photog blog

< all back together >

2012-02-11T23:40:00.000-05:00

big brother was out of town when I met up with this beautiful family last time, so we met up earlier this week for a mini session. After all, sibling relationships are my favorite.

Congratulations on your perfect little baby and beautiful family!

< baby boy >

2012-01-22T21:13:00.003-05:00

My dear friend had her surprise baby boy last week and I got to visit with them this morning. He was the SWEETEST baby EVER! He slept the entire time, and didn't even let out a peep. His mom, dad, and big sisters are totally in love with him, and it was so much fun to get to share in this special time. LOVE YOU GUYS! CONGRATULATIONS!

< as promised >

2012-01-16T16:09:00.001-05:00

Here are some more of this beautiful little girl and her parents.

Thank you so much for sharing this special time with me! I can't wait to get back together with you when big brother gets back from his trip:)

< preview >

2012-01-16T14:02:00.000-05:00

Just got to meet with this family and their beautiful new little girl. There's something about a daddy and his new baby girl that is so magical, and I just had to share it right away. More to come.

< i love this >

2011-12-16T17:10:00.001-05:00

My favorite thing is being with a family with a new baby. Especially a first child, though every new baby is fascinating and life-changing and perfect and new. There's just something so fresh about this new relationship that's so beautiful and unique and that I absolutely love to capture. It never stops amazing me to witness this miracle that happens when people become parents. No matter how that baby enters their lives, something so potentially scary and overwhelming just happens organically and these natural instincts kick in. No matter how awkward and they feel in the new role, they just know what to do--they just know how to love.

And this family is no exception. This dad and I actually sang in the same choir before we completed our undergraduate degrees back at BYU, and though we have a lot of mutual friends, and knew of each other, we never overlapped years. So I was SO excited to find out they moved here, and even more so to get to know his AWESOME wife. I love this family, and this little baby is so stunning and distinct. Are they not all such beautiful people? Such picturesque features. And their personalities are even more beautiful--if that's possible:)

Thank you so much for sharing a little piece this special time with me. And congratulations!

< 1 year >

2011-11-17T19:51:00.001-05:00

This little boy turned a year back in July and, sadly, I've put these off until now. What a terrible friend I am. But can you believe these beautiful eyelashes? I like to call him snuffleupagus. It's unfair for all little girls in the world that a boy gets this set of lashes, don't you think? He's such a sweet little boy, and I had a blast watching him play. You know, you guys really don't have to move away if you don't want to ...

I'm going to miss that beautiful little face.

< 4 days old >

2011-11-13T16:07:00.001-05:00

Sweet baby boy just came home the other day, and we were able to schedule in a newborn session before he lost that incredibly unique newborn-ness that I so adore. He was basically the easiest baby I've ever had during a session. Just slept and snuggled and didn't even have an accident! That's pretty impressive for a 4 day old baby:) And I was excited to get to squeeze in a couple pictures of his proud big brother (who happens to be one of my daughter's best friends), grandma, and mom.

Thanks again, guys! Your family is absolutely beautiful.

my favorite of the day

< in the hospital >

2011-11-13T15:59:00.001-05:00

A dear friend of mine welcomed a her second son into their family just this past week, and I got to visit them in the hospital. He is sweet and laid back, and looks JUST like his big brother, I think. Congratulations, guys! He's absolutely beautiful. And I look forward to getting to know him:)

< my kind of family >

2011-10-29T16:27:00.001-04:00

First of all, for news from my end, we're having a 3rd baby! And it's a boy this time! We are all really excited, including our girls.

This news hopefully explains my long absence from my blogs. So my apologies there. But, I hope this session of photos makes up for it! I absolutely LOVED working with this family. They all have so much fun together and are all so natural with each other. With all of their completely different personalities and ages, I wondered if these 4 girls would present a small but fun challenge for me, but I was totally wrong! They just played and laughed and made each other laugh. And when I got the parents alone for a second, I realized why these girls are so happy. These parents love each other so much, and that's why these girls are so happy to be together. They really are all best friends. When there's a healthy marriage, there's love and appreciation for their children. And then in turn, we hopefully teach our children to love each other and themselves.

Anyway, enough of my family psychology theories, here are the long awaited photos.

< little bee bee >

2011-08-20T22:16:00.000-04:00

I love babies. It's no secret that my favorite sessions tend to be with little babies. It's such a special time to be with a newly augmented family and see how the dynamics are changed forever. These new parents really treasure their new precious gift. They couldn't stop kissing and cuddling their special little boy. This mom and I actually graduated high school the same year, went to the same university for our undergraduate degrees, spent most of our time in the same building and knew a lot of the same people, and somehow never met until we were both here in Bloomington, IN of all places. Small world, huh?

