Natural. Candid. Real. Beautiful. { The Blog. }

{ Welcome to the world, sweet baby Leah }

Now that the time has come for me to blog about it, I am lacking words...

The privilege of being present for a birth - and the hours of labor leading up to it - is....what?  What word am I looking for?  I'm not sure.  I don't think I can express myself right this second.  Bear with me.

My cousin Nicky and her husband Lawrence welcomed Leah Nicole into the world in the early morning hours this past Tuesday.  Nicky has been like a sister to me my whole life.  Sigh.... it was amazing.

I am overwhelmed with emotion as I sit and think about what the past 48 hours have been for me.  Baby Leah was born 2 days ago - but I've been sitting and staring at the images constantly since then.  I've been thinking about the phone call telling me that it's time.  Thinking about watching Mommy-to-be and her amazing husband share the experience and move from 2 separate people to 1 - focused on the same goal.  Thinking about watching the monitors with her nervously, and in anticipation, wondering what was going to happen next.  Thinking about watching her breathe and let her body feel the contractions and push through it.  Thinking about her laughing and smiling with excitement, despite the anxious feeling that every Mommy feels as she waits for her baby.  Thinking about when the doctor came in and said it was time to deliver the baby via c-section - plans shifted from what was wanted, to what was necessary (you'll see in the slideshow how swollen poor little sweet pea was when she was born).  Thinking about seeing baby Leah, smacking her lips from the second she was born; happy in her Mama's arms, as each family member took their turn seeing her for the first time.  Thinking about so much - and so grateful to have shared in this experience.  Beyond grateful.  I will remember it always.

Okay - a few images before you watch the slideshow....

You can view the slideshow here - grab the tissues - seeeeriously.  I have yet to watch it without crying.  I think I've watched it darn near 30 times in the design process. :) 

Nicky and Lawrence - it was my absolute privilege.  Thank you for inviting me into your lives - and into Leah's life - in this awesome way.  I loved every minute.  LOVED it.

xoxo
Christi

{ Just a quickie }

I gasped/laughed/started to cry when I saw it. 

My little big boy is 4.  FOUR.  The photo was taken at his birthday party - clad in his spiderman gear, wearing his spiderman bottle cap necklace that I found here and eating his spiderman sucker.  Still, you ask?  Yes, STILL.  He's all about the spidey.  He runs about, spinning webs, all the live-long day.  I love you, my sweet Mac. xoxo

Ooooh, and for all of you Etsy addicts (I know NOTHING about that ::ahem::), here is the coolio necklace... (photo courtesy of the designer)

THIS one is on its way - it's going in the upstairs bathroom.  So fun, right?

And one more, just for grins :)  Yes, it's a spidey life we live.  And it's a darn good one.  I am blessed.  So blessed.

{ Even the family dog ... }

Somebody pinch me.

Is this really my job?  Seriously?  Naaaaaah.  Is it really?

I say that often - I think that often - and at yesterday's photo shoot, it's all I could think about.  I {adored}, and I mean ADORED this family.  I've been smiling today as I've thought about them.  These kids are special.  Meet my new favorite family of 6 + canine...

First off, let me introduce you to the biggest sister, Lauren.  She's smart, she's precocious, she's confident, yet warm-hearted and so polite.  She's WONDERFUL, I tell you.  She chatted with me like we were old friends.  Lauren, you are a gem, my dear.  ::hugs to you::  I loved chatting with you and watching you juggle your soccer ball (like a PRO, might I add). Really, really loved it.

Next off we have the biggest brother, Parker.  What can I say about Parker?  I loved him, too.  He's reserved and funny, full of thought and gentle.  Parker is going to be a golf-pro one day.  He told me so.  And you know what?  I believe him.  He's craaaazy with his clubs.  I was like, "are you 9 or are you 19, Parker?"

Don't you just want to hug him?

Next, we have the littlest brother, Andrew.  Let me tell you a little something about Andrew.  He's just plain sweet.  He's full of boyish fun - with a touch of crazy - but so darn cute.  He was so polite to me - little gentleman he was.  He treated me like the nice photographer girl that I am.  Followed instructions and did everything that I asked him to, without a single eyelash bat.  Yup.  Amazing kids these are.  Uuuuuuuu-mazing.  Oh, and I can't forget to tell you about the way that Andrew swings a baseball bat.  He was knockin' 'em out of the park and running around the "bases" as we cheered him on.  Like I said, somebody pinch me.  Crazy fun.

I can hardly wait to tell you about Mollie - Mollie melted my heart right. into. a. puddle.  Mollie is the littlest sister - the baby of the family, but she holds her own.  I am smiling big right now as I'm thinking about her poses and tricks.  After she saw me taking photos of big sister Lauren up in the tree, she was aaaallll about getting up in that tree.  She wanted the movie start treatment.  Yeeeeesssss.  And she very quickly reminded me, as we were chatting, that she is 4 and a HALF - NOT 4.  Ooooooh Mollie - I would love to come back and have a tea party with you. :) ::swoon::

Okay, okay, let's get to the remaining images - I know that I'm wordy and gushing and falling all over myself about this family - I just can't help it.  It's all true.  And heartfelt.  I adored them.  Even the family dog - Coco.....

Next up we have the wonderful parents who are doing a fantastic job of raising these amazing kids.  You know what?  There was not one. single. fight. between these 4 siblings.  I was there for 3 hours - and not one argument.  Just playful craziness and a whole lot of fun.  I know you're saying get out, Christi.  Just get out. 

It's really true....

 

 

 

Okay, last one - we have to save SOME suprises for Mom and Dad when they see their gallery! 

Amy and John - it goes without saying.  It was nothing but a pleasure. xoxo

{ Past clients get smokin' hot deal + get some subscribe LOVE }

So...I think we all know that Snickerdoodles Photography is always buzzing like a bee.  You can hear me buzz buzzing around at any given time.  Bzzzzzzzzzzz. ;)

The new web site went live in April, and I started doing business a little differently around here.  After 2 years, I decided that it was time to change things up - take on less clients, so that I am able to really focus on each family (AND MY OWN!), and give them my best.  A more low-volume, high-service experience, if you will.  Everything from the turnaround time to the attention to each family to aaaaalll of the little details - it's different, and I am at a very happy place.

 

"PEACE...

It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work.

It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart."

 

I am working on the calm - I am well on my way to peaceful. Wooooootwoooooot!  Can I get an amen? ;)

I want each and every one of my clients to know that, without you, none of this would be possible.  I have found new friendships - and have enjoyed your kiddos and families to the fullest.  I still can't BELIEVE that this is my job.  My JOB.  Are you KIDDING me?  Really. It’s my jump-up-and-down-goose-bumps-tears-screaming-with-excitement-PASSION.  And I get to call it my job?  Pinch me.

Ooookay - thanks for bearing with the long-windedness.  Now, let's get to the point....

If you are a past client - that's right - if you have had a photo session with me from June 2007 until now - you have a $100 print credit waiting for you until the end of this year.  Mmmmm hmmmm, you heard me right.  All past clients get $100 off of their next order (after the minimum print requirement has been fulfilled). 

Even better?  Anyone who subscribes to my blog in the next 30 days gets another freebie (aaaaallll you have to do is enter your email address in that teensy little box up at the left).  Sign up to get my blog updates via email, and you can tack on another $40 print credit!  So, tell your friends, neighbors, family, any random stranger you meet on the street....kidding.  I joke. :)  And let me remind you - you will never, ever get spam or junk e-mail from me.  Ugh.  I would never.

And last but not least - a photo of my girl that grabbed me.  It's just a snapshot, nothing fancy.  But I love it.

