Pure Child Photography

I've Moved!

2010-09-14T21:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

After much hard work, the new blogsite is live! Head on over to www.purechildphotography.com for all the lovey goodness.

Hugs and love,

Miki

Body Music

2010-08-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

I'm a huge nerd. I'll admit it. I've seen every.single.episode. of Buffy, Babylon Five (it was on my husband's "required viewing before marriage" list), and Firefly. We once flew to Burbank just to see a taping of The Big Bang Theory. It was awesome.

And I must confess, I own this T-Shirt. My husband gave it to me for my birthday. This year.

From ThinkGeek.com

And I also listen to NPR. The other day I heard this amazing piece on the Brazilian body music group Barbatuques. I am constantly amazed at how wonderful the human body is. All the things that it can do and sense and know. Listening to this group make beautiful music with only their bodies for instruments. It was captivating. And their joy in making art is infectious. I love how the interviewer was so excited he jumped right in and started making rhythm sounds of his own.

From TheWorld.org

We are beautiful. We can do great things. And we can do them now. Jump right in!

PS-If you listen all the way to the end of the interview you can hear a description of how to make Cameron Frye's "wupt" noise from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. See I told you I'm a nerd.

The Perfect Time?

2010-08-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about “the perfect time”. And after reading this breathtaking post by amazingly talented and soulful photographer Deb Schwedhelm, I was inspired to write my own version.

********

When people find out I’m a love photographer, they get really excited. They want to have that experience. They want to let the world melt away and just focus on those they love. But then the doubts set in…

“I want to have pictures made, but now’s not really the best time.”

After I’ve lost 10 pounds.

After I have a chance to get the house clean.

After I like my hair better.

After all her teeth come back in.

After we get our tax refund.

And I understand. I do. My son was almost 10 pounds when he was born, and my stomach is probably never really going to recover from that.

But I also know that my family could care less about that. They don’t even notice. They love me just the way I am. Right now.

And I know that your family feels the same way about you. And with all the love in my heart, I have to say that I agree with them.

Because I believe—I KNOW—that you are beautiful just the way you are. Right now. Just like this.

It’s okay to want to wait till your house is clean or you loose the baby weight. Or the weather’s better. Or it’s not Christmas card time yet. Or the economy improves. Or, or, or…

But I promise, the people who love you, those that deeply care about you, they love you NOW. This way. With the crazy bangs, and the baby weight. The wrinkles and the under eye circles. They love you.

They. LOVE. you!

In the same way that you love your son when he’s missing his front teeth, or when a friend from school decides it’s a good idea to cut a huge chunk out of your daughter’s hair. In the same way that your partner melts your heart just by looking at you in that special way (And when he does, it doesn’t matter to you that he might have a few extra pounds on him, too.)

Because in and amongst everything, your life is beautiful. Now. I promise. I can see it. Even if you are struggling with doubts. I can see it.

And so can those who love you.

And when this moment has passed, as it always does, they will be so happy to have it captured. Frozen forever so that it becomes part of their legacy. The legacy of your love for them. Which is perfect and beautiful.

So please, find a photographer whose work you love, whose personality really clicks with yours. It doesn’t have to be me. But please find someone whose work inspires you and start planning. Start dreaming. Because you are worth it. This is the perfect time.

Vegas Baby!

2010-08-06T00:18:00.000-07:00

Some times it just takes a change in perspective. Beauty is all around us. It just takes a moment to stop and remember. Remember who we are, what we love, and what we work so hard for.

On a recent trip to Vegas I wanted to be free. So I decided to try something new. I left the Nikon at home and just used the Hipstomatic app on my phone. I love how the images it creates are part skill and part serendipity. I quickly learned that what you see in the "viewfinder" is only a part of what is captured in the image. You get to choose where you point your camera, but you're never quite sure how it will all turn out. It was great to just be able to let go. To see what would develop. To just see the beautiful details and not try so very hard to get it all "right." And in the end it all worked out to be more than the sum of it's parts.