And this little boy, even if he was already 6 weeks old, was the most perfectly cooperative newborn. He cuddled and yawned and stretched and slept, and was the perfect little poser. In fact, it might have been extra fun because he was all of the wonderful, magical things about a brand new born baby, but had a little hint of personality poking through on top of it all. I look forward to watching him grow.

Thanks for the special time, and congratulations on your beautiful family.

< sunshine family >

2011-08-20T13:17:00.000-04:00

I loved getting to know this family. They have 3 miracle children. And a really unique family story. I wonder if you can guess what it is.

These "almost twins" are so loved by their silly, sweet, fabulous big sister, mommy, daddy, and a really special family friend (who might as well be mommy #2). They are going to grow up having so much fun together. The babies were so different from each other, but somehow both a couple of the happiest babies I've ever met. They were so cooperative as I took their pictures, and seemed to just love the attention. And big sister is fun and quirky in the most awesome way, and we played and laughed. I want to hang out with them again!

Thanks so much for the fun morning. Let's definitely get together for a play date sometime:)

< friends >

2011-08-20T12:32:00.000-04:00

One of my best friends just moved back to Japan yesterday. Her daughter is the same age as mine, and my daughter and I have both been mourning the loss of a dear Japanese neighbor friend. But how fun that they can be old fashioned pen pals, right? I think it'll be a really good thing for all of us.

The week of their move, we got together and I got to take some family pictures for them. And a few pictures of the kids just being kids. I'm so happy I got to capture their sweet personalities just how I want to remember them. I love this family so much. They're all such beautiful people, and I really get the sense that they treasure each other. I'm really going to miss them. I'll just have to look forward to a trip to Japan hopefully in the near future.

本当にお世話になりました。お大事に！

< on the way >

2011-08-20T12:18:00.000-04:00

This beautiful family is about to welcome another boy in about a month, and I got to meet with them for some fun family time and some pictures of mom. It was a crazy hot and humid, classic midwest Summer day, but they were all troopers and put up with the heat. These boys sure know how to play!

Thanks again! And I can't wait to meet boy #3 when he arrives next month.

< my favorite >

2011-08-17T09:19:00.000-04:00

I was so excited about this picture, I couldn't wait to share it. More to come from this beautiful family.

< a little bonus >

2011-08-02T22:14:00.000-04:00

This little guy was really social and romping around after our special photo session tonight. We gave him some goldfish crackers and he came right up to us. I was so sad my kids weren't there to witness it. But then again, I doubt he would have approached us if they were.

< 8 years old >

2011-08-02T22:03:00.000-04:00

This beautiful girl just turned 8, and I got to meet with her for some photos in her beautiful dress. She is one of the sweetest girls I've ever met, and we had a lot of fun with her hilarious mom cracking jokes, getting lots and lots of giggles. Thanks for a fun evening!

< my baby >

2011-07-23T14:37:00.002-04:00

My sweet little baby girl turned 3 about a month ago, and I finally got around to taking her 3 year photos last week. It's so weird to me that I have a 3 year old. She's starting preschool this Fall. Is that really possible? She's still a baby. I'M still a baby! But man, these past 3 years have been the best of my life thanks to her. Thanks, my love. I love you. You made me a mommy, and it'll always be who I am.

And I can't forget her beautiful little sister.

< family >

2011-07-19T18:53:00.000-04:00

This little girl is so loved. With 2 fabulous parents and 3 older siblings, and all of these aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents to celebrate a special day with her. And to think she's already 9 weeks old! Wasn't it just yesterday that I took her newborms photos?

< 2 weeks old >

2011-07-19T18:49:00.000-04:00

A few days after my visit with her in the hospital, I got to visit her at home to take a few pictures. I love peaceful moments with newborns. And the not so peaceful moments as well:)

Congratulations, friends! She's perfect and gorgeous and wonderful.

< newby >

2011-07-19T18:43:00.002-04:00

One of my dear friends had a baby a few weeks ago, and I'm ashamed that I'm finally getting around to posting these photos. These are some of my favorites from my visit with them in the hospital. Can you believe the hair? I'm jealous my girls weren't born with that much hair to play with.

< my favorite >

2011-06-15T08:16:00.002-04:00

I love this family. I really, really, REALLY love this family. They are honestly some of my favorite people I've ever met. Whenever we're together I wonder why we don't play more often. And are they not just a stunning family? This mom, my dear friend, shares my love for photography, and she's a fabulous photographer. But that also means she's usually behind the camera, so I think it was about time SHE was photographed. Isn't she gorgeous?

