Hot Air Balloon Glow

This past weekend we went to a hot air balloon glow/ Halloween event in Kennesaw, GA. I actually took my "big" camera to the event (this is something pretty much unheard of since having a baby). I wish I had taken my wide angle lens, but I was trying to pack light :) Anyways, here's a few shots from the night...

Gemma Grows, Part 8

This little girl is now ONE! I can't believe it, the past 12 months has gone by so fast.

Jim and Susan

(Susan and Jim, aka Oma and Grandpa + their granddaughter)

Maternity Photos, Why Bother?

Why would you want to consider having professional maternity photos taken? I mean, you're probably uncomfortable, you may not feel your best physically, maybe you're tired and it's becoming more difficult to move around, and the baby isn't here yet to show off. All probably true. But, have you considered the positive reasons for why you might want to do it? Here are a few reasons to think about...

* It's a special time to celebrate- Any celebration is a good reason to have photos taken so you can remember how excited you were.

* It's "nesting" time- There's so much that goes into the preparations for a new baby on the way, but having photos made is one of the fun things to do.

* This is a rare time in your life when your body will be very different than it ever has been, and will be in the future- Have it documented! Some pregnant women feel big and gross, and others feel sexy with their growing baby bellies. Regardless of how you feel, if you have the right photographer, they can make you look great, and feel good about it!

* This may be your last chance (for awhile) to have couple portraits or individual portraits of just yourself made- Lets face it, all of your professional photos for the next 18 years will probably be family portraits including the kids.

* Use the photo session as a time to connect with your partner- The hour or two you will spend together with your photographer should be fun, stress-free, and a great time to connect with your partner and your baby.

* You can actually use the photos for things other than to frame on your wall- Put them on your baby shower invites, for a display at the shower, or on thank you cards. Plus, they will be a great addition to a baby book! In addition to your ultrasound images, baby shower invite, birth certificate or hospital cards, and of course baby photos and first year milestones, you'll want to include your maternity photos, and pictures of the nursery.

A Photo Book Idea FOR Children

Here's an easy little photo book idea to make for the kiddos. Take photos of family members, friends, pets, and/or even every day objects that you want your baby or toddler to be familiar with and learn. Label the photos with their names and go through the book with them pointing and saying the name. Later, ask "where's so-and-so" and let them find them and point them out. 

This is a great idea to get familiar with faces that live far away that they don't get to see often, or maybe new faces that are coming to visit during those "stranger shy" times. It's also great for them to associate names and faces with pets, animals, or objects. Be sure to also include a photo of them (and update it as they grow)- babies love to see themselves! 

I prefer this project done with a cheap photo album with sleeves, so that you can slip the photos in and out when things change and you need to update the images.