Austynn's Newborn Portraits / Salem, OR Photographer

There's something so special about capturing the first days of a baby's life. Their sweet innocence, love for their mother and need to be cared for and nurtured is completely unique to their age.

So much life ahead of them, so much love behind them. When I met Austynn and her mommy Kira I could see such a beautiful bond of love and affection. She's definitely a mommy's girl.

I wonder if I look so peaceful when I sleep? (hahaha)

Austynn's Sneak Peek / Salem OR Newborn Photographer

Last Friday I got to meet sweet little Austynn who's a five-week-old darling girl. Enjoy this preview to next week's full post!

Save Up To 30% During Spring Print Sale / Salem, OR Photographer

Two week Print Sale starts today! Save up to 30% on your print order when placed by March 30, 2010. This is a great opportunity to place your order from last year's session or purchase additional prints for family, yourself, or to prepare for senior graduation announcements! See below for more details.

*Discount cannot be applied with any other coupons or promotions.

Georgia Newborn Shoot / Salem OR Newborn Photographer

Cuteness abounds once again as we are graced by another adorable newborn, Georgia. Daughter to a dear friend of mine Lily, Georgia was born January 30th, 2010 at 7:08 AM weighing 6 lbs 8 oz, 18 1/2 inches long, with plenty of dark brown hair. I just love a newborn with hair!

She put up quite the fight as soon as she caught on we were taking her pictures but we managed to convince her to go along in the end. Isn't she just precious?

Georgia Previews / Salem, OR Newborn Photographer

Can you believe how cute Georgia is looking at her momma?


More to come soon!

Sailor Metzger / Salem, OR Newborn Photographer

I checked the forecast on this blog post, and the cuteness level is officially off the charts! These photographs are some of my favorites I've shot to date, and the joy it brings me to capture and share these with our family make all the annoying parts of my job so worth it! I'm going to reference the Olympics again, bear with me...Think about the amount of work the athletes invest for one brief moment of victory, and the satisfaction that must bring when they've done their best and stand on the podium! I guess I feel a slice of that emotion every time I know I've done my best and capture moments a family will cherish for a lifetime. Have you seen the tears part, where they're so overwhlemed with joy at their victory? Maybe it's because I'm sentimental and carry my heart on my sleeve, but I get choked up when I see my client is emotionally connected to their photographs. Ahhh, I really do love my job!

Last week I had the delightful opportunity to photograph my dear sister Sally's first child, beautiful Sailor Danielle Metzger. Remember Sally? I posted her maternity session about two weeks ago, I bet you'll see where Sailor gets her pretty feminine features! ; )

This was the ideal newborn shoot because we were at our parent's house and I had the afternoon to photograph Sailor, who, as they always do, took a long time to fall asleep. Here's a tip if you're a photographer or mother wanting newborn portraits done: you must have patience and NEVER rush the baby. Is it just me, or does the newborn sense your presence and put all efforts to staying awake? Anyway, this is my 5th newborn shoot and I've learned a great deal already, which I plan to share in a post later this week.

OK, I don't think I need to keep rambling, just look at these photos!

Sailor Metzger Preview / Salem, OR Newborn Photographer

I couldn't help but post this preview of my niece Sailor Danielle Metzger from her newborn shoot yesterday. At 16-days-old she's the cutest thing I've laid eyes on in a while! I'm swooning over all her photos, CAN'T WAIT to share!

Courage / Personal / Salem OR Photographer

Today I had the pleasure of visiting with Jim & Lisa Bair, along with sons Ryan & Chris. I'm so thankful I was able to do family portraits for them as part of my Giving Is Awesome give-away (previews here), I've thoroughly enjoyed our time together. They've taught me so much about courage, and I left today feeling inspired. Jim has been battling cancer now for about 3 years, and to be as happy, thankful, and hopeful as he is takes more courage than you and I may understand.

As a business owner I often forfeit the comfortable easy route for one that will push me forward and make me succeed. It's tiring, intimidating, and often scary. There's a hundred reasons why I'm not cut out for this, why I won't ever make this succeed, and I would be lying if I said I didn't question my ambitions at times. There's an easy job waiting for me to clock in and out and leave all these headaches behind. But then I think of people like Jim who keep fighting because he's had a good taste of life and all it has to offer, and refuses to take the easy route. I think of the athletes in the Olympics, how they dedicate their whole life to train for that coveted gold medal. Can you imagine the kind of passion that must take? I'm no Olympian, but I do have a drive that I attribute to God and my Grandma. God for creating me with the giftings I have, and my grandma for her intense drive and go-getter mindset. Call me obsessive, you might be right, but I've got this fire to pursue my dreams and not back down. Every good photograph, every smile, every person I meet keeps the flame burning and solidifies why I am pursuing my dream for portrait photography.

Today I feel courageous, perhaps an ounce of what keeps Jim going wore off on me. : ) I found a few quotes that put wind to my sails, I hope you feel as encouraged and empowered as I did after reading them!

"Courage is the power to let go of the familiar."
~ Raymond Lindquist

"A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for."
~William Shedd

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow'."
~Mary Anne Radmacher

"Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged man who kept working."
~Unknown

Expressive Sofia / Salem OR Baby Photographer

I am still laughing out loud as I post this entry. My little niece Sofia is as cute as they come. I posted her newborn portraits here a few months ago, adorable! She's a Sturm girl alright, 4 months old and full of spunk and plenty to say! I just had to put these hilarious expressions together to show just how funny she is! The upper right just kills me...!!!

Can't wait until her and cousin Sailor are old enough to play dolls, wear pony tails and take shopping!

Felicity / Newborn Photography / Salem, OR

I am well aware of my overuse of the word cute in describing something or someone. Anyone who reads enough of my blogs will notice I use the 'c' word heavily, and I think it's high time I expand my vocabulary!

With that said, this precious little girl Felicity was a show stopper at 16-days-old! I kept thinking how darn adorable she was the entire shoot, and how she was the spitting image of her parents, Ben & Lena. If I had a top ten cute list, she'd be on it. OK, I said it, but honestly, there are too many things in this world that deserve and demand the description of cute. Like Felicity's teeny-tiny fingers and pursed lips in this first shot! Gosh I can hardly stand it!

I've learned in doing newborn shoots that they run the show, and all it takes to get those adorable shots is plenty of sleep-inducers (aka feedings) and patience. This little gal took a while to warm up to the idea of laying naked in silly poses while I snapped her picture, but eventually we worked her up to it. I'm so thankful she's got two awesome parents who trusted and allowed me to take part in such a monumental time in their life.

Congrats Howden family for the arrival of such a beautiful girl! Blessings, peace, and the hope of a full night's sleep to you!