Jessa took a little while to warm up to me, but we got there! 
Jessa didn’t want to be put down, so I had to come up with a way to capture portraits focused on her while still in Mama’s arms.
In less than 30 minutes Jessa went from being super shy to giving me these ADORABLE smiles!
I love this family! They’ve been with me since my first Christmas Mini sessions, Kinley was so little then!
Classic photographs. I never get bored of walking portraits!
Little Rowie.
I have photographed this family a couple times over the past few years and it’s always a pleasure! I’m in love with all the images from these mini sessions so I’ve decided to give everyone their own blog post. 
Everly was in the studio for her 4 month portraits as part of her Baby’s First Year package. We waited a little longer for these ones because this girl is a little cranky.. I mean, colic. I was so nervous about this session, Everly cries, all. the. time. so I was worried that we wouldn’t get any portraits of her smiling, or even just looking at the camera. BUT SHE DID AMAZING! AND I captured her laughing for the first time EVER. So cool! 
I am in LOVE with these photographs. So simple. 
SO MUCH HAPPINESS IN ONE PHOTOGRAPH!
EVERLY. COME ON. That squinty, scrunchy pure happiness face. SO ADORABLE. 
There is just something about her face in this photograph, so much wonder. 
Oh, the many faces of Ev!
When I’m culling through photographs from a session for the first time I never know what I’m going to come across in the next photo – closed eyes, funny faces – sometimes I get a good chuckle out of them. But this photograph of Everly had me snorting. She went from happy to angry in about one second. 
I wish I could get this photograph at every 3 month session! Sleeping babies are the best!
After a brief nap, Everly was ready for round two! These were the only photographs that Mama wanted to do. 
I’ve been photographing Isabella for FOUR YEARS! It’s been so special witnessing her personality develop though her portraits. One thing that hasn’t changed – that adorable nose wrinkle!! 
What is a birthday shoot without confetti?! 
Isabella LOVES to dance! 
There’s something about this photograph, even though the composition is all wrong, I love how it perfectly expresses her free spirit! 
Four years, nine portrait sessions.
Cole was in the studio for his 4 month portraits a few weeks ago as part of his first year package. He was FULL of smiles, especially when Grandma showed up!
He’s got the cutest little smirk! 
What a difference a couple of months makes!
See you in July little guy! 
I captured Henry’s newborn portraits when we was 11 weeks old. He was in the NICU for the first weeks of his life, but he’s sure made up for it quickly! Now Henry is ONE! And is pretty much the happiest little guy ever. He had so many smiles during his session! 
There is something I just LOVE about a serious face and a black and white. 
Red hair and green eyes, isn’t he perfect?! 
When I met him at 11 weeks he had doubled his birth weight! We captured some special portraits to document his time in the NICU. When we photographed Henry’s birthday portraits his mom had something special planned and it turned out perfect! 
Everly, you met her a couple weeks ago when I blogged her birth session, now here is her newborn session!! I came back to do a couple more portraits because of unforeseen circumstances, but it was TOTALLY worth it! 
I love me some newborn smiles. 
Alexis is the BEST big sister!
I got this portrait without any Photoshop! 3 dogs, a 4 year old and a newborn all co-operating, it was a miracle!!
Squishy snuggles.
Safe in Daddies arms. 
Ivorie Pearl made Mommy and Daddy wait extra long to meet her, but she made it oh so worth it! She has the most delicate features and so perfectly suits her name!
Ivorie decided she didn’t want to sleep for the remainder of her session but I got some wonderful bright-eyed portraits. 
..and sleepy yawns!
Last week I had the honour of photographing my first birth!
I have been with Tara and Derek since their wedding; maternity, their first born’s newborn through her first year, every Halloween, and some springs and christmas’ thrown in for good measure. Tara started out as a stranger and quickly turned into one of my best friends.
I remember chatting with Tara a couple of years ago about birth photography. After she had Alexis she regretted not having done it and asked if I would photograph her next labour and birth if she ever got pregnant again. I vividly remember saying YES! But thinking in my head “IF she gets pregnant again (I was sceptical), I hope it’s not until after I have my first.” Birth photography is something that I’ve considered for a while, but was a little apprehensive that it would scar me from having my own. Now, fast forward to 9 months ago; a text with two positive pregnancy test and a moment of panic and the realization that I was 100% going to see my friends vagina.
As the due date got closer I prepared, packed a bag, did some research, made sure my batteries were charged and HOPED that Tara wouldn’t go into labour on Christmas! Well, she didn’t, but her water definitely broke on Christmas. When I got that “Umm…” text I immediately knew it was go time.
When Tara called me half a second after a contraction, out of breath and said she was headed to the hospital I couldn’t help but laugh at her (that’s what best friends are for right?) From that moment on all my nerves were gone. Tara handled her labour like a boss! (I think I was more nervous about the no epidural thing then she was!) She arrived at the hospital with her husband and sister around 6:30am and baby was born at 9:10am. The midwife was AMAZING throughout the entire labour and birth, definitely convinced me to go that route when it’s my turn – and yes, after witnessing everything I will still be having one, or three of my own!
In addition to not knowing the gender of the baby, they also hadn’t told anyone the names they were considering. So when the baby was born and Tara looked at the baby and said “it’s a girl, oh Everly.” The entire room teared up. It was such a special moment. I’m in love with her name, it suits her so perfectly.
I am so honoured that I got to share this with Tara, Derek and Kelly. I couldn’t imagine experiencing my first birth with anyone else. I am still in awe of my friend, as far as births go, it was pretty much perfect.
Alexis is already and amazing big sister. Although she REALLY wanted a brother, she warmed up to her instantly. She made sure everyone got a turn to hold Everly (quickly!) before she said to pass her onto the next visitor, her ulterior motives were revealed when the last person held her and she said “Okay, now it’s big sister’s turn!”
I am so, so happy for the four of you. I love you so much!
