He's so sweeeet!

Nothing like a newborn baby to make you understand just how common miracles are. Little Gavin was so much fun to photograph, and this was hands down (some pun intended) my favorite image from the session. His mommy and daddy supplied the antique Coke box, and it was the perfect prop.

In case you don't already know, it does take a little fairy dust to get a pixie sized sleepy-head in this position for a photo. But not much. ;-)

What a Cutie-Pie!

I introduced you to the youngest member of my family a few months ago, Baby Brooklyn. She's now six months old, and full of personality.

I photographed her for her "Baby Detail's" panel while we were in Virginia for the Easter holidays. We got some great shots while she showed off her wiggling skills, ha-ha. She's as sweet as she is cute, and those chunky little legs are just adorable! Do you see all that hair? At this rate she'll have braided pigtails for her one year portraits.

For this session I used my sisters french door as a soft box light, and used a large footstool that I covered with black fabric to put Brooklyn on. In case you're wondering, yes, most babies do leak when they're naked for more than two minutes. Yes, she was, and yes, she did. Nope, I put plastic down under the black fabric 'cause I knew that would happen and I didn't want my sister upset with me. ;-)

Welcome to the family, Brooklyn

Ok, I'm gonna sound like a grandma, but honest, I'm her auntie. Miss Brooklyn is just the cutest thing, don't you think? These are some quick photos taken at my brothers house a couple of weeks ago when I got to meet her for the first time.

It's been a while since we added a little girl to the family tree, that puts the count up to 7 nephews and 3 nieces (plus a goddaughter and two godsons, don't forget them.) Gonna be fun buying some little girl stuff for Christmas-woo-hoo!

Givin' Away Money - Wheeeee!

FREE MONEY--sort of. Tonight I'm thrilled and honored to help give away a total of $20,000 to a variety of charities who provide services in the fight against breast cancer.

My dear friend Karen started a non-profit organization called "Focused on a Cure" (yep, you guessed it, Karen is a photographer, hence the name) a couple of years ago and I've been able to contribute in a small way by helping to photograph their major fund raising event each year. It's always great fun, and raises a lot of money for the cause.

This year I was asked to serve on the committee that reviews the requests for funding by various organizations. What an eye-opener! I have never been involved in the world of non-profit grants, and it's much more involved than I imagined. Tough but rewarding, through this process the committee decided how to distribute the $20,000 that Focused on a Cure has raised. Tonight the recipients will gather for a small reception and receive their checks.

One thing I'm sure of, it's going to be a wonderful evening.

If you know a cancer survivor, or an active fighter...give him or her a hug. Special people, that's what they are, very special indeed.

Photo of the Day - July 31, 2010 - Mast General Store

The beautiful Mast General Store in Valle Crucis-built in 1883, and still in operation today. If you haven't been, you outta. They're bound to have something you need.

Lilly's Pearls

This is a photo taken during a 4 generation session--4 beautiful women, 1 beautiful family. Lilly and Mom live in Chicago and came home to Thomasville to surprise Grandma and Great-Grandma for Mother's Day. While they were together was the perfect time to create a new family heirloom.

The pearls in the back belong to Great-Grandma, the baby bracelet is Lilly's, and the pearls in her hand are Grandma's but were worn during the session by Mommy. I can envision that someday she'll be photographed in her wedding gown with these same pearls.

Welcome to the world, Little Miss Olivia

Sometimes I just love my job. Ok, most of the time I love my job, but some days are particularly wonderful. Like the day I got to create beautiful newborn photos of Olivia.

This is Little Miss Olivia, she's perfect and beautiful, and I just have to tell you, when I heard she was expected my heart sang. Not only because I thought I would have another sweet little one to photograph, (she is sweet, and I do get excited about new babies to photograph) but because of the history I have with her parents.

You see, I'm a volunteer photographer for an international organization called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS.) We provide infant bereavement photography free for families suffering the loss of a baby. Karen and Travis were my very first session for NILMDTS, and they hold a special place in my heart. Their first child, a beautiful little angel named Travis Jr., was lost due to a birth defect, and I photographed this precious family in the hospital shortly after his birth and passing.

I've done a number of sessions for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep since then, but none are as strong in my memory as Travis Jr.'s. His family are powerful role models for grace in difficult times, and my experience with them made a huge impact on me. I've prayed for them often over the past couple of years, and hoped they would have their hearts desire of more children.

So YEAH! When I met Olivia my heart melted. She's not only an answer to prayer, she's also one lucky little girl to have a loving home and two strong, faith-filled people for parents. Plus she has the cutest little toes! I'm going to enjoy watching her grow up. Yes, I am.