Cook Family/Maternity Photos

Life has been out of control crazy these last couple of months and I haven't been able to do any photography at all. Not a big deal really, it's just for fun, but it is kind of my outlet. 

These last couple of weeks I have been so blessed to have parents that will watch my herd of hoodlums so I could do a couple of senior sessions and this family/maternity session for the Cooks! 

I had so much for with this family. They are beyond precious and are so excited to be welcoming a new baby boy literally any day! Miss Sadie is going to be such a good big sister to Jaxon and he has parents and grandparents that cannot wait to spoil him rotten!

Thank you guys for spending the afternoon with me. I had a great time and cannot wait to meet Mr. Jaxon!!

SR Session: Gabby {and Justin}

Several months ago, at one of our many court appointments with my sweet baby boy, I met this sweet lady, Jennifer, who was also trying to adopt one of her foster kids. I think at the time she had 5 bio/adopted kiddos, Gabby being the oldest bio. When we met up for these pictures last weekend I found out they now have 7 bio/adopted children! They are such awesome people! 

Gabby is a senior at Scranton High School and she is so very mature, probably because of the experiences she's been through with her siblings. Either way, she is wise beyond her years, absolutely beautiful and so very funny. Especially when Justin, her goofy (I mean that in the best way possible ;)) boyfriend is around. These two together have things all planned out and know exactly what they want! I love that about them! 

Thank you, guys, for hanging out with me for a bit. It was a pleasure to photograph you two!

*So after my last post I totally decided to go with something entirely different for my logo! What do you guys think? Much less intrusive in my opinion. Simple and sweet!

to logo or not to logo...

After years and years of "doing photography" I have finally been convinced that it may be a good thing for me to create a logo for my pictures.

I have put this off for a couple of reasons, 1. I just do photography for fun, I never did it thinking it would ever be a full time thing or even a regular thing. Just when I have free time. 2. I didn't have Photoshop or a clue how to create a watermark logo for photos. 3. I'm lazy and didn't want to take the time to do anything extra after editing.

Recently, however, I have been told by more and more "professionals" and "hobby" photographers that I really should take the time to create and use a logo simply to protect my work. Although I'm not doing it professionally, I am proud of (most) of my work and I don't want anyone to be dishonest and share it as there own.

So, I've downloaded Photoshop and watched a couple of YouTube tutorials and have come up with a couple of logos. I really like both, one more casual maybe for senior sessions and another more cutsie (is that a word?) for engagements/babies/family sessions. Or maybe I should pick one and stick to it.

What do you think? Two looks too many? (I did use the same font to tie them together) Tell me what you think!

*It will actually be displayed slightly smaller, just wanted to make it big enough you guys can really see it! :)

Let me know what you guys think...and who knows, I may have 4 more options to throw out there by the end of the week! I'm so inconcisive (sp!?)!

Shane & Ashley: Engagements

This big, strapping firefighter was much scrawnier (and whinier, sorry Shane, you know it's true ;) ) when we first met and became cousins many, many moons ago. Since our first meeting I have enjoyed watching him grow up to become a great man that loves his family unconditionally, works hard and has found the most precious girl in the world to put up with all of his crap! Ashley is a true blessing, not only to Shane but to our entire family.

I am so excited to see what the future holds for you two. I know whatever it is you two will make the most of it and be great!

Thank you for letting me have a little fun with these pictures even though you already had photos planned! I loved getting to spend some time with you two and Aunt Donna! 

Again, CONGRATULATIONS! Love you guys!

Lawrence & Bonnie: Engagements

Once upon a time I was a new "fomma" (foster momma) to a beautiful two week old baby boy. I was scared to death to send him to a daycare because, honestly, I had heard a lot of bad things. So I didn't. I kept this precious little guy with me or with close family and friends for the first eight weeks he was with me. 

After sneaking him to work meetings with me and working at home a little more than I should have, I finally decided to break down and check out some daycare's. 

At 10 weeks old I dropped my baby boy off for daycare for the first time. I handed this prized possession over to a stranger. A soft-spoken, petite, sweet stranger, but a stranger none the less. And this is where Miss Bonnie came in to our lives!

It has now been a little over a year and I am so beyond thankful for Bonnie and her love for my baby. And he now even has Lawrence wrapped around his little finger. ;) 

They have been there with us during all of the ups and downs of this fostering to adopt process we are going through and now we are more than excited to be able to help them celebrate this most precious time of their life!

Congratulations Bonnie and Lawrence! Bubby, the Girls and I love you guys and are so thankful for you both!