As Long As I'm Living, My Baby You'll Be | Rode-Fiorello Family: Hammond Family Photographer
"I'll love you forever, I'll love you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be..." I'm pretty sure these words from Robert Munsch's ever-popular children's book should be entitled, "Childhood Nostalgia: The Anthem."
I've been photographing Erin, Jesse, and Sawyer for a couple of years now and one thing that always leaves me so humbled is Erin's gentle love for her boys. I adore stepping back during their sessions and just observing her teach, nurture, and admire Sawyer and all of his growing toddler curiosities. Here are a few of my favorites from the time I spent with them this year...
Watching a momma giggle with her babe is a moment of pure bliss that I don't think I'll ever tire of...
Sawyer is so curious of all things outdoors at this age. He was completely enthralled by looking for birds under the trees nearby and adding acorns to his collection with his daddy.
Erin + Jesse, thank you for entrusting me to document the growth of your sweet family.
The 2016 Holiday Sale is HERE!
It's pretty rare that I run a sale, so I wanted to do something this year that extends to EVERY SINGLE CLIENT I've ever had. Yes, that's right...even those of you with long-archived photo galleries. In an effort to encourage my sweet clients to print those gorgeous family heirlooms we work so hard to create, I thought I'd offer some pretty significant savings to help you get those images off of your computer and onto your walls and albums--where they belong!
I've noticed quite a few companies this year not only announcing, but offering their black Friday sales starting as early as yesterday. I think this is a FABULOUS idea. Personally, I've felt like the focus on holiday shopping instead of leisurely and lazy downtime with family on Thanksgiving Day was getting to be a bit much. So, with that being said, here's the "Black Friday" sale I'll be offering until Wednesday, November 30th. So, whether you have someone to buy for that you think may love preserving their family heirlooms OR you are that person, this is for you. (:
If your sessions have expired with me, fear not! For this sale period ONLY, I'm reopening ANY requested galleries that have ever been photographed with me. If you have an expired gallery that you'd like to make an order from, send me over a quick little email to kali@kalinorton.com and I'll be happy to reopen it for you at no additional archiving fee!
+++ OFFER VALID UNTIL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016 AT MIDNIGHT CST.
Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
Messy Sheets and Newborn Cheeks | Keane: Hammond Newborn Photographer
"It's all messy--the hair, the bed, the heart, life..." Shiloh posted this quote along with a recently taken photo of her and her little babe, and oh my heart, I couldn't shout it from the rooftops more. The more I adult, the more I learn to love the ooey gooey imperfect mess of love and life. I have adored watching her adapt to motherhood in all of its perfectly imperfect facets and learning curves--and swooning over every hiccup and drool of the little life in her hands along the way.
I’m not sure why, perhaps because Shiloh and I are alike in so many ways, but something felt different in me as I watched her go through pregnancy and the sweet love she has for her little bear. Shi, you kick ass at a lot of things, but watching you become a momma might just be the most natural thing I’ve ever seen you do.
You may recognize her name or face as well from my recently styled holiday sessions. Shiloh is immensely talented with an eye for styling. In fact, stay-tuned for updates in the future, as she and I are trying to figure out how to offer more of her styling and consulting within the realm of the photography experience I offer my clients.
We went for much more casual feel for this newborn session. I’ve wanted to do an “at home” shoot like this for a while now, but sometimes changing the way you offer a style of art for clients can be a little scary. So many fears run through your head like, “Will they like the concept? What if they hate it because it’s not like the other newborn sessions I’ve shown? What if they don’t like that every hair isn’t in place?”
Truth be told, I enjoy THIS type of photography far more than the kind where every hair and thread of clothing is perfectly placed. Organic emotion and an accurate portrayal of a particular stage in life is what fills my soul—it’s truly the type of work that makes me proud to offer as heirlooms for my clients.
Shiloh was stressed, as most of my new mommas are, that she didn't feel as "put together" as she normally would feel for a shoot. Really though, there is so much irrevocable beauty and glow in a new mom that I don't think she could have done anything differently. Can I get an "Amen?!"
