DARIA'S 1st BIRTHDAY | {a baby year} | april 2012

Daria was the perfect little model for her first birthday session. Isn't that tutu adorable!

I have been photographing this beautiful little girl since she was a newborn. I can't tell you how amazing it is to watch the Baby Year little ones grow. It's such a pleasure.

Daria's parents have a collage wall in their home. The wall features images of Daria from each session included in the Baby Year package. I can not wait to see the collection they have put together. 

THE PROMISE | {belly 2 baby} | april 2012

In high school, Aaron gave Nichole a promise ring. He promised to love her. By accepting that ring, Nichole returned that promise.

On August 20th 2011, Nichole and Aaron exchanged that promise ring for wedding bands. Together with their families, they committed to love, honor and cherish each other for a lifetime.

In just a couple weeks, they are passing that promise on. They will become parents to a beautiful baby girl. Together, they have promised to love and protect their baby for the rest of their lives. The undeniable love they have for each other and the connection they both share will make them wonderful parents.

I first met Nichole and Aaron one August afternoon last year for a pre-wedding session. They had chosen me as their wedding photographer and thought it was a good idea to get to know me and my photography style before the big day - always a great idea!

Then it was wedding day. Nichole and Aaron were blessed with a beautiful, sunny/over-cast day.

When I heard the news they were expecting their first child, I was thrilled - yet another milestone in their lives together. I was hoping to be chosen as the photographer once again to document the event. I am truly honored!

Nichole's family purchased the Belly 2 Baby Package as a gift for the parents-to-be. They came into the studio a few weeks ago for the first session. Baby Noseworthy is expected to arrive at the end of May. I can not wait to meet (and of course) photograph the little beauty.

It's no secret that I love my job. Being a small part of the momentous milestones in people's lives is an amazing perk!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY REBECCA | {little ones} | april 2012

I can't believe this little angel is one!

Rebecca is a dream to photograph. As a newborn, she curled up nice and still, staring up at me with those big blue eyes and at her First Birthday Portrait, she was the perfect little model. I'm still amazed how fast that first year goes by.  

You may remember Rebecca from this image.

I have watched Rebecca grow over the past year and look forward to photographing that gorgeous little face again in the future! Oh...and her little brother who will arrive in just 8 weeks. Yip! More cuteness! I LOVE my job!

JACK is TWO | {little ones} | april 2012

Jack came to visit the studio in March. I couldn't believe how much he had changed from the last time I photographed him. I really do love it when little ones return to the studio. It so nice to see how much they have grown and catch a glimpse of their individual personalities. Thank you to all the moms and dads that give me the opportunity to share these special milestones.

I hope you had a wonderful 2nd Birthday Jack!

LIAM is ONE | {little ones} | april 2012

I was so excited to have Liam back in the studio for his 1st Birthday portrait session.

Liam was a pleasure to photograph at his last visit to the studio. You can view his six month portrait session here.

He was a pleasure to photograph once again and still as handsome as ever!! I had a hard time narrowing down which images to post.

He's just too cute!

WORKSHOP ONE: SWEET SUCCESS | {workshops} | april 2012

On the weekend of March 24th and 25th, I taught my first photography workshop. It was an incredible weekend! I enjoyed it immensely and the feedback from participants has been amazing!

The two-day workshop introduced new photographers to the basic fundamentals of photography and how to use their DSLR cameras. It was fantastic to watch the participants - who all came in using auto mode - start to put the information together and ask questions that told me they were getting it! They all left knowing how to use their cameras on aperture priority, shutter priority and manual mode - just like a pro!

We spent the first day in the studio discussing everything from what makes a DSLR different from a point and shoot, how a DSLR will give you those "wow" images, to capturing actions shots and using depth of field in landscape photography and portraits.

On day two, we spent the morning in the studio talking about focusing, composition and post-processing. In the afternoon, we headed to Church Road Park for a live photoshoot with our fabulous model, Megan. It was a chilly day and the sun was high in the sky - not a cloud in sight. I was hoping for a little cloud cover, but the clear blue sky gave me an opportunity to show the participants how to deal with bright sunlight. Time of day is key in photography, but you can't always pick and choose. I gave away a few "secrets" and now all participants know what to do when faced with a bright sunny day! Sunny...what was that rule again?

The emails and comments I have received are wonderful. I thank all eight participants for making my first workshop a great success. I'm working out the details for part II, which will include a full day out in the field.

I plan to offer the Basics for Beginners Workshop again in the near future. If there is anyone out there interested, feel free to get in touch or become a fan on facebook. I will keep you posted on the date and event details.

I want to take a moment now to showcase a few images taken by the Basics for Beginners Workshop attendees. Please note: NONE of these images were taken on auto mode!

Congratulations guys! Great job! You are all well on your way to becoming better photographers. You have the knowledge and evidently the skills, now it's up to you where you take your photography!

Best of luck from one photographer to another!