Christmas Minis {My Peanut}

Wishing you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS from my little lovebug and I to you!

I always have the hardest time editing down photos of my own daughter. 

I think the reason behind this is I know all of her quirky expressions and I just adore all of them. She is the biggest goofball that I know! She can be sweet or funny depending on her mood. I even had her singing in a few of my photos. Melts my heart!

 These were actions shots during her singing performance! 

"We wish you a Merry Christmas and there are pokey needles everywhere. I love Christmas, la la la!"

I am pretty sure when she grows up she will be a singer haha

Snow Photography {Tips}

Come on now, who is not in love with magical winter snow photography? I absolutely adore the softness and the creativity I can evoke with snow. Here is a little series I did of my daughter! We ventured out into the snow and I just let her do what she does best! :)
She is a major goofball!

Want to create some beautiful snow pictures of your own?
Here are a few tips:

1.) Try and avoid bright sunlight. I chose to put her in the shadow of a large pine tree. In the bright sun you lose a lot of detail in the snow and will have to underexpose your subject a lot. In the shadows you can expose your subject a little more, however a slight underexposure helps retain details.

2.) Choose a lens that gives you the depth you desire. I like the 70-200. It allows the foreground and background to be soft and luscious.

3.) Pick an outfit that is bright! Snow is like a blank canvas and pretty much begs for some beautiful colors!

4.) Last but not least, have fun! Get out there and snap some pictures! :)

snow photography, little red riding hood

snow photography, little red riding hood

snow photography, little red riding hood

John & Cheri {Engagement}

Love is patient, love is kind. 

John and Cheri are so sweet together. 

I am so exited to photograph your wedding next year. :) 

Cheri you are going to make a beautiful bride! 

(John is lucky)

 John and Cheri met at Central Michigan University and fell hopelessly in love. 

You can feel the love when you are around them. 

Nicki ~ Macomb county {Maternity}

You know, often people ask why it is so important to have maternity pictures done and this is a perfect example of why! Pregnancy is such a beautiful journey. When people tell me they don't want a bunch of photos of themselves I simply say, they are not for you. They are for your children and your children's children! They are memories. These photos are for when you are no longer here and your ancestors see them and think, "Wow, great grandma was gorgeous!" Nicki, you look amazing! You make pregnancy beautiful! 

I could honestly see any of these as a fine art piece printed large on canvas! 

I love the simplicity.

Wolcott Mill Metropark {A Walk in the Woods}

My little lovebug was able to spend a few hours with her half brother this last week!

They had a blast. It has been nearly 8 months since they have seen each other, but were playing together like old friends. It was definitely really cool so see how much they enjoyed each other's company! And they were both blessed with some big beautiful blue eyes! 

I know I have said it before but there is something so magical about watching children play. 

I feel like they know how to have fun without holding back. Children are so free spirited. 

 Now this one cracks me up. I love the silly expressions!

 Now you've never really lived until you've had a leaf war. 

They had fun throwing leaves at each other.

And would you look at those big beautiful blue eyes!

Then the dancing began! They were laughing and smiling and twirling all around. Seriously one of the funniest things ever!

 And of course more leaf throwing!

It was almost like they had their own language. 

They were talking about silly things and laughing like crazy! 

Then I got some photos of Noah and his mama!