Before Baby...

Before having her 3rd baby, Jessica contacted me about doing a "before" and "after" newborn session.  Because she and her husband decided to be surprised on the gender, she wanted a "before" baby maternity shoot that would highlight their excitement/anticipation about the the gender possibilities.

She came with a lot of good ideas.  I am one that could NEVER imagine waiting all 9 months to find out my baby's gender, but this photo shoot made me rethink that...for a second, at least.  

The L Family

I've been photographing families for over 4 years now and I still get nervous butterflies every time before a shoot.

Families are tricky.  The husband usually doesn't hide the fact that he would rather be doing ANYTHING other than taking pictures.  The kids are, well...just kids.  Unpredictable and energetic.  And the mom is usually a frazzled mess trying to keep everyone in line and looking great.

I must say that for a large family of 7, I didn't notice any of that madness.  Everyone was happy and helpful.  The older 3 kids were amazing and even those darling twin girls were able to keep it together for an hour!  

It was a pleasure photographing this family.  They deserve photos that reflect the happiness shared in their family.

baby rockwell

Meet not-so-newborn Rockwell.

He's 4th in the lineup.

And he looks just like the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd if you ask me.

His mom is an artist.

She sells whimsically drawn family pictures and I wanted one.

So we traded.  even steven.  pictures for artwork.

This is hands down the most mellow baby I've ever had the pleasure of photographing.

 

This bassinet is made by Rockwell's grandpa.  What a special heirloom to pass on through the generations.

no trespassing

The bride and I were ALL talk and NO walk.

You see, this bride had been dreaming of her engagements in a wide open field for as long as she could remember. And I, being a photographer who aims to please, was willing to make that happen.

But, as we started driving along the country roads, we noticed that EVERY SINGLE field or wide open space was fenced off with signs warning "TRESPASSING FORBIDDEN BY LAW." blah-bitty-blah-blah-blah.

For a moment we were willing to do anything for "the shot". We pumped each other up with chants like, "hop the fence, hop the fence." However, each time we parked to carry out our rebellious daydreams, we just couldn't do it. We were chickens (and probably law-abiding citizens, too).

Enter Nick, the fiance. He stepped up to save the day like any knight in shining armor would. He bravely offered to stop at a nearby farmhouse and ask the owners if we could take pictures in their fields. awkward. But guess what...IT WORKED!

And really, it was all worth it.

Meet Lauren and Nick, my new favorite lovebirds.