Baby J | Bartlett, IL Newborn Photography & Video

Congrats to the Reed family for their latest addition: Baby J! This is baby boy #3 for them, and I think they just make the most beautiful babies! I've been videotaping/photographing their family for the past 6 years now, I have to say that I feel so blessed to be able to capture another special milestone, and that they feel comfortable enough to ask me to be with them just hours after giving birth!

I also captured video which will be incorporated into a 1st birthday video of Baby J's growth!

A few days later I visited their house, and Baby J looked so different already! Huge changes happen in newborn in those first few weeks. Even if you don't have a professional photographer, make sure to document their growth with pictures and video often!

I love this pose! I saw it on Pinterest a while back, and luckily mom saw it too and loved it! Mom's hand was right by the baby in case one of the big brothers got a case of the wiggles. They did a fantastic job. Mom had them practice without the baby for a day or two before the photo shoot! I just love how all the colors pull together!

Is this not the most precious moment ever?!?!

...closely followed by this shot. Mom didn't want to be in the photos because...well, she just had a baby! But I couldn't resist snapping this shot of her sitting on the floor and calming Baby J. You don't have to have your hair or nails perfect. You just need to love and that will shine through the image until nothing else is visible!

Hugs and kisses to Baby J's family. May the boys sleep well for you so that you can match their energy each day! :)

Baby Everett | Bartlett, IL Newborn Photography

One of my high school BFF's recently gave birth to her second son, and I did a mini session while visiting the latest addition to our growing playgroup.

Meet Everett. He's beautiful, tiny and strong all at the same time! He wanted to be wide awake the entire session, so no scrunched up newborn shots for this guy! Well...except for this one. The pose lasted about 30 seconds...

(PS: how do you like the Very Hungry Caterpillar cocoon my mother-in-law made?

We did, however, capture him finding and sucking his thumb for the first time....

...And his resulting surprised reaction. Too cute!

Brotherly love :)

And a little candid of the proud big brother!

Baby S | Bartlett, IL newborn photography

I was excited to meet new clients for this session! Many thanks to Stephanie Zych for the referral (and stay tuned for our upcoming Referral Rewards Program!)

Here is Baby S. Isn't she sweet?! She was only four days old when I photographed her. My youngest newborn yet! I arrived at the session armed with lotsa fabric backdrops and some new props: cheesecloth wraps and newborn headbands! And wouldn't you know it, she wasn't too sleepy...she wanted to check out her new home, big brother and even her doggie siblings! We had to keep bribing her with milk to keep her drowsy for the classic sleepy newborn pictures :)

And her big brother was really excited to check out the photos on the camera! Here's my favorite photo of them together :)

Congrats on expanding your new family! It really is a blessing to have two young siblings growing up together; I'm so glad my girls are that close in age. My best advice is to sleep when they sleep! :)

2010 Best Of Family Photos

Here's a little slideshow of some favorite photos I've taken over the past year. Thank you all for allowing me to capture your family's special moments, and I look forward to seeing you again in 2011!

Gabriella in Wonderland | Bartlett, IL Photography

A friend that I showed this photo to thought that it had a very Alice in Wonderland quality to it. I would have to agree. Taking photos with Gabriella is always an adventure. In the short hour that we spent together last week, she led me on quite the adventure!

Traipsing around Cantigny Park, we had a pretend tea party and searched for those illusive Cantigny fairies in the flower beds. It's pretty difficult to get eye contact from two-year-olds, so I just create a fun environment for them to explore, and then try to keep up and capture it as they take in the wonder of it all.

I did made the mistake of bringing out the parasol too early, and it was a wee bit difficult to distract her from playing with it the whole time, but I'm so glad I brought it with!

Let Them Eat Cake! First Birthday Cake Smash | Bartlett, IL Photography

Anatomy of a cake smash:

1. Dip a toe in the icing.

2. Get a closer look.

3. Inspect Carefully.

4. Savor it: YUM!!!

5. Play with your food a little.

6. Be wary of those who get too close. They might try to take the cake away from you!

7. Above all else: Have fun!

Baby K | Newborn Photography | Bartlett, IL

Time sure flies! Baby K's 3 month pictures were here before we knew it!

I can't get enough of her beautiful blueberry eyes!

Recreating a photo like her mom had taken when she was a baby!

Since Baby K is family, my girls were with me. Beth actually begged to help, and she took this photo. I have an assistant-in-training, I think!

Sweet little yawn.
Getting sleepy...

Aaaand, she's out!

Little fingers, little toes.