Sweet & Wild Duo | Folly Beach, SC mini session

I had quickly worked with this duo at a neighborhood event so I knew this Folly Beach family mini session was going to be fun. Before each session, I talk to parents about their children: Are they shy or outgoing? What types of things are they currently into? When I read mom's description of her kids, I knew I was in for a treat for this Folly Beach session!

Big Brother is calm, a great listener, and just downright sweet. He was such a little charmer.

Little Miss, well, I was pretty sure she was going to be the female version of my wild 3 year old and boy was she! Actually, their birthdays are only a few days apart! About 10 minutes into the session she was soaked with salt water from ringlet to toe.

I actually love working with kids with big personalities. They keep me on my toes, but I just love how they are fearless around me. This was truly one of those sessions that I didn't want to end.

2016 Mini Session Sets

My trusted assistant/studio wrecker/model helped me test out my sets for this year's Year End Studio Mini Sessions. I decided to keep this year's sets simple and mostly white so the kiddos really stand out. 

I must say, his hand-me-down overalls and consignment store button down shirt and bowtie were perfect! 

First Look | Charleston Family Photographer

There's a saying, "it's a small Navy." It amazes me how true that statement is. I meet this guy's momma when we first moved to Washington. She was pregnant at the time and our husband's worked together. They moved to Charleston about two years ago, when little P was about 6 months old. Of course, we just moved to Charleston a couple of months ago. I was so happy when I was asked to photograph their now THREE year old (what?!?!) before they moved on to their next big adventure. 

Our session was full of running around Hampton Park, looking for dinosaurs and jumping off boxes in the sunshine. Could you ask for a better evening in downtown Charleston? 

Gold Sequin Backdrop | Charleston Child Photographer

Sometimes when I'm walking around the store, I'll see something that just *might* be a really awesome backdrop. I kept circling back to this gold sequin fabric and finally said "why not?!?" Luckily I have a little guy at home who will stand on a box (that just happens to be in front of my gold background). I am thrilled with this new backdrop and can't wait to use it for cake smashes!

Howe Farm Milestone Session | Port Orchard Child Photographer

This big boy was about to become a big brother. His momma wanted a few pictures of just him before his little world got rocked by a newborn ;) 

Howe Farm in Port Orchard, WA was a perfect backdrop for this all-boy session. He got to play with the barn door, admire the huge sunflowers and run around a dirt path. He was obsessed with my "magic tricycle" and it was the prefect prop! Enjoy this rustic session. 

Breastfeeding Session at Kitsap Lake Park | Bremerton, WA

Remember Oliver from his 6 month milestone pictures? Yep, he is a cutie and his parents are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. We always bond over our love for the South - sweet tea and Chick-fil-a. Bremerton, you seriously don't know what you're missing out on. 

We spent an evening at Kitsap Lake Park in Bremerton (it's quickly becoming a favorite) with the most amazing sunlight. Check out some of my favorites from this session and read what Jessica has to say about motherhood and breastfeeding. 

"From birth, Oliver was an expert at breastfeeding. He latched our first try - even with mommy out of it from her spinal! Even in the haze, I will never forget that success."

"Take advice and criticism from everybody with a grain of salt - follow your instincts. Remember all babies are different and the fact that you DO care shows that you are a WONDERFUL mother and only want the best for your baby." 

"My favorite part of being a mom is seeing my son's smiling, happy face whenever I come into the room. Even on my worst day, I know he can cheer me up." 

"I can only hope that we give Oliver every chance in the world to be the best he can be. I hope that through us, his parents, he will know the possibilities are endless and that we will always have his back." 

Featured Image! | Bremerton, WA Baby Photographer

One of Landon's favorite things to do is to try to drink from a cup. He always practices in the bathtub and in his kiddie pool. One day, he was splashing around in the pool and I had just got a new lens so I was snapping away. When I caught this moment, my heart skipped a beat. This picture is so Landon.

I submitted it to Life + Lens Blog's "Summer" competition and this image was selected for the top 10! I literally did a happy dance. I spend so much time behind my computer fretting over pictures so it feels AMAZING to have some praise from a third party. 

See feature here. 

Family Session at Harborside Fountain Park in Bremerton, WA

I love getting to watch families grow. When I first met Melissa, she was a mom to a beautiful little blonde named Ava. Fast forward two years later and she added an independent, baby wipe loving, little guy who's eyes and pouty lips will melt you into a puddle. 

We spent an evening playing in the fountains at Harborside Fountain Park. It's a cute little park tucked between the Navy Shipyard and the Ferry Terminal. As the name suggests, there are huge fountains that guide you from the street down to the water. It made the absolute best location! 

Ava quickly became my little sidekick. She was so good at helping me with her brother - even though, as most little brothers can attest, he just wanted to do things for himself! Her blue eyes lit up when I told her to let me know her ideas for pictures. I must say, most of her ideas were awesome! 

And then there was little Eli. I wish you could have seen him scoot closer and closer to the fountain until his little fingers were finally splashing in the water.

I literally could have photographed this family all night. But alas, the sun slipped behind the horizon and bedtime came. 

Melissa and Tony, 
I had so much fun spending some time with your beautiful family. You're kiddos were an absolute joy to work with. I hope you you can look back at these pictures and remember that warm summer night when Eli only wanted to hang upside down and Ava wanted to come work with me. 
Ashleigh