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.
Lumberjack Baby Shower
For an Alaskan baby who is going to grow up surrounded by mountains and adventure, I could think of no better Baby Shower theme than Lumberjack! (Plus, there is something so ridiculously cute about the idea of a baby decked out in red and black buffalo check plaid!) My Mom and sister, Laura, helped put on the most adorable shower, and I felt truly honored. Here are some pictures of the little touches that helped make the day a Lumberjack wonderland.
First, it helps to know really talented people. Kathy, from Three Little Birds Home Bakery, made this AMAZING cake that truly was the centerpiece of the whole shower. It was so convincing and realistic! (And not to mention DELICIOUS!) The "log" was made up of chocolate and red velvet cake, buttercream frosting, chocolate ganache tree trunk, and fondant/modeling chocolate axe. When you cut into it, it was the perfect red and black plaid!
Guests were also treated to a Trail Mix Bar. Some of the mix-ins included chocolate covered espresso beans, pub mix, yogurt and chocolate covered pretzels, dried cherries and blueberries, pistachios. Arranging the table with old apple boxes, cast iron skillets, and pinecones brought the whole table together.
Buffalo Plaid Jacket: Columbia
Alaska Plaid Onesie: The Plaid Apple Shop on Etsy
Stripe onesie and vest: Carter's
Our baby wasn't the only one getting pampering and attention at the shower. My Mom and sister held a Mother Blessing for me and asked each guest to bring a bead for me, which symbolized motherhood to them and their support/love/energy. My Aunt is currently stringing the beads together as a bracelet I can wear during labor. I love the idea of calling on the positive energy and support from the amazing women in my life.
Guests also took birch candle holders home for a phone tree once my labor starts. They are asked to light the candle and send prayers and intentions my way. I absolutely love this.
As for the Lumberjack menu, we had:
- BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Yam Fries & Jalapeno Aioli from Jack Sprat
- Three Bean Salad
- Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Goat Cheese, Slivered Almonds, and Three-Seed Dressing
- Fruit and Cheese Tray
- Chocolate-dipped pretzel rods (made to look like trees!)
- Vanilla Cupcakes
- And of course, the Lumberjack cake!
These next two pictures weren't part of our decorations plan, but it was amazing to see all of the thoughtful (and many Lumberjack themed!) gifts for the baby.
My talented friend, Christina, is quite the seamstress and whipped up amazing burp cloths for the baby. They are made out of the softest flannel with the cutest patterns including lumberjack beavers, a variety of cute thermoses, buffalo check, and a tree pattern. I'm sure we will get a ton of use out of them!
And of course what does every Alaskan baby need? XTRATUFS!!! My friend, Carly, got our Baby Boy his first pair of Xtratufs and Carhartts. He's going to be one styling little dude!
Other elements I would suggest if you're throwing a Lumberjack themed party:
- Red & Black Buffalo check napkins. We found ours on Amazon.
- Bamboo Plates. These were awesome because they had a woodgrain to them! Also an Amazon find.
- Mason Jars. Easy and rustic for drinking glasses and trail mix containers.
- Wooden rounds for serving trays.
- And of course, amazing people to attend!
Baby Loose on the Tundra
A happy baby on the tundra.
That pretty much sums up my photo shoot with Kruz and his mama, Mika.
I love the simplicity of baby shots in nature. Added hilarity that it looks like this little being who can't even walk yet is out exploring the great outdoors all alone. (It's the little things, folks.)
Kruz was a great sport and really enjoyed the bizarre squealing sounds my fiance' was making to get his attention.