Colorado Newborn & Family Photography: Denver Sounds Good
I was determined to follow, yet be unseen. To have a mythical creature appear that was unexpectedly exhilarating. I calculated a safe distance of approximately 20 feet, but when the others began to swoop in I realized my calculations had been incorrect. Slowly I crept closer. I'd never really thought I'd be here. Well okay, I knew exactly where I was. It was another raucous (just kidding) Friday night at the Belle Meade Kroger in Nashville, TN. While the city was hopping with live music EVERYWHERE I was perusing the shelves for my weekly staples. But since this was Nashville, the fact that one of my all-time favorite artists was standing feet from me should not have been surprising. While I checked off my grocery list, Garth Brooks had come in to buy ice cream for his brother's birthday party (I know because I heard him say so to others that were too excited to not bother him on his mission). I was in a conundrum. Once, I had driven over a thousand miles to see him perform as a tiny speck on a stage so far away from my seat that I cursed that binoculars did not come with it. But I never thought he would be standing in the checkout line one lane over from me on a Friday night. Should I approach and swoop in? My manners told me no, but I also just couldn't walk away. So I stood there with my receipt in hand dumbstruck and silent. I was frozen long before Disney thought of it. Luckily, Garth was obviously used to this behavior and he walked up and asked me if I would like his autograph. I nodded quickly, handed over the back of my grocery receipt, and hoped that the ink wouldn't smudge. This was Nashville, the place where anything wonderful can and does happen--even on a Friday night at the local Kroger's. When a family that had just relocated to the Denver area from Nashville contacted me, this was what flooded my mind, along with so many other wonderful memories of a very special town that holds a truly unique place in my heart.
Nashville was the first place where I gave serious thought about actually being a professional photographer. In a town like that, I saw daily the struggles from some world-class musicians who kept at their craft despite the odds and learned the meaning of keep on keepin' on. It was a town where my then-boyfriend, now husband's family treated me as though I'd always been a part of theirs, and where I learned so much about myself and my aspirations into the world of photography.
When I heard that this Denver via Nashville family was expecting their third child and interested in capturing her first days at home, my excitement was palpable. Not only would I be meeting their sweet baby girl shortly after her birth, but the entire family who had just moved from a place I used to call home. AND their family included a very fluffy furball named Grizzly. Hooray! Triple-score! I knew I was going to love meeting and photographing this family and I was not disappointed. In addition to their new baby girl, they have another sweet and beautiful gal who loves dragons and a little boy who was charming, adorable, and always with a ball in his hand (one can never have an appreciation for sports too early).
After baby girl had arrived, we promptly scheduled our photo session. As a mama myself I know very well the fog, haze, and exhaustion that arrives along with the fullest heart and happiest of highs you could ever imagine when your kiddo is born. I arrived anticipating a family that may be slightly overwhelmed (after all they had just moved into their new home, just had a baby, and just so happened to be more than a thousand miles from their old stomping grounds). Instead I was welcomed with SO much kindness, joy, and happiness. The entire family allowed me to spend an afternoon with them and I felt like we had been friends for years, instead of minutes. That is what happens when your clients happen to be one of the most incredible families I've ever met. Throughout it all, I kept thinking of how lucky I was to have met them and how lucky their little girl is to join such a loving and fun family.
As the photo session came to an end, I knew that just like those years ago in Nashville, I had been so lucky to be at such a place for a magical moment in time. People often think that superheros have superpowers and wear capes. Well if this is true than Mama Rebecca 100% qualifies as a superhero (no cape necessary). Her calmness, kindness, and warm heart just days after welcoming her third kiddo were nothing short of enchanting. I'm now convinced that a cape is absolutely unnecessary.
I moved to Nashville toward the end of my college career to complete an internship and decided not to leave once it was over. It was a large town that felt small, and the uniqueness of it stuck to me like my hair to my forehead in 90% humidity. It is a town I have to thank for a lot of things in my life, and one I will always have wonderful memories of. A new product of Nashville that I'm thankful for was the opportunity to meet and photograph the McHugh family. Thank you for bringing such a fantastic family to Denver and for welcoming me into your home with my camera. I cannot wait to hear what wonderful adventures await you all in the years ahead.
Boulder Foothills and Fancy-Free
That low, quiet sound. At first I couldn't place it. It appeared to be emanating from the mountains but it couldn't be...right? Once more I scanned the east face of the Rockies and squinted against the sun. Was it coming from the meadowlarks standing stately on reeds or was it some unseen creature emerging from its winter slumber? As I walked along the dirt trail and followed the tune I determined that it sounded more like a drum than beast. Finally I saw it. There among the tall spring grasses was a young woman grabbing a musical instrument while her partner played a small drum. Yes, it was the beginning of a drum circle in the mountains, and I happily knew at once that spring had arrived in Boulder. This obviously would be a wonderful spot for a family photo session...once the drums had left.
