I remember as a child having family photographs taken.  It was a big deal to get dressed up, have clean shoes and socks and, ideally, not a hair out of place.  My mother always cut our bangs.  Even though she would put tape across them, they always were either too short or very crooked!  I have the pictures to prove it!!  My parents had seven children and somewhere along the way we stopped having professional family portraits taken.  It probably became too challenging to get everyone ready for family photos and then, with seven children, life just got busy!!  I know my parents still have those prints they bought so many years ago.  They will be treasured by generations for many years to come.  I always wish we had more though!

When my daughter and her young family had a recent visit I encouraged them to get outfits together and have a quick family portrait session.  My daughter was not feeling well, the kids were cranky and honestly, how many dads really want to pose for photos?  In spite of the chaos we got it done!  Little E will only have that toothless smile for a short while longer. And tiny T?  Her expressions of pure joy and innocence melt my heart!  They are changing in so many ways and so very quickly!  My wish is that they will one day look back at their prints and be grateful that their parents took the time for family photos.  I want their children to have those treasures to pass down.  What a gift that is!

I really enjoyed photographing this beautiful family and their new baby girl!  Little Avery was just one week old and the perfect model!  She was so easy to curl up into the best “squishy” poses.  Her big sister was a bit harder to capture and I had to shoot quickly!  At almost 20 months old, she is constantly on the go!  I am excited to watch them as they grow and develop that special sister bond. 

All newborns that I photograph are special to me.  Having parents trust me to create precious memories with their very new baby is such an honor and pleasure to me!  Sometimes nothing can prepare me for the emotions of newborn photography.  This session was one of those times.  In February of 2012 I met this couple and their precious son, Ethan for the first time in the NICU.  After struggles with infertility, they gave birth to twins, Alexis Paige and Ethan Wyatt.  Alexis went to be with Jesus soon after her birth.  Ethan was a fighter and tried to hang on but, at the age of just six weeks, it became clear that he needed to be with his sister.  I was privileged to be the photographer at his bedside just two days before.  There I photographed this beautiful boy and his adoring parents as they prepared for the difficult days ahead.  It is his tiny hand you see resting on that of his parents in the black and white photo in my newborn gallery.  I prayed for this family as they said goodbye to Ethan.  I prayed for them as they struggled to make their dream of a bringing home a healthy baby come true.  I rejoiced with them when I found out they were indeed expecting again and prayed all would be well.  It was with great anticipation that Alexis and Ethan’s little sister Ansley came into the world!  Healthy, beautiful and surrounded with love!

At just 5 days old she came to Legacy Portraits for her very first photo shoot.  She brought along two very special bears that were made from Ethan and Alexis’ blankets.  All newborns are special but, some will always hold a piece of my heart.  Ansley is one of those.  I’m excited to watch her grow!

I have been on hiatus due to a shoulder injury and hand surgery.  I have really missed being able to take photos!  Four days after my surgery I photographed Little Miss Taylor’s very first birthday!  I was in a sling and bandage but was determined to get it done!  I am healing and should have my cast off pretty soon.  I can’t wait!  Enjoy Taylor’s photos!

This fun family was photographed in the late fall.   We were fortunate to have beautiful color on the trees and some flowers still in bloom.  By the next week it was all gone!  I am so thankful to have such pretty scenery in my own backyard!

With the holidays and just busy lives it took longer than normal to coordinate schedules for the image selection.  All prints have been delivered and the family now has a great display of framed photos on their wall.