The Newborn that Didn't Cry....

I have not had much luck photographing newborns. They seem to always cry, wet, or want to eat. BUT, this time, I was blessed with a content little chap. And, to top it off, his home had lovely natural light! I just photographed big brother a few weeks prior to his arrival. These two will surely keep momma AND grandma hoppin'!

Trash that Dress!

So my friend Theresa asked me if I wanted to come shoot one of her brides in a "trash the dress" session last weekend. Of course! How fun! This couple was had been married only a week and were up for anything! We took them around downtown, including our new favorite location, the "chop shop." While shooting some seniors, we happened upon this bike shop downtown, a small garage on the backside of an old building. These guys look tough, but they are actually super friendly. And they love having us! I still can't believe I had the nerve to walk up to them the first time to ask if we could shoot in their garage. Complete with girly posters and plenty of grease. After shooting downtown, we ended the session at Versluis Beach in NE GR for a little wet-n-wild action....

Kitty Love

Last week I ventured into unknown territory.....Hudsonville. I'm a "north-ender" so I don't get out that way often. I had two sessions scheduled at Spring Grove Park. I was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful this park is! And no wonder there were half a dozen OTHER photographers shooting there as well! It reminded me of golf...not that I've ever played, but my husband does and he has occasionally complained about having to wait at the next hole for the previous players to finish up. There were several beautiful spots and at times, another photographer was awaiting their turn.

I photographed this couple back in May for their first anniversary. Elizabeth had worked at my children's school and they miss her very much. Absolutely the sweetest two people you will ever meet! And their children will be absolute dolls.......one day.





Near the end of their session this stray cat wandered over and wouldn't leave! I think Justin really really wanted to take it home!

NEW STUDIO!!!!

If you've ever been to one of my scrapbooking nights, you've seen my cropping room. Well.....its no longer a cropping room. Its my NEW STUDIO! That's right, I have my own studio right in my own home! I've been busy getting it set up and am still decorating but I'm so excited to share the news I'm posting some preview pics....


This is the "stage" part. We installed a wood laminate floor and the walls are a neutral light gray. I'm going to be putting up a backdrop for variety. That's my DH's knees in the corner, taking a break from watching me set up.



Next we have the "Dressing Room." This used to be my supply/work room. Now it has a table with mirror for fixing hair & makeup and a full length mirror opposite.



Here is looking from the stage towards the dressing room. Yes, I still have my old scrapbooking neon up...have to talk to my dad about making me a new one. ; ) Anyone need some neon? I can hook ya up!



I think it turned out pretty nice. I even have a lil fridge for some refreshments since some of my lights are still the old "hot lights" aptly named.

OK, well, back to editing more pics for me........

Sweet Tooth

No, I'm not referring to candy. This little guy's emerging toofers, coupled with his drooly chuckles, are sweet memories that will be gone all too soon. I truly adore photographing toddlers. They are so much fun and so curious! What is this big black thing stuck on this strange lady's face? Yes, they always want to touch the camera lens. Even my own toddler, who should be well used to that contraption, has curious tendancies that lead to mommy's firm, "no-no!"

The Pottery Barn Look

When I started getting serious about photography, I found one photographer whom I am simply in awe of. Audrey Woulard is a Chicago based children's portrait photographer. She uses natural light, which is so beautiful and flattering -- after all, why shouldn't the light from God trump something you plug in? Anyway, Audrey also has some commercial accounts, one being Pottery Barn Kids. Those adorable little people that grace the pages of the catalog -- yep, Audrey shot them!

So when a client told me she wanted the "Pottery Barn" look for portraits of her children, I immediately knew what she meant. I also know that I've a ways to go before arriving at Audrey's level of portraiture! So, here's my attempt: