I recently got together with my Bestie to record another milestone in her son’s life — his six-month birthday! And boy oh boy, has he grown! He is sitting up on his own, has two teeth and has already begun mastering solid foods. Before we know it, he’ll be filling out college applications… though it is yet to be determined whether he’ll be a Gator or a Dawg. Happy First Half-Birthday, Riley!

We visited the Great Lakes State earlier this month for my family’s reunion. Much of the annual weekend is spent lounging on the beach, catching up with aunts, uncles and cousins, and sipping on the various “drinks of the day.” It’s fan-tastic!

This year we took time out to shoot some new portraits of my cousin’s family to commemorate the addition of Baby Harper. The short walk from the cottage to the beach and back provided a handful of settings and enough time to capture a lovely summer collection. The morning light, the breeze off Lake Michigan and the sun-kissed faces were icing on the cake. Here’s a sample of the collection…

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I was eager to shoot portraits of Matt + Jenn and their adorable brood for the family’s Christmas card. It was Baby Hannah’s first Christmas, which made the portrait even more special. All dolled up in holiday red with the tots buckled in to their Radio Flyer, the family & I walked from their home to a nearby bridge for the session. It lasted exactly 45 minutes from first click to last. And the family walked away with 70 different photos. Rather good-looking photos, if I do say so myself. Was it the morning light? The camera I was using? I’d like to think it was my creative direction & efficient skills. But I may have to chalk this one up to the picture-perfect subjects :)  Happy holidays!

I’ve been so busy with holiday portraits, weddings and my design business that I am sorry to admit I have let my blogging get behind. Here’s to catching up before the holiday madness begins!

I had the pleasure of shooting Baby Hannah’s six-month portraits in October. What a beauty! This little gal has the most amazing blue eyes, almost violet…like Elizabeth Taylor (*moment of silence*).

There aren’t many things that are more fun for a new mother than playing dress-up with her baby girl, especially when there’s tulle involved! The tiny outfits are too cute for words. And I don’t mind living vicariously through them at all! Here are my favorites from the afternoon, as well as a couple shots of her big brother, a little GQ already. These two will be unstoppable.

One Sunday afternoon in May, I visited Gary + Leslie to shoot their daughter’s three-month portraits. Gary and I attended the same high school — Go ‘Noles! — but it was my first time meeting the rest of the family. Their daughter, Miss Rylee Ann, is the couple’s first child, though you wouldn’t know it after hanging out with them for a few hours. Leslie is a fantastic mother. She has a way with her daughter that was impressive to watch — Gary called it “the magic touch.” I have to agree.