 

Please note: fancy pants sunglasses, glamorous necklaces (multiple), pretty pink polished fingernails....serving me up some birthday cake (or...bursday cake, as she says).  Makes me smile big.

xoxo

Christi

 

{ Isn't she lovely? }

"I feel like amping it up a notch or two".... those were my thoughts when I contacted my fab graphic designer, Colleen.  It's been 2 years now, with the same logo.  Don't get me wrong - I love love LOVE my logo.  The design is great and exactly what I wanted back in the day; but now, I was feeling like the pastel colors were not truly me.  I wanted something "punchier, sassier, colorful-er," and Colleen delivered. 

Here she is!!!

Isn't she lovely?  I love the bright new colors - I think the green is my favorite part!  Now....I'm off to update the web site with the new colors.  And then, a completely new BLOG design is on its way!  And then we need new brochures, new thank you notes, new letterhead, new envelopes, new business cards..... Pheeeewww.  Better get cracking! :)

2-for-1 Summer Photo Sessions - $175

Summer break is officially here (is it REALLY July already?), and Snickerdoodles Photography is kicking it off with some summer photo love!  Woooo hoooooo! 

Buy 2 sessions for the price of 1 now through August 31, 2009. This is the perfect time for you and and your gal pals to get some fantastically fun photos, and share the session fee!  Who doesn't love a little BYGO offer? 

Each session includes:
* Up to 3 hours at the location of your choice
* Up to 4 sweet-faced kiddos per session
* 20 to 30 finished images, in a mixture of black and white and color, in a private online ordering gallery

The Details:
* Sessions must be held back to back, on the same day, at the same location
* The session fee is due upon time of booking your sessions
* $500 minimum print purchase requirement for *each* session
* Sessions must be complete before September 15, 2009

AND because a blog post just isn't a blog post without a photo....my sweet little Lily bug (who is aaaaallllll about the drama, as you will see here in one sec - scroll on down)....

{ She's just Holly }

So, I'm a gusher - and no, I'm not ashamed. :)  I am passionate and wordy and expressive and I. Get. Excited.  I get a crazy urge to repeat and repeat and repeat myself when I feel strongly about something (I like to repeat in threes - have you noticed?).  My heart and my head get all ablaze with wanting to shout it out - and that's how I feel about Holly. 

She just Holly.  Holly Spears, that is.  Puuuuulllllease for the love of goodness gracious - go right this very second - and check her out.  You can find her here or here.  Ablaze.  Can't say that I've ever used that word, but it sounded good.  Ahem.

Just a little background, and then let's get to the photos.  Holly is a musician that I stumbled upon about 1.5 years ago.  I would go to wherever she was playing - and when I would go - I would sit and stare and let her entrancing voice fill my head and it would make me so happy.  THEN....I got to know Holly a little better when we were in South Africa this past November.  And let me tell you something (and I will try not to gush) - not only is her music amazing, but SHE is amazing.  She's a Jesus-lovin', sweet-spirited, humble and graceful, broken and moldable, resillient and inspiring woman.  Okay.  I gushed a little.  I just love me a little Holly, m'kay? ;)

What, no words describing how you feel about each photo, Christi?  I know.  It's shocking.  But I think I gushed enough at the beginning, right?  Holly - it was a pleasure, my friend.  An absolute pleasure.

xoxo

Christi 

{ Oooooh the goodies - how I LOVE them }

Slowly, but surely, I'm crossing things off of my to-do list...

Have a looksie at what I've been working on - the delightful Session Albums, the fancy-pants Coffee Table books and the delectable Dream Boxes.

They're ALL new - and they're aaaaaalllll my favorites.  Really.  Can't say which is my very most favorite - because simply, my friends, they're all beeeeeeautiful! ::jumps up and down::

Okay - hop on over to the web site here (once you get there, click on EYE CANDY) - and you'll see what I mean.  Get it?  Got it?  Good.

Here's a little sneaky peek of what you'll find there....

1) Session Album (delightful)

2) Coffee Table Book (Fancy-pants)

3) Dream Box (delectable):

Can you tell I'm excited????  Run on over!!! :)

{ He's heeeere! }

Remember this beautiful Mama-to-be?  She's now beaming with pride and filled-to-the-tippy-top with love for her new little bundle of boy.  Without further ado...meet sweet baby Benjamin. 

Don't say I didn't warn you.  He's as sweeeeeet as sugar....

What a perfect little peanut - did you notice his toes sticking out of the bottom of the cocoon?  Makes me smile big.

He has the most perfect little features - teeny tiny perfect little nose, teeny tiny perfect little toes, teeny tiny perfect little ears....mmmmmmm.....I could go on and on.

What a little trooper - he slept and let me do whatever I wanted with him.  Sigh.  I'm smitten. 

You know I'm a sucker for those sweet, kissable, baby back rolls.  Check 'em out.  Don't you just want to snuggle him up?

I adore this next one - I love to incorporate special things from the baby's home that mean something to the parents.  I spied the cradle when I did the maternity shoot (I'm always sleuthing things out, you know), and I ooooohed and aaaaahed over it.  Mama-to-be told me that the cradle used to be hers when she was a tiny baby.  Ooooooh, we are SO. USING. THAT. when he's born.  And we did.

New little family of 3...

Gotta LOVE the teeny tiny baby yawns....

Lastly - Daddy and Benjamin - Mama's 2 very most favorite boys in the universe.

Enjoy, Emily and Brad!  Heartfelt congratulations from me to you.  Once again, an absolute pleasure. xxoo

{ They're all grown up....sigh }

When I was 21, my 2 beautiful sisters were born.  Alison.  Amanda.  Twins.  Both with blue eyes - one blonde, one brunette.  They are as different as night and day - but bonded like only twins can be.  My sweet Dad - he always used to say, "Ahhhhh, I've got 2 kids in college and 2 kids in diapers!"  He would say it with a wrinkled brow and a laugh.  Now, my darling sisters are 14, almost 15 (don't do the math on the age of big sis) :::sniff, sniff::: They. Are. Growing. Up.  Right before my very eyes.

Alison has been asking me for months to do a photo shoot with their posse of girls. :)  Always busy, never enough hours in day - I kept telling her I would make time.  Then, finally, I said alright girlfriends - let's DO this.  If I waited to be un-busy, they could very well be getting married. :)

So, here they are, with their girls.... (Alison in the orange shirt - Amanda in the pale pink shirt)

{ CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO VIEW THEM LARGER }

A giggly moment - I love this next one.

This photo shoot was really out of my comfort zone - out of my element.  They wanted most of the shots to be posed, and that isn't easy for me.  I'm most comfortable chasing around a toddler or capturing the love between a squishy newborn and her Mama.  Candid moments that just happen - I capture them as I see them, and it just works.  Posed shots are not my cup of tea.  But I think that these turned out great.  So fun.  Oooooh, to be 14 again. ;)

Cool, right?  I love the star images.  So coolio, girls.  I had no idea what they were doing at first, but I just went with it.

I can remember carting the girls around town in my bright red Honda Civic.  Bottles, rattle-squeaky toys, pacifiers, burp cloths, diaper bags....I was loving being big sister.  When they were 3, I taught them to dance, and we would sing our hearts out ("shake shake shake, shake shake shake, shake your booooooooty").  Fast-forward, and now they're almost high-schoolers?  SIGH..... Oh, how I love these girls.  Oh. My. Heart. ♥

Alison ♥♥♥

Amanda ♥♥♥

Enjoy sistas!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Muuuuuahhhhh!!!!  XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

{ Jacob, little man, how can you be 1 already? }

Remember this little bundle of sweet baby boy?

He's a big bruiser of a 1 year old boy now - and I could squeeze him up.  He's such a lover - so dreamy and :::sigh::: and...I adore him.  This was our 4th photo shoot together, and I am hooked.  Hooked on Jacob.  Here he is now - deep in thought, all about important one year old things {swoon ♥}.

In this next one - I think he's proud of himself.  Here I am, Mama - see me?  I'm standing.  All. By. Myself.

We wanted to get a more traditional family portrait - and that we did.  I love this next one.  It makes me smile.

His little feet - sweet as sweet can be.  What's even sweeter....he crosses his feet just like this - ever since he was a bitty baby...

Mmmmmm.  I'm in love.  XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

{ The first one - thought you might like to see}

I just finished this graduation announcement for a client - I think it turned out great!  It will be press-printed as a 5x7 flat card, printed on the front and back.

***Name and address/phone number have been changed to respect the client's privacy***

This is the front:
 

And the back:

Happy Monday, everyone! :)  XOXO

[ Goodie bag! ]

I'm super excited - yippeeeeee!  The GOODIE BAG now has some beauty-full things inside - run on over to the web site to check it out! :)  Click on PORTFOLIO, then GOODIE BAG...

GOODIE BAG - click here! :)

[ GO Cincinnati ]

The countdown is on!  It's almost time for GO Cincinnati 2009 at Crossroads.  Each year, an army of volunteers impact Cincinnati through various service projects in a one-day, citywide blitz of compassion. It's craaaaazy fun and craaaaazy great.  Working alongside other churches, we love on hundreds of community-based organizations throughout our city.

Last year, over 4,000 people from Crossroads and other partner churches went out into the city to serve the homeless, pray with the broken, paint schools, clean camps and help make a difference in our city. This spring we're tackling over 200 projects and we need your help.  That's right - this year, we need 5,000 people.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 16th from 9:00 - 1:00.  You can watch a short video here (scroll down) recapping last year's GO Cincinnati - and yes, that's Brad Johansen that you see - the radio voice for the Bengals.  He's wild.  He's crazy.  Every year he gets all hyped up and geared up and crazied up to make a difference in our city.  It's an amazing experience, to say the least.  I haven't met a single person who doesn't feel blessed to be loving on people who are less fortunate.  It grows you.  It sticks with you.

You can sign up here - I'll be there with my kiddos - along with 5,000 other people that want to GO be the CHURCH.  See you there!

You don't have to go to Crossroads.  You don't have to be handy.  You don't have to be a rock star painter.  You don't even have to love Jesus.  You just have to want to be a blessing to somebody else.  Easy peasy. :)

[ Sweet little bun in the oven ]

I knew from the second she answered the door that we were going to get along like old friends - and I was right.  We laughed and chatted and just enjoyed each others company.  Really - it was that fantastic.  Both of us had such a great time.  Emily - I can't WAIT to come back in a month and meet your sweet little baby boy!  How fortunate he is to have a Mama as sweet as you. ♥

Oh, and don't you worry about a thing - you are a natural Mommy.  It's easy to see.  You and that boy of yours will be so in love with each other very, very soon.  XOXO

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL - she {GLOWS}.  This next shot was in the nursery - sitting in a pretty window seat, looking outside at a very rainy day.  Isn't it so moody?  Lots of mood and emotion in this one.  I love it.  A lot.

One more for you, Emily (and Brad too - can't forget to mention proud Daddy-to-be):

ENJOY YOUR SNEAK PEEK!  I enjoyed creating it for you. 

Big hugs

XOXOXOXOXO

Christi

[ Ooooooh my heart ♥ ]

Oooooh my heart - Abbie + Caty - oooooh my goodness.  How I {adore} them.  How I {adore} their Mama.  I first met them when they had just turned one.  And now they're two.  Check them out.  I'm telling you - after this session - I was smiling ALL day.  Thinking of them with a full heart.  So sweet.

[CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO VIEW THEM LARGER]

You know I can never resist a foot shot - this girl love love loves some feet.

Ooooooh Caty. Be. Still. My. Heart.  I'm in love.  Sassy little pants.  Big smooches! ♥

I so love this next one - often times, I prefer the serious looks - not the smiles.  This next image evokes much emotion in me.  Abbie.  So serious.  So sweet.  So dreeeeeeamy. 

Alisa - I'll say it again: I LOVED spending time with you and the girls again - always such a pleasure.  XOXOXOXOXOXO

[ Goodbye old phone number ]

So, my Snickerdoodles cell phone just up and died. Yep. Dead. Gone. Kaput. I went to the Cincinnati Bell Wireless store today to get to the bottom of the problem, once and for all. Please fix it, Mr. Cincinnati Bell Wireless man.

No, said the man. I cannot. You must buy new phone.

What did I say?

I cannot.

Update your address books, my fine friends. Your calls need to re-route to my handy dandy Blackberry. Might as well have everything in one place, right? Right.

Got a pen? Paper? Here we go - now and forever, you can reach me at......

{ 513.919.6239 }

My new number. Please make a note of it. Give me a ring. Say hello. :-)

[ FUN FUN FUN on the way! ]

La la la la la la laaaaaa!  I'm dancing, I'm singing, I'm soooooo happy!  Here is some photo-fun-deliciousness that's on the way to meeeeeee! 

First off: the Oopsy Daisy Baby Raspberry Leopard Pettiskirt in size 2T-4T

(none of these photos were taken by me, BTW)

Next up - the Oopsy Daisy Baby Ivory Lace Ruffled Pettiskirt in size 4-6

Here's a different photo of it:

I'm dreaming of some funky, colored, capri tights and maybe some sassy girl who wants to rock it out with some hot pink cowgirl boots?  Are you seeing my vision? ;)

This came last week - can't wait until my next newborn shoot...
Last but not least - on their way!

Both bloomers fit girlie girls ages 1-2ish.  Boys, I'm working on some fun stuff for you! :)

[ Meet the new little bun - and his big/little sister ]

Meet Ethan - I recently had the pleasure of meeting this sweet, little, squishy baby boy.  I photographed his big sister Elise just 18 short months ago when she was born.  Both of them - mmmmmm.  Sweet. As. Pie. And their parents?  Dreamy.  Dreamily wonderful.  Once again, Richelle and Robert, a pleasure....thank you for welcoming me into your home.  I enjoyed every minute.  Again.

[ CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO VIEW THEM LARGER ]

Isn't he sweet?  Mmmmm.  I loved holding him and cuddling him.  Those sweet baby noises and oooooh the baby smell.  Heavenly.

Don't you just want to hold him and sing him a little goodnight tune?  I so do.

Meet Elise - now that's she's all grown up. ;) The rocking chair that she was sitting in belonged to her Mama when she was just a girl.  Oh, how I love special things like that.  Check out her pretty blues....

This next one is one of my favorites.  It was raining outside, and she was looking out the window exclaiming, "Umbrella!  Umbrella!" in the best way that an 18 month old can.  It was pretty darn good. 

Mmmmm, I {adore} this next one.  I. LOVE. IT.

And this one, too.... Robert, you're one fine Daddy. :)

Enjoy your sneak peek!  Your gallery will be up soon!  XOXO

[ Lily has just a few words to say.... ]

[ Click on the image to make it larger ]

[ NEXT SATURDAY - SPRING MINI SESSIONS! ]

You've been asking - here they are!  SPRING MINI SESSIONS INFO (click on images to see larger)....

 

[ Drumroll, please.....THE NEW WEB SITE IS LIVE! ]

Snickerdoodles Photography is in the process of experiencing some significant changes.  As I look back at the past 1.5 years of my life, I can't help but sigh... I have taken on too many projects - squeezed too many clients in - worked a craaaazy amount of hours – and have been unable to keep up with the pace.  I have recently put the brakes on and done some soul searching.  I have found my happy place. :) 

 

Clients will find that it is going to be a completely different experience.  I will be limiting photo shoots so that I am able to provide each client with a fun, flexible and ridiculously fantastic experience.  A low-volume/high-service photography experience, if you will.  It’s really just going to be a magnificent process – and I can’t wait to indulge each and every one of my clients.  Really.

 

Soooo... 2009 will be nothing short of amazing at Snickerdoodles Photography.  I JUST know it.  My first full year of business was a tremendous success thanks to all of my clients, my blog readers, my wonderfully supportive husband and family, and a little {okay…a LOT} of hard work.  With a new year brings a wind of freshness, emotional creativity, and unique offerings. 

