Jacksonville NC Children’s Photographer | My Stories | Eli is SEVEN Months Old!

Again, this post has been caught up from “draft phase,” and it’s amazing to see how much growth happens in just a month! From tentatively crawling along to an interesting object just in front of him, Eli has grown into a crawling and exploring machine! He is still content to observe and take his time getting to where he’s going…but he is definitely in exploration mode! Taking photos of him is a new adventure!

I often spy Eli’s rear end disappearing around a corner to go investigate something in the other room.

He loves to pick up toys and examine them methodically before he moves on to the next pile left behind by brother and sister!

His own feet are still a favorite, but his little fingers are finding more things in his world to explore.

Crawl, crawl, crawl…he is determined to reach the things that interest him.

But the crawling is still on “pause” when we head outside.  The weather has been so gorgeous, he has been content for the most part to watch us play in the yard from his vantage point on a blanket.

And when he finds himself directly on the grass, he reaches out tentative fingers to explore the soft squishy green stuff. He can’t seem to make up his mind if crawling on it is safe or not.

He will try to eat the grass…or anything else he can stick into his mouth! Mum-Mums are a favorite little snack.

Eli is such a joy to be around for his laid-back and calm outlook on life. He even joined us “on set” for filming of some documentary interviews!

He has so many expressions, I love how he sucks in his bottom lip so much these days!

But most of all I love his precious smile!

At seven months old, he is still so happy and content. I am so thankful for what a blessing Eli has been in our family! We love him so much and can’t wait to see what the month ahead has in store!

*Julie

Jacksonville NC Children & Family Photographer | My Stories | Eli is SIX Months Old!

Well, I have had this post in draft for a while to finish choosing pictures.  What really makes me chuckle is what I wrote nearly two months ago, “Eli is becoming more and more mobile every day!  This past month was the last time he’ll be relatively still…I know life is about to change around here and get really busy!”  Ha!  I can’t say I didn’t know…

I don’t have measurements handy, but you’ll have to take my word for it that he’s growing up too fast! 😉

This month’s theme seems to be feet continued.  He is using his feet to discover his world.  Grabbing them, kicking things around while he’s laying on his back, and reaching out into the space that beckons him to crawl…

Speaking of reaching out, it’s getting harder to take his picture up close.  Inquisitive hands are definitely after the camera…and anything else within reach!

And my little six month old has discovered a whole new world of expressions.  You can be sure that big brother and sister were involved in this!

They are loving that as he gets older, he is more interested in playing and cuddling!

And big sister is really taking notice that little brothers are fun to feed.  The only one messier than him at meal times is actually her!  Hehe.

At one meal time, I caught a series of photos, and realized after the fact that he won a little battle about the bib.  Doesn’t he look proud?  Ok, Eli, I am on to you now!

A few of Eli’s favorite things this month are sitting with Daddy while big brother and sister take a bath…

His super fun rolly-ball toy thingy…

And laying on his side while looking around and checking everyone out!

This much is certain…being six months old is enough to wear anyone out.  Including him! 🙂

*Julie

As you can see, I am a Jacksonville, NC photographer that truly loves all aspects of photography.  It is my passion to capture beautiful moments of life to enjoy for years to come!  I have a unique style that focuses on candid moments of family joy and love.  If you’re interested in booking a maternity portrait, newborn portrait, family portrait, children portrait, military homecoming, or other family portrait and event session, please contact me for more information!  I am booking very limited sessions in 2012.

Photo of the Week…Coming Soon!

So this is usually where the photo of the week would go…but this week, I’m in Mississippi taking photos and doing interviews for the Swim for the Warriors and an upcoming documentary (more information on that soon!).

Jay Platt’s story is an amazing one full of inspiration and motivation for any challenges life may throw at you.  He truly lives by Philippians 4:13.  If you have a moment, head over to his Facebook page and find out more.  www.SwimForTheWarriors.com.  I’ll be sharing more photos and the story when I return!

Many blessings…and remember, you’re unstoppable!

