moments with Zoe

knowing i was having a girl, i had some ideas of the type of newborn photos i wanted to take with her.  of course, i knew i should attempt this within the first few days of life when she was extra sleepy and easy to pose. of course what i didn't know is all the crying this girl had in store.  

after days and days of trying to get some pretty shots, i got few serene ones and many screamers. 

(even though it's a billion degrees outside, and i have my arsenal of warmers, and even tried one set up outside in the heat, she did not like to be down to her diaper.)

my mom bought this gown on a trip to Italy when i was a little girl.  i think my sister got a chance to wear it, then she gave it to me and i have taken all the girls' portraits in it.  it has the most beautifully delicate lace and embroidery details, that perfectly compliment the delicate details of a newborn babe.

this is the photo we eventually chose for her announcement.  not exactly what i was hoping to capture, but definitely beautiful.  

little Zoe did not make this momma's job very easy.  it was the toughest newborn photography session i've ever done.  thank goodness my sweet friend offered to take some when Zoe was one month old (wherein she still cried the whole time).  

my Chritmas presents (thanks Jason)

i have been wanting a Bosch for a very long time now (at least 6 years) and have always stopped short of buying one due to my lack of baking and the large price tag.  but this has been a big year for me and the oven.  i have embraced baking muffins, cookies and other snacks as a way to cut back on processed foods.  my increased baking made for an increased mess and Jason was always commenting that there had to be a less messy way to mix.  I took the opportunity to tell him my theories on stand mixers and educate him on our need for a Bosch. and look what Santa brought me:  (Jason would die if i didn't point out that this was not my only present and he merely wrapped it and put it under the tree due to the timing of the purchase)  

 this little number has revolutionized my muffin and cookie skills, and the ease and convenience factors has led me to take up bread baking as well.  i now bake wheat bread a couple times a month, so we've replaced yet another source of processed foods!  hip hip hooray!  don't even get me started on the blender attachment.  needless to say, our smoothie making time has shrunk by half!

a note on my real Christmas gifts as they have not arrived I do not have photos.  Jason presented me with a coupon to upgrade my photography quiver.  I ordered 2 (count 'em 2) new Nikon dSLRs an off camera flash unit, new camera tote, SD cards, jump drives and more.  Britain Earl Photography is off to a great 2013!!!  thank you hubby!

Colin's one year old photo shoot

Bubba turned 1 on May 29th, but since this season is terribly hot, his birthday photoshoot was postponed for better weather.  luckily the clouds rolled in and we quickly took our places.  

 i used my favorite prop and favorite of Colin's outfits to set the tone for our shoot.  Colin was not that into it:

 but we still managed to get off a few good shots. 

happy birthday Mr. handsome!  you are the light of our lives.  your sisters adore you and we are thrilled to have such a wonderful son!  you are so much fun. it seems your energy has no bounds.  you love to wave to everyone you see.   you love dogs,  both real and stuffed.  you are equal parts tough and cuddly.  thank you for bringing so much love and joy into our lives.  this has been a fabulous year, and we look forward to the many more to come!  

love, Mom

Anna takes a shot, or two

Anna is always composing photographs in her mind's eye.  today, i let her compose them for real.  her subject: bubba!

 i even let her do some "mother and child" shots.  it's so rare that i am actually in front of the lens!

it's kind of hard to stop snapping pics of this little cutie, but she obliged me and got in one herself!  my little artist and her baby bro!

there's something about a sleeping baby!

everyday is like a newborn portrait session at our house.  i am absolutely obsessed with sleeping babies, especially my own!  one of my shortcomings as a photographer, is narrowing down the best shots for my clients.  i just love each and every micro expression on a baby.  for instance, i know all these shots are basically the same, but i love each one for a very specific reason. 

1) the pacifier in the background makes me smile because we always have it on hand,

 2) these two different angles show me his male patterned baldness and cute little pout,

 3) and this last shot is probably the "favorite" that will go on the wall, it's just a little bit of everything Colin, so peaceful and sweet. 

i'm not the only mother completely obsessed with their baby's face right?

furry fun

i have been super busy lately with photography! this weekend i did two shoots. first up, this big family:that's right, seven kids in all, 4 with 2 legs, and 3 with 4! we started with the furries first, because they were the most restless:then it was on to family shots:

i got to steal some time with this fabulous foursome:and finally, the big kids:

thanks for a great afternoon!

three times the fun

when i agreed to photograph a family with 20 month old triplets, i have to say, i was a little nervous. my fears were put to rest immediately upon meeting these little angels. meet Rhianna, Jessica, and Aissa.


they were a littel wary of me when i invaded their house, but when we got over to the park, they started to like me. especially when i told them they could go play while i got to know mom and dad.
these two are the cutest, down to earth couple. obviously devoted parents, (he works days/she works nights, so the girls don't have to go to daycare), they are set to get married in April! with triplet toddlers Tara and Juan don't get a lot of one on one time. they laughed at how long it had been since they sat and looked into each others' eyes.

i hope you guys are taking a LONG honeymoon!

Tara, you will be a beautiful bride!
we headed on over to the playgound - really, just looking at this picture makes me feel tired. three under two!
the whole family got in on the act!
then we settled down, and got ready to trick or treat!
hope you guys had a happy halloween! thanks for sharing your day with me. i know your future is looking rosey with your happy little garden!