Newborn Portraits, Elvis

I have finally gotten around to doing baby Elvis's newborn portraits! The past 3 weeks have thrown us some super curve balls! First with E coming so early, then our second stay in the hospital to get light treatment for super high levels of bilirubin, my Mom having an emergency apendectomy, and Ruby's mystery illness which has turned out to most likely be just an attempt to put herself back in the spotlight (fingers crossed).  I would have liked to have done these photos at 2 weeks rather than 3, but what I did get turned out pretty good.  I am only about 2/3 of the way through all of shots I want to get so I guess I'll end up with 4 week pics too!  I usually have parents at a shoot to tend to the little ones while I am changing props and backdrops.  I was on my own for this one (Alex was with Ruby at the Dr.s office) and it took FOREVER!  When it was time to nurse I actually had to nurse the baby instead of setting up for the next shot. . .when a diaper needed changing, there I was changing it. . .you get the picture!  Considering all that I put him through, baby Elvis did wonderfully during the shoot!  I'm super proud of my little model!  I love him!  Look back for more family photos and pics with Ruby & Elvis!

He's here! 4 WEEKS EARLY!

Elvis James Austin made his appearance in a rather dramatic fashion 4 weeks before his due date!  We are completely overjoyed and exhausted as a family of 4! More later when I have another spare minute! 

Too big and too slow!

I thought this was a fitting photo to use for my announcement of maternity leave.  It is one of my favorites of Ruby from over a year ago (she was about 7 months old here).  As of right now I am only about 32 weeks pregnant, but don't have nearly enough energy to conduct a photo shoot like I like to!  For those of you who have watched me take pictures or have had them taken by me, you know what I mean.  I am a roll around on the ground, run after my subject, climb on furniture, nonstop movement kind of photographer!  That just isn't possible right now, so I am not taking any new clients probably until the new year.  But please check back here on my blog to see any new pictures I might have the energy to take and pictures of our new addition, Elvis James (when he decides to make his grand entrance)! 

My baby girl, who is getting bigger and less baby every day, LOVES painting and coloring.  This day she was painting a picture for the living room with Daddy.  I couldn't resist getting out my camera to document her painting, from completely clean to paint from head to toe!  I took hundreds of frames. . .I just couldn't help myself! Day to day, I find so many reasons to break out my camera. . .I actually need to buy a new hard drive for my computer just for the photos I take.  I may need one of those 1TB drives for the thousands of pictures I have! 

Portrait, Baby Reece

Babies, babies, babies! That is all that is on my mind lately.  Maybe it has something to do with being 6 months pregnant, or maybe they are just such beautiful subjects.  Either way I so enjoy taking photos of these little newbies!  I haven't been working much because of my burgeoning belly, but when I am it is great!  I never get tired of meeting parents (especially the new ones) and their babies.  Reece was such a good model, even at 6 am (beautiful light then). . .and her parents were quite chipper for that time in the morning too!  I did learn, however, that not every little one is comfortable being completely naked. . .so we adapted to what she wanted.  That is what it is all about: capturing these little personalities (that are apparent the moment they arrive) so they and their parents will always have those memories! It is NOT about making sure you get every shot on a list of shots you normally do or forcing the little one into your agenda!  They know what they are willing to do and you can't force it!  Love to all the babies out there. . especially brand new Baby Reece!

Portrait, Angel Avery

Avery and her parents were so great to spend the day with and photograph! Avery didn't want to stay asleep, but we got some beautiful shots even though she was awake most of the time! We also had some very exciting diaperless incidents. . I'm sure her daddy didn't think it was all that cute seeing as he was on the receiving end every time! The Bagwell family were real troopers and we got some beautiful memories documented that they will have forever! 

Portrait, Weighing Camryn

I was so inspired to take this shot that I searched for months for the "perfectly imperfect" vintage scale to use.  I looked on Ebay, at antique stores and yard sales and FINALLY about two weeks before we had scheduled this shoot I found it! The perfect one! It looks a little worse for wear but I think it speaks volumes.  With the juxtaposition of Camryn being perfect, tiny and new against the obviously used, rusted yet functional scale. . .I don't think I could have gotten a more beautiful shot!