Well, this is obviously not from our morning, but when I think about this smile, I think about our mornings. Now, this picture was taken just before we left to go out to eat. We haven’t been out of the house a lot lately and he loves being out and about. This is one of maybe two times he’s ever had a collar on. Oh…my…doesn’t he look like a big boy?

Soooo….here we go (note that sometimes I will say a lot and sometimes I will say nothing at all)…

Week 1:52

Starting solids. Ask the parents you know, read books, read online sources, they all have a different opinion. Once our pediatrician said to not start solids until 6 months, we were dead set on following his advice. But then Steff’s sleep (which hadn’t been great for us) started getting progressively worse. Then he started giving us the “give me your food or die” eyes. Then the Mommy guilt set in for eating in front of him. He was already showing all the other signs of being ready for solids. That’s when we decided he was ready. He wasn’t ready before that. It was nice because we felt completely confident in the decision once we started. We celebrated his 5 month birthday with sweet potatoes. We’re cooking and pureeing all of his food in batch and freezing it in little cubes. When we’re ready to feed him, we take a cube out and heat it up. Easy-peasy. So far we’ve tried sweet potatoes, avocados, rice cereal, butternut squash, peas, and now bananas. He hates peas unless it’s mixed with squash and cereal. He LOVES bananas and says “mmmmm” every time (which he hasn’t done with any other food). We love making his food. It’s so easy and so cheap!

I adore this picture. Love the way his hands are folded and the way he’s looking up at Bret. I especially love those big blue eyes and the sweet potatoes all over his face.

Week 2:52

Okay, so you have all seen this first picture. It’s the official 2:52 picture. Steff got to see his first real snow. He sat in his bouncy and just stared out this window. I also love Bret and Steff’s relationship. It’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.

Week 2:52 option 2

I was torn between the picture above and this one. This picture was taken moments before he rolled from his back to his belly for the first time. I put his favorite toys just out of his reach (I know…evil mommy). Who knew that’s all it would take. He had been rolling from his belly to his back for a while, which was causing lots of sleepless nights. There was a big celebration in our house this day.

3:52

I love him. And his slobbers.

1. YES…I am still working. To tell the truth, I wasn’t sure if the business would survive my maternity leave. I was so nervous, but knew it’s what we all needed. We made it through and I was crazy busy with one thing or another right up to Christmas and after. Determined to fit in as much as I could. We’re now in the slow time that all photographers have and I’m getting ready for rest of 2012…which is already looking to be off to a great start.

2. MINI SESSIONS ARE UP ON THE CALENDAR! I have a couple locations blank. I wanted to finalize a couple things before announcing those locations. Don’t forget that some mini dates book up faster than others. April, July fair sessions, any Keeneland sessions, and October holiday sessions (I know…October is early for the holidays, but it’s truly the best time to do it and I have an AWESOME location this year). See the calendar HERE.

3. If you are wanting a Signature Session in June, you should be thinking about booking now because that month is going to be jam packed. We have minis, a bachelor/bachelorette party, my sister-in-laws wedding, and vacation. Busy…busy month.

4. Have you seen my new assistant lately? He’s getting chubby. I keep telling him to lay off the chips and chocolates, but he just won’t listen.

5. He’s sitting! He’s sitting! We like to say “go Steff…go Steff…go go…go Steff”. Yeah…he’s pretty much celebrated 24/7.

6. We’ve started solids and we’ve so loved making his food. It’s easy. You know exactly what’s in it. It’s healthy. It’s cheap. I have to admit, Bret has done most of it. I came home one day and he was steaming and pureeing up a storm. I didn’t complain.

7. He loves to bounce and occasionally passes out while bouncing. Sleep has been a struggle for us from the beginning. Granted, not for anyone else, but he hates to nap in this house. I *think* we’ve kinda figured it out now. Steff isn’t the “needs wind down time” type of baby. He’s the “party until I pass out” type of baby. And party doesn’t just mean nice, calm playing. It really means dancing, singing, wrestling…with mommy and daddy…while also wearing them completely out.