 

My promise to all of you, my wonderful clients: impeccable customer service, timely turn around, attention to detail, meticulous retouching of images, prompt responses to phone calls and emails, and the list goes on and on.  I previously have not been able to provide all of these things, as I have wanted to.  So I'm very, very excited for what's in store.  Beyond excited.  ECSTATIC.  Ridiculously happy. 

 

As I state on my new web site: “It is my absolute pleasure to be a part of your child's history. Photographing your family is more than just my job - it is an amazing and undeserved blessing from God. Really. It’s my jump-up-and-down-goose-bumps-tears-screaming-with-excitement-PASSION.  I. Love. Every. Minute.”

 

Da da da daaaa!  And now..... Here it is: THE NEW AND IMPROVED SNICKERDOODLES PHOTOGRAPHY SITE!

 

{ She's Daddy's sugar }

We've had a round of yuck-0 sicknesses over the past couple of months - the latest is croup for Lily.  Awwwww, little Lily bug is such a trooper.  Coughing her little head off + yucky fever, but still smiling and chatting away.  This morning we were in the kitchen, and this is how our little conversation went...

Lily (who is 2): "Oooooooh goodness gwwwwwwacious!"
Mommy: "What is it, honey?"
Lily (with MUCH feeling): "I have a BAD cough."

And yesterday, we got home from the pediatrician, and she told her Daddy that she wanted a snack.  I walked in, and she was sitting at the kitchen table eating strawberries - with a heaping pile of powdered sugar for dipping. 

Mommy: "Oooooh Daddy - wow weeeeeee - what a lucky girl you are, Lily...."
Daddy: "She's sick - sugar makes it better."
Lily: "Mama, it tastes goooooooood."

{ Patience is a virtue...and patient you are ♥ }

The reason for this blog post?  It's twofold...First, I want to send you all a little loooooove ♥♥♥

AND SECOND, thank you for being patient with me.  2 weeks ago, I unexpectedly lost my child care - the 8 hours that I have every day to....

photo shoot and

call you and 

photo edit and

email you and

photo shoot and

web site build and

photo edit and

package and check and ship photos and...

....you get the picture.  So......I'm keeping the faith that all will work out - while at the same time, feeling like my head is spinning.  If it takes me a little longer to get back with you, I'm just having a bit of a time juggling my 2 little monkeys and my sanity.  So thank you for giving me patience.  May it be doubly returned to you.  XOXO

The aforementioned little monkeys:



Check out the top of the next photo - Mac taking care of Lily like a good big brother - awwwwwwww....

{ I need Africa more than Africa needs me... }

As most of you may know, I spent 10 days in Mamelodi, South Africa over this past Thanksgiving. It was so what I needed...to experience these people full of joy in the midst of pain; to realize that it's so not about the things I have or thought that I needed; to have my cup filled up when sometimes lately I just feel lost. So...this video resonated with me. Thought you might like it, too. I needed Africa waaaay more than Africa needed me. XOXO

{ Happy almost spring from Snickerdoodles! }

So I have the itch - the itch that only a looooong dreary winter can bring.... 

The itch to be outside in the sun, the itch to see my tulips blooming, the itch to take the kids to the park and let them play and play and plaaaaaay, the itch to eat popsicles (pink or blue ones especially), the itch to be photo shooting outdoors, the itch to say bye-bye Mister Winter and HEEELLLLLO Mama Spring! 

And what else does spring bring?  SPRING CLEANING!  My house is in desperate need of a deep spring clean.  And so is my hard drive....

Here's the scoop:
It absolutely KILLS me to delete photos.  I save them and save them and save them until my hard drives are about to blow up.  I've finally come to the realization that I can't just keep adding hard drives.  I HAVE to delete photos. ::sniff sniff::  Soooo.....I am going to wipe out my hard drive on Saturday, February 28th.  Makes me so sad to see those sweet faces go....but alas, I must do it.

From now until then, I am running a smokin' deal - IF YOU HAVE HAD A SESSION WITH ME FROM AUGUST 2007 UNTIL NOW, YOU CAN PURCHASE ALL OF THE IMAGES FROM YOUR GALLERY ON DISK FOR $350.

You can print them, facebook them, scrapbook them, digital frame them, post them to your blogs or email them to friends and family, digitally archive them and keep them in a safety deposit box, and the list goes on and on.  They're yours to do with them as you wish.  Does that sound great or what?

The price is per session, but if you have had more than one session with me, every disk/session will be $200 after the first one.  Just contact me if you would like to know if I still have your images.

If you want to take advantage of this special, but you don't have the funds right now, contact me.  We can work out a payment plan for you.

This year is going to be a big year for Snickerdoodles Photography.  Much is in store, and I can't WAIT to spill the beans.  Here's a few things that are coming soon....

**A brand spankin' new smokin' web site and blog! 

**New packages and a completely new pricing structure that allows you to have more freedom in your choices - AND purchase the digital images!

**Tons of fun contests and giveaways for you, my faithful blog readers [thank you, thank you!]!

**An opportunity for you to nominate a family who can't afford custom photography, but who you know deserves it, and would cherish it for a lifetime - this family will get the chance to experience complimentary custom photography - $1200 worth, to be exact.  Another sweet part of the deal?  The person who nominates the winner will receive a $300 print credit.  What better way is there to share the love, people? :)

Stay tuned for the excitement - it's a comin'! :)

And just because a blog post wouldn't be complete without photos, here are some of my little man.  He really does think he's Spiderman.  He runs [and jumps and flies] around here all day, spinning webs on all of us.  Check him out - thinking he's sooooo cool in his Spiderman socks.

 

Typically he RUNS from the camera - but not when he's Spidey.  He strikes a pose every time.

 

Spiderman not only spin webs, but he does LOTS of cool kicks.  Booooyah!

 

And Spidey climbs the wall with ease {or the living room chair - whatever}...

Spidey poses for a quick cheeeeeese....

And Spidey JUMPS! :)

 

I love you, my little Spidey man!  You are a rare find of a boy - loving you is as easy as it comes.... XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

{ Another sweet bun in the oven + big sis }

So...the new and improved BALANCED me has a few new goals for 2009.  Are you ready?  The first one is a big one for me.  I am going to attempt to blog the sneak peek photos the day after the photo shoot.  Crazy.  Unheard of.  Maybe even a little unreasonable.  However...I work well under pressure.  And pressure that will be.  I am (repeat: AM) going to be timely in 2009. 

So, without further ado - you HAVE to see this sweet Mama and her oh-so-adorable belly.  Adorable.  Just wait until you see big sis.  Lively and precocious and animated and just fun to be around...

How about that perfect round belly? :)

Okay, I'm telling you - big sis Alivia is a sight for sore eyes.  Check out her girlie drama in the below photo:

And in this next one...

More sweet girlie girl drama - she should be in photos.  Am I wrong?

You know I can never resist the feet.  Oh, how I love little kiddo feet.

Last one for now - Alivia oblivious to the fact that I was on the floor, on my belly, taking photos directly in front of her.  The BEST kind of photos - when they forget that you're there.  Love this next one.  I can so hear her reading her princess stories to herself in her soft little voice. ♥

Enjoy your sneak peek, Shana!  It was an absolute pleasure meeting you - can't wait to meet your new little bundle! :)

{ Sing it with me: Sweet Caroline - ba, ba, baaaaam }

Without further ado - the highly anticipated senior photos sneak peek for my sweet cousin Caroline....girlie, you've been waiting a long time.  Thank you for being so patient, my dear. :) Here are some of my favorites...

Because Caroline epitomizes cowgirlie-ness .... I love the next few photos.

I am not typically a lover of "sepia" toned photos - but I felt like it just fit the next one.  Caroline and all of her cowgirlie-ness - Down to her real live cowgirl boots.

Caroline and one of her horses - I think this one's name is Major.  She loves him.  He loves her.  It's really sweet to watch.  Really sweet.

