Newborn Connor

I recently spent some time with my friend Ashley, her daughter, and her newborn baby boy, Connor. I really enjoyed photographing at their house because there was plenty of natural light. I was desperate for little Connor to go to sleep, so we could get those sweet, sleepy shots. It didn't happen. Those newborns must smell me coming because they refuse to sleep when I'm around. I don't know what it is, but they don't sleep. They wait until I leave and then immediately begin to snooze.

Newborn photographers, I need your secrets! Do share.

Moving Forward!

I'm working again, and I start today.

I'm not sure what my official title is, but I'll be doing design work at Bennett's Camera. They sell cameras and camera gear, process negatives and print reprints, print greeting or Christmas cards, photo books, and so much more. So, if you have some pictures you've been meaning to print or want to create a photo book for a loved one, you should stop by.

I'm very thankful for a full time job, and I'm looking forward to what the Lord has in store for me. I've been going back to a couple verses over and over again during this transition period.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19

...But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13b-14

I have a hard time forgetting things, especially if it was something painful. Sometimes I just allow little and meaningless things to open old wounds, but I can't live in the past. I have no control over what happened or will happen. It is what it is, so it's time to move forward, trusting God with the control.

Life is too short and too precious to dwell on the past. If you're hanging onto something, take a step forward with me and let it go. You won't miss the baggage...I promise!

Odds and Ends

The edge of the French Quarter and the Marigny are two of my favorite places to photograph. There's so much diversity, color, and personality; it seems like I'm always discovering something new. It's a great place to photograph families because of all the nooks and crannies, along with a great New Orleans feel.

I was scoping out a few spots there recently and took some photos of all the doors I came across. They're all so unique and fabulous, just like my clients.

Guidrys

My friend, Casee, and I grew up together and were constantly keeping each other laughing; we even have our own signature dance. We're super cool, right? Cool enough that I'm not planning to show anyone this dance...EVER!

These days we're both busy people, and she has a family now. We don't see each other very much, but we're still the same people. I really enjoyed catching up with her and hanging out on a recent shoot with her family. You may remember the session I did of her son when he was just three months old; he's grown up a lot since then and is a handsome little fellow. He was as busy as a bee, so we had a hard time keeping him interested for the family shots. Plus, we were in a hurry because LSU was playing.

Audlers

I met the Audlers out at City Park recently for a family session. Much to our surprise, their was a race that morning, so we had to slightly alter our plans. We figured it out, and a lot of fun commenced. Their kids are adorable and full of personality, and I enjoyed spending time with them.

Magnificent Obsession

I love Stephen Curtis Chapman...still. His album, Great Adventure, was one of my first CDs ever. On my way home tonight, I heard one of his songs on the radio, and it reminded me of Magnificent Obsession. This is my favorite of his albums, and the song for which the album is named always hits home with me. The lyrics always seem relevant to my life and challenge me to be better, especially, "cut through these chains that tie me down to so many lesser things, let all my dreams fall to the ground, until this one remains."

Am I willing to let my dreams die for the sake of the Gospel?

Lord, You know how much, I want to know so much
In the way of answers and explanations, I have cried and prayed
And still I seem to stay, In the middle of life’s complications
All this pursuing leaves me feeling like I’m chasing down the wind
But now it’s brought me back to You, And I can see again

This is everything I want, This is everything I need
I want this to be my one consuming passion
Everything my heart desires
Lord, I want it all to be for You, Jesus
Be my magnificent obsession

So capture my heart again, Take me to depths I’ve never been
Into the riches of Your grace and Your mercy, Return me to the cross
And let me be completely lost, In the wonder of the love
That You’ve shown me, Cut through these chains that tie me down to so many lesser things
Let all my dreams fall to the ground, Until this one remains

Idleness

You've probably heard me say before, "I don't idle well." Either I'm running full force into something exciting and adventurous or laying in my bed zoned out in front of the TV. I'm sure that I have days of inbetweeness, but for some reason I don't remember them.

I've been working at a daycare to supplement my income until I become a photography superstar. Ha, ha! It's highly unlikely that I'll ever be a superstar at anything, but I am striving to get better, in all areas of my life. Back to the daycare, my friend is out this week, so they asked me to work the front desk from 7:30-9:30 each morning. That's great and easy, but I'm bored. Apparently this isn't challenging enough for me or something. I mean, it's better than kids spitting up on my, but still boring. I don't do well with boring.

Go do something exciting today...just for me. I wish I could join you.

Teeny Tiny Goodness

Babies. I just can't get enough of them; they're so cuddly and sweet...that is, until it's time to be changed or fed. Thankfully, they're cuteness trumps all that other stuff.

I've been trying to hone the art of newborn photography. My friend Amy is an amazing photographer, and she's found a great niche for herself with newborns. Her work is great, so you should check her out.

While I'm still working on my skills in the newborn department, several of my friends have allowed me to photograph their little ones. Samuel was a little over two weeks old when these were taken. I wanted him to sleep, but he stayed awake instead...of course!

Thanks Leah and J.P. for allowing me into your home and access to your precious little addition.