I've always wanted family photos in a field of tall grass, and we finally made it happen. In our own backyard. This year we decided not to have the farmers plant corn or soybeans and just let it go, plowing a path and planting grass along it. I can't wait to add some wildflowers next year.

One of the problems with being a photographer is that I always want to take our own photos because my style is most like what I would want and have a vision in my head of what it should be, but it is near impossible to take self portraits and get the kids to look at the camera, let alone smile, while running back and forth between family and tripod, or pressing the shutter without looking like you're pressing the shutter. I knew I wanted maternity photos, but I am to the point in my pregnancy where I really, REALLY don't want my photo taken. I feel so blessed to have yet another opportunity to carry another beautiful life in my body, but I'm also getting a lot of comments like "How far along are you?" and when I say "7 weeks," they say "oooooohhhh!" as though they thought I was delivering the baby tomorrow.

But I bit the bullet, coordinated outfits, raced to get everyone ready, set up the shot and had my sister....who is a lifesaver, by the way....press the shutter, in addition to helping corral my kids, entertain them, soothe them, even dress them.

My point is, moms generally want photos of their family, and they of course want to be in the photos, but many times they have all kinds of excuses for putting it off. I'll do it when I'm thinner. I'll do it next year. I'll do it when we're not so busy or when Junior's braces come off. Trust me, that day never comes or you forget, and you instead regret not capturing that time with your family because it's too late and your kids are grown.  And your kids want photos with you in them, just as they remember you.

So just do it. Although I don't love how big I look, I am absolutely in love with these shots and am so glad we did them. It was no easy feat. My oldest had a major meltdown just 20 minutes before, refusing to put clothes on and screaming, crying, and yelling, all while the sun was setting quickly. I did not think it would happen. I was stressed. I know how you feel when your kids don't cooperate, really I do. You feel like you're unsure if we got even one good shot. And I as your photographer can assure you that there have been only 1 or 2 times ever when I felt like we didn't get a good shot. Trust me, we got the shot you wanted.

So do it. Just book those photos, deal with the madness of breakdowns from your kids who don't want to wear "that outfit," or a husband who hates having his photo taken, and bask in not regretting another year without family photos.

Kelly, my superstar sister!

I have been so blessed to work with this family from their beginning. I've had the honor of seeing their journey from engagement to wedding to maternity, newborn and family photos, and now as they await the arrival of their second beautiful child. It's amazing to think back to when we took those engagement photos, that this is what it was all leading up to. This absolutely gorgeous and loving family. I cannot believe how their daughter has grown in just a year, how different and more toddler-like she is, and such a little firecracker! That dimple and sweet smile just slay me. She wanted to carry her baby doll, and I actually love those photos even more because of it, because I hope that in years to come, it will be a treasured reminder of the little girl she was and how she used to carry her dolly around. I'm very excited to kick off the first of the mini session blogs for the fall season with this family!

First comes {love}.

Then comes {marriage}.

Then comes the {baby} in the baby carriage!

I just adore going through the stages of life with my clients, and although I don't do wedding photography anymore, I still love getting the engagement, maternity, newborn and family photos. What an amazing honor to follow along on the journey with a couple! I've been on that journey with Erin and Miles for a long time now, and I'm so excited for them as they welcome their baby girl into the world. What a little firecracker she'll be!  Congratulations, Erin and Miles! I can't wait to meet your Little Lady. ♥