It's always fun to photograph my friends, and especially a family that definitely knows how to play together. I think there is nothing more beautiful in this world than parents sincerely playing with their kids. Some of my most enjoyable moments as a photographer have been when the family plays together and I just disappear. And that's exactly what happened yesterday. These boys adore their mom and dad, and I hope these photos make that pretty obvious.

Thanks, guys! Let's PLEASE get together again soon. You're my favorite.

< a few more >

2011-05-20T22:28:00.000-04:00

I was working my way through these and felt like they needed to be shared. One thing I really felt as I was looking through these photos is that this mommy and daddy have just embraced their new lives as parents. I don't know if I've ever seen anyone so comfortable and genuine and relaxed with their first child as these two are. But they're so awed by every little thing their little baby does. It's the perfect combination.

Thanks again for letting me share a little bit of this special time with you. Your home is such a peaceful place, I love it:)

< bump to baby >

2011-05-20T14:57:00.000-04:00

I was so excited when this mom suggested a side by side photo, sort of a before and after. How beautiful are they?

< 8 days old >

2011-05-20T14:53:00.001-04:00

Remember this beautiful mom? Well, her new baby girl arrived over a week early. And I got to spend some time with her taking some pictures. She is simply beautiful, just like her mommy and the rest the family. She was so sweet and mellow and SO fun to photograph. Her mom asked me if it makes me want another one, and I have to admit it does a little! Of course except for the sleep deprivation and recovery. I don't really miss that part;) But really, these precious little souls really make all of that worth it, I think. Congratulations!

< 15 days old >

2011-05-20T14:27:00.002-04:00

I got to spend some time with this beautiful family to photograph their new baby girl. Mom is a super gorgeous fashionista, so it didn't surprise me that she had the cutest accessories, props, and outfits and the best taste for this little girl. And let's not even begin to talk about how gorgeous she is after having a baby just barely 2 weeks ago! Don't we all wish we could look like this?

Baby girl was so content--especially for the no-clothes photos:) I love that.

Thanks for the wonderful afternoon(s). Can't wait to watch her grow!

< love >

2011-05-08T21:38:00.003-04:00

I love this couple. I've known the bride to be for about ... 8 years now, I think. She's been one of my dearest friends and helped me through some rough, dramatic college girl times. And now, this beautiful girl is getting married! And he's pretty fantastic himself. Not only that, it's pretty obvious how crazy he is about her. And I'd say it's pretty mutual:) I am SO thrilled for them! And the best part is that they won't be living too far from me. Hooray for good, good, happy, comfortable, be-100%-myself-around friends.

Thanks, guys, for the (short) visit. And congratulations! I LOVE you!

< play time >

2011-05-06T09:44:00.000-04:00

This little boy is half Japanese like myself, and with a beautiful mommy like he has, is a total looker. Am I right? His sweet grandma was in town, so I got to hang out with them for a bit and take a few pictures of play time. What a sweet family! I can't wait to get together and do it again. Hopefully soon:)

< on the way >

2011-05-06T09:40:00.000-04:00

This beautiful soon to be mommy of 4 is due in just a couple of weeks, and I'm a little jealous that she's so beautiful at this stage of her pregnancy. I'd be parked on a couch like a beached whale, I think. I had so much fun just walking around her backyard and talking with her. Yeah, these outdoor photos were taken in her glorious backyard!

But I have to admit my favorite was when her little boy woke up from his nap and joined us for a couple more pictures. Thanks for the fun time yesterday! I can't wait to meet your baby girl soon.

< happy easter >

2011-05-02T20:40:00.000-04:00

... a little late, of course. We had no sunshine until almost a week after Easter, so though the girls got to sport their dresses at church on Easter Sunday, I had to wait for the pictures.

< website >

2011-04-21T08:37:00.002-04:00

I have a new website! My designer and one of my dearest friends, Lori Miller designed it for me, and I absolutely love it! It showcases my work in a way that is so professional and makes my photos look better than I thought they were. So please visit it and let your friends know about it. Especially if you have friends in Bloomington:)

Lillian Wilkins Photography Website

< back into the swing of things >

2011-04-18T14:41:00.002-04:00

I feel like I've taken a huge break from photographing people. I've been a little busy with my new project, so my camera has been busy elsewhere. But I'm finally getting back into the swing of things, and what a cute little pair of siblings to pull me back. And it makes it even better that Spring is here! My favorite time of the year for photography. Perfect light, perfect feel in the air. Too bad it's so short here in Indiana. Summer approaches a little too fast for me.

