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!

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!

New Boutique Packaging / Salem OR Photographer

I have to show off my new boutique packaging, isn't it cute? Who doesn't love receiving something in a nicely wrapped package? I really enjoy the pop of teal against the natural Kraft paper boxes, and the texture of my Referral Card case sealed with a hot pink jewel. It's taken some time to gather all the parts and I'm so pumped everything has finally come together! Packaging is something that really speaks to me, and gets me excited about what's inside. I believe it says a lot about a business and how important your business and continued happiness is to them. Why not leave the best impression possible?!

My plan is to find a different tissue, hopefully one with a fun print like zebra, and a similar teal ribbon in a small size to replace the thin pink ribbon so there's a nice consistency.

Be sure to check back in tomorrow for my personal entry on Wedding Planning for Brides; it's all about getting organized, setting your course, and choosing your vendors.

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!

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!