Okay...next up is my favorite photo of the entire shoot.  Caroline and Major - I can totally feel the love between them in this one.

This next one was taken down near the pond at Caroline's house.  It's so pretty there.  This was taken mid-November, and the weeping willow tree was so colorful in pretty greens and yellows. 

For the last few shots of the day, we headed inside, and Caroline put her prom dress on - I love these next two. 

Caroline....it seems like it was just yesterday when you were a tiny baby.  You've grown into a beautiful young woman.  We love you honey!  XOXOXOXO

{ I'm baaaaack! }

*Sigh* Have I REALLY not posted to this blog since December 11th?  As in, the December 11th that was 6 weeks ago?  Ooooooh how has time gotten away from me? 

My dear blog readers, you must know that I love you.  That I love blogging.  That I'm thankful for you.  And that I love all of the sweet, heartfelt comments that I get from you - really, they bring a smile to my face and put a little spring in my step.  I vow in 2009 to be a better blogger - bad, bad blogger I was in 2008!  You can say it..... :) 

Sooooo, rather than neglect my blog when I get overwhelmed and have all of you asking things like: "WHEN are you going to post???  Are you on a sabbatical???  Are you still in business???"
I.
WILL.
FIND.
THE.
BALANCE.
THIS.
YEAR. :)

I owe it to myself. 
I owe it to my dream and my passion that is photography. 
I owe it to all of you. 

So here's to a new year - to change, to happiness, to finding balance, to embracing all that I am grateful for... and that means YOU! :)

And because a post would not be a post without photos....here are a few that make me smile of my 2 little monkeys.  XOXO

{ Exactly }

This says everything....

{ Africa, I miss you... }

I'm still foggy.  I'm still processing.  I'm still unsure of exactly what it is that I'm feeling.  I'm still aching for the people.  I'm still overwhelmed.  I'm still hesitant to even begin this blog post for fear that I'll begin to ramble and never be able to stop pouring my heart out trying to tell you, to plead with you to hear me, to try and understand.  I'm still paralyzed by what I saw and felt - and even more paralyzed to be back here in the US with all of the greed and disdain and chaos and disrespect and unhappiness and excessiveness - and just straight up negativity.  I'm still there - my heart, my mind, my spirit.  I'm still aching to be there now.

I've been back now for a week - and trying to return to some sort of normalcy.  But no matter what I'm doing - it's all still there.  In my head.  In my heart.  I'm so scared of forgetting.  But I wouldn't forget, would I?  How could I?  Seems as if that's impossible.  I want to keep it fresh.  And keep myself open.  What is there to learn?  What is to be gained?  Is there something that I can do for these people?  How can I just go back to my life and pretend that everything is "normal"? 

Some days I feel as if I just can't do this. 

But then....there's a little voice inside my head that says...it's OKAY.  Take your time.  Process.  Grow.  Change. 

So...I will take a deep breath and tell myself....one day at a time.....

Once again - thank you, thank you to those of you who have supported me through all of this.  I hope that you know how much it means to me - your kind words, your thoughts, your prayers - I appreciate each one of you. 

And now.....on to a few photos - more to come after the mad Christmas holiday photo rush! :)

First off - probably my favorite photo of all - just a group of kids on the side of the road that posed for me...

2 sweet girls at one of the schools that I visited...

Same school - 4 wild, crazy, fun boys hamming it up for the camera....

You know I love a jumping shot - and these boys were AAAAALLLLL over it....

The below photo - where's the teacher?  Can you find her?  She's buried under the students...

I was on the gardening team for a bit - planting spinach and cabbage gardens in the poverty-stricken towns.... here's just a glimpse of what it was like....

Below - A sweet little girl who lived in the above photographed community - I taught her how to say the word pretty.  Mmmmmm.  Missing her sweet little face as I sit here and type.  Her name was Anna.

Below is a six month old little boy that I met - my team planted a spinach and cabbage garden for his Mama.  I got to hold him and love on him for quite awhile.  How about those eyes?  Those cheeks....

Another of my favorites - the kitchen crew.  These gracious people started making our lunches at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. every.  Single.  Day.  Not a grumble.  Not a complaint.  They were just happy to be serving us.  Craaaaaaaazy. 

We had the opportunity to go on an African safari - below is a shot that I took as we were riding along.  So beautiful and peaceful it was.

Zebra dude is like - you're soooo interrupting my lunch....

Mrs. Mama Rhino and her baaaaaaby....awwwww.....

Don't laugh - but I *adore* the below photo - and yes, it's shot from BEHIND the family of rhinos.  But I think it's soooooo great.....

More to come once the madness slows!  XOXO

{ The clock's a tickin'.... }

I can hardly believe that in less than 48 hours I will be hopping aboard a plane to travel to South Africa - Still pinching myself.... is this really happening? 

My faithful blog readers - wanna come along for the ride?  You can check out the Crossroads GO Mamelodi '08 blog here - the folks at my church will be updating the blog daily so that you can follow along with us.   A great friend of mine said this to me....girlfriend, be prepared for personal growth at light speed.  And she's right - it's slightly overwhelming to me right now; all that I will see and feel.  But I am going into this trip with absolutely no expectations.  Just an open mind and an open heart for whatever it is that's in store.  Much is in store for this girl - I just know it.  I welcome it, I receive it - I know that I am meant to take this trip.  I need this.  I am breathing it in as I type this... the possibilities...ooooh the possibilities are endless.

To my family and friends - and most of all my sweet husband - who is holding down my busier than busy fort at home, THANK YOU so much for making this possible.  To those of you who have supported me financially and emotionally - you have NO idea how thankful I am.  For your words of encouragement, for your prayers, for giving me a swift kick in the buns when I have needed it - thank you.  Words just can't begin to express.....

Soooo....the java is flowing here - if you are a client waiting on your photo gallery, I am working just as fast as this one-man show can go.  I will continue to work through the night tonight and all day tomorrow.  Then Wednesday is reserved for my sweet kiddos and pack pack packing!  I will be back to work on Wednesday, December 3rd.  Until then...XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

{ Little man in Grandpa's hat }

Ooooh how I love my little clients.  I'm back again with more of Jacob R.  He's grown so much - quite the little chunky man.  I honestly don't think I've ever seen legs as sweet and roly poly as his.  Really.  Huge fat rolls on his legs.  Check him out:

And the same image {and the same sweet chubby legs} in bw...

So serious, Jacob - this is a classic Jacob look.  Awwwww.  He's so sweet.

Call me indecisive {who me???} but I love this image in soft color, as well as in bw.  So cute you are Jacob.

Mmmmm.  This next one is my favorite.  I added a little bit of "noise" or grain to it and pumped up the contrast and glow -  just to add to the dramatic feel of this photo.  I love how it turned out.

What about little man in his big man clothes???  Is he looking handsome or what?

Okay, so I laughed out loud - by myself - in my desk chair when I spotted this next one.  Jacob's Mom and I were laughing so hard during this part of the photo shoot.  How about little man in a Grandpa hat and sweater?  Couldn't be cuter....

The same image in a dark bw - I love it both ways.

Last one - and another of my favorites.  Sweet cheeks, sweet lips, sweet baby boy eyelashes.  Mwwwwaaaahhhhh!  XOXO

{ It's my man O again }

Seriously....could he get any cuter?  This is the 5th time that I've had the pleasure of photographing Odin in his sweet, whole, big, whopping 1 year of life.  And each time I just fall in love with him more.  Really.  Is this my job???  Check him out in his big man duds....

I love this next one - added a vintage-y look to it + some texture.  So sweet - those cheeks and bright red and full, puckery lips?  You're killing me, little dude.

There's nothing cuter than a baby that has just started to walk - he was well on his way the last time I saw him - but now he runs! :)

Carie - get a load of this - is this next one true Odin or what?  Love it.

I love these next two - the fall colors....feeling the love between this little family of three.  Enjoy your sneak peek, Carie and Chris! :)  Angi + Jacob - you're up next!

