredible! The busy, the chaos, the mess, the quiet, the kisses, diaper changes, the awake and asleep moments, the often tired, and sometimes cranky moments all have something in common! They are real and they are all built on a foundation of love. And I am in love with your gallery of pictures so far!
If you would like to have a little butterfly with a camera come visit your home and capture your NOW, consider the super session! This allows for plenty of time to capture it all! Inside, outside, an activity, a family cuddle time, bedrooms, and smiles! And your home, in it's natural state, and mom and dad in the picture are what your children will appreciate seeing in 30 years. Weekend sessions are limited as spring and summer are busy times with my family, too. So please do consider contacting me early enough! Your NOW is incredible and changes so quickly and deserves to be frozen so it can last forever!
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Last week this big guy, who naturally sports a mini mohawk sprout, spent some time in front of my camera to capture his 3 month "now".
This is his milestone moose who convinced him to take the photo shoot seriously and I LOVE the facial expression I snapped while they conversed.
Poses with me are natural and authentic. Three month olds still hang out a lot in mom's arms. Or on blankets practicing their tummy time.
Their feet are still kissable at this stage in the game. But in a few months this little guys knees will sport some vibrant grass stains! And mama will have to keep an eye on the dirt and rocks that he tries to taste when they get to spend time out in the sunshine, yes, spring will arrive...we hope.
They get to fly high and get views from up top! Look at that sprout and those blue eyes! LOVE IT!
The first year is such a magical year. These little miracles that show up and rock our world, change so much in that first year.
Thanks Mr. S for modeling your adorable little sprout! You are one handsome little guy!
When you book a newborn session with Sarah Ann Photography you can also contact me for as many milestone mini sessions to capture these little and big changes. Or you can book full sessions at a discounted rate. If you missed having your newborn captured but, still want to capture first year milestones - don't hesitate to contact me and we can make it work! ( Please note, first year pictures are not considered a mini milestone)
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A thing you see in my pictures is that I was not afraid to fall in love with these people." -- Annie Leibovitz
This quote can not be more true for how I feel about all these 2014 families who have allowed me the chance to enter their homes and snap up their precious moments. My 2014 families have all been new people in my life. And it has been so fun to meet and capture the love and personalities that their families have. This family was exceptionally adorable. And their little boy was so much fun to capture.
A one hour family shoot with me capturing your "now" allows me to get both posed and candid moments. The backgrounds are your home. Looking back someday Cassandra and Jace will remember how Mr. C's little chubby hands would grab daddy's hair when he rode on his shoulders. And when they look at the pictures Mr. C will see the carpet and wall colors that were his favorite place at this stage in life.
It can sound intimidating to have a shoot at your home. It's not decorated just right. It's not clean enough or there is a pile of clutter. But, this is your space. This is your home. This is your home. The place where you feel most like a family. This is your real. And real is the most beautiful.
During this hour you can relax and we can move about your home and find the things that you want to remember. How he holds his bottle or smiles with a big open mouth just hoping to put that next treasure into his mouth.
You don't need backdrops or props. Just a beautiful baby boy! I will find the spot with the light. And we will make the magic happen.
Because the magic that photographs have to a mom or dad's heart...priceless.
Raising children is such a journey. With your first you are so aware of the firsts. With your last you are so aware of your lasts. Let Sarah Ann Photography come help you freeze "your now" so that you don't have to worry about your memory and can just celebrate the milestones!
Thank you Cassandra, Jace, and Mr. C! What an honor to capture your now.
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Sweet Baby E arrived on a cold day in Minnesota. But the warmth and love she is surrounded with is keeping her toasty this February! The new normal in this house is moments of shock when they find that time has passed and nothing but gazing at their daughter has happened. And that is exactly what they are supposed to be accomplishing these first days of their daughter's life....soaking up each moment of this teeny tiny time.
Kissing all the tiny parts. Gazing into their little eyes and wondering who this little one will be.
Even the four legged family members in this house are smitten. (This was a gentle giant and mom and dad were just inches away.)
Kelly and Aaron were so very relaxed and just wanted all the little things captured. They wanted the real moments that these first few days are all about. And the reality is that baby isn't placed in a fancy basket or propped all fancy on a blanket. The reality of a newborn's life is of course, in mom and dads arms. Cozy. And home. And those are the moments that Sarah Ann Photography strives to capture.