Spring here brings the red-wing blackbirds back to dive bomb you if you get close to their nest, along with chorus frogs impatiently belting out nature's song. Like every other season here, you get all types of weather imaginable, except at the end of it we have lovely green grasses and mountains for a brief time. I had eagerly been waiting for the weather to clear a bit more impatiently than the frogs. I've photographed this lovely family before, in a very different season, but this would be the first time that I would get to capture baby Cordelia as part of the household. After we were forced to reschedule our photography session twice (once for 60mph winds and once for snow), I knew certainly the third time would be the charm (or at least I was praying to the happy weather gods that it would be)
Since having children, I notice things a lot more. I notice that there seems to be a perpetual, yet hidden, magical something every time I walk into our bathroom and find it dirty mere minutes after I just cleaned. I also notice and remember the magic of the seasons in a way I hadn't since Prince's 1999 song seemed so futuristic. It is these unexpected benefits of having my little ones in the house and why I feel it is so important and photograph families in their many different seasons.
This Colorado family is busy. They are often busy working to conserve our nation's wildlands or running more than 100 miles across the West (in one day...I know...crazy, huh?). At times, Cordelia may be blissfully watching her older brother as he bikes around Boulder County or plays with something really, really exciting, like Paw Patrol characters. This Colorado crew is active, forward-thinking, always striving to help others and really, REALLY fun to hang around with. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend the afternoon.
Baby Cordelia was so eager to join her fabulous family, that she joined them slightly before everyone else was ready. Already an over-achiever and eager to get moving, nothing could stop her from making her entrance into the world when she was ready. Despite her early arrival, she is healthy, happy, and absolutely adorable. Things are already looking sunny for Cordelia, and with her family by her side, her world is even brighter.
Indeed, the third time to schedule the photography session was the charm. Hooray! On an enchantingly sunny and warm spring day, we decided to meet in North Boulder. There were wide-open spaces and a nearby playground for big brother Finley to explore. As we hiked along a trail, I saw a perfect spot for a family photo. As everyone was heading over, I joked about how I always find snakes on hikes with my boys. I assured them that my snake charming abilities do not extend to hikes without my family, and big brother Finley looked a tad disappointed. No more than eight seconds later, Adam nonchalantly informs me that a snake just slithered past him. Now please do not blame me nor send me photos for snake identification (it's probably a rattler, garter or bull snake so just pick one and go with it), as we were after all in the foothills among the tall spring grasses. In other words we were in their habitat and we knew that, which is why we were extra careful about where we stepped. I'm pretty sure the snake was just giving us a springtime hello and perhaps wanted to be photographed as well. But we let the reptile be and he/she continued on to greener pastures.
It was apparent from the instant we started how much this family adores their kiddos, and the way both kids looked so happy with their parents would make even a snake's heart melt. Alison and Adam are both wonderful examples of positivity and encouragement, and I'm excited for their children to grow up learning from that and adding this mindset to our world.
The rest of the photo session was free from unexpected surprises and drum circles and the light continued to become even more captivating as the afternoon waned. I could not have asked for a more lovely family on a perfectly lovely afternoon. Next time Adam, I promise no snakes (but we may need to meet inside your house just in case).
Under the Live Oaks: Travel Photography Session in Charleston, SC
I stepped off the plane and braced for it. Anticipating that hug that envelops you entirely and takes your breath away...not in the Top Gun kind of way but in the literal sense. Of course I'm talking about none other than the humidity in the South. While it was still early in the season I know from a minute or two spent in a sauna that: (1) I am a wimp with humidity, (2) I enjoy breathing in arid Western climates, (3) I have not experienced humidity above probably 20% in a great while, and (4) Did I mention I'm a wimp when it comes to humidity?
I've lived in the South numerous times over the years and know that I'd have to step up my A game here if I had any chance of making it through a lovely family photo shoot without asking for oxygen. Hiking at 10,000ft? No problem. Walking at sea level in the South Carolina heat? Not a chance.
As I ambled briskly in the direction of a sign that absolutely did not lead me to the car rental counter, I went over a list in my head. I'm a big fan of preparation and lists. As a photographer I do a lot of mental prep before each shoot and review it all on the way to a session. Some things that occupied my mind at this moment (other than the fact that the place that said ask for help here had no one near it and I still had no idea where I was going) included that I needed to practice breathing, remember that my tolerance for sweet tea was now nonexistent and that I couldn't wait to photograph Payton, Taylor and their family again.
The last time I was able to get this gorgeous and fun family in front of my lens, they were living in Phoenix. Now they had moved east in search of the beach and a different style of life. I couldn't help but notice how different it was from the desert. The green was still arriving but had already surpassed that of Arizona (except for the artificial grass lawns) and the trees were abundant. Most notably of all, while I had left Colorado and 77 degrees in March, here it was not humid at all and actually a chilly 49 degrees. I could see that springtime in the South would be a bit different than I had imagined.
