Navy Stripes + FOMO [7 days new] | Louisville, KY Newborn Photographer

FO·MO

ˈfōmō/

noun

informal

noun: FOMO

1. "fear of missing out". The fear that if you miss a party or event you will miss out on something great

   Even though he was exhausted, John's fomo got the best of him and he went to the party.

30 seconds between these 2 photos. Impressive

This little guy fought the good fight. He had some serious FOMO, didn't want to fall asleep for anything and turned into a professional snacker (and napping while snacking). But that's all part of the fun and it makes for some super cute and natural snuggle time. 

Sweet moms and dads-to-be, don't get discouraged with a fussy newborn during their first photoshoot. They are not used to being messed with so much. All they know is sleep and eat, so modeling experience takes a little time - and extra snacks - its hard work! 

But once we finally get a solid pass out (see first image above, 30 SECONDS) we get some really great sleepy stuff because they are so out. Like warm milk and a little hot toddy. For parents of course, don't feed that stuff to the baby... honey is bad for them :)

These sweet parents have an adorable little man in their hands and he has that amazing little newborn smell, so needless to say they are doing a really great job.

But seriously, this sweet family was amazing to work with and extremely patient with all of my many angles. What an amazing Swaddle Baby Plan session, little man was a champ and we even got a few with big brother Rocky (he's the furry one peeking over the crib rail, above).

Belly

Baby

 Swaddle Baby Plan: Maternity and Newborn for $400 

including beautiful heirloom art products.

Baby Plan options

XOXO,

Mich

P.S. Please send any mommas-to-be my way. Everyone deserves amazing images for their sweet, sleepy, dew-skinned new addition. Contact me via the link above, comment below, and share with your friends.

Smiles and Sunshine [6 months] | Louisville, KY Child Photographer

 

 Remember this little guy? Well he was much smaller the last time we saw this sweet face, and he was not so happy with me. But here is again. Parker is 6 months old and I cannot imagine a happier little boy.

 Little brother is growing up quick and he is all smiles. Learning fast from big brother Connor too.

There is no denying these two guys are related. Connor on the left and Parker on the right - both at 6 months old.

Those peepers :: swoon ::

 

Gigi even came over to help celebrate her birthday with these little studs,

 I swear, I don't know how momma will say no to these baby blues.

 I just love seeing my littlest clients grow. Connor man was a client as a newborn too and now he is big enough to help with the dishes! Goodness, slow down time.

XOXO,

Mich

P.S. Expecting a little one soon? Have a couple of sweet baby boys already that you need to document right now, in a relaxed lifestyle setting, before they are driving and leaving the house? Contact me at the link above or use the social media icons to check out some of my other work on the right. I LOVE to capture sweet bebes as they grow. They are only little for a little while. <3

Next to the River + Between two Trees [family] | Louisville, KY Family Photographer

The tree to the right marks the spot, where mom and dad tied the knot.

::swoon::

I always love to shoot a session in a spot that means something to my clients. These photos will serve as memory keepers, reminding you of amazing moments with your beautiful family members - all captured in time. And what better way to remember your wedding spot and your kiddos at this exact age.

When Brooke asked me to come out and take a look at her parent's home on the river where they wed in 2008, I was giddy.

Then I sat in an hour of traffic for our city's bridge-expansion-in-every-direction-plan :).

But it was all so worth it.

This adorable family is sitting in the spot where all of Brooke and Nathan's wedding guests sat a few years back, watching them tie the knot - between two trees - just to the right of the camera.

Secret time: Keegan must be a great secret keeper.

I was so thrilled with how these photos turned out and people are always so concern about their kiddos cooperating, I wanted to give you guys a little behind the shoot 411. So here goes, straight from Brooke and Nathan's mouths.

Big brother Keegan is so great with Grant and Harper.

1. How did you feel before the photo shoot? Did you have any concerns?

I'm always excited about having family pictures done but nervous about how well the kids will behave!

2. Did you prepare for the shoot? If so, how? We tried to talk to the kids, particularly the younger two, about cooperating during the session! (It does not always work)

3. Did the kids undergo any smile/giggle practicing?
No smile or giggle practicing! They know how to do that pretty well!

4. What makes your family giggle the most?

Unfortunately the kids think talking about toots are the funniest...

Growing up with an older brother and cousin that was like a brother, I know how little Harper feels, and she is not letting anything past them :). Adorable in her dress and boots and still beating the boys.

5. Was any member of the family bribed?

No bribes this time because they do not usually work...

6. What were your hopes for the session?

I just wanted to get some good pictures of everyone!

 How gorgeous is this scenery?AND right in the back yard ?!?

 7. Based on the few images you've seen, do you think we accomplished goals?

The images I have seen have surpassed my expectations!

 

8. What were you thinking during the session?

I thought you might go running for the hills screaming and I might follow behind you! Haha

 

 9. Is there anything you would have done (or had Michelle do) differently?

Weather was perfect and photographer was perfect :)

Some of those sweet candid moments are the most valuable, seeing your family in their element, playing match :)

10. What advice would you give other dads before their family photo shoot?

The pictures are not as important to me as they are to her so I just wear what I am told and try to get it done as smoothly as possible.

 

This has to be one of the sweetest photos I have ever made.

Lillies + Puppy Kisses + How to Make Your Newborn Session Awesome | MHP Louisville, KY Newborn Photography

I am sitting here thinking about a way to share these photos of the sweetest little family, and of course I do what most others do while procrastinating focusing on the task at hand, I jump on Facebook.

Would you believe that it just so happens to be the little mama's birthday? I cannot think of a better way to celebrate, than with posting and sharing these sweet newborn photos of her new baby Lily.

This little family was sent to me by another friend (I LOVE referrals) and I am so glad that we could fit sweet Lily in to the schedule.

Isn't she the most gorgeous little girl, and that name, fits her so perfectly. We even found some yellow Lilies blooming in the backyard. How PERFECT! 

There are so many great images from this session - we were able to shoot indoors and out! - and I felt so bad that mom and dad were concerned about Lily being upset and having to snack a little during our session. Which is COMPLETELY NORMAL and expected! Just look how beautiful!

SO I wanted to share what to expect and I put together a few tips to make your newborn photo session go as smooth as a baby's... well you know buns ;).
   

 1. Start Early - Be sure to start contacting photographers at lease a couple months before your due date. I usually use your due date as a place holder and then confirm with the little one arrives. I will always try to fit in any session, but I can only schedule so many sessions per week because newborn sessions can take some time, see #2.

2. Be Prepared for a 2-3 Hour Shoot - Babies are amazing, cuddly, adorable, squishy, unpredictable little creatures. But, they are on their own schedule and have to eat pretty often. We may have to have a few mini feeding sessions in the middle to calm down baby and make them sleepy again. The photo shoot will stress them out and feeding helps to soothe them too.

3. Feed Before your Session - It is best to feed a good big meal about a half hour before the shoot and loosen the diaper if you are interested in naked baby photos. Makes baby milk drunk.

4. Avoid Crazy Days - I know it sounds ridiculous with a brand new baby, but get as much sleep and take it easy the night before and morning of the shoot. Lots of visitors wear baby out, and can make for a more cranky pumpkin for the session.

5. Young Babes are Sleepier - I suggest photos in the first 10 days of life and first 7 is ideal. It is not always possible for various reasons, but try to get photos done as soon as you get home from the hospital. Younger babies are sleepier, which is usually better for photos because they will be more content. Babies eyes haven't developed strong muscles yet, so they often look cross-eyed if they're open.

6. Don't Skip It - If you are concerned about timing, or baby comes early/late, or has a little stint in the NICU, don't cancel. Even if the photos end up being 1 month photos, do them anyway, you will be glad you did later. 

7. It Won't Be Perfect - But we will get perfectly amazing images that will last more than a lifetime. Behind the scenes always looks a little messier than you would imagine. The photos will be gorgeous even if your house is a mess, you haven't slept more than 30 mins and your pants have dried milk on them. The photos show only where I point the camera, and I can hide a lot.

8. Include the Important Stuff - Be sure to collect heirlooms and objects that mean something to you and have them ready for the shoot. In fact, I often ask what you have before hand so I can get the ideas rolling.

9. Consider Priorities - Sometimes the little ones just aren't having it. They may be growth-spurting, or fighting sleep, and just don't want to do much. We have to have a plan. So tell me what is most important to you and we will do that first. I always suggest family photos first, just in case we get some projectile matter on our clothes (also completely normal, no worries).

