This is definitely the tiniest baby I’ve ever photographed. The parents called me from the hospital. I asked “when was your baby born?” and Kristi replied, “last night”! She took my advice when I told her newborn babies should be photographed within 2 weeks of being born. At one month, their hands and feet are already twice as big! So, this session was photographed when their new baby Emma was only 4 days old!

It is always a joyous phone call when one of my past wedding couples calls me to announce that they are expecting a baby and they either want to schedule a maternity or a newborn session.

I have fond memories of Kristi and Todd’s April wedding: they were thinking of a SPRING wedding, but it ended up being a WINTER wedding, with a fresh snowfall the day before. Kristi quickly found a beautiful white fur cape, which made for fabulous outdoor photos at the Van Dusen mansion….. in the snow!

Aidan and Evan came with their mom back in late April for a photo session. It was to be a surprise for their dad for Father’s Day. I have been waiting to post these darling photos since then, but had to wait just in case dad happened to look at my website.

This is actually the third time I’ve photographed Aidan – the first being a maternity session with his mom when she was almost 9 months pregnant with him! Lucy was one of those beautiful pregnant women who just had a small basketball tummy – no fair, no fair! I remember telling her to arch her back so she would actually look more pregnant!

Lucy was not very optimistic that 4 year old Aidan could keep a secret from dad for 2 months – but he did!

Session notes: Aidan loves his 15 month old brother dearly, but he is a rough and tumble boy who is anxious for his little brother to be more of a playmate. There were several too-tight bear hugs, some pushes, tumbles and falls during the session. We had to wait a few times for Evan’s tears to dry. Once, after Aidan “accidentally” shoved his brother off the box they were sitting on, he went and sat anxiously IN the box they were sitting on while mom settled baby brother. It is one of my best photos – he knew he was in a bit of trouble so was very quiet and…. cooperative!  Then, Aidan insisted that I photograph he and his brother sitting inside the box tipped upside down. Wow – what a great idea: a natural “playpen” that held them captive for a few more precious minutes!

Lucy told me that she left the session wondering if there would be even ONE good photo from the shoot. She was delighted with the results!  Here are a few of the good shots from that session.

The Allen’s three youngest children attend Greenleaf Elementary School. Their parents bid on my services at a recent Silent Auction fundraiser. I had a very positive experience photographing them; all of the children, even the 5 year old, were SO cooperative. They wanted something fun and informal. Here are some of the cute shots from that session.

Jean called me about two months ago. She was planning a surprise 50th birthday party for her boyfriend, Lance, at the Horse and Hunt Club in Prior Lake. She wanted a photographer to record the surprise and then to be on hand for some casual, fun shots of the event. Lance was truly surprised as Jean led him into the beautifully decorated room where friends and family waited. Jean planned an amazing event which included a fabulous buffet and a fun DJ. And presents, of course!

Liquor parfaits in lieu of cake (yum!)

Chase’s mom called and inquired about sessions for her 1-year-old son AND her high school senior daughter. I had to laugh because when I was a senior in high school, my baby brother Ken was just a few months old (yes–same parents!). Ken recently married Jen, who is the same age as my daughter, so I can appreciate these family dynamics!

Here are some pics of darling baby Chase and his gorgeous big sis, Paige.