This is Luna, Aster's much more shy, cat-like big sister. She was not quite as thrilled to be a part of this family party on camera. I think she was just playing modest...
Keane, however, had no problems hamming it up with his inherited perfect hair from his momma and height from daddy.
Shiloh and Daniel, here’s to your sweet, happy little family of three...and your perfect hair. Definitely, your perfect hair.
Classic Holiday Sessions | Exclusively Styled by Shiloh Latham: New Orleans Family Photographer
Holiday photo sessions are ALWAYS a hit among my sweet clients, but this year I'm thrilled to be collaborating on an offering with my incredibly talented friend to style the most epic, classy, and exclusive setup. For those who know my style and/or work with me often, you know I'm NOT a fan of super prop-driven or posed images within my style of photography. I love the organic, candid, soft emotion that captures the essence of relationships--something that can be admired timelessly for years to come. With that being said, my extremely talented friend and stylist, Shiloh Latham, will be designing a kick-ass setup for these sessions. Without giving too much away, I can tell you it will be a mix of a little bohemian, some classic creams, and a slight holiday and of course "cozy" vibe. The setup will have the option of more of a boho flair with deep Fall colors, more of a neutral scene, or just classic, no-prop-at-all images. All of these will be in the same general vicinity, so we can even do a mix of all of them!
++Although these sessions will be styled with more props than my average shoot, it will reflect the same organic, emotion-driven feel of my usual images.
HERE ARE THE DEETS:
Holiday Sessions are photo shoots with yours truly for a $100 session fee and include a private 20-30 minute session and a private online viewing gallery for ordering any and all holiday photos in time for Christmas (prints, holiday cards, downloads, etc).
MANDEVILLE, LA – FOUNTAINBLEAU STATE PARK
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2016
10:15 AM, 10:45 AM, 11:15 AM, 11:45 AM, 12:15 PM, 12:45 PM, 1:15 PM, 1:45 PM, 2:15 PM, 2:45 PM, 3:15 PM, 3:45 PM, 4:15 PM
(Scroll below for answers to some FAQs)
How many photos can we expect in our gallery during a 20-30 minute session?
Generally, my full Lifestyle Sessions last only about 30-45 minutes, so even though these are considered "mini" sessions, you will have at least 30 edited images to choose from in your final gallery--very likely, more than that. (:
Will you be offering weekend sessions on any other dates?
No. I actually rarely EVER photograph on weekends, especially in the Fall, due to the busy wedding season. This will be the only date offered for Fall WEEKEND sessions, AND at exclusive pricing.
How many people are allowed in the session for the $100 session fee?
Immediate family only. Should you want extended family in photographs, each family would pay an individual $100 session fee. This would extend the time of your session for each $100 paid. Essentially, they would be booked as separate sessions, just back-to-back to ensure all necessary groupings. If this is of interest to you, it's highly encouraged that you book ASAP before back-to-back time slots are filled.
How do I secure my spot?
To secure your spot, please email me at kali@kalinorton.com with your first, second, and third preferences for time on November 6th. I will email back a contract. Because these sessions are offered at a reduced rate, the entire $100 session fee ($108 with tax), is due at the time of booking. BOOKING IS ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS.
What does my $100 include?
The $100 includes the 20-30 minute session fee and your edited, online gallery for viewing. This session fee is an EXCLUSIVE price offering. All prints, enlargements, albums, and high-resolution downloads will be available for purchase within online galleries. My average family invests about $500-600 in a Lifestyle Session. Due to the exclusive session fee pricing for these sessions, you can expect a LESSER total investment than an average Lifestyle Session. For mini-sessions, my clients generally end up with a total investment of around $350.
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For those of you who want beautiful photographs, but are wanting a more exclusive experience, please contact the studio to discuss a full lifestyle photo shoot for you and your family. Limited availability for October, November, and December.
*Note: ALL orders from Holiday Exclusives MUST be placed by MIDNIGHT on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017. No exceptions.
