'Working' Mother's - A Family Session

I knew Carissa back when talking about the federal reserve, general ledgers, 

and debits and credits would fill my days. 

I knew her when the 'boys' in our lives 

where the guys we were dating, and not our sons. 

Back in our former lives, our paths would cross once in a while,

 and I was always happy to see her. 

She always had a smile, and she was super ambitious - working her way up from 

a bank teller to the branch manager at a bank in Manhattan. 

***

I remember the first time someone asked me, 

'Are you a working mother?' I felt a pang of guilt.

What does that really mean anyway?

Does it mean you work out of the home, or your work at home is never done? 

Either way it felt very much the same.

For as much as I felt I had accomplished in my professional career, motherhood by far trumped it all.

I stared at Adryanna when I was home on maternity leave
wondering what the heck I was going to do for three months when all she did was sleep. 

So, I began making scrap books, I took pictures, I stayed up late. 

I fell in love a little with photography. 

I read magazines. I read books. 

I watched TV for crying out loud. Like every week. Grey's Anatomy actually. 

It felt like a mini vacation really. 

Yet, for some reason I looked forward to going back to work and having a routine. 

Call me crazy, but I missed hearing adult conversation, 

putting my make up on in the morning...annnd getting out of my pajamas. 

But, the night before I had to return to work I cried myself to sleep. 

I didn't think there was possibly another person in the world 

who could take care of her like I would. 

I was torn. 

I enjoyed my career, but I loved this new little person so much, 

I couldn't stand being away from her. 

It's a personal choice. It's a hard choice. It's a choice that you really can't fathom until the day comes. 

Living on Long Island our choice is almost made for us. 

Expenses are high, and so is health care insurance. The need for a double income is almost a necessity. 

Somehow though, among all of the life's big decisions- 

while we are planning our future, 

our present days are passing us quicker then we think.  

***

Carissa told me she was thinking of waiting until his first birthday to do the session. 

Then she thought about waiting until the baby weight was gone. 

She realized though she needed to catch the moment though before it past her. 

The wonder in their eyes, their off balance teetering when trying out those chubby feet.

This time in our lives will suddenly be our 'yesterday'.  

One day soon, in the blink of an eye - just like those old folks told you when you were a kid - we'll say,

 ' I remember you when you were thiiiiis little', while holding our hand up to knee height. 

And we will smile because we know that indeed we really do remember,

 because a picture won't let us forget. 

Because you don't want to forget their first few steps with you...

Because someone in the family is always missing because they're taking the picture...

Because you should have pictures of the two of you other then your wedding ones...

Because almost all of your photo's are taken on your iphone.

Because never will a leaf be this entertaining when you're an adult...

Because your children should know what life was like when you were in your prime...

Because a few minutes taken to enjoy and experience today,

will have lasting effects on how you see tomorrow.
But more importantly...how they see it. 

Enjoy the little moments...for some day you may look back and realize, they were the 'big' ones.

***

Thank you Randy and Carissa for being so fabulous and putting up with my crazy antics. 

Your little man was amazing. I loooved his happy disposition!

Thank you as well for 

reminding me how important a family picture is. 

And while I should know this and I do...I was among the ones who thought, 

'I'll wait until I lose some weight', 

or 'I'll wait until the kids are a bit older.'

I finally booked our own family session this week.


p.s.

Thanks Erin for the fabulous referral!

p.p.s

Before you go, leave your thoughts below.
20 comments = complimentary gift for the family!

Maternity and Newborn Long Island Photographer

Bump to Baby

I'm sure her Mom didn't think she was talking to her future son in law when
her daughter handed her the phone.
 In fact, I'm sure she thought he was a bit crazy when he told her that
he was going to marry her daughter someday...and she had yet to even meet him!

***

If you're anything like me, you enjoy hearing the stories of my couples and families.

It really makes a difference in the pictures for me to know where it all began.

So a few weeks ago I did their maternity session.
They were a little shy about a blog post - so we held off.
But...while at their house this weekend to welcome their baby girl with her first photo shoot,
we talked about adding a few images while still respecting their privacy
by not posting names or their full story.
They agreed!
Thanks so much guys.


Meet the new Mom and Dad...

Their beautiful daughter made her arrival a whole month early.
Super happy we got the maternity session done in time!

While at their home they had showed me a Similac advertisement they liked.
We tried our own version.
Although it's not black and white, I kinda like the monochromatic look -
and I think it totally matches the gingham walls in the nursery guys!

I added the wording because...well, I felt like it! : )

I wish I could have had all of you in the house with us while we had the session.
They were the cutest parents ever. And Mom had the cutest hat ever!
Not to mention the cutest babe ever!

This session was super cool because the parents were game to do more of a 'lifestyle' session.
It was something different I wanted to try because I love seeing
the interaction of new parents with their new little bundle.
I think posed shoots are fun too...but there is something about relationships that really hit home for me.