10. My Models Tell Me - My models, large and small, always tell me when they have had enough. We will go by the way the little one responds and if we have enough and little one starts freaking out, we are officially wrapped up. This is why #9 is so important. 

Most of all, I know it is scary and uncomfortable. But, PLEASE try not to worry. I have done this many times. Pee, poop, spit-up, breast milk, boobs, I have seen it all, and it doesn't freak me out. I will not be offended or injured if it happens during our shoot. I have a washing machine and I know how to use it :)  

Plus babies can smell fear, and their mom, so sometimes I'll make you go away :D

XOXO, 

Mich

P.S. Send me some love, or tell me what I missed, in the comment section below. And please shoot me an email - using the contact link above -  if you need some art made of your new addition.

Bow Ties + Baskets | MHP Louisville, KY Newborn Photographer

To start off today's post, I just want to say how thankful I am to each of you.

Even if you haven't booked a session with me yet, or are taking a peek at a friend's photos, I appreciate you so much! Without each and every set of eye balls looking at this blog, I wouldn't be who I am or be doing what I'm doing today.

And I am oh so blessed.

So THANKS!

And that was brought to you by my new blog design.

 As a creative person, when I sit down to write, it is sometimes difficult. I have to yank stuff out of myself that I normally keep tucked inside. Words are not nearly as much of my forte as say... images :)

So my new blog wasn't going to write its own welcome section - See right sidebar------>
- and I got to thinking about what makes me tick, and it might sound corny, but its all of you.

When I was growing up and my mom asked me to draw her a picture, I would always respond, "a picture of what?" My imagination had tons to draw, but I needed something to inspire me.

You inspire me.

I want to make art that you ADORE. Art that speaks to your soul and captures your heart. And I cannot possibly do that in my line of work without your gorgeous families, kids, pets, and YOU.

So thank you and with out further ado, little Mr. Jack.

He is oh so loved too.

 Mama had a super long delivery, and little Mr. Jack was too comfy to leave hotel Mama. The morning of Jack's shoot, I arrived and he had just eaten, usually a good way to make itty-bitties milk drunk and groggy. Well, we started the shoot and had a few of a very alert little Jack.

We got a few yawns and I thought we were getting groggy, then Boing, eyes were back open.

And this photo about half way down, he was literally laughing at me. Haha I am not sleeping for you!

His little Lullaby Lambs Soother helped quite a bit, and he talked me into snuggling and bouncing him for a while (geez twist my arm:)). Jack finally fell asleep and let us pose him with Bow Ties + Baskets like the little blond-headed doll that he is.
 

I sure hope mom and dad are able to enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed making Jack's first bit of art.

 He did great, after being slightly over interested that he didn't miss anything, but we will call that determined.

 Oh my word... those sweet little toes. Those snuggles ended up being pretty dang sweet for me too.

Xoxo,
Mich

Long Grass and Gardens [family] | Louisville, KY Family Photographer

This special family is the epitome of the client turned friend. I cannot tell you how many times this sweet family has been in front of my camera and I must say it is such a joy to watch then grow. Just look at these sweet girls and the love their amazing parents share.

We started the ideas for this family shoot at their house via text, like so many times before. But when I heard of Randi's idea for photos of the girls playing in the garden and on their new playground, I thought... how fitting. These girls are growing like the tomato plants in compost, tall and healthy in the element they were intended.

I was delighted that we would be capturing some amazing lifestyle photos of the family being authentic, in their element. It is how I hope to photograph every single person I have the honor to shoot - REAL - in their element, their comfortable, authentic selves.

I look forward to our shoots and ordering sessions not because of any monetary gains or business advances I may make. But because we get to talk about David's business and the fun things the girls are doing in school. I make plans with Randi to visit the parish picnics for some games and fun.

This wonderful family is not only an amazing client family that I enjoy working with a few times a year, they are friends and I am so blessed to call them that... Dusty and all.

Reid [10 days new] | Louisville, KY Newborn Photographer

Will you take a look at these sweet boys? They are the cutest with their new baby brother Reid. At one point Dad said putting Reid in between his two big brothers was like putting him in a lion's den, thank goodness everyone came out of the shoot okay :) Being the youngest, I know he is going to be extra strong thanks to that lion's den training.

 Ahhhh the cuteness... Meet Reid!