Kindergarten

Here are two images of my "tindergartener". That's how she pronounced it when she was two years old. We'd drive by the school, and she'd exclaim, "That's my tindergarten!" She wasn't even in preschool then.

This week, my first baby went to kindergarten. She was so very excited on her first day. She marched confidently into the school, and turned the wrong way down the hall. I stood outside peeking into the window and watched and waited for her come back and go in the right direction. She didn't. I finally went in with visions of her wandering the halls upset that she couldn't find her locker. This wasn't how her first day was supposed to go. After a few minutes of searching, I couldn't find her. So, I went to her locker, and there she was. Right where she should be, happily putting her new backpack away. She found her way. All by herself.

I'm sure this won't be the first time that I let her go, watch her make a mistake, and see her find her way all by herself. I'm so proud of my baby girl.

Weekends in the fall are filling up FAST!

I just wanted to give a heads up that my weekends in September and October are filling up rather quickly. I've had numerous inquiries recently, and I'm giving out the same open dates to everyone. So, if there's a specific date you want, please call now. I'd feel terrible if it was booked before you had a chance to tell me you wanted it.

Second Place!

I learned today that my image of baby "V" entitled "Adorable" went beyond the finalist stage, and was awarded a 2nd place prize. Hurray!!! So, out of 22,900 images that were entered, 481 finalists were awarded in all the categories. Then, from these 481 finalists, they select the actual winners. There is a single first place winner, and 10 2nd place winners in the people category. Pretty cool, hugh?

Click here to follow the link to see all the winning images.

I really love what I do... but it's even more fun when I get to work with such nice and adorable families. So, thanks to the "S" family, who live all the way in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, for bringing in your super sweet family. :)

Someone else loves this image, too

This week, I found this message in my inbox:

"Congratulations! You have placed as a finalist in this month's BetterPhotoContest! Over 22,900 photos were entered into the competition; it is an honorto have your image selected among the top 481 finalist photos."

I was also pretty excited because the busier I get, the less often I enter. This particular month, I only entered two images. The month before that, none.

I already thought this image of this little guy was so super adorable, but now the judges at Better Photo agree.

I love this barn!

I've been dreaming about this barn for two years. I'm not kidding. I drive past this barn almost every day, and every time I think "I've got to ask permission to take photos there". But, I never do. I keep kicking myself and looking for new locations, but never ask about this most beautiful barn and property. Today I did.

I was out with a girlfriend taking pictures of our four kids. I asked permission, and the owner, the nicest gentlemen, said 'yes'. I really wanted to take his image, because he had such character. His face, what he was wearing, everything. I would have loved to capture him in his element. But, unfortunately, he's allergic to photographs. His words. Funny, right? So, as we walked around his property, I was just stunned at the amazingness of it. I just love it. Here is a sneak peek of Harry's barn.

Sneak Peak for the "H" family

I love showing up to a session and finding out that I recognize the family. Turns out this family goes to St. Barnabas Christian Preschool also. Aren't they just the cutest family? They're lucky to have three sweet girls. Since I'm one of three girls, there's a special place in my heart for sisters. And these girls are lucky to have two of them. Nothing against boys or brothers, of course. :)

Maternity Sneak Peek

I haven't really done many maternity sessions. So, I was ecstatic when this beautiful mom-to-be called. She had some great ideas, and was totally open to try some new things. I can't wait to show her the rest, because she just looks so beautiful in all of them.

Sneak Peak

Here's one more sneak peek! These two little ones were so cute! Thank you to the "A" family for allowing me to photograph your super nice family! I had fun at the park with you, and hope you had some fun too!

Sneak Peek of Baby "H"

This little guy's dad is the soccer coach at a local high school, and so it just seemed right to include an image with two of dad's favorite things. Mom and Dad were so super nice, and getting the hang of parenthood rather quickly. The rest of the images turned out really great, and I'm working to get them online as quickly as possible. Thanks so much for coming in! I had a ball (really bad pun intended).

A peek from the beach

Here's one image from a session last weekend at the beach. It was a really fun evening - so thanks for allowing me to spend time capturing your family!

Another Sneak Peek

Here you go! I hope you see this before heading off to paradise! The images from the session turned out beautifully. I had so much fun with you and your three girls. I could tell how much you all love each other, and it was so fun to be a part of your evening.