Sloane: Newborn, Part One [Iowa City, IA Newborn Fresh 48 Photographer]

Shelby and Joe, along with their big brother Colin, welcomed this gorgeous little peanut on February 7th. Shelby had inquired about whether or not I would be willing to come and get some fresh 48 photos a day after the birth, as newborns change so fast and she wanted to document this time. I just loved the idea, and so the day after Sloane was born, I stopped in and did a quick session, as a precursor to their regular newborn session (coming soon on the blog as well!).

If you love this idea as well, I'm happy to substitute a Fresh 48 session for a maternity session when you purchase the Belly to Baby package!

Anastasia and Alex [North Liberty, IA Family Photography]

Have you ever seen a more gorgeous brother and sister? These two contacted me about doing a photo session as a gift for their mom for Valentine's Day and I could have photographed them forever. Seriously, so gorgeous. Sweet too! I'll let the photos speak for themselves...

Featured: Brides by Jessa [Coralville, IA Business Photography]

I met Jess last spring when she and her husband Frank were expecting their first little one, and I photographed them again when Liam arrived in July. After having her little guy, Jess decided to go for her dream of opening a bridal store at the Iowa River Landing in Coralville. The store opened in late December, and I finally got a chance to go and visit Jess and take some photos of Brides by Jessa!

When I asked Jess what she wanted people to know about her store, she replied with the following..."I am doing this for myself. My goal in life has always been to be able to wake up and spend my entire day doing something I love, and I have achieved that. I am doing this for Frank and Liam. The fact that I truly enjoy what I am doing every day benefits my husband and my son. I am the best version of myself, and am therefore the best version of myself in my roles as a wife and a mother. I am doing this for my customers. I feel that every bride should have that “Say Yes to the Dress, Kleinfeld" type of experience, and it is my mission to accomplish that for every single person that walks in my store."

Jess is truly providing a high end experience for her brides and Prom clients, offering a beautiful array of dresses, veils, and jewelry from various designers. All clients are asked to book an appointment, which can be done on her website www.bridesbyjessa.com. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Emerson [Coralville, IA Lifestyle Newborn Photography]

Sweet Emerson belongs to my good friends Carissa (from CTW Photography) and Brian, and she joins a house full of love with big sister Suki & Etta, and brothers Jack & Marius - all furry of course. ;)

I am so grateful for the opportunity to photograph this little peanut, and she was just the cutest, sweetest little baby. It's easy to see that Carissa and Brian have transitioned very easily into their new role as parents, and Emerson is one lucky little lady. I hope you enjoy this sneak peek!

Sarah + Dennis [Iowa City, IA Lifestyle Maternity Photography]

Sarah and Dennis are expecting their first little one in February, a baby girl, and we had a great time documenting this exciting time in their lives with a maternity session a week ago. Because it's winter in Iowa and the landscape was more brown than white, we decided to do the session in their home. These two are adorable together, and it's easy to see that baby girl will be surrounded by a lot of love.

Erin Brenneman and Brenneman Pork, Inc. [Wellman, IA Business Photography]

My job is kind of a funny one, shooting weddings one day and taking photos of baby piglets the next. It's what I love about my life as a photographer, it's never boring. I recently had the opportunity to go out to Brenneman Pork, Inc for the second time this year to photograph Erin with her piglets, doing what she loves. Erin was chosen as one of the Faces of Farming this year, and so to help her spread her knowledge and passion about farming and educating people about what they do at Brenneman Pork, she wanted some photos that she could have for her personal use. I was beyond thrilled to get the opportunity go back out, as the first time I was able to deliver a baby pig, hold several, and I am pretty sure it took me at least a week to wipe the smile off of my face.

I love every minute of hanging out with Erin, asking questions about the way they do things out on the farm, timing of weaning, farrowing, and how it all works. It's incredibly interesting to me, and I find myself trying to absorb as much knowledge from her as I can when I'm out for a visit. Plus, the bonus is I get to cuddle sweet newborn piglets, what could be better than that?! I had another opportunity to "pull a pig" (aka deliver a baby) this time, and the experience was just as incredible as the first. I just want to say thank you again to Erin for opening up her world to me, and sharing her passion for what she does. It's really so inspiring, and I wish everyone had the opportunity to learn from her. So, without further ado...here are some photos of Erin doing her thing!

Moving forward in 2015 [Personal]

Every year, I sit down and write out goals that I have for myself both personally and professionally throughout the coming months. Sometimes it's specific things I want to achieve, sometimes it's an overall feeling I want my year to have, or ways in which I want to grow as a person as well as a photographer. This year I've decided it's about being fearless. Being afraid is part of life - fear of rejection, fear of not being good enough. Fear of losing the things I've worked so hard for, or the people I care most about. It's something I let in my head more often than I should, and though I know I can't get rid of it completely - I'm going to do my best to take the steps to live fearlessly this year.

Part of this, I've decided - is sharing my hopes and dreams out here in the open. So, lovely readers, here goes nothing...

I want to feel free. Free from that little voice in my head that really isn't the nicest person on earth. To follow my intuition, and listen to my heart.

I want to travel. Destination wedding anyone? Hook me up. I want to experience things away from the comfort of my bubble here in Iowa City.

I want to teach...a workshop maybe. I love helping other people embrace their passion and find their voice. It motivates me, and inspires me. Helping someone peel back the layers of themselves and encouraging them to live from their heart makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Stop filling my life with stuff and work and instead make more time to focus on family and friends. Because in the end, that's all that really matters.

Be true to who I am, as a person, but most importantly as an artist. Take photo assignments that inspire and energize me, and cultivate a life that makes me feel good on the inside not just one that looks good to everyone else.

Don't be afraid. I want to slam the door on fear this year, and like Nike says - just do it. ;)

And finally, this year I want to feel content. Grateful. Hopeful. Loved. Inspired. Happy.

Here's to an an amazing, fearless 2015. Hope you all will be a part of it.