{ I think I might have a cavity }

Maybe I'm a little slap-happy and feeling like I haven't left my comfy desk chair in weeks - but I do think I almost got a cavity from spending time with these sweet kiddos.  The kind of sweet that makes you say awwwwww....can I take them home?  Really.  Well-mannered and polite and giggly and fun and just plain happy.  So well-behaved and so sweet from start to finish.  Meet Kate and Peter, my new BFF kiddos.  Loved them - and their sweet Mama.  Here we go.....

I can hear Kate giggling in this one - push me again?  Push me again.  Again.  Again.  Again.

What did the silly photographer girl say to make them crack up like this?  Not a thing.  Mama was standing behind me doing a crazy dance.  Whatever it takes, right? ;)

This next one might be my favorite image of the year - oooooh Amy, how you will decide which one you like the best....I have no idea.  This photo makes me melt right. into. a. puddle.  Here it is in a dramatic and dark black and white.  With a little bit of softness added.  Love it.

And then I put a vintage finish + some texture on it....

And finally - just your regular old color + a little bit of punch....

Amy - enjoy your sneak peek!  Carie and my man Odin - you're up next! :)

{ Welcome to my tea party - would you like some sugar? }

Meet  my little friend Maddie - she's nothing but a girlie girl - complete with plenty of babies and strollers and tea parties.  I had the pleasure of photographing Maddie and her brother Drew 1 year ago.  Back then, she seemed like such a baby.  I remember I walked into their house to meet them for the first time, and she was sitting at the table in her bright turquoise pajamas with big red cherries on them.  She greeted me with her infectious smile - sitting there pleasantly eating her oatmeal.  Fast forward one year..... and now look at her.  She had a real live tea party waiting there for me.  Complete with cups and saucers and tea pot and sugar (yes - we had real "tea" - water + plenty of sugar - served up by Maddie....). 

I adore this next one - her reflection in the table.  Mmmmmm.  Sweet.

And now let's meet the infamous Drew.  This boy knows more about animals than anyone - honestly.  A year ago, he could tell you the very specific name of every single animal known to man.  Like a walking boy of an animal encyclopedia.  And dinosaurs too.  Knows them all like the back of his hand.  As a matter of fact, his Dad told me a story about Drew needing to bring something to his kindergarten classroom that started with the letter A.  He brought in a frog.  And when his teacher asked him about that frog - "Drew....what do you have here?  It looks like a frog to me.  And frog starts with the letter F.  Where is your something that starts with the letter A?"  Drew's reply?  "Teacher, it does start with an A.  It's an amphibian."  Are you kidding me??? :)

Often times I tell parents that my goal is not capture their child's say cheeeese smile - I want to capture their personalities - whether they're happy or sad or mad or maybe even crying.  That's what kids do.  So here's Maddie having one of her moments - Daddy's making it all better.

And sweet Mama Jenny {who I adore, by the way} laughing and having crazy time with her sweet kiddos.  Love it.  Captured the moment well.  So fun.

A family photo shoot would not be complete without Barney.  He's one cool dude.  Seriously.

Family portrait in b/w...

And the same photo in soft color....

Last one - couldn't leave this one out.  I love it.  Maddie in her Santa hat...she seems to be deep in thought.  Thank you Jenny and the gang for welcoming me back into your home.  It was such a pleasure, once again.  XOXO  Enjoy your sneak peek!  Amy + Pete + Kate - you're up next!

{ My friend of 31 years - gasp - 31 years????}

I met Rebekah in preschool.  Yep, we were 2 1/2 years old.  My dear, sweet Mamaw was our teacher {insert cheek squeeze - "listen to my voice and obey."}.  And here we are, at the ripe old age of 34......and we're still the best of pals.  Much older, much wiser, much richer, much better, right, my friend??? ;) 

I had the pleasure of doing a photo shoot with her honey Micah and their baby Laila a few weeks ago.  It was fun - Laila is such a sweet girl.  Have a look:

I told you so....

I love love love this next one - deserves to be big.  So great.  I love everything about it.  The closeness, the cuteness, the background, the texture that pops out since the photo is in bw.  Love. It.

Seriously?  I laughed out loud - all by myself - sitting here at my computer - when I saw this next one.  Oooooooh Laila.....

Added some texture to this next one - just to add a little drama (don't ever say that this girl doesn't like a little drama...).

And here it is without texture.  I like it both ways.  Enjoy your sneak peek, my friend.  Mmmmwwwwahhhhh!  XOXOXOXOXOXO

{ She's just a ray of sunshine }

Meet my new friend Allie - she's a natural beauty, she's a breath of fresh air - giggly and sweet and fun and just plain refreshing.  We had so much fun together - she was all about swinging on the swings and blowing bubbles and jumping and spinning around in circles while I photographed her.  So. Much. Fun.  Allie - I'm so fond of you, and we've just  met.  I can't imagine how your Mom feels.  Well done, Mama.  Well done.  What a fine girl you've raised....

I love this next one - has an urban feel.  Mmmmm.  Might be my favorite.

I can hear her laughing in this next one.  I'm telling you - special girl you are, Allie. :)

We found a cool old barn - white with the paint peeling.  We asked the home owners if we could shoot some photos, and they kindly agreed.  Thank you whoever you are. :)

Have you ever seen more beautiful eyes?  So pretty.

Enjoy your sneak peek! :)  Jennifer + Maddi - you're up next! :)

{ It's a sneak peek marathon weekend! }

Without further ado....the oh-so-patient mini session clients have been waiting and watching the blog like mad.  Is it my turn yet?  Is it my turn yet?  Yes.  Yes it is.  It's finally your turn..... :)  Here we go!

First up we have the sweetest EVER Mia and Tyson.  I haven't seen them in a year, and they've grown so much.  I didn't think it was possible - but I think they grew sweeter in the past year.  So much fun we had - they are sooooo easy to photograph.  Just naturally happy, sweet kids.  Wild and crazy and so much fun.  Have a look....

Next up - another of my favorite dynamic duos (seriously??? Is this really my job?  Spending time with some of my favorite little people = soooo not a job to me)....meet Jon and Zack.  I also hadn't seen them in a year.  How they've grown - and are just as wild and crazy and fun as I remembered them to be.  You guys are so great - I loved every minute with you.... Really. 

This very well could be my faaaaaavorite shot of the year......

Next up we have 2 kiddos near and dear to my heart - meet Jack and Reagan, little sweet peas that belong to one of my dearest friends, Kim.  We've been friends for as long as I can remember - you blink and 20 years goes by (how can that be?  We were just hitting tennis balls on my garage door and going boy crazy and driving around in your Mom's red convertible and making soooo many fun teenage memories - sniff sniff).  Sweet Jack.  Sweet Reagan.  I love your Mama like no other.

And last, but not least....get a load of these cute kids.  Meet Matthew + Caroline + baby Jacob.  Cute, cute, cute.  These sweet peas belong to my friend Carrie - and they are no strangers to me, as I have photographed them many times.  I think Matthew is sick to death of me and my camera (seriously - he runs and hides just as fast as he can - sorry dude - I know it's no fun for you, but we MUST do it for your Mama☺), but Caroline still cheeeeeses it up for me every time.  Check her out in all of her sweetness - like a little ray of sunshine...

I told you it was a sneak peek marathon! :)  WHEW!  That was a long one!

Next up - Lee + Allie, Jennifer + Maddi, and Rebekah + Micah + Laila!  Fingers crossed for geeting your sneak peeks up tomorrow!

XOXO

{ Mara + Leila = ♥ }

Meet my friends Mara and Leila.  Their Mommy and I went to college together back in the day, and she is one of my dearest friends. ♥ It was a beautiful fall weekend - even better, it was Mara's 1st birthday!  Happy birthday baby - you're so sweet with the most kissable of cheeks.  And Leila honey, you were a trooper.  Very patient and kind you are to your little sis... XOXO

Family portrait - with some soft color...

