Ava and Luke - A 'Little Tot Session'

What's it like having a 1 & 2 years old?

Hmmm...

You never have a full conversation.
It's impossible.

You're always in a constant state of motion.

Being pulled left or right.

Bottles, diapers. Feeding. Changing.
Their needs over your needs.
Always.

Sometimes perfect parenting isn't about getting it perfect.
It's about balance. A cookie for a smile.
Sacrificing a fun location for a shoot, to keep a child happy.

Beth and I spoke about a portrait session last fall. It has been in the works for quite sometime.
She had her heart set on an outdoor session.

When I got the call a few hours before the session that she thought a melt down would occur if she left the house - we quickly decided to re-arrange our location plans and meet at her home.

Sometimes you need to trust your instincts. Mom's know their kids.
Beth knew without an afternoon nap we would be fighting a losing battle.
Sometimes it just doesn't pay to rock the boat. I actually know exactly what she was up against.
Cause I too have a one and a two year old myself.

So glad you trusted your judgement Beth.
It worked out perfectly.



Even though Ava is not totally looking,
 I think it caught her spirit perfectly!

Just in case you're wondering how hard it was to get a one and a two year old to look at you at the same time. Or heck, how about just being in the same frame?

The next image is what (okay I'm not going to lie), 75% of my pictures with the two of them in it look like!

Little Miss. Ava. 
You are a fashionista!
When you ran to get the coat - I saw Mommy cringe a little. 
We told her we would make it work so we could by pass a possible melt down.


Did you show us or what?!
I love the coat. 
Not to mention the smile and the eye contact you rocked for um a second ; ) 

Guess who just turned 1?

This was a moment I stole.
It was an 'out take' really, but I love it anyway. 
It's real and raw and special.

What is it about little boys when they dress up like little old men?
I freakin' love that!

I think a quiet moment can sometimes be the most beautiful. 
This quote always comes to mind when I see a pensive expression in black and white.


"When you photograph people in color you photograph their clothes.  
But when you photograph people in B&W, you photograph their souls."  ~Ted Grant

Thank you Beth.
Thank you for giving me the time and space to coax the kids a little.
Thank you for booking me based on a referral (thanks Lauren : ).
Thank you for being so excited and enthusiastic about getting to see the outcome.
Thank you for your Facebook wall post before even seeing the images.

Most of all, thank you for letting me into your world at such a busy time in your life.
I know how hard it is to even make a phone call, let alone schedule time in your hectic day for a 'visitor'.

I appreciate that you value a moment that will be a memory - but one now you will be able to re-live again.

p.s

So readers, let's hear which image is your favorite?
Leave a comment below and help this family get a complimentary print!