Snuggles at Home with Baby Deven

2010-07-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

It's there all the time. The love parents feel for their children. It's in every thing they do. Holding bananas, washing little hands, splashing in the pool. There is pure beauty in the million ways we care for our little ones. And it makes my heart sing.

Deven turned one at the beginning of May and he came for a visit for Memorial Day. You may recognize his parents from their beloved portraits and his newborn portraits. This family cares so deeply for each other and it's a pure joy to witness.

Happy birthday little man. May your life be filled with wonder.

Keyvan & Christine ~ Beloved ~ Anthem Love Photographer

2010-07-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

He was the President of her dorm. She was an incoming freshman. By Halloween he was her boyfriend and they've been together since then. Keyvan and Christine are two of the nicest people I know. Their love for each other has weathered many obstacles but through it all they have remained steadfast partners.

I never had the opportunity to meet Keyvan's father. He died just after Keyvan graduated from college and he and Christine have been the heads of the family since then. But this is how I imagine Keyvan dad looked. There is something about this picture that really speaks to me of Keyvan's ancestry and strength.

They have so much fun together. One minute snuggling and the next, Keyvan goes Packman on Christine.

Through all the challenges these two have faced, they always come back to each other and the loving and supportive foundation of their relationship. It is so clear when he looks at her, when she looks at him, that no matter what life brings they are so deeply connected that they will be able to weather it together. They are a true inspiration. Thank you for sharing your love with me.

Andy & Emlyn ~ Beloved ~ Anthem Love Photographer

2010-07-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Andy and Emlyn have always been together. From early on in their college days, it was Andy and Emlyn, Emlyn and Andy. Constant. Over the years, they've grown up together. Discovering themselves and each other along the way. And 14 years later, they're still going strong.

It's so clear how much they enjoy each other's company.

And the tenderness between them. Warms my heart.

Sal & Miriam ~ Beloved ~ Anthem Love Photographer

2010-07-05T20:53:00.001-07:00

She was actually on a date with some one else when Sal saw her again. They had met before at an audition and had struck up a conversation but he didn't ask for her phone number. When he saw her again, he wouldn't let her go. He casually managed to join the date and Sal and Miriam have been together ever since.

In their eleven years together, they have faced many challenges. They've had to fight for each other against tradition and stand by each other through health challenges. And yet. And yet, they are always lighthearted. They always make each other laugh. Watching the two of them on a dance floor is a sight to behold.

They are also hams. Sal's father is in construction so when he spotted this pile of building materials, he just couldn't resist playing around and doing his own version of American Gothic.

And they care for each other in the deepest of ways. When you are with them, even if you're only with one of them, you get the sense that part of them is always thinking about the other one. Their comfort. Their happiness. Making each other's lives easier.

They truly are each other's beloved.

LookBook! ~ Anthem Family Photographer

2010-07-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to announce the Pure Child Photography LookBook!

I've been working on this for weeks! The LookBook shows off the sessions and products that Pure Child offers. (Beloved sessions for couples are also available. They'll be getting their own brand and goodies in the coming months.) Feast your eyes on the love-y, yummy goodness.

This is just a teaser. If you'd like your own copy of the complete LookBook so you can browse the offerings in depth, just drop me a line and I'll email you one right away!

Lullaby Memories

2010-06-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

I remember being very small. Small enough that my mother could still hold me in her arms. And not being able to sleep. Or I had a bad dream. But my mom took me out side, rocked me in her arms and sang to me.

A thousand stars in the sky

Like the stars in your eyes

They say to me

That there'll never be

No other love

Like you for me

It's part of another song possibly popular when I was small. Or maybe when my mom was small. I've looked it up online several times, but I've never had the heart to actually listen to a recording of it. I'm afraid I won't like it. That it will ruin the magic for me. My mom's singing voice isn't the strongest, but she sang it with such love that her's is the only version I want to know.

