post by leslie | photos by lucy

When I talk about how important I think it is to have family photos taken for you, I'm not just saying it because I want you to hire me (although I do want that...). I'm saying it because I truly do think it's super important. A few times this year, I've been going through old vacation photos with Ezra and he has asked me, "But where were you? Why weren't you with us?" And I have to explain that I was there! I was taking the photos!But there is no evidence of it. And this makes me so sad.I was expressing this sadness to Jamie, and he then turned around and hired Lucy to follow Ezra and I around on one of our favorite Sunday outings (because Jamie is the best husband on Earth). And I'm so glad we now have these images -- I hope Ezra remembers these days for a long time. And that, in fact, I was there.    

post with leslie

A few weeks back, I had this super fun session with a new family. They found me through my very favorite food blogger, so we shot photos and talked recipes, and that was such a fun change of pace! In case you're wondering, this is next on my must-try list.You might start to get sick of families and babies and the likes -- I've got a ton on the way. But don't worry, there's also a dog session next week to keep things fresh! Until then, enjoy summer kids. Only a few weeks left of guaranteed warmth...

post by leslie

Remember when I told you about that amazing afternoon I spent capturing those sisters and their love for each other? Well I finally finished the film! I hadn't done a film with kids this age before (I'm normally with babies and toddlers) and it was so much fun with all the scooter and trampoline action. And how about that crow, eh? What a fun family!

post by leslie

We are back home from the trip, which means you get the obligatory shots of Lake Superior, aka, my favorite place. I felt like I had captured enough sunrises at this lake for my lifetime and should treat myself and sleep in, but on the last day there I woke to use the restroom and realized it was just about the right time for sunrise. I grabbed my camera and slippers and went down to the shore in my pajamas, and here you go. What a wonderful sign from the universe that was!

post by leslie

Because when you are 4 years old, of course you pack your Superman costume to take up north!Some mornings at the resort, you get to see brides on the lake shore. And some mornings you get super heroes. It's never a dull moment!Now, many of you might know that I now ask Ezra if I can share photos of him on the internet, and up to age 4.5, he was happy to show you all his face. But now? He has become a little more introverted and prefers only his family see all the photos I take of him. Of course I want to respect this -- but it is difficult, I won't lie.Anyway, as I snapped these photos, I asked if Superman was allowed to have HIS face on the internet, and I was assured that Superman likes everyone to see his photos. So here we are!I have many more fun photos from our trip, but those involve Ezra, not Superman, so I'm not sure you'll get to see those. As for the scenery? I promise more of those later this week.

post by leslie

Look at this sweet pup! This is Eddie and he was one of my many subjects this week! I thought this image would be a great way to send everyone into the weekend.I'm heading up to the North Shore for a few days, so blogging will be sporadic at best next week. I think we can all agree that time away from computers and news cycles is restorative, and I cannot wait! I hope you all have an amazing weekend ahead, and I'll see you on the other side!

post by leslie

Last weekend, I got a dream assignment. I was hired to do a family film and photos showcasing the love these two sisters have for each other. How cool is THAT?I cannot wait to show you the film, but as I've said before, those take WAY more time, so it will be a while before it's ready. In the meantime, I loved these photos so much, so I wanted to share those. I've been photographing these girls since they were teeny tiny, and watching them grow up and play during our annual shoots has been such a treat. Being asked to document their relationship was the best thing ever.

post by leslie

A few years ago I got to photograph a newborn session for this wonderful family, and last week they added another little boy to the mix! It's so fun to see families grow and to play with the bigger kids between snapping sweet shots of the baby. Don't you adore this baby's big blue eyes?Shoots like this one are often hard for the older sibling, because it's one of many things that is focused on the baby and not on the elder child (who has usually been an only until now). And that's totally normal!So many parents worry about their kids' behavior during these sessions, and I want you all to know that I've seen it all. Remember, I'm a parent myself, and nothing shocks me. I build in extra time for these sessions because I'm prepared for poop explosions, tantrums and multiple feedings. It's all relaxed and part of the day, so let's all agree that there's nothing to sweat about.It's all worth it for the moments and memories we capture. (And please know that I love taking photos of tantrums. I won't share them with the world because I hope you will -- on said child's wedding day!)Also know that the sweet brother in these photos did not throw a tantrum, and was a normal, great kid during the shoot. I just thought it was a good time to bring all of this up!