I adore this next one - those cheeks.  And those huge eyes.  Mmmmm.  Sweet.

I love this next one - little cheeks in the foreground with Mommy, Daddy and Leila in the blurred background.  For you photo junkies, I used a super wide aperture on this one (f/1.8).  The wider you go, the more of the yummy blur that you get.  Love it.

So I don't often put the outtakes on the blog or in the galleries - but sometimes you. just. gotta. do. it.  Poor Mara - hated every minute of the tutu.  Good intentions we had, but she wasn't having it.  No way.  My apologies, Mara.  But you're soooo cute when you're mad.

And how about the sweet sisterly love coming from Leila in this next one.  Love it.

Um....not feeling the love anymore.  Another outtake....

Happy 1st birthday to you, Mara!!!

Same photo - just in a softer color.  I prefer the below one, but I really like them both.  And how about here little pointer finger standing up?  Like hey Mommy - I'm 1 year old today.  So sweet.

Last one - captured her sassypants side just at the right time.  The photo shoot was almost over - and luckily, she gave us some pizazz just at the last minute.

Softer, more muted.....

ENJOY!!! :)

{ Little big man Caden }

I had the pleasure of spending some time with Caden recently, along with his as-nice-as-pie Mommy and Daddy.  My time with them was so much fun - and much of it was jaw dropping.....at the boy's vocabulary.  At one year of age, he talks like a little big man.  Hola he told me - are you kidding me?  DId he just say hola?  Yes, yes he did.  The boy says hola.  So much fun he was.  Caden, you've stolen my heart.  Check him out in his little big man clothes.....

You know I'm a sucker for chubby little hands....

And what about his sweet curls and that hair color?  To die for....so stinking cute.  CUTE.

I've been practicing my lens flare - a challenge, for sure.  I love what the sun can do artistically for a photo, if done correctly.  Lens flare is caused by reflections within the camera lens.  Lens flare occurs when there is a bright light source (such as the sun) in the frame or just outside it.  Anyway....here's my take on some flare - some pizazz - just a little outside the box for you.

And some more flare for you, my friends....love it.  Practice makes perfect.  Can't wait to perfect it.  You know me - classic Type A nut who will never give up until she gets it just right.  Right.  Righto.  Right. :)

Mmmmmm.  Love love LOVE the below image - captured a sweet moment between Caden and his Daddy.  Melts my heart.

And yet, another sweet moment caught just at the right time.  I did a little different post-processing on this one.  Vintage-y looking with just a little bit of texture added.  I love how it turned out.

Last one of my new little big man friend.  So sweet - the wonder, the curiousity in his eyes.  What a dreamy boy you are Caden.  XOXO

{ It's my favorite trio again }

Remember this little guy?  With the eyes that make you melt into a puddle of mush?  Ooooooh Jacob - oooooh Anna - oooooh Reid....every time with you is dreamy.  You're growing right up - how big you have gotten since our last date together.  Have a look at these sweet peas.  First is Mr. Reid...

And next we have little Miss Anna - so full of personality and many, many words.  Love everything her sweet little mouth says.  Adorable and full of tons of spunk.  S-p-u-n-k.  Spunk.

And then there's my little buddy Jacob - mmmmmm.  Those eyes.  Those lips.  That sweet little face.  Is he not the cutest baby EVER?

 

This next one is one of my favorites - I added a little bit of texture and some vintage-y tones to give it an old feel.  I think that it works so well.  Her little face is so expressive.  Oh Anna, you melt my heart.  Spunky girl.  Sweet and bubbling with joy.

Okay, I lied.  This next one ties for my favorite photo of the day - more texture + more vintage-y tones + giant, round, beautiful eyes + two tiny little 1 year old baby teeth + one precious little face.  Jacob, jacob, jacob.  You're killing me.

 

 

The below image I love in b/w...

And in soft color...

 

One more - love his sweet little back and his diapered buns and those little fat rolls.  Couldn't resist this shot.  How could I?  Donna, enjoy your sneak peek.  Mini session people - you're sneak peek is next! Stay tuned.... 

{ She's got it all }

You gotta love a girl that has it all - beauty inside and out, brains, talent, a charming personality, a wonderful family who loves her to pieces....meet my new girlfriend Lauren.  All of it.  Everything that a girl could want.  She has it.  And she seems to know it - but is not arrogant at all.  Sweet and fun and confident and kind Lauren. 

We headed on out to Dayton's historic Oregon District - so much fun we had.  Artsy, cool, eclectic, fun and just different - a great place for senior photos.  See for yourself....

We spotted a cool doorway - with a great green door - faaaaabulous.  That's where I grabbed the next photo - I love it.  Sophisticated but not trying too hard.

This next one to me is genuine Lauren - sweet and happy...

I think I must have said something funny.  Laughing Lauren....

We went to a used bookstore called Bonnett's Bookstore - where I took the below shot:

As I was shooting, Kevin Bonnett of Bonnett's Bookstore, approached us and asked if he could take some shots of Lauren and me shooting her.  Then he was kind enough to email me the below one.  Kind of cool...

As pretty as a flower she is...

I love the below image in color....

And in b/w....

I spotted this red chair and think I said get-your-cute-purple-dress-wearing-self-in-that-awesome-red-chair (I didn't really say that - but I knew the purple and red would be a great combo).  I had a vision....

Lauren - enjoy your sneak peek!!!  Every minute with you was great.  Really.  So great. :)

 

{ Happy birthday Ashleigh! }

So I get an email tonight from the sweet and beautiful bride from my post a few days ago (pleeeeeeeease will you be my wedding photographer?  Puuuuulllllleeeease?  That girl.).  The subject line says this: birthday present request.  I'm thinking, what in the world?  Who is having a birthday?  And how does that involve me?  Well....here's how it involves me.  Ashleigh thinks that because it's her birthday today, she's entitled to a few more sneak peek photos.  She's darn right!!!  Happy birthday, darlin'!  Here you go....

ENJOY!!! :)

{ Ashleigh + Steve }

Something I swore I would never do....shoot a wedding.  Yep.  I did it.  After multiple (but of COURSE, polite) declines, there was something about Ashleigh that made me say yes.  Persistence maybe?  It went something like this:

"Hey children's photographer - I want you to be my wedding photographer."
"Um...no thank you.  I don't do weddings."
"I don't care.  I want you do to do mine."
"No thank you.  I want to keep my focus on one thing - and be really good at that one thing.  So I don't do weddings."
"I don't care.  I want you to be my wedding photographer."
"No thank you.  I'm flattered.  But no thank you."
"What do I have to do?  Beg?  Plead?  Bribe?"
"No thank you."
"Please?  Pleeeeeease?  C'mon..."
"It won't be traditional.  It won't be posed.  It will be candid and natural - that's what I enjoy and what I'm comfortable with."
"YES! YES! YES!!!!!!!!"
And then she gave me a big hug and a kiss - not really.  I think she may have if we weren't talking on the phone....

So, let's cut to the chase.  Here are a few of my favorites.....

Let me first tell you that Ashleigh has some serious pizazz, some serious sassiness, a lot of energy and an adooooorable-ness that just makes you want to be around her.  Moving right along to the part about pizazz - her choice in bridesmaid shoes below...not to mention that her bridal shoes were Tiffany blue patent leather Manolo Blahniks - wait until you see them.  Smokin'!

I loved Ashleigh's flowers - simple, yet so pretty.  Love the green.

I love this next shot - one of my favorites.  Love the blurred buildings in the background.  Steve looks so handsome, doesn't he?

And I love his genuine smile in this one.  He was laughing at his groomsmen.  Love it.  So real.

Check 'em out - there they are in all their glory.  The Manolos....

I love the next 2 photos - both the same photo, but with different post-processing.  I can't decide which one I love more. 

I'm speechless when I see the next series of photos.  Ashleigh and Steve go together so well.  They just compliment each other perfectly.  See for yourself..... 