Sweet Miss E has a home filled with warmth and love, mostly in her mama and daddy's arms. But also the most adorable nursery with so many personal touches. Thank you Kelly and Aaron for being so relaxed. I enjoyed meeting each of you and definitely got my baby fix just being part of your family for a couple hours.
If you know someone who is starting the journey of parenthood or having their last little wee one and they haven't thought about having the real moments captured in the comfort of their own home - send them my way. Newborn portfolio building sessions are coming to an end!
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When considering your options for a Lifestyle shoot with Sarah Ann Photography a good place to start is with a list on your countertop.
Start listing the everyday rituals or experiences that are your real life family moments. Storytime with dad, playing kitchen with daughter, swinging in the backyard, walking your child to school, puzzles before nap, homework time, after school snack chats, walking the dog, and bath time are all ideas. That list is where you and I can begin to build your shoot so that you get a plethora of pictures capturing your "Now." Because the family portrait hanging above your fire place is important...but, having some of the ordinary moments captured to look back on in 20 years is also a gift.
The other day we changed up things and did bath time in the middle of the day because, we needed to change things up to survive the day. And I grabbed my camera so I could give you an idea of how real bath time moments captured in our house might look.
Bath time, is typically a ritual that repeats and occurs often during these early years of parenting. It often builds quirky little moments that your child depends on to bring culmination to their day. Maybe it always ends with their favorite towel or story time with daddy. Maybe you practice the alphabet with the foam letters. Maybe they use bath paint to decorate the walls or make bubble wigs and beards. Maybe they are chefs and cook you "cream of bubble soup" or bowls of "bubble ice cream". Maybe dinosaurs or little guys become swimming companions and line the tub after the water is drained.
Bath time can be an ordinary time but, also such a special time and whether you think of this as something you ask me to help you capture or you grab your camera and snap a few on your own..... It is part of this early parenting stage that is worthy of capturing. For sure! Because before you know it bath time rituals are no longer something you, the parents, take part in...well, besides maybe reminding them that bathing is vital to their health and friendships :)
Lifestyle shoots offer up the chance to capture your "now." Consider it! Contact me and let's make it happen.
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This adorable family allowed me to live out my dream for an hour or two! My love of photography is based on the ability to capture moments. In particular, what is often ordinary real life. And I get to show the beauty in the ordinary moments. I LOVE capturing a moment and having it to look at, because that allows one to reflect on the extraordinary of the real life moments. So when Mama Jenni came up with the idea of enjoying hot chocolate as a family...and then I thought of the bakery...and then tea sets and donuts came into the picture...wonderful moments were captured!
It is very rare to get lovely pictures of your WHOLE family enjoying moments together. Mom or dad are usually taking the picture...or are directing someone to quick snap a picture. Or mom has her hair in a pony tail and doesn't feel like she wants to be in the picture. Lifestyle shoots with Sarah Ann Photography give you a chance to relax and enjoy time with your family...the kids forget about the camera and mom and dad get to be in the picture TOGETHER.
Many of the pictures during a shoot like this aren't staged or posed. They are authentic and real moments that just happen. With some direction or a little set up you can get little ones sipping tea from mini cups. Or goofy girls who escaped dad's hands and got into a little tumble on the floor that brought out the sparkles in little sister's eyes.
There is time for silly pictures that bring out big smiles from the kiddos...and parents!
Every session leaves me with a moment captured that is SO unique to the individual family. Maybe it is the mirror in a nursery, a funny face shot that just rocks, or a dad carrying his two little ladies and Barbie in his pocket.
The possibilities are endless for these types of shoots. They can be so unique to your family. They can capture your everyday so that the moments are frozen in time. Bath time for your littles, cookie baking, trips to the pumpkin patch, a walk through the woods, fishing off the park dock, sledding in the backyard, board games and hot chocolate....so many that could work for your family.
Keep Sarah Ann Photography in your back pocket when you think of something that is ordinary, everyday, and real... that mean the most to your mama heart. Let me come and help capture it for a coffee table photo book, multi picture frame, or some other fun print options. There is so much beauty in your real life.