Feelin' Fancy for Fall GIVEAWAY + Portrait Availability Reminders
Gumbo simmering, football rivalries, red lips and holiday parties; I cannot believe that Fall is already nearing. With it being my favorite time of year, I'm not complaining. HOWEVER, I am sending a friendly reminder that spots for Holiday Portrait Sessions are booking up rather quickly. In the spirit of Fall just around the corner, this month I teamed up with Weiler Plastic Surgery to put together a pretty kick-ass giveaway. We know everyone has been busy getting kids back to school and gearing up for the soon-to-be Fall madness, so we thought what better than to giveaway a gift card for a little pampering AND a portrait session for those holiday cards?
The giveaway is Instagram-based (so you must be a follower on there to participate) and includes $450 worth of services to the winner. Follow me @kalinorton on Instagram for the deets!
Crunchy leaves, open fields, and boots, I love seeing my sweet families that come to me each year to document the new growth and personalities the past year has brought into their lives. Here are a few of my favorite snapshots from a few of last year's family sessions...
You can contact me at kali@kalinorton.com to inquire about availability, pricing, and reserving a date.
And Then There Were Three | Welcoming Sibley: Baton Rouge Newborn Photographer
“I never knew how much my heart would be filled by a little girl until she was here.” These were Taylor's words to me as I walked into her home to meet baby number three for the first time.
Taylor and Blain decided to be surprised by the sex of their third child. With two boys, Taylor was presumptuous that she was about to have more football and race cars in her future. Little did she know, Miss Sibley was growing in her tummy and ready to add a little sparkle to this family of boys.
Life looks like a plethora of newborns these days, but when that means my days are filled with baby snuggles and watching my sweet friends grow their families, I cannot complain. You may recognize Taylor and her boys from this shoot, or several others I've posted to the blog over the years. I’ve been photographing them for years, watching their little family grow as little personalities develop in her boys.
Blain and Gant are so smitten by their little sister. Watching them give her the softest kisses and hush one another to not wake her was priceless.
Taylor and Blain, I cannot wait to document so many more sweet moments for you.
Welcoming Duke | Mandeville Child + Family Photographer
"And even though I'm unsure about most things in life, I am certain that I love you and will continue to love you forever." I'm at the age where an increasingly large number of people closest to me are sporting the cutest baby bumps and in an ooey gooey mess of loving on new little life that has rocked their entire world. It's one of the most breathtakingly beautiful things to watch from the sidelines of their new ways of life. The baby fever is REAAAAAL, friends. That's all.
Duke is perfect. Motherhood is the most stunning thing ever. Swoon swoon.
Dixie is still trying to figure out what's up exactly with the cute poop and spit up monster is that mommy now cuddles all of the time.
Happy Thursday, friends!
Social Media's Out for Summer: Why I'm Taking a Partial Social Media Hiatus
"I'm sure no one ever thinks about it...but these snapshots are our little stand against the flow of time. The shutter is clicked, the flash goes off...
And we've stopped time. If just for the blink of an eye.
And if these pictures have anything important to say to future generations, it's this: I was here. I existed. I was young and I was happy...
and someone cared enough about me in this world, to take my picture."
If you've seen the movie One Hour Photo starring Robin Williams, you may remember this quote. Watching the movie again recently, the words got me like a jab straight to the gut. But perhaps not in the way you might think. While the words did resonate the sentiment that photographs are ever-so-important, it resonated another sentiment even more. One of disconnecting in this world we live of C-O-N-S-T-A-N-T connection. Taking time to breath and to be present, without sharing every move we make in hopes of "likes" and followers.
I think things in the social media world have evolved at such a fast pace, that we sometimes don't even realize how much it's effected the ebbs and flows of our lives, our emotions, and our relationships. While I absolutely CHERISH social media for it's ability to connect us with the outside world, I think most of us can agree in this age of DAILY Facebook spats, that it's both a blessing and a curse.
