Palmer In-Home Family Session
Family lifestyle sessions— both indoor and outdoor— are my absolute favorite thing in the whole world to photograph, and I realized I’ve completely neglected showing that on my blog! I love all of the story lines you can pull out of family sessions. In this particular series, I love all of the shots with big brother in the frame because you can really see how he is trying to make sense of what has just happened to his little world. (This next one you’re about to see, where he is watching from the chair as Mom swaddles the new baby is everything to me!)
While Alaska offers so many gorgeous outdoor spots for photos, there is something magical about going indoors when a new baby comes home. I love capturing the little routines, the spaces where families spend a lot of time, and of course, the sweet little baby details. The best part too about lifestyle photos, is you really get to relax in front of the camera and just love on your family without having to worry about being perfect.
Moms, Babies, and an Awesome Honor!
Moms are amazing. Whether you became a Mom biologically or adopted or became a stepmom, raising little humans is a wild and emotional ride, and I think you are amazing. We can function on no sleep and don't even balk at getting puke on yet another outfit. We can nourish a tiny human and provide all-healing snuggles. And I never realized these superpowers until becoming a Mom myself. I love Moms.
Which is why being named one of Anchorage's Best Maternity Photographers by Expertise.com is a huge honor. I love capturing the miracle of maternity sessions (because holy smokes the human body is amazing and women don't get enough credit for all that your body goes through!) I love photos of wrinkly baby hands, and have woken my son up more times than I'd care to admit with the sound of a camera shutter. I am so honored to be included with 11 other talented photographers, and am so humbled that people continue to ask me to capture these important milestones in their lives.
And just because it's an honor to be nominated (and I got the baby to sleep so I have this blissful window of time!) I want to take a quick walk down memory lane and share some of my favorite maternity, baby, and family shots.
When I heard that Poorva was going to have henna on her hands, I instantly envisioned this shot. Hands cupping your belly is such a sweet part of being pregnant, and the designs just added so much.
I also love getting to talk to the parents-to-be during our session. Poorva and Rishi had scheduled me for newborn photos to, and this was the look that I got when I said, "You guys! The next time I see you, you will be parents!"
Danae's session was another one that I loved. It wasn't particularly pretty out-- thanks to being break-up in Alaska-- but we found these gorgeous woods and some brilliant light, and she just became this amazing goddess during her session.
And it isn't just the Mamas that are so wonderful to work with. It's all of these cute babies too! ... I'm a little biased with this one though, since this sweet babe is mine. :)
Thank you so much for including me in all of these amazing parts of your life. Your referrals mean so much to me, and I'd love hearing from anyone looking for maternity photos, labor pictures, and newborn lifestyle sessions.
Melanie & Matt: An Evening in Perfect Light
On a golden August night, I meet Melanie and Matt at a local dog park where they routinely walk their dog, Lucky. Lucky lives up to his name, trotting around, happily slinging slobber across his own face, and bounding back and forth between his people. Melanie stops on the side of the forested trail and rummages in a backpack for organic carrot treats, which Lucky waits for excitedly. He’s much more interested in treats and other dogs than having his photo taken.
The light is a dream tonight. Soft filtered rays stream through trees, still clinging to their late summer leaves. Melanie and Matt walk along, and I catch a glimpse at what their normal evening routine is like. Melanie has a laugh that is loud and infectious. They talk about recent adventures and ask each other about whether or not they remembered the leash. It's their every day... but it's so perfect.
I love when I get to take photos like this. My theory is these little moments are the ones we should be trying so hard to remember. Sure, the big moments will always stand out-- but it's the dinners at home, the late night walks with a hyper dog, and the times when you didn't get dressed up that truly make up these short, wonderful lives of ours.
Another treat from this shoot? The fact I got to photograph Melanie & Matt before their wedding. This shoot, in particular, was fun because I’ve known both Matt and Melanie before this. Matt is the brother of one of my dear college friends and Melanie worked as the occasional courtroom sketch artist when I worked at KTUU. This separate life outside of each other makes it all the more interesting to see couples come together and how they interact.
The truth is, Melanie & Matt are the kind of couple that work so well together you find it hard to believe there was ever a time they weren't together. Have you ever met those people? Where it seemed like they just made sense? They are so sweet to each other, have shared so many adventures together, and seem to agree on more things than any other couple I've ever seen.
I'm so honored to be their wedding photographer-- and you'll see more from these two before you even know it! Congratulations you guys! Can't wait for the big day!
