When was the last time you experienced something for the first time? Maybe a different culture, a new food, an experience that you’ve just never had before. And you know how there is that rush of energy and sometimes even fear that we get as we do something new, try something new, experience something new. One thing that I love about little newborn baby lives is...

Imagine you’re lying in the hospital bed, holding your precious newborn in your arms. You feel such a sense of peace, now that you’ve been able to see him or her for the first time. You can see they’re safe there with you, hear them breathe and watch them move their tiny little arms and legs. You’d love to shout it from the rooftops, to announce all those details, how much he or she weighed, or what day your long awaited baby was born on.

I will never forget the feeling in my heart when I found out that you were here, that you were alive, that you were growing on the inside of my swelling stomach. I won’t forget the look of joy and celebration on people’s faces as we told them with their gasps, and tears and squeals, as if you were the biggest gift. Because you are.

It's impossible to look through the images in this post and not smile. It's a fact - Old English Sheepdog puppies are adorable. I believe a well behaved dog can absolutely improve family life.My youngest child is 7 years old. My kids don't need help with as much as they used to. It seemed like a great time to introduce a gentle puppy into the mix.

Children are unpredictable, and photography sessions can seem hard to prepare for. Clinton and Jill's session was so loving and genuine, even if sometimes little big brother Oliver wanted nothing to do with being photographed. Their newborn baby girl, Eleanor, was content and wonderful. To help my clients keep their stress levels down when preparing for a session like this, I’ve put together some helpful hints. Reading these over and following them will be sure to help you feel completely informed, and to reduce your stress levels before and during your photo session.

The birth of a child is remarkable. It is remarkable in conception, in anticipation, in pregnancy and in their arrival. Like a breath in these seasons, it is almost like you can just feel it, like you just know it deep inside, “This is remarkable.”…

You know that feeling when someone is truly gentle with you? It is almost as if they are full of this peace and kindness that invites you to be yourself, to be okay with where you are in life and to just breathe deep because it is good. Gentleness is something I strive for every single day in my parenting, my work, my play, and in my walk with God

There is this feeling you get. You can feel it in your soul. It comes when you’re watching a family play, like really play, with their kids. And if love could be seen, it would be bursting out of every single moment and every single interaction.It is this moment where all the busy is set to the side and forgotten and all that matters is the connection between family.

Last month my beautiful little girl turned the big 1-0.  I can't believe how much time has passed since I held Lily in my arms for the first time. Her photo sessions have always been magical and this session was no exception. You simply must scroll down and see those gorgeous brown eyes, and those freckles!

I remember what it felt like when I had school photos taken. I hated the fact that I had so little time, but also could not wait to get out of that chair. I had to sit so stiffly, and my hair had to be just right but I was too young to really know what that meant so it wasn't. I remember one year the photographer parted mine right down the middle and I looked ridiculous. It is still in my childhood photo album.

Before I became a mom for the first time, I realized that raising children would involve many emotions - joy and happiness, sadness, confusion even. What I didn't realize is how young they would be when I actually had to let go. In my mind I figured this moment would be like in Gilmore Girls when my 18 year old daughter went off to college but she still came home every weekend for Friday night dinners.

There was a time when everything I did as a photographer was so carefully thought out. I would purchase large paper backdrops and props, ensure children were sitting in JUST the right spot, and once all the conditions were perfectly met, I'd start photographing. Those days are gone.