< love to japan >

2011-03-18T10:57:00.001-04:00

I haven't been around my blogs lately, mainly because I've been overwhelmed by what has happened in Japan. My mother's family lives in the Sendai area, where the biggest impact of the earthquake happened, and I've been so focused on that.

photos from news.com

I have been so touched by all of the reports by American journalists who have expressed their astoniment at how peaceful the people are considering what they are going through. They line up in an orderly fashion to get any sort of aid and are so grateful. They help each other. There is absolutely not looting. There is such a sense of community and compassion among victims. I love these people. I am so grateful to be a part of such a beautiful culture, and I pray that they will be relieved soon.

Please pray for Japan.

< photo a day project-day 28 >

2011-02-28T22:26:00.000-05:00

My last day. For now, of course. I had to try to make it good. And I think I captured them so well today. This project has been SUCH a growing experience for me and I'm exhausted and definitely need a break, but I can't wait to do it again in a few months. I've loved looking for new ways to express the personality of the subject. I've failed many times, but I really feel like I've succeeded, too. Though someday I may look back and laugh at myself for writing that. We'll see.

< photo a day project-day 27 >

2011-02-27T22:22:00.000-05:00

I love lunching with these girls every day.

< photo a day project-day 26 >

2011-02-26T22:16:00.000-05:00

Today, I forgot to take a picture. I looked at my camera and realized, thankfully, that I had taken 1 picture. 1. And not a good one. But, I guess, it's a pretty cute one. My girls got a package from their Japanese grandma of treats another gifts, my favorite of which was a collection of audio tapes with Japanese kids' songs on them that I grew up listening to. They loved it. So at least this photo is a good memory.

< photo a day project-day 25 >

2011-02-25T22:12:00.000-05:00

This little girl is growing up way too fast for me. Lately, she's been so obedient, so thoughtful, so ... good. Just good. She's an amazing little girl and I fall more in love with her every day.

< photo a day project-day 24 >

2011-02-24T14:53:00.003-05:00

My baby likes to feel snuggled. Today, she climbed into our shoe basket with her blankie and sucked her thumb. With her hand on my running shoe. Love my cutie.

< photo a day project-day 23 >

2011-02-23T14:52:00.000-05:00

< photo a day project-day 22 >

2011-02-22T14:40:00.000-05:00

< photo a day project-day 21 >

2011-02-21T12:23:00.000-05:00

My baby is finally getting some hair. About time, now that she's 1. Though she has been quite a cute little baldy up until now.

< photo a day project-day 20 >

2011-02-20T12:19:00.002-05:00

Because of the many little people in my house, we kept having to figure out different sleeping arrangements every night. Finally, the last night, we figured it out. We borrowed an extra portable crib from my neighbor friend and my big girl slept in it. First time in a crib in about 6 months. I was a little worried, but she absolutely LOVED it.

I love this picture for a lot of reasons. I love the natural vignette, I love the graininess, I love the hazy netting of the crib in the foreground and background, I love the textures in general, and I surprisingly love the strange, harsh lighting. I'm quite proud of it. It's something I don't think I would have thought to try before this project, which is exactly why I'm doing it.

< photo a day project-day 19 >

2011-02-19T12:13:00.000-05:00

My baby turned 1 today. And while they waited for the big birthday lunch and cake, the big kids sat on the couch and watched some movies (mainly so they'd stay out of the way ... 6 kids in 1 house is a lot, even if they are the best kids ever). Which is why we have 3 pictures today.

Happy birthday, my little baby girl. I love you so much.

< photo a day project-day 18 >

2011-02-18T12:10:00.000-05:00

Our friends arrived late last night and we drove up to the Children's Museum up in Indy today. It was a tiresome trip, but SO worth it. I love seeing these kids play together. They had a Barbie exhibit that the girls particularly loved.

< photo a day project-day 17 >

2011-02-17T12:07:00.001-05:00

My daughter's best friends are coming for the weekend. While we were waiting for them to arrive, we watched a movie, and her cute little self, perched on the couch, with the hair thrown over the arm was undeniably beautiful to me.

< photo a day project-day 16 >

2011-02-16T12:02:00.001-05:00

My baby girl loves to hide under the dining table and drink her milk. Silly girl.

< photo a day project-day 15 >

2011-02-15T20:53:00.000-05:00

I took some time to do some crafty things today. I love the results. Not to mention the cute little girls they belong to now.

< photo a day project-day 14 >

2011-02-14T20:49:00.000-05:00

My little baby girl is such a girly girl. She loves accessories. Not even a year old yet, and she loves shoes, purses (especially the one she has on in the photo), headbands, and for a girl her age, dolls. They are a crucial accessory.

< photo a day project-day 13 >

2011-02-13T13:07:00.000-05:00

I finally got several loads of laundry washed and folded, ready to go upstairs into the dressers when I took a break. And ... the laundry sat there from last night until this morning. Yes, I took a rather long break. The girls found a basket of folded laundry and decided to "help".