Thank you Jenni and family for the opportunity! What a beautiful family you have!
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Last weekend I was blessed to spend time with little Miss Ivy and her relaxed parents. We spent the morning capturing their wee one.
As I go about this newborn photography adventure I find it so exciting to show up and not know what moments we will capture. A mirror positioned in just the right spot gives way to a beautiful family portrait that is unique to only this family.
This session I attempted my first newborn basket shot. She was so content once we cranked the heat and she was nestled into place.
Newborn sessions with me allow for moments like this to be captured. Mama is in the picture, doing her mama thing. And they get to have these little extraordinary glimpses of the beauty in their everyday moments.
A proud papa moment with his wee daughter.
And family moments where mom and dad are in awe of this little one who has rocked their world and changed them forever.
Thank you C & N for inviting me into your home and allowing me to capture your wee one. You have a beautiful home, a beautiful little girl, and a beautiful adventure ahead of you with that little miracle!
If you are looking to have the beginning of your little one's life captured, consider Sarah Ann Photography. You will get a gallery of unique moments captured, both posed and candid, in the comfort of your own home.
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I got to kick off the new year with my first official newborn shoot. The beautiful Miss Amelia was a wee 8 days old when I met her and her lovely family. She has two big brothers that were glad to get close to their dear little sis.
Photographing a newborn was something I wasn't sure I was even really interested in taking on. I have friends who do it and do it so well. Without actual hands on experience you can't learn it. My love of photography though, is about capturing feelings, moments, and love. And newborns just exemplify and bring out those things so naturally.
So newborn photography is something I definitely want to continue doing. A newborn session with me will mean the new mama and papa get to stay cozy at home in their most comfortable space. I will come to you and find the amazing light in your home. We can do some posed shots like the first picture up top. But mostly, I will just be a part of your family for our session - capturing the love.
We will take our time, sessions can last up to three hours. Sessions are timed this way so baby can feed, rock, change, and mama can rest. While mama or papa and baby engage I will be snapping pictures...capturing all the little part of your wee one.
While diapers are changed, baby is fed, or mama has a snack ...I love to spend a little time with the big brothers. Checking out their cool toys and capturing them in their own extraordinary moment.
Whatever your hopes and dreams are for your newborns photo session, know that when you pick Sarah Ann Photography, you will have a photographer who has experienced loving up a newborn three times in her own personal life. I know how quickly this curled up snuggly stage lasts. Soon they stretch and wake and find their voice.
Thank you Sarah and Adam (and boys) for choosing me to capture your lovely little girl. You have a beautiful family and I was so honored to feel part of it as we kicked off 2014! I look forward to watching her grow!
The moments that aren't perfectly posed - but rather real and sometimes happening and you aren't even aware they are. Like little boys listening to their favorite music and sipping sparkling apple juice on a magical limo bus light tour.
Or little girls snuggled in close to their daddy, taking in all the fun.
And while the music was hopping and snacks were being nibbled...getting mama in the picture, natural and beautiful is my favorite.
When I am there on an adventure the kiddos don't realize I am snapping pictures. They smile naturally and without hesitation. Their real self comes peeking through.
And the joy and happiness that a group of people share can be remembered forever!
And moments captured with grandma and grandpa are priceless.
This is my dream with my photography journey. And if I had been along on this ride without my littles, my wine, and my hope to both enjoy it all and snap a few pictures - I think more moments would have been captured. But, boy am I so glad that our neighbors invited us along on such a fun holiday evening. So blessed to have them in our lives!
Starting in January, Sarah Ann Photography will be looking for more opportunities to build my portfolio of lifestyle photography. Birthday parties, family gathers, trips to the park or your family's favorite hang out, baking cookies with grandma, a walk in the woods with mom, pancakes in your jammies on a Saturday morning....sledding in your backyard and hot cocoa afterwards. The possibilities are endless. There will be a limited number of portfolio building priced sessions. So contact me if you have an idea or opportunity you would like captured.
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Could a 5 year old get any more adorable!
And an 11 month who can handle the MN temperatures without a snowsuit and hat, is a rare find.
Thank you Hansen family for allowing me to capture your family on this chilly November morning!
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And this was the first session who offered up a silly picture! And boy, I just love it!