I am ever-so-grateful for the parts of social media that have allowed me to expand my mind and my relationships with thoughts and people that I never before would have been able to encounter in the same ways--or on the same levels. However, I think we can all agree that the "Keeping up with the Joneses" and the Facebook aggression on topics like vaccinations, political debates, and parental critiques are at an all-time-high enough to make an onlooker sick to the stomach.
(Photo by Jenna Kutcher)
So, what am I getting at?
Well, after much debate (and fear)--as social media does drive an inherent part of my business--I've decided to take a little hiatus from Facebook and blogging. It's VERY semi-permanent, but I truly believe a break from the constant chatter to NOT document every move I make and instead observe the real-life happenings around me is essential for growth and development.
With that being said, I WILL still be present on Instagram and you can follow me @kalinorton. I'm not sure exactly what date I'll be back on Facebook and blogging, but it will likely be around mid-August. When I do return, my hope is to share with you any insight and growth that occurred in my absence.
While this step was a little scary for me, as blogging twice a week has become such a vital part of my business, I truly believe this break is necessary. After all, the scariest things usually birth the best transformation, right?
In the meantime, if you'd like to reach out or connect with me, you CAN still do so via email, Instagram (@kalinorton) and Snapchat (@kalinorton).
Happy Summer, friends!
Farmhouse-Inspired Shoot | Motherhood: Mandeville Family Photographer
"Hold the door, say please, say thank you. Don't steal, don't cheat, don't lie. I know you've got mountains to climb, but always stay humble and kind..." While I'm not generally a huge fan of country music, Tim McGraw's song "Humble and Kind" kept playing on repeat in my mind as I was editing this session. I thought of how much of an overwhelmingly beautiful feeling it must be as a parent to watch your children grow up and emanate the values you try, hope, and pray to instill in them.
Rebecca and her husband Tommy have been wonderful friends to me for several years now. They truly exemplify what it means to be humble, kind, and the most loving humans, undoubtedly setting the most wonderful example for their littles to replicate. Their boys, Oran and Trygg, have hearts of gold and will do anything an adult asks of them. Fiona, with two older brothers to teach her the ropes, is quite literally sugar AND spice.
With an immense love of animals, babies, and basically all things living, I knew I wanted this session to truly emanate the strength and beauty that is Rebecca. I wanted it to be so genuinely her--with her animals, her babies, and her plants--to truly capture the essence of her in this stage of motherhood.
Chickens, ducks, 3 dogs, a cat, and a goat, Rebecca has the sweetest little farmhouse-esque back yard around. Yes, these are all their animals. I love it so much. Bam Bam, the goat, is especially a treat. He adores the kids and follows them around constantly.
Rebecca loves to tend to her plants as much as she does her animals and babies. When her garden is full, she and the kids will go out and pick all of the goodness...and of course, the eggs from the chicken coop.
Rebecca and Tommy are expecting sweet baby number four in November, so I wanted to capture it in a sweet way that she could announce her pregnancy.
Rebecca, your heart is gold and your spirit is radiant. I love watching your journey through motherhood.
I mean, can we just talk about how precious Bam Bam is? He loves being around the kids so much.
After I did the session, I got a text from Rebecca. She said, "Oran has requested a few photos in black and white, because it makes him look old." I laughed so hard. That sweet baby has no clue that those killer crystal blue eyes he has are the most handsome thing. All he wanted was his black and white photo and to hug his chickens. (DISCLAIMER: I absolutely did put a photo in black and white just for him).
Happy Thursday, friends!