And now I sing it for my kids. Every night. Because there'll never be no other love like them for me.

Beautifully Said

2010-06-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

Oh. My. God.

I've been searching the interwebs looking for more information on how to create experiences of love for my clients. I hit the motherload. Canadian photographer Jesh De Rox...

"Every moment of my life is precious. Therefore, every moment of my life

is worth spending doing something that feels really damn good.

That makes the heart grow."

Image by Jesh De Rox

How perfect is that? And he calls this genre of work "Beloved." I just love that. All the tenderness and caring that word conveys.

When I think about how meaningful it was for me to make portraits of Tessa, how meaningful it was for her to have the experience, I just want to do that. All. The. Time. And I can think of no greater gift I can bring to someone.

A mother that works so hard she barely has time to tuck her kids into bed at night, let alone really sit and be with them. A couple that's been married for awhile now and forgets what it's like to truly see one another.

To be able to provide a space out of time when people who love one another can stop time and see each other again. That's what I want to do. And I also think that's what the world needs right now. More connections. More space. More time. And most importantly, More Love.

And what's most wonderful to me is that these moments occur all the time. Every day. There is such simple yet shocking beauty in our lives.

Two of my forever friends. One snuggles her son to sleep...

The other kisses her daughter goodmorning...

I can't wait to put this into action on a broad scale. To call forth and remind people of the beauty that is already right before them.

If you're interested in listening to the talk, Jesh lays it all out here in his talk at the WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) conference. Click on the play button on the bottom right. It's two hours long, but it is so so so worth it. And then when you finish, call me so we can start creating this experience for you.

Beautiful Eyes, Beautiful Children (Natural Photography)

2010-06-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

Kids are so magical. They change so quickly. Even from moment to moment. So much magic happens all around us. It just takes you to notice it.

Legacy Of Love I Anthem Photographer

2010-06-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

That's my mom. Holding me. She's the same age as I was when I had my first child. And I'm probably no more than a month old. I found this picture when I went brought my kids to visit my grandmother last summer. When I saw it, my heart skipped a beat. The look on my mother's face makes me cry. It is so amazing to be able to see what she looked like as she looked at me with such love. And I know, because now I have my own children, just what that love feels like. And to know that someone feels that love for me, that fierce, all-encompassing, no-matter-what kind of love, is a gift that is so meaningful. It makes me feel stronger, better, more worthwhile. And I am so thankful that this moment was captured so that when I look at it, and I look at my mother today, I can see the legacy of love she feels for me, and how it has always been there and will never change.

In Which I Discover My Life's Work

2010-05-31T15:29:00.000-07:00

So if you've skipped down to the pictures you might be wondering why all of a sudden I have images of adults on here and how that fits in with a blog post about discovering my life's work. Fair enough. I'd be wondering about it too if I were you. So bear with me as I explain...

Let me start at the beginning. I have known Tessa since we were twelve years old. That's twenty one years for those of you counting at home. She was my best friend in high school and we've stayed connected this whole time despite cross country moves, multiple colleges, different life stages. When she told me she was getting married, I knew that even though I don't do weddings, I just knew that engagement portraits had to be my gift to her. We chose a beautiful location that had special meaning to them and headed out just before sunset. I was nervous because, while I do usually include a few portraits of just mom and dad in my family sessions, I had never done a complete session with a couple before. And they were nervous because they had never had portraits done before. So before we started, I knew we needed to get grounded and connected so that we could focus on what was really important here and let go some of our nerves. I asked them to just take a moment and breathe and look around at the gorgeous mountainside. To feel the cool breeze blowing and see the beautiful golden light that bathed the trees and grasses. Then I asked them to really look at each other, to think about how special this time in their life is, and how much they truly care for each other.

As the session progressed they became more and more comfortable and connected to each other. And my confidence also grew as I saw how beautiful and in love they looked. And I knew that after three years of teaching myself photography, I was finally in a place where I knew for sure I was nailing the shots. And I was so delighted to be able to share this gift with someone who was so important to me.