8. I love these two. I could cry just typing that. Yes, having a baby can make things a little more stressful between a husband and wife, but goodness, I wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s the daddy I always thought he would be. Steff adores him. He even wimpered when Bret was leaving for work the other day. It was so cute and so pitiful at the same time. I never imagined how much my heart would grow with the birth of Steff, but my oh my has it.

Now…I promise to try and be the blogger I’ve always wanted to be too . I’m working on it…I’m working on it. Just hang in there with me. I’ll love you for it always.

Peace and so much love,

Cilla

* November 19 Mini Sessions are full, but there are a couple spots still available on the date that was just recently opened, November 12th (in Gratz Park).

* I am considering offering a workshop exclusively for parents wanting to take better pictures of their kiddos. Not too technical, just the basics (angles, finding the best light, etc.). Just how to get the best out of your every day photos. It would be late winter or early spring. Email me at priscilla@priscillabphotography.com if you’d like to be on the list for more info.

* And…most importantly…a cute little baby laugh to make your day….

Oh how I love that beautiful baby of mine…

Peace and so much love,

Cilla

Steffen’s favorite spot in the room. He has “talked” to that black and white picture for weeks and he recently has a new love for his mobile (especially when I run my fingers in it and make it move). We laugh and talk here every day.

In case you’re wondering what we’re doing with a blank canvas, it will (one day) be filled with Steff’s footprints. I haven’t quite made time to do his first ones yet, but will soon. Right?

Let the Kids Dress Themselves is a blog that I was instantly in love with, just from the title alone. A question I’m often asked is what in the world to wear to a session. I don’t feel like my answer ever helps. I tell them that they could seriously come in their pajamas and the pictures would be great. Not because of me, but because they would be comfortable. My goal is to tell them not to stress over it. The only thing I ever request is that everyone NOT wear the same thing. Now, if you’ve hopped over to their blog, you will see that “Let the Kids Dress Themselves” is nothing about what to wear to a session, but celebrating REAL images.

So, I’ve now been inspired to share with you all how to get that perfect lifestyle session. I’m pretty sure you’re going to be surprised by some of the answers.

1. The absolute number one thing I tell EVERY one (especially after I get the “what to wear” question) is to RELAX and JUST BE YOURSELF. I  know it’s so much easier said than done. I’ve been in front of the camera and know how vulnerable it can be. But there is truly not one other aspect that is more important than relaxing. Worrying about what to wear, their hair being just right, they act a certain way, everyone’s looking at the camera and smiling just perfect, etc. etc., will do nothing but make you uncomfortable, the kids uncomfortable, the hubby’s uncomfortable, and you even more stressed from all of that.

2. Truly, let the kids dress themselves. Seriously the best advice ever. There’s nothing I love more than seeing a kiddo at the store and you can tell they dressed themselves and that Mom could not get them out of their goggles or their favorite boots. And I know ultimately, 20 years from now, you’re not going to care about that cute little outfit you put together, but the outfit that they wanted to wear every day and refused to take off.

It doesn’t even have to be that outfit. It can just be something they’re comfortable in. Why look like you’re going to a photo shoot? lol…and I’m being serious. Dress like it’s just another day and everyone’s personality will truly shine.

If you’re not comfortable with this (and I completely understand this…remember I’ve been in front of the camera…recently), have a portion of the session with the clothes you prefer and then end the session with something they’ve picked out. It can even be a reward. “We’ve just got a few more and then you can wear your outfit”. It can be something exciting we talk about during the other portion of the session.  Oh and what better way is there to get them into the session? Now, with that said, if you are wanting them to wear anything else, you should probably hold their outfit to the end because we most likely won’t be able to get them out of it.

