My 5 year old

This post is about a month overdue. My oldest, Rowan, turned 5 in late February. We finally got out to take some photos last week. Rowan has never been big on getting her photo taken--so I tried to make it fun by inviting a few of her friends (who are also 5) who actually love for me to take their pictures (another blog post with some of those photos will follow eventually--they were all too cute!) Amazing what a little peer pressure will do. I'll tell ya, I kept asking myself who this child was that I was photographing....are you kidding me? Who are you and what did you do with my Rowan? Seriously, check out some of her poses (and I offered little to none instruction on any of these).

To read a birthday letter I wrote to Rowan, go to the family blog here.

love

Most of my favorite photos are not "perfect" photos. The lighting isn't just right, the focus might be a little off, the composition not quite what I had intended....but they are still my favorites, just because they captured a moment that I loved and I want to remember.

I took this self-portrait of me and Rowan today. We were playing outside while Piper took a nap, and it was a rare time when no other neighbor kids were out playing, so Rowan and I had some great one-on-one time. She was actually letting me take some photos of her, but mostly we were just talking and enjoying the warm sun (finally!) that has been blessing us this week. We were sitting on the grass together, and she snuggled up to my shoulder---I quickly grabbed the camera, told her to look towards it, and snapped. It's not perfect, but I love it. We're looking towards the camera with the same expression. Content together. I love her sweet face, nestled up to my shoulder. I want to keep her there.

I want to remember her right now, at 5, and how free and beautiful she is. She took my camera for awhile and snapped away....taking pictures of the mailman, the curb, the neighbor's houses. I watched her intently---in her striped leggings, flouncy skirt, and peace-sign tank top, carrying a too-heavy camera, exploring her world. And I loved her more than my heart could bear.

Yep, most of my favorite photos are not perfect. I try to remind myself of that when I take photos for other people. It's not always about technical perfection...it's about capturing real moments and real emotion that bring us right back to a place in time.

This photo will always take me back to today, in the sun with my girl, happy to be her mom.

Brothers L and I

You never know what you're going to get with an 8 month old and a 3 year old---and boys at that! These brothers were not only adorable (as you can plainly see in these photos) but they were also a joy to be around and photograph. The session was laid back (also in part to a laid back momma, that goes a long ways!) and these little guys were cooperative, happy, and sweet to be around. The baby's skin was so yummy...I had a hard time stopping taking pictures of him, and a hard time deciding which ones to include in this post!

S and C: Waiting on Baby

Colin and Stefanie are expecting their little boy any day now! Colin is my cousin, we are close in age, were in the same grade in school...and I have always had a very special affection for him. He is kind, gentle, and has a quick smile and positive energy. He and Stefanie make a great pair, and we all can't wait to meet their new little guy! He's sure to be a cutie!

I love photographing pregnant women. I just love pregnancy and have always admired the way a woman's body changes and bulges to accommodate this small creature inside---I think that a pregnant body is simply beautiful. It's a privilege to capture this special time in a family's life....and capture that mommy glow that is beginning to emerge. Colin and Stefanie, you guys are gorgeous, you were so easy to work with---and you're going to make fabulous parents!