That night, Tessa asked if she and Alison could look at the pictures. Normally I choose my favorite images and edit them first before I share, but Tessa pulled the best friend card and talked me into it. And that's when I truly realized how important the experience was for them as a couple. They saw how beautiful they truly are. They knew that how they feel about each other at this moment will be preserved forever. They know that they will be able to share those little moments when Alison looks at Tessa with such love and adoration and when Tessa grins her crooked smile at Alison with their children and their children's children. And that's when it all clicked for me. Watching them watch the slide show of their images, witnessing how meaningful it was for them to see themselves in this way, I realized that this is what I want to capture, this is what I want to provide for other people, this is why I became a photographer. I want to provide people with an experience of love. An opportunity for them to stop time and truly enjoy the company of those they care about the most and then reflect back to them the pure beauty of that connection. A way to honor and celebrate all that is special and unique about a person, a family, a couple and to reflect all that specialness back so they can see it too. And I am so very thankful for the gift of this discovery.

So stay tuned here for all the exciting ways I'm planning on creating these types of love experiences for the wonderful people I have the great honor to photograph. Family snuggles, boudoir glamour and couples canoodling are on their way and I can't wait! And if this sounds interesting to you and you'd like this experience for yourself. Give me a call. I'd love to love on you! Your life is beautiful!

And now, without further ado, the stunningly gorgeous Tessa A. the ultra handsome Alison D! To be married this weekend!

Print Competition

2010-05-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

The first time I went to a print critique at the local PPA (Professional Photographers of America), I thought it was a casual meeting when other photographers would look at and offer feedback on each other's work. Boy was I in for a surprise! I decided at the last minute that I wanted to go to the meeting, so I printed my images at Costco. That was mistake number one. The color balance was way off and every thing looked just a little weird. But I didn't think it would matter since it was just a friendly chat between friends. Um, no. Print critique is a big deal, judged by some of the most respected names in the industry like Arizona's own, Kay Eskridge, and my shabby prints just weren't going to cut it. Thankfully, I was right about how friendly the people there were and Kay gave me some great advice. I learned a TON about what types of images do well at print critique and most importantly, what not to do again (see aforementioned Costco prints...).

At the beginning of May I went to my second print critique and I was much more prepared. Below are two of the images I submitted and what the judges suggested.

The first image I chose was this one that I named, "Old Soul." I love how the horse looks right at you like he knows something but he's not going to tell you what it is.

The judges felt that this was a strong image, but that the mountains distracted from the horse. When I made the image, I liked the mountains because it gives the horse a sense of place and because the line of the mountains echos the line of the horse's neck.

I received two suggestions on how to improve the image--either make the mountains darker so that they're the same intensity of the horse or to remove them completely. Below you see the image with darker mountains. I wasn't happy with this version because I felt it made the mountains even more distracting.

This is the final version of the image. I removed the mountains entirely and added a border. One of the other suggestions was that for print competition it's a good idea to give the image a "treatment" that gives it some context/framing on the page. Much better! We'll see how it does the next time around.

This is the second image I submitted. It's one of my favorite images that I've ever taken. I just love the tenderness between the two. As soon as I saw this image come up on the back of my camera, it took my breath away. It's so cool how such a simple, everyday moment can have such beauty. And I was so honored that the judges felt the same way and this print did merrit. In fact, one of them said that it was her favorite image of the night!

And here it is after implementing Kay's suggestion to use a black border and make the image smaller in the print to give it a more intimate feel. This is very different from how I would display it in a family's home but it's interesting to think about all the different ways there are to present an image even within a single canvas. It's definitely broadened my perspective on what's possible to do with the work I create for my client families.

So what does all this mean and how does it help me in real life sessions? Look for ways to make the image even more simple, and in doing so to make the subject shine so that the viewer can see what's truly important. This is what I strive for, what my heart longs for and, my mission every time I pick up the camera.

