And as I started writing this blog post, I realized…this little series illustrates two other points very well:

1 – Ever wonder why your photographer may fire off dozens if not hundreds of frames at your session, but you probably see quite a bit less in your final gallery?   We keep the absolute best and ditch the rest.   Out of focus, blurry, under exposed, over exposed, eyes half closed, funky expressions…those go without saying but then there’s the images taken purely for the value of warming up your subject.  Getting them used to hearing that shutter click.  Getting them interacting even as your face, and your eyes are constantly disappearing behind that big black thing in front of your face.  Ever try having a conversation with someone checking their cell phone? You kind of check out too, right?  It’s probably similar to how a child feels when being photographed.

2 -  This is why when someone says “I really just need ONE GOOD picture”  or “just a FEW pics” it really doesn’t make sense.  It’s always hard to explain why it just doesn’t work that way.   It takes time, energy, effort and work to get to that ONE GOOD picture.  Not just one press of the shutter in the perfect location with the perfect light.  One picture? Sure.  One GOOD picture…ah… takes alot more.  The MORE is why you want it in the first place.   Thanks for reading!

And now… she is one and pretty and full of personality and… wow,  just… a little person!   [insert sniffle]

Easily one of my favorite eyelash shots… she is an undeniable beauty.  =)

I was thrilled when C & C won this contest … I had photographed a maternity and newborn session for them already so we were very excited to plan this session for Kira’s First Birthday.     We booked Westbury Gardens for the shoot months in advance.   A special location was definitely in order.    We started planning outfits way in advance and boy do I have to hand it to Kira’s mommy … I thought I was detailed with the links and guidelines and suggestions I send my clients when putting together a session wardrobe.  But C – you get 1st prize for sending me Powerpoint slideshows of ideas – I LOVE it.   Not even kidding.

I have to admit that it was really, really cool to see Kira again and to get to photograph her at 1 year old.   And by really, really cool I of course mean a little sentimental.   I mean, I photographed her in her mommy’s belly, and then just a few days old as a newborn and then now, I got to photograph her as 1 year old…  standing, laughing, babbling… and very much her own little person.

Her Mommy is stunning…

And Kira is definitely Daddy’s little princess (check out the toe grab – too cute!)

Just a stunning family… 

Going through this session and choosing which ones to blog made me realize – it’s time for another contest!!! I had so much fun doing this one last year and it was so nice to see it all come to completion with this session.  Sooo, it’s already in the works.  All I will say for now is that no photo will need to be submitted this time around – all I want is to hear from YOU!   You won’t even have to work hard for this one, it’s going to come naturally.   Details coming soon so stay tuned.  I’ll be announcing the details in full on the blog  (maybe on my birthday?  Hint: I am a Virgo.)  so keep an eye out here – twitter followers  and facebook fans  (links up top)  will get a heads up!  Back to baby Kira… 

Like  I said, I was so thrilled they won.  When I did Kira’s newborn session, I quickly found out how much they both love photography.  They showed me all these beautiful images of their lives; memories that were captured by lucky photographers like me, that were treasured by this family – organized into beautiful albums and wall displays.  It’s always a pleasure to meet someone as appreciative of photography as you are but to see it the way they treasured their memories made me so happy to be their photographer.  I am honored that my images of their lives’ milestones get to be part of those albums and wall displays.  And I was more than a little envious of their organization skills in that area, quite honestly.     

Congrats again guys!!