The Davis Family is Growing | Awaiting Baby: Alabama Maternity Photographer
Jessica and Noah are two extremely talented and intelligent friends I've had the pleasure of knowing through that little Marine thing Preston does. Within this unique and beautiful military family we've made over the years, we've all become quite close and fond of one another. We've watched life's happenings unfold--from babies, to numerous deployments, to heartbreak--it's a bond not only among the Marines, but truly among the families, wives, and various forms of friendship intertwined. When I first really spent time with Jess it was on a camping trip with our beloved group of friends from 3rd Force Reconnaissance Co. I had packed for what seemed like two days and thought I was immensely organized and ready--that was until I met Jess and her pre-cooked, individually packaged gourmet meals she had meticulously prepared for that weekend. From a hearty stew made from scratch to 70% dark chocolate sea salt candy bars for the s'mores, Jess had thought of E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. The Martha Stewart in me instantly turned into major fan girl and I was completely and totally Team Jess. A radiant and humble personality, two careers of her own, and a beast with anything that involves the realm of crafts or cooking, I knew instantly that weekend that Noah had the most genuine kind of keeper on his hands.
As you can imagine from her aforementioned credentials, she's also a huge hit among Emma and Jackson, Noah's littles. Maybe it's her stellar cake making skills, the colorful bento box lunches she sends them to school with, or just simply the way she emits love--either way, I'm pretty sure no one's complaining in the Davis clan.
Jessica and Noah decided to be surprised by the sex of the baby, so I can't wait to see if the boys or girls of the family will become outnumbered soon. I think Emma and Jackson are pretty stoked either way.
I know this baby is coming into the most loving group of humans. Jess and Noah, I absolutely cannot wait to love on that sweet bebe' soon. 
Summer Portrait Session Upcoming Dates | Fairhope & Mobile
I’ll be in the along the coast in the Fairhope and Mobile Bay areas at the end of next week and will be offering a limited number of portrait sessions while I’m there! **As always, booking times are granted on a first come, first serves basis upon receiving contracts and retainer.
These offerings are carefully crafted portrait sessions highlighting organic emotion and special bonds between loved ones with yours truly for a $250 session fee and include a gorgeously planned session and a private online viewing gallery for ordering prints, albums, and high-resolution images.
The following dates and times are available in Fairhope and Mobile, so if you are wanting beautiful photographs of your family this year, this is your chance!
Contact directly at kali@kalinorton.com. Booking requires a signed contract as well as your session fee.
Thank You, Mama: Mother-Daughter Photography | Northshore Louisiana Family Photographer
Photographing motherhood is such a rewarding experience, and one that seems to fulfill me like nothing else. While I truly love documenting all milestones of this crazy little life, there is something so particularly sacred about motherhood that fills my entire body with butterflies when the moments are captured through my lens. Our first, literally, vital lifeline, teacher, and biggest fan. Even without being a mother myself, simply observing motherhood in those around me is astonishingly breathtaking.
Shnaz and Heartlie share the sweetest bond, one I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to observe through my lens. With Mother's Day having just passed, I felt this appropriate to share. (:
Heartlie brought some flowers she had picked at her field trip earlier that day and was sure to let me know she wanted them in photographs. Pretty, dainty things--right up my alley, Miss Heartlie.
Heartlie absolutely shares the same big, loving, and bright personality as her sweet momma. I adored watching the two of them interact together.
Shnaz, thank you for allowing me to document this season of life and love for your sweet girl. 
Spring Portrait Session Exclusive Weekend Dates | Fairhope & Pensacola
I’ll be in the along the coast in the Fairhope and Pensacola areas at the end of this week and weekend and will be offering a limited number of portrait sessions while I’m there! **For these dates only, I’m offering Spring Sessions on a Friday and Saturday dates–something I do not generally do. As always, booking times are granted on a first come, first serves basis upon receiving contracts and retainer.
These offerings are carefully crafted portrait sessions highlighting organic emotion and special bonds between loved ones with yours truly for a $250 session fee and include a gorgeously planned session and a private online viewing gallery for ordering prints, albums, and high-resolution images.
The following dates and times are available in Fairhope and Pensacola, so if you are wanting beautiful photographs of your family this year, this is your chance!
Contact directly at kali@kalinorton.com. Booking requires a signed contract as well as your session fee.