3. Don’t worry about looking at the camera and smiling perfect, instead worry about spending time with and loving on your family. My goal as a photographer is not to get everyone smiling and looking at the camera, but to capture your family happy, relaxed, and in love…with each other. My favorite pictures are always the ones where everyone’s looking at each other, loving on each other, and just taking a few minutes out of their day to enjoy each other. I even do this with weddings, when I was doing weddings. I would say to take this time to enjoy each other because they wouldn’t have much time to do that during the day. You will never catch me telling someone to say cheese. And my “loose” directions may even be confusing because I don’t want to give a lot of direction. I want to sit you in a spot and let you be YOU. If something is totally off and ruining the image, I will shoot it as it is (because that’s the most natural to you…not all the best images have the best light, the best settings, etc.) and then make a small adjustment and let things unfold again. This is why I shoot so much and this is why I allow a couple hours for sessions.

4. Be in the images. Don’t let time and life pass you by without being in images with your children. Best thing about this type of photography is that you DON’T need to look perfect. In 20 years will you really care that your hair was in a pony tail for that picture? No, you’ll care that you have images of YOU with your kiddos. YOU loving your kiddos. YOU playing with your kiddos. And if it makes you feel any better, I do happen to know all the best angles to show the best you!

I knew instantly that I wanted to use the below image for this one (even though I just recently blogged this session ). Not because there’s anything wrong with the way momma looks (because I know she looked perfect), but because she didn’t intend on being in any images and was nervous when I suggested it. She went with it and trusted me and this ended up being one of her favorites and my absolute favorite. Probably one of my favorite momma-daughter shots ever.

5. Let them play. I often joke that my job is to chase kids. I’m only half joking. We get the best images when the kids are able to play and have fun. If this means me chasing them and sweating my tush off by the end, then so be it.

6. Laugh. Don’t worry about the way you look when you laugh. Again, don’t worry about giving that perfect smile. I LOVE a good full body laugh. Pull out whatever you can to get it. Tickles, gross body noises, words they think are hilarious and you don’t usually say, jokes, funny faces…truly whatever it takes. Oh, don’t worry…I’ll do whatever I can as well (and, despite what Bret says, I am pretty darn funny…well, it may usually be when I’m not trying to), but you know your kiddos best. You know what makes them laugh and, even more so, what’s NOT suppose to make them laugh (which is usually what works even best).

7. Sing. I always ask if there’s a song that they like to sing. I can tell it catches some off guard. So, be prepared with a song you know that they like. If it’s something they normally love, they’re usually going to love it at the session. Perfect way to not only make them smile, but also to calm them and make them feel more comfortable. Now, if this stresses you out, go back to number 1 That’s more important.

8. Remember imperfection is perfection. Confusing? Our lives are imperfect. But, my goodness, isn’t it so perfect that way? Yes…I’m talking tears, the way ice cream got all over their face when they ate it, the scrunchy face you make when you laugh really hard, the way her fly-aways constantly get in her face, the mud on his jeans…all the little things that truly make up life. Those are the things I want to capture and remember.

9. Make it personal. Bring the blanket or stuffed animal they just can’t live without. Your family love to travel? Bring maps or a globe. Love to go on picnics? Bring a picnic or have the session at your favorite picnic area. Is there a book they want you to read over and over again? Bring it. Everything can be personalized. If this stresses you out…go back to number 1 and just bring yourselves

10. Plan an activity. Some of my favorite sessions have been focused around an activity. It’s a great way to take the attention off of the camera and on each other and the activity at hand. The key is for it to be a personal activity. One of my most favorite recent sessions was at the Farmer’s Market. It’s something this family did together often. We went to vendors they usually went to. They brought their bags and bought foods they needed. We found a spot on the street where there weren’t many people and grabbed some shots of their interactions with each other. Then went for a little breakfast at their favorite bakery. And finally played in the fountains downtown. It was perfect for their family. It was fun for everyone. It was natural. That same day, another session got out the sprinklers at the end of their session, which was fun and a great reward for the kiddos (and momma). How about taking me along with you while you pick out your pumpkins for the year or pick apples. A session I’ve always wanted to do was an outing picking up a families live Christmas tree. I love the white lights, trees, and signs you always see at these little spots. Another idea for Christmas is baking cookies. Have an artistic family? How about an art project? Musical family? Break out the instruments. There really is no limit. Just think about what your family loves to do!