*Julie

Jacksonville NC Children’s Photographer | My Stories | Crawling under the Clouds

Fall offers some of the most amazing opportunities for photographs.  That is one of the things I appreciate about living in Jacksonville NC…being able to experience the seasons!  The leaves are just beginning to think about changing into their beautiful fall wardrobes of oranges, browns, and yellows.  I can’t wait for those colors!  For now, the grass is still lush and green…perfect for crawling and exploring!

Lately, the weather has certainly been playing tricks on us.  One moment it’s a brisk fall day, and the next day it feels like summer.  Between those changes have been moody clouds with the shifting weather.  I say moody, because they seem so somber, gray, and dark…but the light shifts and they are magnificent.  I could lie under clouds and take pictures all day!

But, the photographic opportunity at my feet this afternoon was just as much fun.  Watching my little 6 month old crawl along on the grass and watch the pinwheels was so surreal.  My baby, crawling!  (Serious business, I might add).

I’m definitely going to frame one of these pictures.  The clouds and the concentration on his face…a perfect fall day for impromptu baby portraits.

*Julie

My passion is capturing beautiful portraits that tell a story.  From newborn portraits, maternity portraits, family portraits, and military homecoming and family events, I am a family photographer that captures memories on-location in natural light.  Contact me for more information about booking a session in the Jacksonville NC area.

Jacksonville NC Children & Family Photographer | Behind the Scenes | Don’t Trash It Yet

I peeked at the photos on the back of my camera, and kept working for a better picture. There are so many elements of composition, camera settings, and real life merging in a split second as I’m trying to capture that perfect shot…

Delete, delete, delete…

There was a lot about this particular series that I didn’t like (technically speaking). Window light and areas of shadows and overexposure in the photo, distracting elements, and an impossible-to-get-right white balance were things my critical eye had picked apart in the moment.

Later in editing, I was so glad I didn’t trash them. I fell in love with a simple switch to black and white.

Maybe I’m completely head over heels for my subjects, but I think these just “work” for some reason.

So take it from me…don’t get too crazy with the delete button. Reflect on what you have later with fresh eyes.

Keep focusing on the memories that matter. 🙂

*Julie

I am an on-location photographer in Jacksonville NC.  I love to take children’s portraits and family portraits that capture moments of love and life in natural light.  If you’re looking for unique photos that showcase your memories and tell a beautiful story, contact me for more information.  Currently, I’m booking sessions on a limited basis for maternity and newborn portraits, family portraits, children’s portraits, or military homecomings, birthdays and other family events.

Jacksonville NC Children & Family Photographer | Inspiration & Fun | Photo of the Week

From July of last year…makes me laugh every time!

Caption away!  There are so many possibilities with this picture!  LOL.

*Julie

Jacksonville NC Children & Family Photographer | My Stories | Rainy Day Fun

“Mom, what are we going to do now?”

“I no wanna play dat.”

It is beautiful and cool outside, so we play on the porch. An afternoon shower begins to rain softly, and we watch the drops fall and enjoy listening to the rain.

Then, shower turned into gusts and a torrential downpour that chased us inside.

But, it leaves behind the highlight of our day…two glorious rain puddles!

It was so cold after the storm, but the kids didn’t notice at all. They had so much fun…even though Ian’s pants soaked and fell off while he was jumping! I could have watched them all day!

Next time, I should do as Tina suggested and give them a bar of soap and call it a night! 😉

*Julie

Every session, I bring my love for photography and truly have fun photographing your family memories!  I capture moments that tell your story…whether they be maternity portraits, newborn portraits, children’s portraits, family portraits, or events in the Jacksonville NC area.  I’m an on location photographer in Jacksonville NC with a heart for capturing family memories in natural light.  Contact me for more information to book your session.