Fairytale Fields & Big-Belly Laughs | Isla: Northshore Children & Family Photographer
"I want my daughter to grow up to be a strong-willed woman, I just need to be able to live with her in the meantime." When I came across this quote, I chuckled to myself. Oh, Isla Kate, your strong, spunky will tests your mama while your unwavering love for her and desire to be around her constantly melts her heart. Three-years-old and at the most vivacious age, you keep us all on our toes, every minute of every day. Oh, the leader you can be with those hearty skills someday. If not, you can always fall back on being a Zara Kids model.
But really. I mean, I feel like I'm looking at a miniature style blogger for Zara. Er, or perhaps I'm biased...
Oh, Isla Kate, what fun it's been to watch you grow. 
For This Child, We Have Prayed | Ben: Baton Rouge Newborn Photography
The cold, hard days of lying on the bathroom floor begging for God to give him back, they just slowly start to change. You don’t miss your baby any less. The ache doesn’t go away, but you start to see the little flecks of new life, just little sparkles of hope here and there reminding you that all is not lost. As long as there is breath in your lungs, they will be with you. And when there isn’t, they will be in your arms again. Some days, that’s all I have, but it’s always enough to bring my heart back to life again. (Excerpt above from THIS ARTICLE written by another client and dear friend of mine, Angela for the On Coming Alive Project. You can learn more about the mission and manifesto behind the project, here.)
Undoubtedly, in the most heart-wrenching way, I've found an indescribable love for my work through the unique stories of my clients. Through the years, I've watched several of my clients and friends experience seemingly insurmountable tribulation and then rise from those ashes into a version of themselves, of their lives, that they never fathomed possible. Through my own life, as well, I've learned that whether it be through the loss of a child or loved one, or some other form of immense suffering, enduring pain and transforming like a butterfly into a new, wiser version of ourselves is indeed what makes this life both twisted and breathtaking. Nonetheless, I have never lost a close loved one, and moreso, a child--so for that level of pain I cannot attest to even pretend to comprehend.
This is Ben. Several days new, unscathed, and perfect. After enduring the seemingly insurmountable pain of unexpectedly losing their precious baby girl Maddry just a few days after her birth in the Fall of 2014, it's so beautiful to watch them look lovingly upon their baby boy and honor the memory of their baby girl with the littlest details, all in one big, deep breath. We incorporated pieces of Maddry throughout Ben's session, and oh my heartstrings...
From the necklace with her thumbprint and the cross that sang "You Are My Sunshine" to her in the NICU, to a picture of her ten little toes among the rest of her family, photographing Amy and Jay's family affirmed in me to the depths of my soul why I love to document this crazy, beautiful life.
Amy and Jay, thank you for allowing me to document your precious family.
2015 Favorites | A Year in Review
Unveiled radiance, feminine beauty, motherhood, milestones... As I sit and gather my favorite images from this past year, my heart is abundantly full as I realize the intricate stories each photo tells. Sometimes in our ever-growing social media driven world, I think we truly sometimes lose touch with the authenticity of the raw, genuine struggles, stories, and adventures behind those we encounter, day in and day out.
Admittedly, as I begrudgingly sat down to blog this morning, I was less than enthused--with life, with my creative focus, with where business is headed. Anyone with a creative bone knows well that this is just the ebb and flow that comes with the job--and like anything in life, there are both highs and lows to speak of. However, as I was truly sulking and reflecting negatively on my progress and drive to be new and fresh this morning, I realized through the reflection of these images, that I'm right where I need to be. Connecting with real souls, learning their stories, and authentically documenting that as true and unique as any artist commissioned to create a piece for a buyer. I may not always make the money I hope to or get in every publication I desire, but I've had the wonderful opportunity to document some pretty genuine and stunning moments of life as they unfold in front of me.
It is ever-so-easy within the creative industry to feel lackluster--like your work will never stand out like those you follow and aspire to emulate. But H-E-L-L-O, that's because as ARTISTS, gifted with a sense of creativity, it is our main job to NOT emulate those before us. This is important, so let me say it again: IT IS OUR MAIN JOB. WE ARE ARTISTS. If our talent were to simply emulate or recreate someone else's vision, we could go work in a franchise.
