Honestly can't believe this family has been with me since big brother was still in his mamas belly! There's something to be said for clients that feel like family. 

Four year old Sawyer was a lot of fun for his paint session. He particularly loved painting himself and kept saying, "I'm creating a MASTERPIECE!" His mom and I agreed that he already is a masterpiece anyway. ;) These paint sessions are a blast, and I am totally open to booking more of them for toddlers in the future! 

You guys. I had SO much fun with this family in their home. My heart was so full getting to photograph them in their own space, playing and loving on each other. Lifestyle sessions have my heart for sure. Life with one child can be hectic, let alone with 4 kiddos. Sometimes in the midst of the chaos we forget the beautiful moments. Here are just a few of theirs. 

I have loved getting to know this family over the past 6+ months. We started with their maternity session and just wrapped up their little love Averie's 6 month photos. I can't wait to see how much she's grown at her 9 and 12 month sessions! 

I get asked quite often what kind of camera I have, what lenses I use and recommend, and what gear I might recommend for daily use at home or for a beginning photographer. 
Unfortunately, I've only ever used two "real" (DSLR) cameras in my life. 
I started my business using a Canon Rebel t3. Which was great for about a year before I and my knowledge outgrew that little cameras capabilities. Then I purchased my baby, the Canon 5d Mark ii. We've been together for almost 4 years now, and she's still going strong. 
Since I have so little experience with other cameras, and have never even picked up a Nikon, I can only recommend the Canon Rebel series cameras to start your photographic journey. THIS is a great starter kit to get you going.
Here's a more detailed list of what I carry with me to every session:

• Canon 5d mark ii
• Canon EF 50mm 1.8
• Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens
• One 32GB SanDisk Extreme PRO CompactFlash card
• One extra camera battery, a lens cleaning cloth, a "camera buddy," camera rain cover, and on occasion, sweet treats to be used as bribery tools. ;)
• Oh, and the adorable camera strap can be found HERE and the camera backpack I purchased HERE.

This first week has been challenging, eye opening, and fun! I'm learning to embrace the grain that comes along with shooting indoors with only natural window light (and cloudy, rainy light at that). Sometimes my photos will probably be of silly, simple things, because really, how many different ways can a person photograph the same people? I'm learning to look for the beauty in the simple, and how to take each day and each lesson as it arrives.
I also think a 365 page photo album will be needed by the end of this year. :)
Follow my journey on instagram, @sweetephotos
p.s., don't mind the nakey baby. We're potty training.

We made it guys! A new year. For some the new year is flying around the corner with rainbows and butterflies on the horizon, and for others, we've made it by the skin of our teeth. Whatever the case may be, NOW is the perfect time to set new goals. 
I have a few of my own...

• Spend quality, undivided time with my kids. Not just more of it. I found some awesome tips HERE.
• Deliver all client galleries in under 3 weeks.
• Shoot 27 more sessions than last year, to reach the big 200.
• Learn to shoot video (video clips included in sessions, anyone?)
• Take my family on a trip somewhere new. Send me your recommendations! 
• SLEEP. 

Not too complicated, right? Okay, okay. the sleep thing might be difficult. 
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Here's to our best year yet!