Hugs,

Miki

Scottsdale Celebration of Fine Art

2010-05-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

My mother has been involved in the arts community for over 20 years. Growing up she used to take me to the art openings at the museums she worked for. I always used to imagine some dashingly handsome brooding artist (my age, of course) would come and sweep me off my feet. Well, turns out that it was an engineer who did the sweeping, but I still love to attend art shows with my mom. Back in March we went to the Scottsdale Celebration of Fine Art. My mom and I have been wanting to go for several years, but this was the first time the stars aligned for us and I'm so glad they did. This yearly celebration brings together some of the most diverse and interesting artists from all over the country. And the most interesting thing to me about this show is that you get to meet the artists. Unlike a traditional gallery show, where the artist comes to the opening but then goes on to other things, at Celebration, the artists stay with their booths daily and many work on pieces while there. So not only do you get to see them working, you also have the opportunity to talk with them and learn more about their vision. It was so inspiring to watch them create and to listen to their stories. I even bought my first piece of art!

Here are some of my favorite artists from the event...

Black Dahlia 1839 by Sondra Wampler

Sondra Wampler

creates stunning black and white botanical photographs. She painstakingly arranges the flowers in beautiful still lifes and then, using her negatives from a medium format camera, creates huge prints. They are captivating and I could spend all day staring at the delicate forms her work celebrates.

Lost In America No. 1 by Timothy Wampler

Using toy cameras, her husband Timothy Wampler takes a different approach, but his work is no less amazing. Also working in black and white, his landscapes are hauntingly beautiful. I love how he takes the simplest things and through his perspective turns them into art.

6th South Exit by James Randle

I also loved the work of James Randle. He paints realistic cityscapes. He doesn't paint famous landmarks or beautiful buildings. He's more my style, with gritty power lines and back alleyways. What really drew me to his work was how he transforms his scenes from something mundane to something majestic. This is one of my goals with my work as well--to take some thing simple from every day life and display it in such a way that it is elevated to something beautiful.

So I'm sensing a theme here, one that just dawned on me as I wrote this post--I'm drawn to artists who use their attention to make us mindful of the beauty in simple, everyday themes.

Moving On by Melissa Behr

Melissa's work is probably the most conceptual of the artists I enjoyed. Combining both paint and photography, she painstakingly transfers her photographs onto canvas using acrylic gel medium then paints around/over the image to complete her piece. I really enjoyed getting to speak with Melissa and we have a lot in common--former acting career, young children, love of photography.

Total Eclipse of the Heart: Literal Video Version

2010-05-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

I'm probably very late to this video trend but my husband shared this with me a while back. It is theliteral version of "Total Eclipse of the Heart." I love things that have weird juxtapositions so this video makes me happy and cracks me up. So wonderful and bizarre. Spin around. Ninjas!

Funky Family I Anthem Family Photographer

2010-05-12T15:39:00.000-07:00

This funky family originally hails from Brooklyn so we wanted to incorporate some urban desert into our portraits.

One thing I really love about doing portraits on location rather than in a traditional studio environment is that it really allows kids the time to get comfortable. Little Miss "G" was a bit unhappy to be doing portraits, but after some time exploring the desert and getting comfortable, we were able to capture some beautiful moments.

And here's wonderful mom and dad!

And here's charming Miss "P" who was all smiles and loved helping me explore. She's a natural in front of the camera.

I had such a great time hanging out with this fun family.

Hugs,

Miki

Two Tiny Teeth I Anthem Baby Photographer

2010-05-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

Be still my beating heart! Last April I photographed this beautiful mama's Maternity Session. She was back in town and I finally met her beautiful little man "T." Aren't his cheeks just the most squeezable! And those two tiny teeth just kill me!

Beautiful mama and daddy...

Hooray! I'm standing!