So now I have to start over.

And yes, those curls are natural. She didn't get them from me.

< photo a day project-day 12 >

2011-02-12T12:56:00.000-05:00

I usually remember to take a picture at lunch. But I don't want to take the same picture every day. So today, I tried a completely different angle. My girls were a little weirded out that I was standing on the chairs or the table to get a picture of them, but I'm really loving these. It's such a different perspective! Why haven't I tried this before?

I'm really enjoying this photo a day project. I was just talking to another photography friend last night about how it's forcing me to try different things. It's opened my eyes to realize that I do a lot of the same shots. Because they work, yes. But I'm loving that this is pushing me out of my comfort zone and helping me to see things differently. Not only different angles and points of view, but seeing more abstract, obscure photos come to life. If you enjoy photography, or just love to see the day-to-day changes your beautiful children go through, I REALLY recommend doing this. I think it's going to work it's way into my routine every few months.

< photo a day project-day 11 >

2011-02-11T10:13:00.000-05:00

My girls both woke up with runny noses and coughs, so we've been taking it easy in our jammies today. We started out in their messy play room, but decided to head downstairs to watch a Ghibli movie.

< photo a day project-day 10 >

2011-02-10T21:25:00.000-05:00

After an after-nap bath (you can assume why that was necessary ...), my little girl was in such a goofy mood. She's such a silly little girl. I actually got a few shots I loved, but this one really captured her so well. She seems to always have this glow of a smile on her face, which I absolutely love.

Which goes so well with the picture of her big sister for today. This was taken right after we got home from a local Japanese play group we go to. She was pretty mad we had to leave. I was worried to post this, especially paired with the happy picture of her baby sister. But then I thought to myself, "this is what I love about photographing children! You get the WHOLE spectrum." And I love this face. It's part of what makes her so unique and beautiful and perfect to me. And you know what? When she's older, I'll miss her grumpy face. Because I bet by then, it will come with much more attitude.

< photo a day project-day 9 >

2011-02-09T21:17:00.000-05:00

After a creative highlight day like yesterday, it's too bad I forgot to take pictures until it was too late for some good natural light today. And I'm not good at artificial light. So boo to me for that. But I think I still got some "full of personality" kind of photos of my cuties. My big girl sure loves to jump off of the bottom stairs. Even when she falls.

< photo a day project-day 8 >

2011-02-08T16:31:00.001-05:00

I got tutus for the girls at the $1 spot at Target today. They insisted on putting one on the dog. He was pretty terrified. (And no, that's not a gigantic thumb, she's holding a mini maraca) Then after naps, we watched Ponyo and snuggled on the couch. I love my girls.

< photo a day project-day 7 >

2011-02-07T16:06:00.001-05:00

My kids love Japanese food. There are days they both refuse pasta, sandwiches, yogurt, cheese, anything most kids eat. But they'll eat rice, seaweed, eggs, and tofu. I can't really complain, though. It's a pretty balanced meal.

< photo a day project-day 6 >

2011-02-06T15:58:00.000-05:00

Today's photo isn't my greatest work, by any means. And I only got a picture of my oldest because ... well, I forgot about taking pictures until the sun had set. It happens so early these days.

It was fun to photograph anyway, even with the dingy light in that corner of my kitchen. We made Japanese hot pots for dinner, and my daughter helped make the rustic hand-pulled noodles. A perfect project for an almost 3 year old, no?

< photo a day project-day 5 >

2011-02-05T11:19:00.003-05:00

Snow lighting is my favorite kind of lighting. Bright, white, and even. So I had to take advantage of it when I awoke to the sparkly falling snow. And my girls had so much fun. I love that they're such good friends.

That was the official photo of the day, but I wanted to sneak in a few more because I didn't want these to get neglected. I mean, can you really get too much of little girls in tutus and ruffles?

< photo a day project-day 4 >

2011-02-04T15:38:00.000-05:00

My brother in Japan sends us DVDs of Japanese kids' shows once in a while, so a couple of times a week, we have some Japanese TV time. At first I wasn't sure how productive they were since the kids both had a glazed over look in their eyes, but my daughter started saying random things to me in Japanese this week. So I guess it's worth it:)

< photo a day project-day 3 >

2011-02-03T22:10:00.001-05:00

We had an oddly busy day today so one of my pictures is from my phone. But I actually really like it.

