April: The Month Where My Kids Have Birthdays and We're Not Done Unpacking Yet

My daughter, Alex turned 2 this week, and earlier, my oldest child, Noah turned 5! It’s hard to believe my husband and I have been parents this long. I’ve had dreams of finding room for a mini-studio, and though we’re totally up and running in our new home, there always seems to be that ONE ROOM that has all the boxes we haven’t unpacked yet. The “I am not sure where this stuff goes” room. It’s the office/photography equipment storage/LEGO organization/unopened boxes for our new baby arriving in 1.5 months/unhung framed photos room.

But hey, to make it at least a little cozy in one direction, we have a new teal couch and awesome cushy rug and some furniture that bodes well for portraits. So as a momtographer (that’s a word, right?) we did some annual birthday portraits. I really love this corner of our home — I hope we can transform it the way we wish soon!

Some technical notes —
I lit these Sony A7RII 35mm shots with a Godox 120cm / 47.2in Portable Octagon Softbox Umbrella with a constant light source: LimoStudio Full Spectrum Lighting Bulb 85W Photography Photo CFL 6500K. There are two windows for natural light in this room, with one to camera-right. But I like to light my subjects up inside just a tad more for their birthday faces. :)

The couch is from Overstock and our 8x10 rug is from Target. Tutu from Honeyskull.

Baby, It's Cold Outside! Indoor Portrait Fun

Denver has been experiencing some solid winter weather, with lows in the single digits at times, and many “indoor days” at school due to snow or ice. Our family has been figuring out ways to have fun in the cold weather instead of being afraid of the chill. Sometimes that means getting creative indoors!

As a California girl, I never knew I’d miss Eucalyptus. Though not a native species to CA, it’s plentiful all over and a staple in foliage decor. Farmer’s Markets every week in San Francisco had bunches and bunches for all to take home. I can’t wait for the Spring, when the weather stabilizes a little more for the markets to start in Denver. <3 I’ll report what beauties I find!

In the meantime, I headed to Trader Joe’s upon the recommendation of some friends, and found bunches on the CHEAP at $2.99 a pop. So my baby girl and I picked up two sets of greens, hijacked one of the brightly lit rooms in our new home, busted open a pack of gummy bears, set up our Godox lights, and went to town on some photos. :) Who says you need an occasion for portraits? Granted, there are gummy bears in all these photos (either in our hands or in our mouth, haha) — we still wanted to share.

Enjoy!

Maternity Selfies With My Son, Noah

We are expecting our second born this April. I've always wanted to have some photos with my now 3-year-old son, Noah during my pregnancy, but somehow life just gets in the way! So one day, we spontaneously cleaned up and set up our studio at home just for fun. I cut his hair, and added a few curls to my own. :) The only thing missing is his daddy. Here are the two of us a couple weeks ago at 35 weeks pregnant. When Noah's little sister arrives, I can't wait to share some photos. 

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DJ E-Rock Press Headshots - Studio

This is probably one of my favorite (and most efficient) studio sessions! Eric (aka E-Rock) came in to my home studio for some press headshots to promote his events and personal brand. He nailed the poses and I think we did amazing work together. Congrats on your success, Eric! Looking forward to seeing your name in lights. Here are some of my favorite shots.

Gavin & Cole Studio Portraits - Cutest Brothers You've Ever Seen :)

I've been loving our mobile studio portraits! Check out Gavin and his younger brother, Cole, who stopped by my home with their parents after a day out in San Francisco. We always try to keep the environment light, casual and fun with some snacks and my little family running around to make 'em laugh, and it totally works. These kids are always welcome back (with their amazing personalities and talent!!!) any time. Thanks Red & Ray for spending some time with us for these headshots!