Twins Coming Soon! I Anthem Maternity Photographer

2010-05-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to introduce you to the beautiful Mrs. S. Isn't she stunning. She is due at the beginning of June with boy and girl twins! So much fun. It's starting to get hotter here so we decided to do her session in her home and I couldn't be happier with the results. In-home portraits are so relaxed and allow for people to be at ease. Especially moms carrying two babies!

Isn't she gorgeous?

She's just glowing!

Wearing Daddy's shirt! Such a fun idea.

Mom brought these paintings home from a trip and now they form the basis for the nursery design.

I can't wait to meet these two beautiful beings when they make their arrival! Thank you so much for welcoming me into your home and for the honor of being able to capture this very special time!

Hugs,

Miki

Anthem Days '10 (10) - Anthem Children's Photographer

2010-03-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

Ooops, one more...

Look at this little guy! What wonderful expressions. And those eyes!

Anthem Days '10 (9) - Anthem Children's Photographer

2010-03-23T13:38:00.001-07:00

And last but certainly not least...

Anthem Days '10 (8) - Anthem Children's Photographer

2010-03-23T13:17:00.001-07:00

Ok, I've reached serious cuteness overload...

Anthem Days '10 (7) - Anthem Children's Photographer

2010-03-23T13:10:00.001-07:00

More Anthem Days fun. What wonderful personalities...I love how each one is so purely themselves.

Anthem Days '10 (6) - Anthem Children's Photographer

2010-03-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

So much fun to be able to capture such natural expressions! What sweethearts, just as they are.

Anthem Days '10 (5) - Anthem Children's Photographer

2010-03-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

This beautiful family of 5 girls stopped by the booth. How fun must it be to be a part of this happy family?

Anthem Days '10 (4) - Anthem Children's Photographer

2010-03-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

More fun kids at Anthem Days!

Anthem Days '10 (3) - Anthem Children's Photographer

2010-03-22T22:59:00.000-07:00

Look at all these sweet kids I had the pleasure of meeting at Anthem Days. I love taking pictures of kids having a great time in a natural, relaxed setting.

Anthem Days '10 (2)

2010-03-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

Anthem Days '10 (1)

2010-03-22T22:30:00.001-07:00

This was my third year at Anthem Days and I had a wonderful time. Thank you so much for stopping by. It was great to meat you all. I know you're all excited to see the pictures so I'll get straight to it.

Fearless - Anthem Children's Photographer

2010-03-22T22:24:00.000-07:00

This young lady has such a wonderful personality and such a fearless spirit. Her confidence in herself is an inspiration.

We've been having some wonderful rainstorms so everything is really green. We went out into the desert to take advantage of all the color.

Happy Handsome Boy -- Anthem Child Photographer

2010-02-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

I met this handsome little man this past weekend at his grandma's house. This is a wonderful age to photograph! We get to sit and play the whole time. Happy little "I" loved animal noises, eating his hands and smiling at his beautiful Mama.

I love the look of pure love as he sees his mama.

Toothless baby gums!

Mama love.

Happy baby.

Even though he's a big boy, I love how this series shows how tiny he still is.

Happy Birthday Little V

2010-02-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

Remember this sweet maternity session back in October '08? (See post here.) I just love love. And I love how in-love with both mom and baby dad is in this picture.

This was her serene newborn session . It was so amazing to be able to capture these first few months of her life.

Well the time has flown by and here "V" is now as a beautiful one year old! Her parent have an amazing sense of style and wanted some thing a little different and I knew just the place to take them for some "urban desert" portraits. Don't worry, this is at the end of a very long dead end road. She looks so sweet and tiny. I love the contrast between her sweetness and the grit of the desert/graffiti.

Thanks so much to the "S" family for choosing me to capture your family's history. I can't wait to see what amazing things this next year brings for little "V."

Happy Birthday Little K

2010-02-03T08:46:00.001-08:00

I first met baby "K" and her family at Anthem Days. We kept in touch and several months later they asked me to be a part of K's first birthday celebration. When the day finally arrived, I was so excited to see how much she'd grown. What a little sweetheart. We had a fun time opening presents and playing with mom and dad. Happy birthday sweet girl!

