Black Friday Fun! | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

As a HUGE thank you to my clients who have been OH SO WONDERFUL this past year, I will be offering a Black Friday Special to all current and past clients. I'll give you a hint, if you have LOVED canvas prints in the past, but just couldn't pull the trigger - now is your chance! You can't pass up a sale that only comes once a year! And I'll offer a little something for new clients looking to book in the new year! And, since no post is complete without a photo a little bit of love from Mr. CJP enjoying the snow (and an idea of how great the canvas's look)!

Busy, busy...| Aberdeen, SD Photographer

I have been so busy lately that the blog has been neglected...So here is what I've been up to lately...

...Halloween costume photos...

...working with mama's in the studio..

...delivering packages...

...working with newborns in the studio....

...family photos in time for holiday cards...

I'm in love!!! | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

These aren't new - but the slide show is. Be warned - you may tear up! What am I in love with? The fact I get to do this for a living now! I *heart* new life - Ashley had her ordering session today and with a session - you get to see your slide show. This is just the black and white version of it - but it melts me! So excited to keep capturing new life! I'm also looking to break in to birth photography - where I would capture a live (PG rated) birth. Meeting your child for the first time and capturing it in a beautiful image (don't get me wrong - my hubby did a great job with the camera, but we were both exhausted and only took a few of each other - I can't wait to have this done for my next baby - whenever that it is...).

Baby Love, Miss {K} | Aberdeen, SD Photography

I recently read on facebook (it's now my job to be on there :) a comment from someone saying that their newborn photos didn't go so well. And it got me thinking, as I'm hauling stuff from my basement studio to my living room (because natural light is soooo much better than studio light, so I use it when I can). And when I first met Miss Kinley and she didn't want to sleep - so we wrapped her up:

Ok, back to my point. I realized I have, not only a lot of props, blankets and back grounds, but a lot of knowledge in newborn photography. I'm prepared for the baby who doesn't sleep, but for the most part, I've always been able to get a few peaceful sleeping poses. And not just lay there and be cute:

But something more creative:

So, I present this, off the wall sneak peek as an idea for the next time you are looking for a photographer. Pick one who will do the job you want and do it well. If I feel we didn't get enough or the kids (or baby) just don't want to be photographed today (although it's never happened) - we'll reschedule. I want you to be happy. I want you to know, I've spent hours studying, learning, and practicing - just to get the perfect image. All right - on to the rest of Kinley - she is a doll. I love her little spike, I love her long arms and long feet, I am positive she is one lucky little girl to have such a great mama! Thank you so much Ashley, for choosing me - I feel blessed to have captured such an important part of your lives! Here's Ashley's maternity session here

Tate is growing up! | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

Wow, I was REALLY looking forward to this session! Tate was the very.first newborn that I did a session with. His parents, adorable and loving...I've taken it pretty hard that he has grown up so fast! He is extremely adorable and I was able to capture some of the true love between Tate and mom and dad. Oh, it makes me want to force my hubby to get in front of the camera with me! But, back to Tate - I can't believe he is such a little man already - I could really see his personality and the way he loved the tractors (which were his dad's when he was little), oh - it was adorable! Tate and my CJP share many of the same character traits (this is what his mom and I have determined) and he's a little over a year younger than CJP - so I think that it why it hit me a little harder too - my baby is growing up! And so is Tate - here's his sneak peek!

A new toy for me from the antique store!

This tractor was his daddy's when he was a kid!

Love those eye lashes!

Fun new location for me - Tate was VERY interested in the weeds and gravel!

A sweet smile for mama!

Can't resist catching a shot of those eye lashes!

He loves his daddy!

I love it!

My new all time favorite shot! I LOVE the love on daddy's face!!! Oh, it makes me love my job!

Couldn't resist showing off this super cute face he made! I did catch it!

Reason 591 to chose custom portrait photography

Meet little miss {A}. It was the hottest day of the year and everyone (including me and CJP) were tired and a little cranky (well CJP more than me). But, we needed to meet Miss {A} and try to get some 3 month photos. Well, it didn't quite go as I had envisioned it and I should have listened to Miss {A} sooner! We were all meant to go to bed early tonight and beat the heat! While I didn't get any belly laughs from her, you can tell she is already a daddy's girl, with the most smiles coming from his arms (and mama's too). So, reason 591 to chose custom portrait photography - if it's too hot or the kids are too tired, sure we'll take a stab at it, but come back another day/time when things are bound to be easier. I can't wait for the 14th, when she will come back to play with all of the fun stuff her mommy and I have for a 3 month old little girl! Until then - your sneak peek from what we got tonight!

A few more maternity | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

Just finishing up Jerrica's session editing and I came across a few that I am completely in love with! I cannot wait for some more beautiful mama's to work with (one coming up tomorrow)! I know many people don't want maternity photos - but these are beautiful! Oh, it makes me miss being pregnant!

And one of her little peanut!

Little Lady {R} | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

I had the privilege of doing mama's maternity photos just in the nick of time before Miss {R} decided to make her debut in this world. I'm always so amazed at how little the newborns actually are (yet another reason why it's important to do newborn photos within the first 2 weeks of life) and can remember people always saying that to me with CJP. It's totally true! They grow so fast! Here are some of my favorites in this session as I finish up my editing. Can't wait to show the awesome photo book that I have in mind for this mama and her daughter! Congrats on your new baby girl!

I was in LOVE with her little flaky feet!

I feel so privileged to get a smile on film!