11. Don’t fuss too much with their clothes, hair, etc. This is something that I would say most every Mom does. You want their clothes to be perfect. Their hair to be out of their face. Them to sit up and give the perfect smile. I get it. I completely understand. But, want to wear the kids out quickly and test their patience? That’s the quickest way to do it. Happy kiddos are SO much more important than everything looking “perfect”. If it’s something really bad that will completely ruin the shot, I will probably ask to fix it, but most of the time, it wouldn’t ruin the shot. Now, there are times when something won’t bother me, but would bother you. You just kinda have to find a good balance and think before you fuss too much. I guess “pick your battles” is the best approach to this one.

12. Pick a location that is comfortable to your family. Don’t think your home is a good spot? I can almost promise that it is. The way I shoot, the background is normally not the focus. You may not even be able to tell where most of my sessions are held. As long as you have some window light (and you’d be surprised what will work), then we are good to go. There’s nothing more custom and personal than your own home. Not crazy about that then what about a family farm, or an ice cream shop/bakery/pizza place/park/book store/music store/comic store/library (you get the idea) you frequent?

13. Don’t forget to snuggle!

Now…with all that said, if any of it just stresses you out more, go back to number 1! lol. The goal is to truly capture the essence of your family, without all the stress that some photo sessions can bring. Your job is to have fun and play. My job is get that on my camera. I might have a little fun while we’re at it

Hope that helps for your next session! And…hopefully I can remember all of this at our first family session!

Peace and SO much love,

Cilla

I cannot wait to see where it takes L. It may not be the direction she imagined it going. It may be exactly the way she imagined it. Either way, it will be the perfect journey for her…

So, what’s been going on in 2011? After some much needed time off for the holidays, I’m currently working on some left over 2010 orders, a wedding from 2010, and then all of my exciting new things for 2011. I can’t wait to share all the locations for the mini sessions this year! Soon…very soon.

I promise there will lots of fun things to share and write soon, but first I have to share something I’m EXTREMELY excited about. Drum roll please….

I’ve gone through and picked my favorites of my favorite images (please note that not ALL of my sessions are represented. Not even all of my favorites! Trust me…that was hard.) throughout the year and put a fun little slideshow together. Oh, but this is no ordinary slideshow. This slideshow is very very very special. VERY. Hidden in this slideshow, at the very end, is a big SURPRISE. A HUGE SURPRISE. Like if you miss out on this, you will be the lady in the store that snubbed Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and I’ll be saying you made a big mistake…BIG…HUGE. Yes…I know it’s a stretch, but I just keep hearing Julia Roberts in my head saying “Big. Huge”.

If you are viewing this through email or on RSS feed, or if you’d just like to see it bigger, please go to www.priscillabphotography.com/slideshows/2010.

So much love,
Cilla

UPDATE: Okay…I have tried and tried and tried, but it’s just not letting me embed this slideshow into the blog post. Technology and I have NOT been getting along the last couple days. Soooo….to view the slideshow please go to

www.priscillabphotography.com/slideshows/2010

Um…WHAAAAAATTTT? It’s how long since WHO blogged? Me? Almost a month? Not me? Surely! You’ve GOT to be kidding me!

Okay, okay, okay. I’ll admit it. It’s been almost an entire month since I last blogged! I have several sessions that never got blogged and have already been seen by their beautiful clients. Oh, don’t you worry (I know…you were), those will be blogged. As many of you know, this is the crazy, insane, pull my hair out, fall asleep at my desk, and love every minute of it…okay, almost every minute of it….time of year. Getting galleries up in a timely manner is, of course, top priority. With that said, I have been MIA…literally. Not blogging…barely facebooking. I just don’t know how my photographer friends who seem to do it all keep up with it this time of year! Luckily, my beautiful, awesome, intern is back and helping me with orders. Have I ever mentioned how THANKFUL I am for her!?!

Funny story…sorta. You know it’s been a while since you blogged when you get the comment “are you still in business?” Yep…I laughed. Out loud. Sorry internet world!

Anywho…I just wanted to peek in and say hi! I am going to try and post some sessions soon….very soon….and something else really really really fun. I know…I said it three times, must be really fun. Oh make that four times.

