Capewell Family :: Fort Wayne Family Photography

I met up with the Capewell family at Haverford College on a gorgeous Sunday morning. They originally contacted me because they are expecting twin girls in January, and wanted to get photos of their family when it was still the 4 of them.

It was my first time meeting Cadence and Amalia, but they couldn't have been more well-behaved if I had asked. In fact, they were downright excited for their session!

Cadence had amazing patience, and a smile that lit up my LCD screen...

Nora 1 Year :: Chicago Children's Photography

It seemed like my summer was filled with birthdays! This was my second shoot with adorable little Nora... the first being back when she was only 4 months old. It was great to see that she still looks the exact same, and that she's still just as happy and easy-going as she was 8 months ago.

I met with Nora and her family at Montrose Harbor in Chicago. The views of the skyline are fantastic, but it was a tad bit foggy that morning. But who would notice the cityscape anyway when they have this adorable face to admire...

Miles 1 Year :: Fort Wayne Children's Photography

I've had the privilege of photographing Miles numerous times over the past year (see here, here, and here). It was only fitting, then, that we rounded out the year with 1st birthday photos.

Cooper 2 Years :: Fort Wayne Children's Photography

Meet Cooper.

Steffen Family :: Fort Wayne Family Photography

The Steffen family is growing so fast they can hardly keep up. In fact, they told me the last time they were all together and had photos taken, there was only one grandchild. Now... there's six! So, it was about time to update the family photos.

We started off bright and early on Saturday morning at Parkview Field. It's a great location because it's the perfect mix of lush and urban.

Fort the Love of Our Mothers

My husband and I have been living in Fort Wayne for just about 3 years, and I love it more and more all the time.

So I've decided to start this new blog series to spread a little bit of the Fort Love. Twice a month, I'll be posting about the town I live in... the town I love... the one and only Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Mother's Day is one of those holidays that tends to sneak up on me each May. The weather is getting warmer, and it's all about me and what I'm going to do each weekend.

So if you're anything like me, and need a little Mother's Day inspiration, check out my list of Mother's Day activities below. And remember... you're never too old to take Mom out for the day!

Mother's Day in the Garden

If your mom is into plants, flowers, and balmy temperatures, then the Botanical Conservatory is the perfect place to take her for Mother's Day. Visit their Butterflies of Malaysia exhibit, and pot your own special Mother's Day plant for her to take with her.

Truesdell Family :: Fort Wayne Family Photography

It was a March day so gloriously warm that you would have thought it was May. I met the Truesdell family downtown at Freimann Square to capture them in this brief moment of time... one grandchild just learning to stand, and another on the way.

It's so great when a family makes time to have their photo taken. I don't think it happens enough once children move out of the house, get married, and start their own families.

What to Wear - Winter Boy :: Fort Wayne Children's Photography

Often times, before a photo shoot, we spend so much time focusing on what us women are going to wear, and completely forget about the male members of our family. So today, I put together this super stylish winter outfit for a boy age 18 months to 8 years.

Faith 8 Years :: Fort Wayne Children's Photography

After shooting twins Luke and Alexa last weekend, I received an email from their mom asking me to come back and photograph their older sister, Faith.

Faith was pretty reserved the first time I visited, but wasn't shy about letting her true personality shine this time around.

Nora 4 Months :: Chicago Baby Photography

Nora was surrounded by loving family when I arrived for her portrait session. Having her photo taken was a Christmas gift from her aunt, Cate. It was originally supposed to be a surprise, but it turned out to be much harder than she imaged to sneak some Sunday morning "aunt time" with little Nora without her parents becoming suspicious.

It all turned out for the best in the end, because Nora had her whole family there to bring out that gorgeous smile.

Luke and Alexa :: Fort Wayne Baby Photography

On Sunday, I had my first experience photographing twins. I knew going in to the shoot that my biggest challenge would be getting them to look in my direction at the same time. But Luke and Alexa were good sports, and let their eyes wander (too much).

This was my last scheduled photo shoot of the year, and it feels so good to be wrapping up my first year as a professional photographer. I look forward to photographing many more adorable faces like these in the years to come.

Annabelle and Jackson :: Philadelphia Children's Photography

I've said it once, and I'll say it again... Annabelle and Jackson get along better than any brother-sister duo that I've ever met (including my own brother and I!). So photographing them on what turned out to be a gorgeous day-after-Thanksgiving was a true pleasure.

We headed to the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia. The setting was perfect, and we ended up with some beautiful fall photos of the cutest siblings on Earth.

Miles Christmas 2011 :: Fort Wayne Baby Photography

I was overly excited for my first Christmas Card Mini Session of the year. I spent my free time wrapping empty boxes and hoarding holiday props like my life depended on it. I was high on Christmas.

But when I showed up at Miles' house... it seemed he hadn't gotten the "holiday spirit" memo. He was all tears, and would rather spend his afternoon clinging to mom than having his photo taken.

But that's the great thing about photography... it only takes a few great photos to turn things around. From looking at these pictures, you'd never know we were in the presence of a little scrooge that day...

Owen 10 Months :: Chicago Baby Photography

A friend of the family had a brain aneurysm. It resulted in a lot of hospital time and tons of physical therapy to regain her basic motor functions. The therapy was really helping... until the insurance company said "no more".

So back in August, some of her friends held a benefit and silent auction to raise money for continued treatment. And that's where a woman named Cara won a 60-minute photo shoot with me.

It was a horrible circumstance that led us to meet... but the day we photographed Cara's son, Owen, was one full of smiles.

Aiden 2 Years :: Fort Wayne Children's Photography

I love photographing toddlers. They're at an age where they're a little ball of energy, excitement, and expression. Capturing the perfect photograph with a 2-year-old can be challenging... but it's the challenge that makes it that much more rewarding in the end.

Miles 3 Months :: Fort Wayne Baby Photography

After the rain stopped, it turned into a pretty good day. Three-month-old Miles was in a pretty good mood, and ready for his very first photo shoot. I was in the presence of an internet celebrity. I was introduced to Miles through his blog. Okay, so it's really his mom's blog... but she likes to post photos and stories about her little one as well. Check it out if you're interested in health, fitness, and running (like me!).

In case you're wondering, these photos were all shot at Miles' home. I don't have a studio, and at this point, I don't feel the need for one. What's better than photographing your kids in the comfort of their own home? What's more special than photographing them with the clothing and props that they use on a daily basis? After all, my photography is about telling the story of you.

So on with the adorable-ness...

Zeke and Emily :: Fort Wayne Children's Photography

I had a great photo shoot on Sunday night with brother and sister duo Zeke and Emily. Zeke told me his favorite TV show is "So Random". Apparently I'm getting old, because I had never heard of it. So Zeke sang me the theme song... and now I feel much more knowledgeable on the subject of children's television.

Growing up with an older brother of my own, I know how hard it can be sometimes to turn on the charm and pretend you like each other... but Zeke and Emily managed to power through just long enough for me to get some awesome shots.

Zeke, Emily, and I started off by playing the "expression game". I would yell out an expression or mood, and they had to give me their best faces. The photos don't usually end up being the most "frame-able" of the bunch, but they do leave you with some priceless facials. I believe this one is called "shocked"...