Baby A Newborn Session {Salt Lake City, Utah Newborn Photographer}

This is the second time I’ve had the privilege of photographing the Sanchez-Clifford family, as they welcomed their newest little baby into the world. As I looked at their photos from 2 years ago, I was keenly aware of the way the more things change the more they stay the same. Their two older children were just as fascinated by the large hospital window as they were two years ago. I love watching this family grow and way that they just take in the whole moment and really familiarize themselves with their new baby. Baby A was such an easy-going and patient baby as they stroked the hair on his head, the fuzz on his tummy, and inspected his toes.

I had to share this photo from a session with this family two years earlier, just for funsies. Same family, same kids +one, same hospital… two years later. To see more from this session see this blog post

Baby P Newborn Session {Salt Lake City, Utah Newborn Photographer}

In-home sessions are my most favorite sessions of all time. I just love spending this intimate time with families and really witnessing all the love they have for each other. Spending the morning with the Kirks was the perfect Saturday morning. Making muffin, playing with the dog and new kitty, wrestling on the floor, and of course, all the nuzzles and kisses for sweet Baby P.

Photo Album

One of my favorite things about doing photography is seeing the artwork I create printed in books and albums, and framed on my client's walls.  I love knowing that they have a constant reminder of how much they love their families every time they look at their photos throughout their house. I can't imagine in ten years from now, all of us sitting around our computers looking at our family photos. 

This really hit home for me when I finally had photos of my three year old's first week after being born printed in a photo book.  I watch as he pulls the book off the end table and takes it to his dad. As he climbs into his lap he asks if he will look at the book with him. It just warms my heart (cheesy, I know!!) as I watch his face as his dad tells him about every photo and how much we love him. It is a beautiful reminder to all of us the love that grew in our family when he was born, and a reminder of that special and crazy season of our lives.

All this to say that I am thrilled to be offering this photo album to my clients so they can have the same experience that I have every time I watch my little guy climb into my husband's lap and peel open the book.

I love the timeless design of this album, knowing that over the years it will live beyond the trends of our time and will be a legacy that will be passed on for generations. This album is handmade so you know it is built to stand the test of time.  I love the thick sturdy pages that are coated for protection and will withstand the many years of tiny hands as the stories in the book are told. I love the lay flat pages and square format so nothing detracts from the images that tell your family's story.  But my most favorite thing about this album is the classic linen cover and I am in love with all the colors it comes in. It just takes me back to the days I spent at the book store with my dad. Something about holding that linen cover book just says "this is special" and that is what I want my clients and my own family to feel every time they hold their album, "you are special."

Father's Day Tribute

As a mom I see and experience a lot focus on moms and motherhood. We're pretty amazing, don't get me wrong. But sometimes I wonder if the impact dad's have on a child's life isn't talked about enough. As a daughter I know the impact my dad has had and still has on my life and my knowledge of who I am, where I belong, and where I can go. My dad passed away 4 years ago this month and it's hard to go a day without feeling his absence in my life. I miss his counsel and when things are hard I find myself talking to him and asking "what would dad tell me to do right now?" And almost always the answer is of love and compassion. The last piece of counsel I remember him giving me was when I was struggling to teach my teenage daughter to do what was right. I asked him what I should do and he said "You just be an example to her and love her." It was always that simple and at that time I was a little bugged that he didn't give me more "practical," more applicable advice. Now I see the wisdom in his words. And if I could talk to him one more time I would hold onto every word. He taught me love, compassion, and gentleness. And it was his influence in my life that has helped me overcome many obstacles and heartbreaks. 

This was going to be a tribute to all dad's but I guess it turned into a tribute to my dad. But I hope that it will inspire you to recognize the ways your father has affected your life.With I wanted to share some of my favorite photos of the amazing dad's I've been privileged to photograph.

Baby Sloane

Welcome the world and this big family love, baby Sloane. This family isn't so big but the love in this family is huge and it was huge in this room as they inspected every inch and every wrinkle of this fresh babe, almost as if trying to imprint this moment into their memories.

Baby Scarlett

I have had the opportunity to photograph this family many times and have been able to witness the  way they treasure and cherish their spirited seven year old as she grows. And now after many years of waiting and wanting they are honored to bring baby Scarlett into their family. This sweet girl is truly a the answer to many prayers and the knowledge of that was palpable as I was able to document this family welcoming their new baby into the world.

Sweet Baby James' First Bath

I'm finally getting to editing some of my earliest documentary photos, the ones where I would just bring my camera everywhere with me and ask people if I could hijack their family experiences.

These dear friends of mine were gracious enough to save their sweet baby's first bath at home until I was there with my camera. I will be forever grateful to all the friends and family who have supported me in my silly photo schemes.

This handsome little man was so fun to photograph! And he has the cutest little cry. Ugh, the way his little chin crinkled and his little bottle lip puckered out.... My heart aches just thinking about it!

Watching these two bathe their baby James with such care brought back all those familiar new parent feelings. Sleep deprivation, love, overwhelm and the sense that the  whole world of this new little soul rests on your inexperienced shoulders, and that feeling of "we did it!" after each thing you face as new parents. Maybe it was the exhaustion or the roller coaster of emotions, but I distinctly remember my husband and I nitpicking about how to do it the "right way" as we gave our baby boy one if his first baths. Of course we both thought our way was the "right way."  hahah! Ok it was mostly me... We all know my husband doesn't nitpick, and I'm the one that thinks there is a "right way" to do everything In my feelings of inadequacy, I was trying so hard to do everything just so. And now, a year later, I realize I will always feel inadequate, just trying to do the best that I know how, feeling like the whole world of this little soul rests on my incapable shoulders.  Isn't being a parent grand!?

I love photographing these moments! Thank you Sheridan and Brian for letting me into your home and your world for that brief moment.

Chipping Family, Welcome Home - Utah Family Documentary Photographer

When Jenni asked me about doing a documentary session of her family after she brought her new baby home I was so stinkin' excited. We talked about her session, her family, and what she wanted photos of. I knew it was going to be awesome! A few weeks later when as we tried to finalize details, not knowing when baby was coming, she expressed concerns that her family would be too boring.... I can assure you they are not boring. They are interesting and beautiful! The routines of kids playing with legos and watching ipads, baking cookies with mom, and kissing and snuggling baby brother on mom's bed are beautiful! The connections in this family are beautiful! And I feel so lucky that I was asked to document it!

A side note, I was relieved and ecstatic when I noticed that Jenni allowed the kids to be themselves, allowed the house to be what it was, without the stress of deep cleaning and matching outfits, trips to the store or salon. She really caught the vision of the documentary session and that makes my heart sing.

Evy Day

I am amazed at how much one can accomplish by waking up at 4 am! I just got back from a trip to Nepal with a 24 hour layover in Turkey and I am experiencing major jet lag.

Normally I wake up at 7 am, get Sydney off to school and then crash back into bed until 9 or 10am. I am not a morning person but I'm getting so much done and it's only 7am!!!

Here are some photos of my sweet niece Evelyn or as my family fondly calls her, Evy Day. She is the sweetest baby and is adored by two older brothers and two older sisters.  Plus one photo of older sister, Magpie.

 

Newborn photos: Baby E

Dang! It's been so long since I've blogged. I am way over due... Maybe someday I'll explain why. But today I just want to share photos from a newborn shoot I did a little while ago for my dear friend April. You may remember her maternity session. Well I am happy to introduce you to her sweet Baby E. And what a good sleeper! :) hehe.