Happy Thanksgiving!!! This is one of my favorite holidays. I love it’s simplicity and what it’s all about. Giving thanks. I am thankful for so many things…so many that it may be part of the really fun thing. Make that five times.

I am so insanely grateful for each of you. I know I am always talking about how much I love my clients and how so many have became friends of mine. I probably talk about it so much and with so many different clients that it’s hard to believe I’m being sincere. But, my goodness. If you could just read the emails, see their smiles, feel their hugs, and see how much joy they bring to my face…my heart, you would know that I am forever sincere. And forever grateful.

Peace and so so so so much love,

Cilla

Dawn’s response…”And I’m sure you have the most inspiring, beautiful post ready to go…can’t wait to read it!!”

Andrea’s response…”Pressure is on if you don’t have a post ready. lol. ” (Love how she ends everything with a smiley face like I do…)

PRESSURE IS ON. Panic sets in. I had debated back and forth if I would do a big elaborate blog post to celebrate the day. Since I know everyone has to be tired of my lovey dovey posts and probably just want to scream “Get a room”, I had decided I wouldn’t be blogging about this momentous occasion…well not until after our awesome weekend at least. Now though…now the pressure is ON. So, for the last few hours I have been writing, erasing, writing, erasing…trying to find the perfect words. I tried to do something clever that was a play off of 500 Days of Summer. Something about a narrator following me around with his deep game show host voice. Something about a story of boy meets girl, my early exposure to sad 80′s hair band music like Every Rose Has it’s Thorn, and my rose colored glasses and Brets crystal clear glasses. It’s just not working. I would get an ‘F’ in creative writing today. Today, creative writing=epic fail.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I don’t need anything fancy or creative to say how I feel. Our love is simple and real. There are days when I feel like I could choke him. There are days when his compulsive need to be right sends me over the edge and I look like the scary girl on the Exorcist (sadly…excessive cursing and all). It’s funny because those are also the days that I have a compulsive need to correct him “Don’t say this…don’t do this…don’t get in a debate with this person…don’t correct that person.” I know that I have often painted such a pretty picture of our love, so this just could not be true. The truth is, there are days when it’s just not pretty. Bret told me long ago that love is a choice. It’s not the mystical thing that everyone makes it out to be. After he told me that, he followed it up with “I choose to love you. I choose to share my life with you.” THAT’S why I love him. Our love isn’t just pretty. It’s real. We do have days where we want to choke each other, but those days are a grain of sand when compared to the number of days that our love is magnificant. Our love is so strong that during the days I want to scream, I also want to hold his hand, and love him (well, maybe after I’ve had time to get all the excessive cursing out of my system). I thank God that I know how it feels to have those “I’m so in love with you” moments. The moments that truely take your breath away. I thank God that I still get to experience those moments. During those moments I breath a sigh of relief. During that sigh, I’m thanking God, I’m thanking the Universe, I’m thanking my fairy God mother, I’m thanking my guardian angel, I’m thanking my husband. I’m taking a mental picture. I’m breathing it all in.

Five years ago, when I walked down that aisle, never did I imagine this is where our lives would be. I imagined Bret teaching and coaching, me working for non-profits, three kiddos, and a sparkling clean house. God may not have blessed us with the love of a child, but He has multiplied our love more than I could’ve ever dreamed. I have discovered a career that I love more than I could’ve ever thought possible. And our house may not be sparkling clean all the time, but it is our home. THIS is how I know that God has a plan for us that is so much more amazing than anything we had planned for ourselves. I can’t wait to see what’s waiting around the corner for us.  

Now for the alternate blog post…courtesy of Dawn.

Bret, Oh Bret…how glad I am we met.
From our days at Red Lobster, I’m glad you stayed so sweet and didn’t become a mobster
We have been through so much…you really are my rock, you are so clutch
You love to debate…and then debate, debate and debate
Many times you think you are right…maybe you just are better at the fight
But in the end…you are my best friend (well besides that whole Andrea thing)
Five years has gone so fast, I know this marriage is meant to last!!

So much love…

Cilla