Please Vote For Me

2010-01-30T10:29:00.001-08:00

Hello all,

I've entered a contest to win a small business grant. Winning this grant would allow me to work with even more wonderful families.

Please click on this link

http://bit.ly/c516XV

Thank you so very much.

Miki

Little Pixies - Anthem Children's Photographer

2009-12-08T20:16:00.000-08:00

B Family Sneak Peak--Anthem Children's Photographer

2009-12-02T13:13:00.000-08:00

Little "A" has such a sweet spirit.

Love the combination of the vintage beach aesthetic and the barren desert. Dad was a trouper. He packed the chairs up and carried them out to the desert. Thanks =).

Little kids. Big marshmallows. Always a good time.

I think I'm jumping up and down like a monkey while making this image.

I love the way they look at each other. It's these moments that I love to capture.

Seriously? With the eyes?

So sweet. She's got such a bubbly personality.

Little man and his Linus blanket.

Desert Love - Anthem Child/Family Photographer

2009-11-29T18:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Kids--Anthem Child Photographer

2009-11-27T14:41:00.000-08:00

Dearest

2009-11-19T21:18:00.000-08:00

This little peanut is almost a year old now. You can see her newborn pictures here. It's been such fun to watch her grow.

Love love love her little grin.

Daddy loves it too...

And the whole beautiful family.

Ouch! These guys are on fire!

And of course the handsome and proud big brother. I think we were discussing farts =). Ah the lengths we go to...

Blondies

2009-11-19T20:45:00.000-08:00

The mom of these two handsome men gave me a call just a few days ago and I'm so glad she did! I always try to make time for newborn sessions. It's such an honor to be able to capture these first few days. And this baby was so so fresh. Only 8 days old!

I love tiny babies in big cribs.

This one took my breath away...

Such a beautiful family. They had such love and tenderness for each other.

Mom knit this blanket for her little man.

When big brother was a baby they had a portrait made of him on this chair. They wanted to have a matching one made for their new little man. He's a bit taller than his brother was =).

Thank you for letting me share this special time with you.

Good Luck

2009-11-07T22:13:00.000-08:00

I've known this family for a while and it was such an honor to be able to spend some time with them.

Little Miss A has quite a big personality...

and a very sweet spirit...

This handsome little man was such a sweetheart. I told him there was a monkey in my camera. At first it made him very concerned, but I think he warmed up to the idea.

I love love love it when dads get in on the action!

We went to an abandoned barn and found horseshoes!!

Oh yeah, baby!

Melt my heart already!

Beautiful Blue Eyes-Anthem Children's Photographer

2009-10-25T22:40:00.000-07:00

I love the way her hair is blowing in the wind.

She was so sweet and right next to mama the whole afternoon.

And of course mom and dad are smokin' hot too!

Field Of Flowers

2009-10-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

This little beauty is the daughter of this beautiful couple. Her name means "field of flowers" so we just had to have fun playing around with that.

Love the hair swirl...

I am so very honored to be included in such special and intimate moments. It is so beautiful to witness. It takes my breath away.

Another Year And Boy How They've Grown

2009-10-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

I first had the opportunity to play with this family last year, and I was so excited to get to see them again this year and to see how C and C have grown. We had just a great time exploring in a field. Dad was a geology major so he taught us a lot about the rocks (and skulls!) that we discovered.

Can you believe that this was just on the wall waiting for us?

Mom and Dad are so sweet to each other.

The whole fam...

Little sister "C"

Big brother "C"

Thanks again guys! It was so great to see you again. I love love love getting to be able to be a part of your family's history.

Down on the Farm

2009-10-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

I spent a few hours hanging out at a farm with these two handsome little men. What fun!

Love the eyes on this one...

Aww...

At first "A" didn't want to take pictures, but I think he started to warm up to me =).

Showing me their moves.

Thanks for the fun time!