< photo a day project-day 2 >

2011-02-02T10:44:00.000-05:00

< photo a day project-day 1 >

2011-02-01T10:55:00.002-05:00

I was inspired by a photographer I love to follow to take a photo every day for a month. Her pictures of her little boy were so silent and emotional and sweet, and I loved seeing how she saw her day-to-day interactions with him. So I decided I'm going to do the same for the month of February. But I have 2 kids, so I'll probably be taking 2 photos a day. Unless I can get them in a picture together. I'm excited for this project. I've been feeling like my style hasn't developed or improved much in the last few months, and it's time for a creativity boost. We'll see how I feel at the end of the month. I'll at least have 28~56 good daily pictures of my kids. So here we go.

We had freezing rain last night. My big girl woke up sick a few times last night. And her little sister woke up after that with a slight fever. I didn't get much sleep. So, needless to say, it's been a lazy morning of lots of movies, books, and snuggles at our house today.

< my little girls >

2011-01-31T20:51:00.000-05:00

< i love newborns >

2011-01-13T23:05:00.000-05:00

They're back from the hospital, starting to get back into the routine of life, and I finally got over a long-time runny nose/cough, so I could finally get back together with this family. This little guy is so sweet and sleepy, and I felt so close to heaven being close to him. I was having so much fun looking through these today. I seriously love babies.

< fancy family >

2010-12-24T15:40:00.000-05:00

This family is fancy. From the gorgeous antique piano in their front room to the ruffley cardigans the girls were wearing. Maybe I'll be this cool when I grow up:) It was so fun taking a bunch of family photos with you. Thank you!

< arrived >

2010-12-15T09:26:00.001-05:00

Remember this family? Well, their baby boy arrived a couple of days ago, and I got to visit them in the hospital for a mini session before they come home. I was so impressed with how relaxed everyone was, especially mom. When I showed up, she was all dressed and looked like a normal person! Actually, not just normal, but BEAUTIFUL! All you moms out there know how impressive that is, right?

Congratulations! He's beautiful! And I can't wait to see him in a few days at home.

< the whole lot >

2010-12-10T23:33:00.000-05:00

I got back together with this family to take pictures of the oldest brother (who, by the way, was as cooperative and polite as his younger siblings!), so I thought I'd sneak in a few more pictures of the younger ones to finish out the set. Seriously, being with these amazing reminded me why I love this so much. It was photography therapy for me.

< kids >

2010-12-08T16:49:00.000-05:00

I get to teach this little boy at church every Sunday and I openly admit he is one of my favorites. He's so sweet and never causes trouble. Ever. And I was so happy that these pictures captured him so well. At least I think so. He and his older sister were so easy to photograph! I seriously sat them down, they smiled, I took a few pictures, and we were done. There was no coaxing or tricking or distracting. And their baby sister has the brightest smile! Oh, I had so much fun with them this morning.

< more special friends >

2010-12-01T22:23:00.000-05:00

I love this family. The parents are the most chill, laid back, awesome people I know. And I miss them so much. Two days after we moved to Elkhart, they invited us over for dinner, and the mom took me to an Asian market that week. I was so amazed by their inviting but non-intrusive way, and I want to be like them when I grow up. And can't you just tell how much their boys LOVE their parents? They can't get enough of them. I think that's the best sign of a beautiful family.

< my beautiful little niece >

2010-12-01T16:16:00.001-05:00

My sister and her baby came to visit me a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, and I feel so bad that I'm FINALLY getting to these pictures. She's changed a lot since the last time I saw her. She still has those gorgeous icy-blue eyes, but she's a whole lot chubbier and such a sweet, content little girl. I miss her so much already. Love you guys!

< love them >

2010-11-30T11:11:00.001-05:00

Some more of friends from my old home. Gosh it was good to see them all.

I've talked about these guys before (many times) because I've had the privilege of documenting their family since before their sweet little girl was born. I miss living closer to them and watching her grow. She is SO beautiful, isn't she?

I sure miss you guys.

< elkhart friends >

2010-11-29T23:20:00.003-05:00

We visited some dear friends back in our old stomping grounds, and took some family photos. I love my friends there. We were so blessed to be associated with them.

Here's one of my best friends and her beautiful family. I've shared pictures of them on here before. It's crazy how fast these kids grow up! But then I remember I have kids pretty much the same age as her younger two, so it really shouldn't surprise me that much.

Next time I visit (hopefully really soon), I'm taking more individual pictures of your kids! But I'm glad we had a few minutes to get a family photo for your beautiful new home. Love you guys!

< big sister >

2010-11-22T23:13:00.001-05:00

This cute little family is about to welcome a baby boy in the next few weeks. This little girl is so smiley and happy and playful, and we had so much fun. And isn't mom so beautiful? Sheesh, I wish I could look that cute when I'm pregnant;)

Congratulations, guys! I can't wait to meet your little boy. Hopefully sooner rather than later, right?