Jacksonville NC Children & Family Photographer | My Stories | White Lake International Triathlon 2011

I’m so proud of my husband for finishing another Olympic distance Triathlon!  (That’s swimming 1500 yards, cycling 45k, and running 10k).  He’s trained so hard, I know the accomplishment is not measured by the 2:54:41 it took him to finish…it spans months!  So proud! 🙂

Best of all, the kids and I got to surprise him once again!  With the race being a little bit of a drive, we had decided not to attend.  It seemed like too much trouble with all the kiddlins, and a lot of time in the car (2 hours to White Lake from here). I was afraid of what a hassle it would be with 3 kids under 4. Speaking of 4…did I mention that Matt woke up at 4am to make it there in time?!  At any rate, I woke up wide awake at 6:30am and decided we were going to go!  Love wins!  Since I had nothing prepared, I rushed around and got everyone out the door…

When I went into the room to get Zoe, she sat straight up in bed (from a sound sleep).  I said, “Zoe, we’re going to go watch Daddy race!”  She squealed, but in the middle of her squeal yawned the world’s biggest yawn.  It was too cute!  The whole drive, she kept repeating, “I going to see Daddy go faster, faster race!”  Ian was a little less wide awake, but also excited.  He was asking me what he could yell to Daddy, and if Daddy was going to be tired going all that way.  Eli slept.  Yay, Eli!

So, remember how prepared I was?  (Not).  I prayed that even though I was cutting it really close, we would still be able to catch Matt!  I had quickly printed up directions and race maps and plugged into the GPS.  We were off!  Oh, wait!  The dog!  I left the dog outside!  Neighbor to the rescue!  We kept forging ahead…the “wrong” way.  Yes, my directions had me going a roundabout way to the race site, but I didn’t know it until we were almost coming from the other direction.  I began to wonder if we were going to see him at all on the course, or if we should just meet him on the finish line.  I called my Dad, and giving him very little helpful information (yay, my Daddy!), he figured out where Matt was on the course using live chip timing!  I was encouraged to hear he was still biking.  But, where!?

Then I squinted and looked up ahead.  Cyclists!?  It may have been the roundabout way, but it was the direction that put us right on the bike course!!  And, what is that I spy?  A knee brace and neon bike handlebars!?  IT’S DADDY!!!

I wish I could have rigged up a camera for the look on his face when we slowed down next to him and rolled down the windows.  “Hey, Honey,” I said casually.  “Go, Daddy, go!” from the back seat…and a priceless double take!

We drove on a little bit ahead and stopped with our signs to cheer! Forgive my lack of pictures. I needed more arms at that moment! 🙂

We were able to stop once more and cheer him as he whizzed past.  The kids were thrilled!

At that point, we bumbled our way to the run portion of the course.  (Now that I had figured out what my GPS was doing!).  We pulled over again, and I gave the kids some stretchy tubes to wave around.

Ian used his to yell encouragement to the runners.

Eli amazingly was still full from breakfast.  I put him in Zoe’s car seat so he could watch and I would have my hands free for pictures.

Zoe took the opportunity to inspect the signs and then steal the driver’s seat.  “I be a driver, Mommy.  I go faster!  I race Daddy!”

Ian was very serious about his job as cheerleader.  He told me, “I’m helping them because they are tired!  I will tell them to keep going!”  (This is all him, I didn’t say anything about it!).

And there he was!

We were at a down and back section of the course…so the kids were so excited to wait a few minutes and watch him come right back! 🙂

After what felt like our own distance event…we walked over a mile to meet him at the finish line and celebrated with a banana snow cone.  I admit, I didn’t grab my camera for the haul, but even without pictures those moments will not be forgotten.  Hearing Zoe repeating over and over again that she got to see her Daddy race was awesome!  Ian taking pride in how well he encouraged others, priceless!  And, don’t forget happy little Eli on Daddy’s lap, love!

I’m so thankful God orchestrated what I couldn’t have planned purposefully with days of planning!  Between figuring paces, stops on the course, dealing with traffic and everything else…it was a phenomenal day full of blessings!

Go Team G!  Thank you to everyone who helped make the day great, but most of all thanks to God for a wonderful race and time of family encouragement and support.  It doesn’t get any better than this! I’m so glad I gave the fears of so many things to figure out with the kids to Him. I could never have imagined or planned a more perfect morning!

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

*Julie

Every time I pick up my camera, I look at all the little details and capture moments that tell a story…whether they be maternity portraits, newborn portraits, children’s portraits, family portraits, or events in the Jacksonville NC area.  I’m an on location photographer in Jacksonville NC with a heart for capturing family memories in natural light.  Contact me for more information to book your session.

