newborn baby girl sweet little eyelashes

I just had to post one more from this past weekend's session in Spring, TX. It's too bad I'm out of the baby-making business, because this one makes me want to start all over again. Love her!

newborn baby girl--I hope she sleeps this well for you, Momma!

What a little doll Baby Girl J was to shoot...and hold and cuddle and fawn over. :) I had the pleasure of taking this little peanut's newborn pictures at her home this weekend in Spring, Texas. I always schedule up to three hours for newborn shoots, because we usually have to take breaks for eating, diaper changing, and general fussiness. Not with this girl! She was a trooper, and I was in and out of there in less than an hour.

I have this constant debate with myself when it comes to editing. I'm a natural-look kinda gal, but a little smoothing never hurt anyone. But, I just had to leave these adorable stork marks on Baby J's forehead. I think they are precious, and they won't be around forever, so I personally love to see them. (I'm probably a tiny bit biased because both of my babies had the same marks.) What's your preference? Do you like a completely blemish-free baby or do you like your babies "warts and all"? This one looks pretty perfect to me.

So, I typically don't do lots of Photoshop work for my clients, unless they specifically request it. However, Mom and I chatted in the session about creating a vintage picture, and I sort of love how this turned out.

I had to include one of these two sweetie pies together in the preview. This little man was super cute and sweet to his little sister. He was very willing to give me the few shots I needed and then he was off to play again. It worked out perfectly. These two look so peaceful together, and I LOVE the little smile on Baby J's face. Perfect!

What a great shoot, and what a good little sleeper. Now the most important question: Does she sleep this well for you, Momma? I sure hope so! Happy preview, and I'll let you know as soon as the rest are ready.

family of five play at Memorial Park

I spent a late Saturday afternoon with this family of five at Memorial Park in Houston. These kiddos were so fun posing for the camera. They were willing to do whatever silly poses we suggested. We had them climbing rocks and sitting on bridges and smelling flowers and up in trees and up and down hills. They were very cooperative and so pleasant to photograph. It's always fun to see how kids are going to react to having their pictures taken, and these three were perfect little models.

(That's one trick I have for little ones who are not in the mood to have their pictures taken. 

Give them little tasks or challenges. 

"Can you see what's in that pond?" 

"I'll bet no one can jump over this rock."

Try it with your kids. 

You'll end up getting some beautiful expressions and won't get so frustrated because they won't "cheese" for you. :)

The sun was just starting to set, so we had lovely light for this sweet family photo. Have you ever seen a photo and wish you had the same one of your own family? I want this one!

This beautiful momma wanted to make sure she got a picture with her handsome husband. The sun was just right to give us some beautiful colors. 

When I ask moms and dads how long it's been since they've taken a picture together, the answer is always one of two answers--since before the oldest was born or wedding pictures. Guilty here, too.

When we were almost done with the shoot, we went over to the playground to let the kids have some fun. I got lots of great candid shots, and we had fun chasing them all over the slides.

Thanks so much for a fun shoot, and I'll have your entire gallery ready for you in a week. 

newborn baby boy; The Woodlands/Spring, TX newborn photographer

This first picture is my new favorite. I love how beautiful my sweet friend looks--and I mean inside and out. I got a little teary eyed when I looked at this picture, because she looks like the epitome of a happy woman. Now, on the flip side, if I could pull back from this shot, you would see the two big boys at the foot of the bed yelling and having a wild pillow fight and driving her bananas. But isn't that what being a mother is about? One second of complete bliss followed by another second of complete chaos? Love.

These boys are so sweet.

Thank you for sharing these oh-so-precious moments with me.

newborn goodness; The Woodlands, Spring, TX family photographer

This precious girl and I had a great afternoon together. She was such a little snuggly baby who just wanted to be held--which I was more than happy to do! Thanks for a fun shoot, sweet family, and I look forward to showing you the rest this week.

big brown eyes; The Woodlands, TX, family photographer

Oh, my goodness. I'm in love with these brown eyes. This almost one-year-old little dude is the youngest of three of such a lovely family. Here are some of my favorites from today's shoot.

1. He couldn't be cuter.

2. The baby hands. The curiosity and exploration. The water in the background. I love it all.

3. Trying to get the camera.

Love, love, love!

some girl time; The Woodlands, TX family photographer

One of the best parts of this job? Watching families grow. You've seen this family several times; here's their Christmas photo shoot.  So, big sister is turning 2, Momma is expecting baby #2, and Grandma was in town to help celebrate--so many reasons for new pictures. The weather was perfect and my models were beautiful. Thanks for a wonderful shoot, ladies!

New England color in the deep South; The Woodlands, TX, family photographer

I've been so fortunate my last few photo shoots to find some amazing colors in the trees. I was starting to get a little nostalgic for New England a few weeks ago and jealous of all the foliage photographers had available up there, and then I wore shorts to a photo shoot in December, and I got over it!

I've had the honor of taking photos of this family three times, and I hadn't seen this little man since his newborn shoot, so I was super excited to see everyone. They win the award for easiest and fastest (we were done in about 15 minutes) shoot of the season. I had a great time seeing you, as always!

 

Old Town Spring holiday family photos; The Woodlands, TX, family photographer

I realize that it's going to seem insincere when I say so often that these are some of my favorite peeps, but they really are! I love this family. It was a very chilly morning, and these boys were so great. Thanks for a great shoot, and I can't wait to show you the rest.

 So, I have to say something about this one. I know this momma and I'm sure she wouldn't pick this as her favorite picture, but I adore it. Have you ever seen a better depiction of a beautiful, young, loving mother? Thirty years into the future when he has his own baby, H is going to look at this and love everything about it.

sweet brothers; The Woodlands, TX, family photographer

I often say that I chase kids around a lot in my job in order to get good action photos, but I really did chase these two around today. We had tons of fun running around with the turtles and ducks, and we even managed to find a little pocket of color amongst the Houston pine trees for a classic family pic. Thanks for a fun shoot!

sweet little familiy of three; The Woodlands, TX, photographer

This little man is so sweet. He was a little shy and unsure about me at first, but he had a great time exploring Mercer, and I think we got some beautiful shots. Thanks, mom and dad!

evening at the botanic gardens; The Woodlands, TX, family photographer

I am enamored with this soft, evening backlight; it makes everyone look so sweet and angelic. Enjoy your preview, and your gallery will be ready in a few days!

 

Old Town Spring afternoon; The Woodlands, TX, family photographer

This sweet family of three will be four soon! You may remember them from last year's photo shoot. Can you believe it's been a year since then? Enjoy your preview, and I can't wait to show you the rest!

home for the holidays; The Woodlands, TX, family photographer

These lovely ladies were so happy to be together for the holidays. We spent a lovely afternoon together at Market Square Park in Houston. Thank you for a great shoot, ladies!

So adorable! The Woodlands, TX, family photographer

Oh, my. This little cutie was such a doll. When I walked up, she ran straight to me and gave me a hug. I think she could sense that I'm a momma and have my own 2-year-old baby girl. Thanks so much, and I can't wait to show you your gallery, Grandma!