And at the end, the kids went and warmed up in the car and we snapped a few of just mom and dad. And from this session I learned I will never spend time capturing a family and not grab a picture or two of just the parents.
What an extraordinary family! I hope I get the opportunity to capture them again!
]]>Two amazing and relaxed parents of both a handsome Tanner and his little twin brothers Cooper and Graham. Not only did they show up early but they didn't seem rattled or stressed out…making it look like getting this crew ready for an early morning shoot easy peasy! The sun was rising, the temps weren't too chilly, and the little boys were full of energy. I am so glad that I got the opportunity to capture this extraordinary family. And dad got the award for the kid tossing…I was nervous!
I am so glad that I got the opportunity to capture this cute and coordinated crew.
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And captured my first kid toss shot! WOO HOO!
Thank you Birkel bunch! What a awesome family you have! Maybe next time we meet we won't have to be bundled!
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But I did!
Dogs that don't sit still vs. toddlers that don't sit still….more evidence will need to be gathered to make the final call :)
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This fall I had the pleasure of capturing this beautiful family of five.
Three little sisters that keep this mama very busy during the day. And a papa who gets lots of smooches from the beautiful ladies in his life.
Thank you Robin and family for the opportunity. Here are a few of my favorites!
All fall I was chomping at the bit to capture these three sisters! And finally, the weather played along for a little bit to capture them with some fall leaves! It did start raining midway through the shoot, but you can't tell. Beautiful little ladies who belong to a favorite friend of mine. A friend, who not only encourages me so much -but also went above and beyond to spread the word and refer many of her neighbors in my direction. Love these girls and love that I was able to capture them doing their sister thing that they are so good at! Giggles, laughter, hugs, and a little leaf tossing!
Returning to this young lady's home to capture her with her grandparents was a bonus! They flew all the way from England to spend some time with their granddaughter, and daughter! What love they shared with me and I loved capturing them!
My goal as a photographer is to do more lifestyle shoots where I join a family for a little time and capture them doing their ordinary so that they can see how extraordinary the little things are. This was my first attempt and we captured many moments where Mila was enjoying her everyday fun with her favorite people. We were inside and outside. It was a very sunny day but, we made due with the bright sun! I also love getting mom in the picture since often times mom is the one holding the camera. Katie and Casey, you have a beautiful family!
This cool senior and this location worked together just clicked!
And I sure enjoyed clicking a bunch of great pictures of this senior!
Thanks Robbie and Lori for giving me a chance to try a guy's senior picture!
Here are a few of my favorites. Thanks Jen for letting me join you. What a lovely setting your new home is in.
This weekend we got to meet our new little niece, Grace. What a little miracle she is. She was about 8 weeks for these pictures, but her mom and dad were gifted a wee baby and a good sleeper. She played along so I could take a few newborn type pictures...for the first time!
These are a few favorites! I am so lucky to get to watch her grow...and capture her too!
Miss Harlowe loves her grandma's lipstick...so mama surprised her with some in her little purse! She looks pretty excited...probably because she normally gets into the lipstick on her own :)
Thanks Harlowe for this fun opportunity! Love these pictures! Every little girl should be captured in her joy...and yours my dear is Grandma's lipstick!
I scooped up the chance to capture these sisters.
I have watched them grow up and knew they would have fun posing for some pictures!
They have a lifetime ahead of filled with fun sister shenanigans. What a gift this mom and dad gave these girls.
The gift of a sibling is the greatest gift a parent can give. Thanks Kate and Emma! So much fun!
Here are a few of my favorites!
Starting out this photography journey with this adorable family!
What great sports to get down in the green grass for some of my crazy family posing ideas. And how cute they turned out!
Brave, brave souls.
I am so thankful they were willing to give me a shot, so early in the adventure, ...as my first try at a family photo shoot!
And it begins here...with this lovely girl, who used to come over and play with my kiddos when the were so wee. Then she babysat and now she is a fancy senior who is so busy we just wave as she comes and goes! They asked me to take her picture and all of a sudden my life changed. What an incredible gift. Ali, your future lies ahead of you with so many possibilities. And I can tell you from experience, be open to new challenges and adventures! You are beautiful inside and out! Enjoy the ride ahead! And thanks so much for the chance to take your senior portraits.
