You would think newborns are easy to photography...

...but think again! There is so much work and patience that goes in to getting a great newborn photograph. Baby [preferably] has to be sleeping, arms have to be posed nicely, no frowning, no pooping, no peeing, no spit up, change up positions without waking baby. The list goes on!

And not to forget the noise machine, heating device and clean up towels. After all, baby needs to stay comfy, cozy and warm! Most newborn sessions take a couple of hours, but some can take more depending on baby.

This recent newborn session that I did took about 2.5 hours - mostly because Baby didn't want to sleep. (I was more than happy to hold her and rock her to get her to sleep). I definitely got my baby fix!

All in all, Baby Sadie cooperated beautifully. I think I captured the best photos in the end, when she was finally sleeping. Here's a couple of my favorites.

Daddy's Girl

Those of you that have a little girl (or two, or more) know how special it is to see a bond between your daughter and her father. My little girl loves to play with her dad, whether it's wrestling, playing "horsy," or just snuggling. She especially loves to be tossed in the air and swung around.

I couldn't resist snapping these photos while we were at the beach last weekend. (I have many more but will just show you two of my favorite!).

So here's to all the little girls and dads out there!

Sometimes things don't go how you hope.

For two weeks I waited for the sun to come out so I could do a photo session for a local children's boutique. The day finally arrived and the sun showed itself! I had my models all lined up and was super excited to get the shots I had planned. The models were brother and sister, age 3 and 5, with the most adorable strawberry blonde hair.

The plan was to photograph a few different outfits and a few products from the children's boutique. All was going as planned as we set out for our first destination downtown. UNTIL...

Go Wrong #1: 3 year old model falls asleep in car. (I don't know about your kids, but when my kids fall asleep in the car only to be woken up in a short amount of time = cranky, non-cooperative kid.)

Go Wrong #2: Wake up 3 year old - does not want to get out of car. Does not want to put on "planned" outfit. Does not want to be photographed.

Still remaining positive, I photograph his sister. She does a beautiful job and is the best model EVER!

Go Wrong #3: Offer 3 year old candy. Wants MORE, MORE, MORE!

So we decide to move to a new location and let the kids play a bit.

Go Wrong #4: Ask 3 year old to put on hat. MAJOR meltdown!

I take more photos of his sister. Again, she works the camera.

Finally, I decide 3 year old is not going to cooperate so I just take a few photos of the kids playing in the water. I got some amazing photographs of the 5 year old girl... and one [good] image of the 3 year old boy, and one [semi-good] image of the two of them together.

Sometimes things don't go the way you hope... but you just have to go with it!

Fabulous vintage [junk] finds...

I love browsing through vintage, antique, junk (whatever you want to call them) shops. I always find the most amazing things... but they're not always a great deal. More often than not, they are overpriced (especially in Portland - what's up with that?!). I did find a few amazing deals over the past couple of weeks.

A set of ornate white teacups     (love!)
A vintage camera $10     (which I'm dying to try out)
A Snoopy lunchbox $5     (I think I'm going to start collecting them)
An old wooden box $5     (can't wait to use it for a photoshoot!)

What are your favorite junk shops?

Weastcoast beaches...

There's just something about the smell of salt, the waves, the wind. I feel so refreshed after a day at the beach, even if it's too cold to swim! Last weekend I headed to Newport, Oregon with my sister and her three daughters. We spent the day enjoying the scenery, walking along the beach, eating at a crab shack and exploring the beach shops. (And did I mention I was child-free!). I've lived on the westcoast so long now that I can't imagine not living near the ocean. Here's a few photos from our little excursion...

i heart faces photo challenge

This week on iheartfaces.com

People’s Choice Photo Challenge | Best Face in February

http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/02/photo-challenge-anything-but-a-face/

Here's my entry... "pigtails"

Spring Fashion Trends

Color is back! I'm loving all the bright colors that were on the runways for spring, but I have to admit, I love white even more. There's just something about a CLEAN, white look. Lot's of "modern" military jackets, high waisted pants and WEDGES! That's right, they're back - and I can't wait until the weather warms up so I can wear them. (Anthropology has some to-die-for wedges & espadrilles!)

Here are some of my favs from the new spring collections...