And She Will Be Loved...

This sweet couple had tried for years for this baby. I could feel how joyful and thankful they were to finally be in this moment, awaiting a beautiful little girl, their pride and joy before ever seeing her. The nursery was picture perfect (and so classy), mom-to-be had her wardrobe laid out and had followed every pre-shoot instruction to a tee, dad-to-be was most willing to move every single piece of furniture I asked him to. Best of all, the connection and energy between the two of them. At one point I was photographing her in, let's say, minimalist clothing (gorgeous, by the way, but need extra permission before I share), and he, watching from behind the camera, said in the most sincere voice, "You look beautiful, Kel." Life is so sweet sometimes.

Brrrr...

I think it was a chilly 75 degrees the day we shot this! I really do love the cozy look and feel of hats, boots and scarves, I just wish I had more opportunities to shoot this look. MAYBE this year we'll actually get some cold weather! I'm not asking for much, but something cooler than 55 would be nice. Anyway, pregnant mom was a trooper - you know she was burning up in that scarf at 8 months pregnant - and big sister-to-be J rocked her fabulous hat and boots. Can't wait to meet little brother!

Baby Love

Can you tell how in love these two new parents are with their baby boy? They were so cute with him...kissing, talking, smiling at him...so sweet. And I finally captured the illusive "newborn smile," which made my day. :)

Still catching up

Can you believe I'm still editing photos from December??? Thank you all for being so patient. I think I have one more 2008 session to post (after this one), then I can finally move on to 2009!

I met this mom at the Angels After Dark fundraiser, which is a cool craft show held every year in downtown St Petersburg. We did the pregnancy session, but when I went back for the newborn session, baby P was not feeling well so we only got a few images. We decided to wait and do a full session with their other two children when the baby is 3 months. So, here are a few we captured.

Before and After

Two sessions in one post! We barely got the pregnancy session in before baby "C" made her debut, but I'm so glad we did. Enjoy your sneak peek!






Look at those precious lips!

The wait is over!

I'm so excited to post these photos! These two fantastic people are the owners of the new Arthur Murray Studio in Clearwater. They're young, they're hip, and they're amazing dancers! I've wanted to take ballroom/Latin dance lessons for many years, and when their studio opened so close to me, I couldn't resist...and I'm loving it!! If any of you have considered taking lessons, do it NOW! It's a great workout, it's great for your posture and self-esteem, and it's wonderful for couples who want to spend time together and strengthen their relationship. They are also starting a kids program, and I can say from experience (my mom put me in ballet and jazz classes when I was young) that dancing is wonderful for children. Not only for their self-esteem, but also for coordination and social skills. I can't tell you how thankful I am that my parents stayed committed to sending me to dance class...even when I *claimed* to hate it. ;) Ok, I'm finished with my speech now. If you'd like more information, or want to sign up for your complimentary fist lesson, their phone number is 727-489-9919.

P.S. You'll be seeing the newborn session soon!

JUST ONE...

...for now, but I can't wait to process this shoot and tell you about this fantastic couple.

My Favorite Family

This wonderful woman and I have been friends since we were 12 years old. She has always been one of my favorite people, and her family was the first I photographed, which inspired me to take this path in life (at the time they had one son and another on the way). I have thoroughly enjoyed watching their sons grow into fine young boys, examples of what committed parenting can accomplish. It has also given me great pleasure to watch her grow into an amazing mother. I was so excited to do this session, and can't wait for the newborn session. What's she having? You'll have to wait and see!