Jacksonville NC Children & Family Photographer | My Stories | Eli is FIVE Months Old!

We are almost to six months, and I’m finally getting around to this post!  That at least says something for how busy the months are getting as he gets older and more active! 🙂

We’re thinking our measurements from last month were a tad bit off (at least on length)!  He went up a pound, but didn’t gain any length according to what we had before…we’ll chalk that up to a wiggly baby!  At any rate, the scale read just under 17 pounds, and he is around 25 3/4 inches long.

As you can see, he’s doing pretty well with sitting up!  As long as he’s paying attention, he can sit up for many seconds at a time.  But for the most part, he gets interested in something in another direction, loses his balance and falls over!

He doesn’t even mind falling over…he then attempts pushing up and checking things out from his new perspective.

Eli is the happiest baby I have ever met.  No matter where we are (as long as he’s full!), he seems totally contented to play and look around at the world.  And when you glance his way…smile!

He is still taking 3 naps a day…but they are gradually condensing.  One short morning nap, a longer afternoon nap, and another quick evening nap.  He loves to hold on to me when he’s sleeping.  And in my absence, whatever is nearby!

Eli also loves his aden&anais blankets.  We call them his “woobies” and you can tell he loves them.  Chewing, grabbing, and even pulling them over his face sometimes when he is tired…he is never too far from the woobie!

Another favorite thing is the K’tan wrap.  He loves to watch brother and sister running around on our walks!  When we’re out shopping, I have to be careful what comes within swiping distance, though!  He will grab anything within reach and eat it!

Eli and Zoe have really begun taking more interest in each other.  Zoe now calls him her baby…and is learning to be gentle.  Eli raises his eyebrows at her, and smiles.  I love watching Big Sister and Little Brother!

During homeschool, he’s happy to play in his exersaucer and observe all that’s going on in school.  Or perhaps he’s imagining he is the principal?

He’s almost too big for his little baths in the bathroom sink.  This photo really sums up Eli’s outlook on life in general…laid back and content!

It’s fun to watch his personality develop more and more.  I can’t wait to see what he’s planning for the rest of the month! 😉

*Julie

Every session, I look at all the little details and capture moments that tell your story…whether they be maternity portraits, newborn portraits, children’s portraits, family portraits, or events in the Jacksonville NC area.  I’m an on location photographer in Jacksonville NC with a heart for capturing family memories in natural light.  Contact me for more information to book your session.

Jacksonville NC Children & Family Photographer | Behind the Scenes | Outtakes

No matter where your skill level lies, we have all looked at other photographer’s pictures and thought, I want to be able to take pictures just like that.  (The latest problem in my life in this regard is Pinterest.  There, I said it!).  There’s definitely a lot of helpful information online on how to get just the right settings to capture such moments.  (Hopefully my blog has been one of those places…I’ll keep posting more!).

But sometimes, you have the right inspiration, the right set-up, the right settings, and you end up with this…a whole lot of (not quite) right.  (I’m talking about the pictures…not the child…although perhaps both judging from the following pictures!  Ha!).

So maybe you lower your camera and heave a sigh (Or laugh hysterically! Or both!).  You’re left wanting a better camera and more developed technical skills…if only you had what it takes!  (Oh, have I ever been there!).  Don’t let any of those things come between you and your camera!  Sometimes the only thing you’re missing can’t come from anywhere but your heart…

The dedication to pick up the camera one more time and get just a little closer to that perfect shot…

The patience to wait for him to come running back…

The humor to make a funny joke to break the ice…

The love to have fun in the moment and then capture it forever.

Photography does involve a lot of technical skill and the right equipment, but there’s something inside of you that those things can never transcend…your heart.  And besides, looking back through those pictures, you may even like an “outtake” just as much! ; )

*Julie

If you’re interested in finding someone that does more than just take pictures, I’m your photographer!  Every session, I’m out to capture moments that tell a story…whether they be maternity portraits, newborn portraits, children’s portraits, family portraits, or events in the Jacksonville NC area.  I’m an on location photographer with a heart for capturing memories in natural light.  Contact me for more information to book your session.