Baby Leo! My First Newborn (Shoot)

While I've decided to be a momma to my pup for a while and leave the baby-making to everyone else, I couldn't help but have discovered a new passion while shooting this little guy!!  In my opinion, newborns are easy to shoot and the hardest subject to shoot all at the same time.  They're easy because once you get them to sleep, their job is done!  They don't have to listen to instructions, worry about their posing, or their facial expressions!  Unfortunately, getting to this point is incredibly difficult most of the time because they are the boss and they pretty much do what they want.  There is something magical about a sleeping infant though.  It is one of the most beautiful sights to behold, and there are rarely moments that'll make any heart swell with love more than after those eyes close and their breathing softens.

Leo was a perfect example of this.  He did NOT want to sleep, but with a LOT of patience and a beautiful momma's touch he eventually fell asleep and let me start rapid firing!  This was my first newborn shoot and I shot in the comfort of the family's home (Leo was only six days old so we wanted to bring the shoot to them, handle everything, and try to give momma a break:).  The home was BEAUTIFUL and an absolute dream to shoot in.  Anything and everything could have been used as a prop. Leo was also perfect!  I love it when clients bring me ideas and let me run with them, and prior to the shoot Jaimee had sent me a photo of an adorable owl beanie she wanted to use.  I immediately thought of staging a "nest" and went prop shopping (my favorite part).  I had never seen this idea done before so I was thrilled to see it all come together.

Here are some of the images of my first little cutie and I could not have been more thrilled with how they came out with the natural light:)

Dustin Lynch and James Wesley 5th Annual Living Donor Benefit Concert by University of Maryland Medical System

Back on September 11, 2012, I had the opportunity to shoot at a benefit for living organ donors.  It was put on by the University of Maryland Medical System and was a great event!  The show featured intimate performances by fellow Kansas native James Wesley current country heart-throb Dustin Lynch.  The benefit brought a packed house with sold-out tickets at Harmony United Methodist Church in Falling Waters, WV--just up the interstate from my mom's house!

Although I was sore from a surgery I had surgery earlier that day (I'm also a type of living donor) I wasn't going to miss two amazing country performers being so close!  I had contacted the host of the event, Lee Adams, explained my situation and how I would like the opportunity to shoot the event, and she brought us into the show!  Here are my favorite images (there's a lot, but these boys are obviously easy on the eyes and just as easy to shoot).  I was excited to hear that Dustin Lynch will be back this year at the event, and I think anyone in the area should check it out!  It isn't every day that you get to be so close and interactive with such talented people!  What a great event for a great cause!!

Here's the link with information for this year's event. Even if you're not able to attend, you can still contribute!: http://www.ummsfoundation.org/page.aspx?pid=445#sthash.evfny5RO.dpbs

My favorite shot.  They were great on stage together.

Love the boooooots!

The best part? They were available for autographs and photos after!

Caitlin and Jeremy

          Let's be honest here:  Every photographer gets the jitters about doing their first wedding.  After all, it's a hell of a day to mess up!  I got lucky though.  In fact, I couldn't have asked for a better couple for my first wedding.  Caitlin and Jeremy were sent to me through a mutual friend, and I immediately loved how laid-back and in love both of these couples were.  I've seen plenty of episodes of Bridezilla, and I was nervous going in, but Cait's tomboy personality (exactly the same as mine) was the total opposite of anything I had feared.  We did their engagement session in a town that I love and know well--Morgantown, West Virginia.

          I can't express how much fun it was to shoot a couple that was so into each other.  My goal whenever I shoot (and you'll see me say this again and again) is not to pose, but to capture raw, true emotion and moments.  We captured exactly that!  These two were so into each other, that I didn't have to do hardly any posing.  

The Engagement Shots: 

The Wedding:

I've learned so much from these two, both about photography and unbridled love.  Not only that, but they have been the epitome of the perfect client.  I've worked with them and their family three different times now and I love them all (and insist that I am their most recent addition to the family).  And in about five and a half months I'll get to work with them again.... They're expecting!  Congrats to these two love birds and the entire family.  Creating bonds and friendships like this is exactly what I aim for with this business.  I strive to create friendships and stay involved with my clients in the hope that I get to see their families grow.  Thank you Mr. and Mrs. McCormick for opening my eyes to more than photography.  It still brings tears to my eyes knowing that you two are living the life that you wanted and are bringing another awesome little rockstar into this world!  I can't wait to meet the little one and see you guys again:)