I will be incorporating more of this kind of style into my sessions if the parents are up to it.
I think no matter how tired you are, or how you really don't think you look good enough to be photographed now - it should be documented.
Suck it up. Trust me. ; )
You'll want to remember these moments when they are heading off to their prom.

***

B family - I think you're the best.
I adored documenting such a special time in your life.
And I loved seeing it come full circle.

p.s.

Thanks 'Google' for sending them my way!

p.p.s

Before you go...leave your thoughts below.
20 comments = complimentary gift for the family!

Brayden - Long Island Newborn Session

Change


It takes two hours to get out of the house.
No joke.
Between the bottles, the diapers, the wipes, the stroller, the carrier,
getting the baby ready, and soothing the baby in between...oh, wait.
Did I mention you still have to get ready?!
Never mind. That doesn't really matter anymore. ; )

The stillness and quite cycle of your daily routine sort of shifts into overdrive
when greeted with a brand new baby.
The excitement and newness are mixed with the interpretation of
'what did we just do' and 'this is the best thing ever'.

You're life will never be your own again. Your heart will permanently live outside your body.
This tiny little bundle that you just met, somehow changes your world...forever.
There are other things too that come with a baby besides cute toes,
lots of love and taking two hours to get out of your home.
Baby gear.
You know that stuff that just seems to morph into mountains overnight?
All I know is that the coffee table that I spent two months trying to find,
all of a sudden got replaced with the baby swing and Pack and Play.
I still don't know if all of this 'stuff' is a help or a hindrance.
I don't however want to test it though. ; )

It's hard to believe at one point you thought wedding planning was tough.
Now sleepless nights, and a new found obstacle coarse through out your home,
somehow pales in comparison. Well, just like everything really after a baby.
It's greater then anything you could have ever possibly imagined.

It's hard to picture the days before they were born, right?
And I hate to say it...but it will be hard to picture the days
when they were this little when they are all grown up.

Thanks to Tara's friends at her baby shower...Dan and Tara will remember.

They'll remember how alert he was.
They'll remember how tiny his hands were, and how adorable he looked all cuddled up with silly hats on.

I think when they look back they will remember too, the change that forever changed them.

But most of all they will remember the generosity of friends that gave
them the gift of treasuring a moment that goes by all too fast.

I ain't gonna lie. Baby 'B' made me totally work for it.

And just when we (the folks and I) were almost giving up.

We won.

Although, I think he let us...

Thanks Tara and Dan for being so patient during the session. You were such trooper's.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate that.

I hope it was worth the wait...

p.s.

Thanks girls for purchasing the gift certificate for this family!

p.p.s

Before you go, leave your thoughts below.
20 comments = complimentary gift for the family!

Megan + Steven - Northport, Long Island Engagement Session

First Crush

                                                          

Everyone has one.

And I bet you can recall almost everything about them to this day.

Odd things too.

Maybe it was the way they smiled just a tad bit crooked. Their day to day routine.

All of the idiosyncrasies that made them just so damn cute.

You tried to ignore them, but you were drawn to them like a magnet.

Every song lyric would remind you of them, and every lead in a movie

you pictured the both of you playing the main roles. Okay. Maybe that was just me. ; )

They're odd those first crushes. They hit you out of no where.

You wake up one morning day dreaming about this stranger making you pancakes
and the wedding dress you're going to be wearing down the aisle.

And that's precisely what happened when Megan was 14 and she saw Steven for the first time.

She gets almost giddy when recalling seeing him for the first time in his white tank top and spiked hair.

He lowered his eyes, blushing and smiling slightly as she told the tale.

Megan and her best friend would spy on the guys when they hopped on their motorcycles,
and chase them half way down the block when they drove off trying to get one last look.

They spent days dreaming about marrying them.

Five years later, Steven and Megan's paths crossed,
and he was lucky enough to get her phone number.
He held it for a moment, and said ' I don't think I can wait 24 hours to call you.'

(Ohhh...you men...know just the right words ; )

She debated going on a date with him...and her best friend convinced her she should.
'Just once...so you can say you did.'

I found that part funny. Years of chasing him in her dreams,
yet scared when it might have a chance for it become a reality...or even scarier. Not.

She upped her best friend though I think...by getting engaged to him!

Your imagination goes a little crazy, and you dream and wish silly things.
You obsess and you set yourself up for super high expectations.
I mean, what person can live up to the wonderfulness (yes, I just made that word up),
that we pretend them to be before meeting them?!
And yet...Steven was all that, and then some.

It goes almost without saying I think he made out pretty damn well too, if you ask me.

Made ya look...

My favorite part of meeting my couples is hearing their story.
Whether it was a funny date or a simple one...I have a hard time looking
at them without thinking about when they first met.

 Like below. I can't look at Steven without thinking of how over the

moon it must have been for Megan to go on a date with the man of her dreams.

Come on...life is so unfair. ; )

Megan you're just as beautiful inside as out. I love how kind and thoughtful you are.

A moment...

So when I asked her for her ring to take a picture of it..she said...

'oh, right...I wanted to ask you to do that.