H Family Maternity - Anthem Child Photographer

2009-09-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

I got to spend a wonderful evening a few nights ago with the H family. It was so sweet to see how very much in love they are (even after knowing each other for ten years!) and how excited they are to become parents. Can't wait to meet baby D when she makes her arrival any day now. Thank you so much for welcoming me into your home. It was an honor to be able to capture the beginnings of your beautiful new family.

J Family Album Design

2009-09-06T23:12:00.000-07:00

In addition to photography, I also love design so it makes me super happy when families request custom designed albums. They are a great way to showcase images from a family's collection and make a wonderful heirloom to keep for generations.

Here a few spreads from a 9x9 book. It's kinda hard to tell on the blog where the spread ends so to help, I've placed the Pure Child logo outside the spread.

Enjoy!

Welcome Little One

2009-08-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

The arrival of this little one has been much anticipated. My good friends have been trying to have a baby for several years. Through the wonderful blessing of open adoption, they've been able to bring this little man into their family. He was born on Mother's Day--a very special gift for a very special family. So I just had to hop a plane and capture these early moments of their new family.

Can you tell just how much they enjoy this chubby little dude!?

I'd like to win

2009-08-18T23:07:00.001-07:00

this super cool lens

http://mcpactions.com/blog/2009/08/18/win-a-lensbaby/

A Beautiful Friend

2009-08-11T21:26:00.000-07:00

Back at the beginning of summer (is summer over already!?) I had the opportunity to photograph a beautiful friend of mine. So often as moms we get lost in the shuffle so it was a real honor to be able to capture her wonderful personality all on her own. And her hubby liked the pictures so much he ordered some as a surprise for his wife's birthday!

J Family Newborn

2009-08-02T09:51:00.001-07:00

Oh what a beautiful being I got to meet yesterday. Man kids are great.

Here's beautiful Mama.

And handsome Daddy.

And proud big sis. She is so so happy to have a baby brother.

Thanks so much for playing with me.

Terrific Twins

2009-08-02T09:37:00.001-07:00

Boy parents of multiples must have a ton of energy. These guys kept me bopping all over the place, but we sure had a great time.

Little man A loves his cars and trucks and things that go.

Love me some non-traditional sibling portraits.

Gorgeous Miss K.

The handsome Mr. A.

Thanks so much for playing with me. I had a great time. And stay tuned because their mom will be launching a line of beautiful art for children's rooms. I can't wait.

Awake Baby

2009-07-03T20:19:00.000-07:00

Fun in the Park

2009-07-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

Please pardon my blog absence. Just finished fighting a nasty cold...

A few weeks ago, before it got wicked hot, I spent a lovely morning with these fun kiddos.

Mom really wanted some detail shots of her one-year-old. Kinda tricky at this age, but I think we did a good job =).

Peonies

2009-06-24T21:56:00.000-07:00

I've been playing around with some new post-processing techniques. What do you think?

Super Cute B Family

2009-06-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

One of the cool things about life is that you never know when you're going to make an awesome friend. I was getting my hair done (if anyone needs a great stylist in Anthem, let me know, mine is AWESOME!) and started chatting with the woman who was waiting for the appointment after mine. She was so nice and we clicked right away. She had been wanting to have some portraits made for her hubby as a father's day gift. Turns out, I happen to know a photographer...

I love in-home sessions because everyone is so relaxed and the pictures really reflect the pure spirit of each family. When I got to their house, five year old B was still asleep.

He was so sweet and cozy, mom had to snuggle in too.

Here's B playing "Hide and Seek."

Look at these soulful eyes...

I couldn't decide which version I liked better...

Family fun. I love the lone blue block. Totally life with kids.

These two just adore each other.

And here's handsome Mr. C.

He has a swing in his room. How cool is that?

This is what you get for standing too close to the swing set. So glad I did.

And one of the gorgeous Ms. H herself. You look marvelous!

I know Dad is going to love his present. Thanks so much for having me. I had a wonderful time.