< photo friends >

2010-10-28T12:41:00.002-04:00

I have a couple of new friends who are both really into photography, and we all have kids the same age! Except I'm the only one with girls. And I was reminded how much faster boys are! I was busy, busy, with a baby in my arms, but we had a blast in the perfect overcast lighting. Makes b&w so yummy. I just feel bad that after all of that hard work, I ended up with no pictures of my own kids. How weird.

< new friends >

2010-10-14T13:28:00.000-04:00

We're settling here in Bloomington, and making new friends! One of my new friends has been so nice from day 1, and has helped us out so much. And it helps that she has 2 little girls, too! And they are such fun little girls. The older sister might be one of my favorite little kids I've ever met, so friendly and open and confident! We had a lot of fun, hopefully we'll do it again soon. Maybe a little earlier so we aren't fighting with the setting sun. The only thing I don't like about fall weather.

< more of my babies >

2010-10-01T10:58:00.001-04:00

< my babies >

2010-09-20T12:44:00.001-04:00

< little beauty >

2010-08-20T09:59:00.001-04:00

Recently, I got to get back together with little miss K, who I've been photographing since before her birth, in the hospital the day after her birth, when she was just a few days old, when she was 3 months old, sometimes just for fun, and now at 6 months. And hopefully I'll get to keep watching her grow! She was the perfect little model for my new attempt to make eyes stand out without any post-processing tricks. They are unbelievable! And I loved her sweet little squeals and giggles she gave her mom and dad. And it helps that she knows me well enough to smile right at me. Miss you, little princess!

This last one might be my new favorite photo. Could you just get lost in there?

< bride >

2010-08-10T22:55:00.002-04:00

I got to take this gorgeous bride's engagement photos a while back, and got back together with her to take bridals when I returned from my trip to Utah. It was so fun seeing her again and talking wedding stuff. I love weddings. Congratulations to you both!

< i love the playground >

2010-08-06T22:52:00.001-04:00

This family had the most enjoyable brothers who were so adorable with their cute little sister. I got to play on the playground with them, which was definitely a good choice for a couple of boys. Here is a sneak peek into my fun time with them. Thanks so much!

< my little love >

2010-08-04T21:31:00.002-04:00

I love this girl.

< friends >

2010-07-25T17:54:00.002-04:00

This past weekend has been so wonderful! My best friend from high school and her cute family came to visit. My little girl and I went to visit her when her son was born, and now he's so grown up and I have another kid. Life changes so fast!

This little boy was too easy to photograph. He was smiley and giggly and serious and sweet all when I wanted him to be. I miss you guys so much already. Come visit again, please. Please?

I am so in love with his eyes.

< b&w >

2010-07-22T07:32:00.000-04:00

Just a few last ones before I send out these photos. Black & white is somehow almost always my favorite. Hope you like them!

And I couldn't resist adding these back in. Are they not just perfect?

< where do i even begin? >

2010-07-15T17:01:00.000-04:00

After taking this family's pictures, I got the pleasant surprise of being contacted by her mom to take the rest of the family's picture during my trip to Utah. It was so much fun for me, and I am totally in love with these people! This is really just a small, small part of the many pictures I got, but here are a few of my favorites so far. Thank you SO much for letting me spend some time with your beautiful family!

ok, can you believe this girl's eyes? I promise I didn't do ANYTHING to them.

... so there's just a few

< i want to be them when i grow up >

2010-07-14T22:28:00.001-04:00

I was going to wait to share any from this session with this incredible family, but I am just so in love with this picture that I couldn't wait any longer to share it. I want to be them when I grow up.

More to come from the great time I had with these wonderful people.

< little brother >

2010-07-14T21:13:00.001-04:00

I'm so behind! I took these over a week before my trip to Utah, and thankfully my friend is very patient with me. This little boy is the youngest of 4, and it's fitting to have his pictures on here after my little niece because he was born right after her. He was so sweet and mellow through the whole session, which made it pretty easy for me. And can we all agree that baby feet are the cutest?

please click to enlarge this last photo. I love it.

< bee bee >

2010-07-12T15:24:00.000-04:00

This is my newest little niece that I got to spend a lot of time with during my trip. And she is just as beautiful as her brother and sisters. And my sister has the best taste! I am totally in love with the cute little diaper cover she had for her.

Here are just a few from my little photo shoot with her.

< busy busy >

2010-07-11T20:54:00.004-04:00

Friends! I am back from a 2 week long vacation visiting family. And like last year (but even more so) I was busier on vacation than I am at home. I had so much fun photographing friends, family, and even meeting a new family to photograph. All of that is coming up, but let's start at the very beginning of my trip.

