Today, my oldest son turns 7 years old. When I think about the years that passed, I am so thankful I have a photographic record, because quite honestly, I remember very little nowadays (I blame my two pregnancies and parenting in general).And I don't always take lots of pictures of Graham. In fact, I don't want hundreds of photos on my phone to be the only record of his childhood.

One of the things I try to do a few times a year is partner with another local business and organize something fun for our collective clients. This past month, I had the distinct pleasure of setting up fun little photo sessions at the Hästens Greenwich showroom. Hästens is a high-end Swedish bed retailer (established in 1852) which shares my standards for quality and longevity of their products, so really, it's was the perfect fit for us to work together!

I am so excited to finally share some of our Mother's Day portrait event images! There were so many beautiful Moms and kids who enjoyed my mini studio setup right inside the Ella and Henry children's clothing boutique in New Canaan, CT. This event is so special because Moms are rarely in photos and it's been my most important intention to get them in front of the camera more.

I have a feeling that when people think of Studio photography, they think that kids need to sit still and be perfectly behaved in order for us to capture any images worth keeping. Well, I am here to tell you that when kids run around, don't listen, and generally act a little crazypants, we get some of the best photographs. It's true. And it's also 100% accurate to say that expecting kids to sit still at this very young age is both unrealistic and a little crazy to begin with, which is why I certainly don't do it.

As kids grow into teenagers parents tend to forego the whole annual family photoshoot thing. It doesn't seem as critical to document these years because the children don't seem to be changing as much. There aren't as many milestones. And there are plenty of soccer games and weekend activities to keep everyone very, very busy.

When parents book a newborn photoshoot with me, they obviously don't know a few things. Like, when exactly the baby will be born (even with scheduled C-sections, babies can arrive early), how long it will take for Mom to recover, and if any special considerations will need to be made for the baby.

Let's be real, professional photographs are a luxury. When my clients hire me to take photos of their family, I want them to have something that ins't available at a retail store. It also means providing an experience that matches the price.

There are maternity sessions... and there are maternity sessions that involve an older child. Because once Mom is expecting baby #2, nothing is purely about the parents anymore. It becomes a family experience, and it's only fitting that everyone gets in on the fun, right?

One of the reasons it's so hard to decide which photographer to hire is because all you're seeing is a website or social media posts, but you have no idea what actually goes on behind closed doors. You usually don't know whether the person you're hiring is running a full-time business or does photography on the side (as in, how seriously are they treating this?). You can forego the guesswork and go to an established photography studio, but then you might end up being photographed by an associate photographer and the quality might not match what was advertised.

I am not a trendy person. It took me many years to discover that I like things to be simple and clean, without much fuss or fanfare. And that definitely translates to my photographs.There are many trends out there. Fashion, of course. That's new every season. And every year the style and color is different. Fashion doesn't seem to care about body types or things looking flattering on people. Whatever is in style is what everyone is supposed to wear. 

I hear a lot of "I love how you believe in prints". Which makes me a bit uncomfortable, because it's not about believing in tangible products at all. I simply want my clients to receive something that is more valuable than digital files. I want them to walk away not having wasted their money on an image that might be pretty, but will never see the light of day.

A maternity photo session with the first child, the soon-to-be older sibling, is so incredibly special. And Michelle is right, this will be the last time it will truly be just the two of them. Once the new baby arrives, the whole world is going to change, and a new normal will soon emerge that isn't better or worse, but certainly different.

Being a good photographer has nothing to do with the camera you use. Granted, you have to know how to use your camera (that's a given, I would hope!).. but if that was the only factor, we would see a lot more capable photographers out there. Most people think, you go out, buy a fancy expensive camera, and viola! you can take professional-quality photos. Well, yes and no. Because having that camera is step 1 of the many many steps on the road to producing professional-quality photographs.

One of the most important factors to looking good on camera is being able to feel comfortable when someone is taking your photograph.Now, that is certainly easier said than done, because I know firsthand the terror and anxiety that comes with someone pointing a camera in my direction. And when you're a tween girl, or a Mom to a tween girl, you probably hear all sorts of things about photographers, modeling, and the uncomfortable situations that might result. I certainly get surprised when I hear some of the questions parents ask, because I come from a background of photographing families, babies, and kids.

Ella & Henry's Spring 2017 fashion show was a wonderful showcase of latest kids and tween fashion trends, including outfits from Steiff, bellybutton, Stella M'Lia, and Papermoon, and beautiful flower crowns by BOW&ROSE. I have the distinct pleasure of photographing the fashion show, but I also set up a mini-studio downstairs and take fashion portraits of the kids before and after the big event.

It's easy to figure WHY you would want photos of your newborn baby. These first few weeks of a baby's life are so completely and utterly new. You want to make sure to remember them, through the haze of doctor's appointments and all-night feedings. And often the iPhone photos don't really come close to capturing how you see your baby during that time…

There seems to be this idea of how newborn photo sessions should go. Your baby should sleep soundly through the whole photoshoot, allow herself to be changed and manhandled, and will overall be in the most amicable and pleasant mood the entire time. Never mind that she's in a totally new environment and has just been born a few weeks prior…