After navigating through one Carolina and across the next, I met up with the dynamic family of four in Charleston, SC. I knew that the girls would be older and taller but I wondered if they would be the same. Upon seeing them within the first minute I knew I had struck gold once more. The girls were undeniably themselves. This is what I LOVE to see. One of my favorite things about photographing little ones is their authenticity. They don't dwell on who they should be, what they might grow up to become or how they need to be. They are as authentic as it gets and I love to capture that.
There was so much fun to be had that others wanted to join us. Unfortunately they came and surprised us when we were not ready. One of the South's residents that I wouldn't mind never seeing again are fire ants. They seemed to be particularly interested in joining the party but we will not be inviting them back again. They definitely brought the family together in an attempt to fling them to the edge of the universe. Luckily all recovered quickly from the encounter but we will definitely tread lightly in the future.
I must admit I was a bit giddy about getting to photograph the entire family under stately live oaks. The girls were confident, genuine, silly, fun, and energetic. Their mother is stunningly beautiful and their father handsome. But most of all, they are so in love with their little girls and it shows. It shows in Payton and Taylor's confidence and freedom to be themselves as well as the way they look to their mama and daddy in awe. This is what happens when you raise your kiddos to be as they are and not just as they should be. Payton and Taylor, I hope that whatever you grow up to be that you remember that who you are is more important than what you do. Stay true to yourselves and you will continue to be amazing people just like your parents. I can't wait to see where we meet up next time. Hopefully it will be just as fun but with a lot less fire ants.
Climbing Towards the Moon at Chautauqua (Boulder Family Photography)
Kids are humbling. From the first moment they arrive, they are in charge. They command your presence and melt your heart even at 3:23am...and 4:15am...and 4:56am. You become a more accepting human because of your kids. After all, they have peed on you (many times), unabashedly give you their opinion of your cooking, and simultaneously perplex and stupefy you with questions at age 3 that you cannot answer without Googling. They are loving, exhausting, incredible and every emotion you can think of often at the exact same time. How cool is that!
I've had the honor of photographing this gorgeous family 3 times now and am always impressed with how marvelous they are. The fact that they've let me into their lives to document a moment in time with my camera multiple times is really a gift. To say that Magnus and Alma are smart kiddos is an understatement. I fully expect both of them to cure a communicable disease or be the first astronauts to travel to Mars well before they are 10. I'm not kidding.
But what I really love about them and their family is how honest, thoughtful and curious they are...not to mention adorable! We climbed and played on every rock we could find, ran through the meadow, and even paused momentarily for a few photos. I love how excited they were to explore everything and how encouraging, loving and spectacular their parents are. Their mama is as wise and patient as she is beautiful. And their dad was great at not only corralling the kiddos but playing with them and keeping them engaged. They are so lucky to have such fabulous parents. As a huge bonus, some of the grandparents were able to join in the fun for an afternoon I won't forget. It was great to see all three generations bring a part of themselves to the shoot as well as the family together. Watch out world, Magnus and Alma are already making an impact on everyone around them and it won't be long before the they get to the moon...or beyond.
Red Red Rocks- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Wait a second...Yes, I've been on this trail before. Wait! No, I haven't. I turn around and look at the map again. This is an actual map, not an app on my phone. There is something about holding a map, book or compass. Maybe it is the way it feels, the familiarity of it, but I think it is more getting to hold an actual something, not just an image of that something that I love. In the same way that I had a hard time switching to digital from film photography, I've held on to things that may be considered "old school" by some, yet they are my favorites. Print your photos all of us photographers say and we mean it. There is something about holding an actual photograph that gives depth and meaning you can't get in another format.
Taking road trips years back meant breaking out the NEW and IMPROVED Rand McNally Atlas and pouring over it with excitement. Which towns would we go through and could I calculate exactly how long it would take us to get there? I love the process of discovering new stops I would not have found if I hadn't seen it on the map: The Corn Palace! It's just up the road! Let's do it. It would let me plan/beg others to stop unnecessarily, know when and where we might finally find some national forest areas to camp and discover the topography before our tires did. And while your cell phone might not get coverage (gasp!) or the batteries might not keep their charge, your map is always with you...as long as your three year old doesn't get a hold of it.
So as our tires now head west up the canyon from Las Vegas, I'm excited to go to a place so unexpected and refreshing in the Nevada desert. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is only 17 miles from the strip but a world away. I've been here a few times but upon returning, I discover something completely new. I fall in love with a colorful variation of sandstone, desert plants, spy a desert cottontail and watch the sun paint the landscape differently every 15 minutes. It is known as one of the crown jewels of the BLM and the moment you turn into the area, you understand why. There are wild horses and burros, unique plants and animals found only in the Mojave Desert and so much geological diversity that it will make any geologist swoon.
The next time you mosey on over to Vegas, take a jaunt up the canyon. You'll have your breath taken away for an entirely different reason.