So, I'm sure you're wondering, "Why this soapbox? Did someone steal her ideas? Is she angry?" Not at all. This is simply a reminder to you as much as it is to myself, that art is inconsistent and messy and inherently beautiful--just like life. So embrace the messy as much as the victory as it all contributes to our own little unique vision and story.
And now, enjoy some of my most favorite stories that found themselves in front of my camera this past year...
Be authentic, my friends.
Doe Eyes & The Love of a Mother | Bech Family: Baton Rouge Family Photographer
"There are two gifts we should give our children--one is roots and the other is wings." After 5 years in business, while there are many things that pull hard on my heartstrings, one of my utmost favorites is my families that entrust me to document the sweet growth and change in their lives, year after year. I presume this is a genuinely gratifying sentiment for most small business owners--and truly one of the most fruitful sentiments. I've watched these sweet boys grow for the past few years now, and each session leaves me baffled with how much their little personalities develop.
Taylor's boys are always so playful and well-behaved. From Gantt's big, brown doe eyes, to Blain's big love for his momma, I can see why she carries that big, vibrant smile on her face.
Taylor and Blain, thank you for entrusting me with documenting the growth of your beautiful family, year after year.
Give Me S'More Lovin' | Ducote Family: New Orleans Family Photographer
When planning this year's session, Amanda and I discussed that we wanted to do something different. Isla is at such a fun age, we wanted to make sure Amanda and Seth could interact with her and get her true, very radiant personality to shine in the photographs. Note: Making s'mores and throwing pine cones in the air is all the rage in two-year-old land. We did the photos on Amanda and Seth's beautiful property and this first shot even holds quite a bit of sentimental value. This is taken on the newly built dock behind their first family home that they intend to break ground on soon.
Watching Isla's personality grow and flourish is the most amazing treat. Seeing her truly makes my days feel nice and glittery.
Happy holidays, y'all! I hope you're as excited as Isla is about them. (:
All Things Sweet & Southern | Simmons Family: Louisiana Family Photographer
When I pulled up to Heather and Dooley's home, I knew I was in for a treat. Pastures of horses, cows, and the sweetest yellow lab to greet me--I knew we were about to partake in the sweetest of sessions. Sure enough, as Chanley strutted over with her perfectly bouncy golden curls and grabbed her daddy's hand, I was off to meet her horses...
Heather, Dooley, and Chanley, thank you for allowing me to document your beautiful, growing family. I cannot wait to see as your sweet little lady number two arrives soon!
Cable-knit, Ruffles, and Princess Crowns | Waller Family: Mandeville Family & Children's Photographer
“We think you'll find that every woman in her heart of hearts longs for three things: to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, and to unveil beauty. That's what makes a woman come alive.” John Elderidge, Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul
Having met Rebecca and Tommy through the military and becoming dear friends over the years, I'm not sure there are adequate words to explain truly how breathtakingly selfless this family is. As a dear friend, fellow military wife, and neighbor, I've observed and soaked in the scope of Rebecca's love for her family, friends, and her littles--all of which she executes with the utmost grace. She and Tommy lead and love by example with every person and endeavor they touch--and this is not an exaggeration in the least. Without a shadow of a doubt, they are raising the most beautiful humans into this crazy, broken world; and in this season of thanksgiving, for that, I am grateful.
Fiona is their third child and first little lady into their family of five, and naturally, with her ruffles and princess crown, she stole a bit of the show. For those of you who know my love for mother-baby portraits, the next few won the prize for my favorites.
Tommy works incredibly hard to provide for and shower love upon his beautiful, ever-growing family. Any person who knows him knows just how true this is. And well, Miss Fiona...she clearly has him wrapped around her perfect little fingers. (:
I've had the pleasure of watching these two cuties, Oran and Trygg, grow for the past few years--and oh my how fun it's been to watch their personalities develop. 
Rebecca and Tommy, I'm ever-grateful for your unwavering friendship and your sweet, sweet family.