This is Our Life: Project 52 [Week 2: This Makes Me Laugh/Smile]

I'm a couple of days late on last week's photo project, partly because it was really hard to think of what I could photograph that makes me laugh. There are so many things that make me laugh, such as the fact that on January 15th we STILL have our Christmas tree up (seriously, we are so lazy right now!!), or that Clara chases Einstein under the bed every morning (she is such a morning person, it's almost painful), or Dan when he tells me "your mom" jokes.

Finally I settled on taking a photo of a photo that makes me laugh. This weekend, my sister Bri and her husband Colby celebrated their marriage with a reception in their hometown (they were married in Las Vegas this fall) and had a photobooth area. We all had a great time trying on the props, and this photo is one of my favorites because it includes me and all of my siblings being completely silly. Also, is it just me or is my sister Rachel totally channeling Slash from Guns & Roses with that hat and glasses?

It's kind of hard to read, but the chalkboard says "DONE AT 6" (all one word though), which is my parents' license plate.

Julian [Iowa City, IA Newborn Photography]

Newborn sessions often take a bit more time than a regular child or family session, which is understandable because babies need breaks for feeding, changing, and lots of time for cuddling. The great thing about spending a morning or an afternoon photographing adorable little babies is that I also get to know their parents pretty well by the end. The session with Julian and his parents Coelle & Chris was no exception, and by the end of the afternoon I felt like we were old friends. Julian was a GREAT model (hello, have you ever seen such a cute little guy?) and enjoyed all of the cuddling with mom & dad. Coelle and Chris are not only beautiful on the outside but on the inside as well. These two are so funny, and are very much in love with Julian, as well as each other. It's really an incredible thing to see, and it was an honor to document it all for them.

So, without further ado - Julian's sneak peek. I hope you guys enjoy!! Coelle and Chris - congratulations again on your new addition, Julian is just gorgeous (or should I say handsome? Either way, he's perfect!!). Thank you again for inviting me into your beautiful home, and for the opportunity to photograph your family at such a special time in your lives!!



Julian is so darn cute! He was born on December 13th, 2012 but arrived a little early so he was still pretty tiny at our session last Sunday.

Everyone knows I'm a sucker for backlighting, so these next two images are definitely in my top 3 from this session!

Love!





I forget what Chris said here to make Coelle laugh, but I just love this photo.

I have to thank Coelle and Chris again for letting me pretty much take over their gorgeous home and being up for trying whatever I suggested. Lifestyle images are some of my favorite, and their house was absolutely perfect. 






















Coelle told me that Julian's nursery is a work in progress, but it looks pretty darn cute to me!

2013: Looking Ahead

It's that time again (though admittedly, a little late) as we all reflect on the previous year and resolve to better ourselves in the coming months. Last year I made several resolutions, which I think I made some good improvements on (maybe not so well on the finding balance thing though!!) and was overall very happy with the way 2012 went.

For 2013 my main goal, particularly in business, is not to be afraid. In the fall of 2011, I made the excruciating decision that in late 2013 I would be leaving the full time job I've held for now 10 1/2 years and going full time with my photography business. It was a particularly painful and difficult decision because I really LOVE my full time job. I work with a young man with a disability and love him and his family dearly - they are truly more than just the family I work for, they are just family - period. Even though I am excited about pursuing my passion for photography on a full time basis, my heart is also heavy with dread as I anticipate not seeing Dan and his family every day and sharing my life with them the way I do now (though they will ALWAYS, ALWAYS be a big part of my life).

So, in regards to my resolution this year - I am making the commitment to push myself - to take risks, to stop making excuses based out of fear of failure or rejection. To pursue my dreams of being a full time photographer by going for it 100%, putting everything on the table, no holds barred. I don't want to look back on this year and feel as though I didn't give it everything I had, and so off I go in preparation for going full time - wish me luck!

What are you resolving to change or do in 2013? I'd love to hear about it!