I'm notorious for losing things, so just in case.'
Hmmm...I know they say a picture is worth a thousand words...
but I would be willing to debate this one ; )

Not to be outdone - Megan purchased a customized Tag watch for Steven.

Who knew it could be customized?

A little bit of bling is a good thing...

'Sitting on the dock of the bay....watching the tide roll away...'

Good song.

Sitting..standing...close enough.

I don't believe I have every photographed on a more perfect day EVER.

The temperature was amazing, and the sky put on the most spectacular

show with these puffy, white, marshmallow like clouds everywhere.

People would practically stop in their tracks to admire them.

Cumulus clouds. 

Everything I know I learned from Google.

Dock shots are tricky. Most of the time there are a ton of people on them

and the glare from the overhead sun and reflection from the water gives way for squinting.

The best time to hit the dock for pictures is usually early morning or early evening.

We got super lucky though with the intense puffy cloud coverage.

They were a  fabulous backdrop, don't you think?

This was such a super cute spot.

I took one shot and we had to give up the location because the sun came out and almost blinded them.

I adore the colors, framing, and how her head is gingerly resting against him.

Expressions sometimes just capture the essence I think.

Annnd we got a smile Megan...

One of my faves from the day.

I like the simplicity of it, and their relaxed, content expressions.
Content. I like that word.

Weeeeee!

As the sun went down, the rain drops started to give way.

It was if they knew to wait until we were done.

Crushes are usually fleeting.

They are a moment in time when the heart pounds a mile a minute,

and your feet feel as if they have wings.

A feeling quite like no other.

Good to know that feeling doesn't have to be fleeting now...a forever crush sounds kinda nice.

***

Thank you for telling me you 'stalk' my blog, and that you know all of my past clients names and venues.

I love that you invested your time into reading and seeing their stories.

It made my week that someone other then my mother reads my blog! : )

        

Thoughtful, caring and considerate are attributes that define you both.

I loved getting a peek into your world. 

Thank you for letting me capture a little piece of your history.

p.s

Before you go, leave your thoughts below!

20 comments = a complimentary gift for the happy couple

Thursday's Thought of the Day - Steve Jobs

Because of my fabulous clients, I get to do something that I love.

I pinch myself everyday and not a day goes by that I take it for granted.

Do what you love, love what you do. 

The Bucket List - Happy Fall!

It's official. 

The beginning of the season started for me today. Each year it's a different day. 

But today the weather dipped just cool enough to put a chill in the air for me to light 

some candles and pull out the fall decor.

There is something about autumn that is so cozy to me. 

The yummy textures of sweaters, the warm colors. 

Everything has a golden caramel hue added to it too...like the lighting filtering through the 

trees and the brilliance of the leaves. 

The scarves come out and hats emerge. And everyone looks like they walked out of a catalog. 

There is just something about the fall that pulls a look together. 

Maybe it's the chic boots, or the killer layering. 

Whatever it is, I love it. 

It makes you just want to hug people. No really. Doesn't it? Oh. That's just me?!

Nahh. It can't be. 

There is just something extra squishy about someone in a cozy outfit.

You want to reach out and touch them. 

The soft cashmere. The plush textures. 

Just fabulous!

Sooo grab your honey, or your family and check off as many things as you can on the list below. 

Enjoy the season!

Perfect 10 - Make-Up Monday

Okay...can we talk hair today?

I know. Always going off on a tangent.

Don't you want to shake me by the shoulders and yell...'MAKE-UP...TODAY IS MAKE-UP'!

I look at nail, hair, and face as beauty products.

Just to clear things up, anything that could be sold at Sephora or Ulta is covered on Make-Up Monday's!

So, let's face it. Sometimes we get a little crazy in between hair appointments and have to box it. We stand in the aisle of the drugstore with a blank look on our faces trying to decipher between ash and golden. We pick up a box and then walk a little further, put it down, and pick up the next box that promises
a little something different.

Is it just me, or do you to forget which color or brand you used last time too?

I finally made friends with drug store hair color when I was preggo with the kids. I found my perfect match...which was actually called 'Perfect 10' by Clariol.

I was in Walmart the other day, and two aisles over I heard a customer ask an employee which hair color was best. The employee went on and on to say that Perfect 10 was her hair color of choice too.
Which lead me to posting about it here today.

Hair is a funny thing. What works for some, may not work for all, so please use caution. I checked out some sites to see how other people rated it and it got about 4 stars.
I like to try to post 5 star products here, but I really feel it is 5 star for me.

What really pulled me in where two things.

10 minutes, and it was a creme application instead of that runny stuff that gets everywhere.

While it's pretty pricey considering the other alternatives on the shelf, I think it's worth it.

I did a quick internet search and found the best prices on Amazon (click on the link to see the colors) at about $8 buck's a box, while drugstores charge around $12.

With the change of season's I'm feeling like trading in the blond locks for red.

I'll let you all know how it goes. I may have to do a blog retraction ; )

p.s.

If you want to hear from more 'believers' hit up 'you tube' to see some more reviews,
as well as how their hair color turned out!