The next one is another favorite - well....aren't they all?  Yes.  Yes they are.

Spunky and spontaneous they were - they followed my lead and really did whatever I asked them too. 

Ashleigh - would you mind to take off the Manolos for a sec and jump off of the steps for me? 

She didn't even hesitate.  Gotta love a girl like that.

Check out the height on this next one - Steve's face is priceless.

Okay - last ones.  The bling....so beautiful.  Beeeeeautiful.

Same photo - just different post-processing....giving it sort of an antique look.  So pretty.

Ashleigh and Steve - sharing the day with you was absolutely my pleasure.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day.  Enjoy your sneak peek!  XOXO

{ I'm excited - Christmas cards are DONE! }

Some beeeeautiful cards have been in the works - busy as a bee I've been putting them together.  There are 8 to choose from this year, and I love every single one!  Soooo...without further ado:

*Click on the card to view larger*

#1 front

#1 back

#2 front

#2 back

# front

#3 back

#4 front

#4 back

#5 front

#5 back

#6 front

#6 back

#7 front

#7 back

#8 front

#8 back

Here's the 411...

This year, instead of front side only photo cards, I've decided to step it up a notch and go with double-sided press-printed cards.  Cards are 5x7 and come in sets of 25, complete with envelopes.  Press printed cards are produced on state-of-the-art digital printing presses.  The presses use real liquid ink, not toner like a color copier as some printers use.  Press-printed products have the look and feel of a very high quality printed piece. 

The cards are available in 4 different papers.  The standard paper is a slightly glossy cover stock.  Clients may also choose watercolor paper or a linen paper.  Additionally, a pearl paper upgrade is available, which has a metallic-like sheen. 

Pricing is as follows:

• $75 for 25 ($3 each) 
• $137.50 for 50 ($2.75 each) 
• $187.50 for 75 ($2.50 each)
• $225 for 100 ($2.25 each)
• $250 for 125 ($2.00 each)

One more thing - photos from any 2008 session may be used on the cards.  How excited am I???

 Questions?  Let me know! :)

{ Holiday Mini Session - hurry before the spots are gone! }

Is it REALLY time to think about the holidays?  Yes, yes it is.  Here at Snickerdoodles Photography, we are slam jammed and hopping.  My regular session appointments are completely full for September and almost all of October.  My holiday deadline this year is October 18th, and I am completely booked until after then.  What's the next best thing, you ask (and may even be better?)???.  Why, it's a holiday mini session at Ault Park! 5 of the 10 spots are already taken before today's announcement, so get on my calendar quickly if you think you may be interested.  Oh, and one more thing - a $50 deposit is required to hold your spot.  So.....here's the 411 (click on the images to make them larger):

Holiday cards preview to come - I'm still designing them as we speak.  They will be smashingly, stunningly beeeeeautiful! :)

{ He's sooo much bigger now }

Well, I had the absolute pleasure of going back again to spend the morning with Jacob and his sweet Mama - remember him?

Well....look at him now, all big little man {please note: cutest little baby madras pants EVER}:

Okay - let's talk about this next photo.  I {love love LOVE} it for so many reasons.  If you look closely, you'll see that I was shooting through a mirror.  Can you tell?  I love that it seems as if it's just Jacob and his Mommy loving each other.  I love that they're in his Mommy and Daddy's bedroom.  I love that Diesel the dog seems to be protecting both of them on the floor below.  I love that there are flip-flops in view.  I love that it's natural. And candid. And real. And beautiful. It's timeless.

Below is the same photo - just with a little texture added.  I prefer the finish on this one - it just adds a little more of a timeless look. 

Mmmmm, sweet baby feet + Mama's hand blurred in the background (it's common knowledge that this is my thing - for those interested in photography, I often use a super wide open aperture, creating the background blur that you see here)

Isn't this blanket fantastic?  Urban Outfitters, baby.  Had to have it.  Knew at first glance that it would be this great. :)

Holding onto Mama's finger - melts your heart, right?  It does mine.

Angi and Mike - enjoy your sneak peek!   Your boy is just as sweet as he can be.

Okay....to all of my patient and loyal clients who are waiting on galleries - let the photo editing party begin!  I am now finished with all sneak peeks and am caught up in that area.  14 of you are still waiting to see your finished galleries - and those are my top and really only priority currently.  So, stay tuned...I'm speaking the positive: next week is going to be a great, productive week!!! :)

{ One busy Mama and her trio }

At last a sneak peek for my oh-so-patient friend and client - she's been waiting for waaaay too long to see these photos of her precious three.  So Carrie - without further ado....

Jacob is the baby - he's just a little over 1 year old, and just as sweet as he could ever be.  Just waking up from a nap in the next one - even still has the sheet marks on his little cheek.  Snuggling into Mama's shoulder and looking at me through those big eyes.  Sweet baby boy.

This next one makes me so happy - I have smiled every time I've looked at it (which has to be at least 15 times over the course of all of the editing and narrowing down that I do).  Such a happy, sweet boy he is....check him out:

Mommy reading him a book in his room - THESE kinds of things are what I want to capture for my clients.  The real moments - the natural, candid, real, beautiful moments {hence the name of my blog}... ;)  That's my ultimate goal.  So that you can look back and say - that's it right there.  That moment.  That expression.  That's what I want to remember.  Mmmmm.....they grow up way too fast.  Feeling a little sentimental today - my baby turns 2 tomorrow.  How did that happen? :)

This next one is my favorite - his little profile - and check out his reflection in the window.  Love love LOVE it.  It deserves to be big.  Poster size. :)

Big brother Matthew (who is his Dad's twin, by the way) - laughing and playing with me.  We were tossing a huge disc thingie (think frisbee x 10 - you know what I mean?), and I caught him just at the right moment.  Perfect.  Sweet.

Check out big/little sister Caroline.  Carrie and I were pregnant at the same time, and Caroline was born just before my Mac - hard to believe that they're 3 years old already.  Pretty little thing is really thinking about something important in this next one.  Isn't she something?  So funny and cute.

I often tell parents that it's not always about the smile - it is okay with me to capture the grumpy faces, the crying faces, the shy faces....because I want to capture them as they are.  And any Mommy knows that they are DEFINITELY not always smiling.  So, in the next one - they weren't feeling the camera love, were they?  No, definitely not.  But that's okay - I love it anyway.

NOW we're feeling the love a little more.... :)

This next one makes me laugh - I had to put it on here just to give you a glimpse of what it's like to be Mama to 3 children - crazy and fun and wild.  Never a dull moment.  Carrie, enjoy your sneak peek.  Angi, you're NEXT!

{ Double the love - again }

Twins really are probably my favorite thing - not only because it's just plain fun, but because I have twin sisters who I ♥adore♥ - and I know that the bond runs so deep with twins.  And when I photograph twin babies, I think of what is in store for them, and the lifetime of being connected to each other.  Meet Bryson and Brody....

Oooooh Brody, I want this one big for my own house. :)

How about Bryson's little cheeks and big round eyes?  And that hair?  So sweet.

Yummy, squishy, kissable baby boy fat rolls - mmmmmm....

I photographed this Mommy back in the winter when she was pregnant with these 2 sweet peas - she had the most perfect round belly I think I have ever seen.  Radiant she was - and so beautiful.  Breathtakingly beautiful, really.  Have a look at her sweet belly - hard to believe that she had 2 babies in there. :)

Told you she had the most perfect round belly - one more below that I love...

Holding Brody and looking at him with that Mama's love look in her eyes...

Brody's sweet little feet below....

....AND Bryson's sweet little feet.

 

 

I love this next shot - melts my heart.

You know I'm crazy about photographing feet - 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 feet in this next one...

I adore this Mama - she's wonderful.  Laid back and easy and kind and warm and just a natural.  Very fond of her I am...

How sweet is this next one?

Enjoy your sneak peek guys - gallery to come soon.... :)