My cute sister-in-law is getting married! Even since I met her, she's been one of my absolute favorite people, and I'm so excited she's marrying such a great guy! Isn't always so enjoyable when someone you like marries someone you like? I've never seen anyone make her smile or laugh quite as much as he does, and it was fun trying to catch those big laughing moments. Though her serious face is so glamorous, it made me a little jealous. I don't do the serious face very well.

She is all class and so shooting them was pretty easy. She had all of these great ideas, and I felt like I got to expand myself a lot. Congratulations, guys! I love you!

Is she not just absolutely stunning?

< as promised >

2010-06-21T13:01:00.000-04:00

I was just finishing these up to deliver today, and wanted to share some more of my favorites. Can you just tell how much fun they all have together? Thanks for inspiring me to play more with my kids and to just have fun!

< cutest family >

2010-06-14T17:21:00.000-04:00

I think this family wins the award for the cutest family ever! These kids were so playful and completely adored their parents. Thanks for the fun time! These are just a few from today, so (as usual with me) hold on for many, many more to come.

And don't tell me this next picture doesn't just make you smile. Isn't this how life is with little kids? Love it!

< had to >

2010-06-10T18:50:00.000-04:00

I was finishing these up and had to post more. If for nothing else, just so I can imagine basking in the beach sunlight. Gotta get back there.

< wedding bells >

2010-06-08T12:54:00.003-04:00

This was my first time at the beach out here. And what a waste! I feel like I should have been coming here for EVERY session! But what better introduction to this beach than an engagement session, right? So picturesque, so romantic. And even better, this beach is where he proposed. I loved walking around with them and having them tell me where the ring was, where they had their little picnic, all the fun little details. And it was an amazing story! I was really impressed with all of the planning and thought that went into the whole thing.

You might recognize the bride-to-be from last December when I got to take pictures of her whole family. And now she's getting married! And to a pretty awesome guy, I might add. These two were so natural and fun and relaxed, which was too easy for me.

Thanks for letting me be a part of such an exciting time in your lives! Congratulations!

And these next few just about killed me. I know I'm such a dork, but is there anything cuter than this? ... Maybe babies. But that's about it.

Love, love, love the beach at sunset. I forgot how beautiful it is.

< more >

2010-05-30T18:56:00.001-04:00

I was just finishing up the album of this little guy, and found a few more I wanted to share.

An this last one was mom's idea. I loved getting down on the floor and looking up to get a picture of his cute little feet poking over his bassinet. What a good idea! No surprise, though, mom is an art teacher.

< new little brother >

2010-05-16T22:03:00.001-04:00

I've known this couple since before documenting their wedding about a year and a half ago. This beautiful blended family recently invited a new little guy to their family. And these older siblings and parents are so in love with him! I LOVED watching them take turns holding him and snuggling him. All the while little baby boy was clearly enjoying the attention.

more to come ...

< of course i have more >

2010-05-11T19:57:00.000-04:00

Couldn't resist showing off a few more of this little beauty.

And isn't mom just stunning in this picture? I wish I could look like this 3 days after my babies were born!

< more >

2010-05-08T14:32:00.002-04:00

I was just finishing up pictures of this cute kid and found a few more I loved. Is he the cutest little boy ever? His eyelashes are just unbelievable!

< new life >

2010-05-08T13:41:00.001-04:00

I really love photographing newborns. There's something so peaceful and sort of Spiritual about it. And today was definitely no different. This little girl was wide awake most of the time, but so calm and happy. And then I had mom hold her for some pictures and she immediately fell asleep. She sure knows who her mommy is. What a sweetheart. And it was perfect timing that daddy got home just in time to be in a few shots at the end.

Thanks for letting me spend a little time with your cute family today!

< growing way too fast >

2010-05-06T15:10:00.001-04:00

I've been taking pictures of this little boy pretty much since birth, and now he's over a year old! He's running around and talking and so smart. Thanks for the fun time.

< too pretty >

2010-05-06T13:45:00.001-04:00

I stopped by to visit my friend to look through the pictures I got of her and her family last Saturday, and she and her baby were just too cute not to take more pictures. Our lives need more quiet moments like this, don't you think? It's moments like this that, no matter how bad your day is going, makes you so happy to be a mom. Definitely that way for me.

< as promised >

2010-05-03T15:29:00.000-04:00

Here are the "a lot more" that I promised of this little sweetheart and her parents. I just love this family! I had a really hard time narrowing down the pictures to post. And I use that term loosely since I have a ton on here.

< my favorite >

2010-05-02T22:14:00.000-04:00

This is my favorite (or at least ONE of my favorites) from my time with this cute family yesterday. More to come. A lot more.