Amazing Photography Giveaway!

For other photographers reading this blog - take note: Flora Bella Collection is teaming up with the amazing Skye Hardwick to give away fantastic photography resources, including a gift certificate for Flora Bella Photoshop actions or textures; Skye's Workshop Workbook; and a phone consult with Skye.  Check out Flora Bella here and Skye Hardwick here!

3 Months Old! {Northville, MI children's portrait photographer}

My little guy is 3 months old!  I can't believe it!  We took some time to do a "3-month session" on Friday.  He really enjoys being outside, so we found some nice shade in our backyard and went to work.  Proof that outdoor baby sessions can be wonderfully vibrant and colorful.  

I love this expression - the little smirk and sideways gaze.

I'm pretty happy with how this detail shot came out -- tiny toes reflected in the bin.  And, could these linen pants from BabyGap be any cuter?

Hello big blue eyes!

Matthaei Botanical Gardens {Ann Arbor Portrait Photographer}

One of my goals this month is to scout out new photography locations in order to provide more options and guidance for my clients.  Don't get me wrong, I love Mill Race Village in Northville, but it's time to branch out a little.  I've been itching to check out the Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor for quite a while.  So, yesterday I packed up my camera, Sophie, Graham, and a double stroller and headed out for a stroll through some of the gardens.  I only just scratched the surface of locational possibilities, since not all of the trails are stroller accessible.  Not to mention, this hectic (but fun) two-hour stroll included a stop to nurse the baby, lots of bribery (ring pop included in pictures below and chicken nuggets on the way home), and a few tears (Sophie's and Graham's, not mine).

I'll definitely be taking husband along next time, equipped with our two hiking carriers so that we can scope out the historic barn located at the north end of the property.  Nonetheless, I got a good feel for the gardens -- and for those of you with little kids, the children's gardens would make a fantastic portrait and play-date location!!! 

Following this trip, Graham and I took a few minutes to finish up his 3-month photos in our backyard.  Those will be in the next post!! Can't wait to share!

These next two photographs are two of my favorites.  HELLO blue eyes!  I'm thinking a large canvas wrap is in order for my living room!!

This cute purple bench is in the children's gardens, and by this time, Sophie was obviously drained of all energy.  She was such a good model, though.  (Ring pops may become my new prize for reluctant little girls!)

I Heart Faces: Week 24 - All About Babies

I love photographing babies -- their sweet faces, soft skin, and curled up features.  Add in family shots where love is so palpable, and I'm in photographer-heaven.  We were lucky enough to welcome our second-born this spring, and this photo definitely ranks as one of my favorites of him.  

  

I Heart Faces: Week 23 - Play

This week's challenge at I Heart Faces is "Play."  I thought this photo of Sophie was perfect for the challenge.  Last week she had such a blast watering some of the flowers in our backyard.  She took her "job" very seriously, as you can see!

Check out I Heart Faces here:

"O"

I photographed "O" and his parents a couple weeks ago, but have been lagging behind a bit in putting this on my blog.  Without further ado...."O."  I love this first photograph - his solemn expression and sweet eyes.  Such a cutie!  It's no wonder my Sophie loves "O."

There's something about this photograph that just makes me smile.  I think it's that I'm not really there, while mom and dad are completely engrossed in happy exchange and "O" is looking off at something else.

For most of the session, "O" was pretty mellow and much more into chasing birds than being photographed.  But, tickles always bring out smiles!