New life brings with it amazement and wonder. When a child enters our world our lives are changed immediately and evermore. Everything is new and each step is more incredible than the last. The first time they lock eyes with you and you know you've connected in some unspoken but important way. The first time you know they’re responding to you with those adorable coos that echo your own. The miraculous first smiles and first steps. All too soon those precious months have come and gone and we're left with distant memories of that first and fleeting year. We hold those images in our mind of what they were like when we first met them; and all the little things they did along the way as they grew into unique little people. We don't get that time back, but we do get to preserve those important memories in pictures.
Here is Jenna's first year in a few pictures I selected from the 4 photo sessions we had together in that time. I'm honored Jenna's parents trusted such an important task to me. She's grown so much and I just can't believe how quickly the year has gone by.
I just realized it's been a long time since I've shared any recent pictures of my favorite niece Lula (I can say she's my favorite since she's also my only niece). I'm not quite sure where the time has gone. It wasn't that long ago that I was holding her in the hospital for the first time marveling at this new life. Now she's a year and a half, running around the house, yelling my name "lelli", "delli" or whatever other version she can get out that doesn't require the 'k' sound, sharing her toys with me and reciting her numbers and colors. I of course am enamored by her. Especially when I hear she's making requests to "watch Elmo with Aunt Kelli pleeeeeeeease!" It doesn't get much more adorable than that, does it? She's as sweet as she looks. I'm hoping she stays that way forever.
Until the next time...
-km (rochester, ny children's photographer)
"The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him." - Pablo Casals
I saw this quote today and had to share it. It makes me hope for every child to know of their own incredible uniqueness. I want for them to go out into the world with that knowledge and make their own path with confidence. At each and every session I am reminded of this. Children are amazing; brimming with curiosity, and full of possibility. They are spectacular to be near and observe, and to wonder what greatness lies ahead. These cuties from a recent session are no exception. I just know they're going to blaze trails in the years to come.
I LOVE fall. It's such a beautiful time in upstate NY. The crisp blue skies, reappearance of apple crisp and pumpkin pies and of course the vibrant colors. My schedule has been packed with fellow fall fans and I'm loaded with gorgeous pictures with perfect fall backdrops. There's plenty more to share but currently I'm loving this picture.
Working with newborns and children so much, I am frequently asked for ideas on everything from what to wear for a photo session to a good place to get funky nursery furniture. I've made a list of "things I love" for my family, friends and clients that I love. All of these links are worth checking out for some adorable clothes, accessories, and furniture for your little ones.
I have the best job. It's true. Every photo session is a new experience. Peeking into people's lives and the bond they share as a family. It's an opportunity for me to connect with new people and capture their spirit to be looked back upon for years to come. Each family is beautifully unique and I always take so much away from every experience. I had so much fun taking pictures with Annemarie, Jeff and their two adorable daughters. Emily is at the stage where she sticks her tongue out at everything...it's so funny and adorable at the same time. Makayla has boundless energy. She's spunky and carefree; just like a 4 year old should be. I had to sneak my shots in between playing with her dollhouse and a few rounds of zingo, which of course she beat me at fair and square! I'm looking forward to a rematch at our next session, and hopefully more fun pictures of this beautiful family.
When I received an email from Theresa months ago, I was so excited. She and her husband Jim were in the process of adopting a baby from Ethiopia and wanted to have someone at the airport to take pictures of a small gathering of friends and family that would be there to welcome them. I knew it would be unlike any other job I've had and was thrilled to be a part of it. I didn't want to miss a second of such a monumental event so I asked Tom to come along too. Neither one of us had any idea what was in store.
When the date finally arrived, we got to the airport early. I pulled a few strings and got to the gate to wait for them while Tom stayed on the other side of security waiting with the small group of friends and family that had already gathered. When Theresa and Jim got off of the plane they were excited to show off their beautiful little angel. They were all smiles and definitely had no idea of the reception awaiting them. None of us did. As we approached the exit we could see rows and rows of friends and family, balloons and banners, it was unreal. When the doors opened there was an explosion of cheers, crying, laughter, and hugs. I wasn't prepared for how hard that would hit me. Overwhelmed by emotion I fought back tears while I tried to catch every smile, every hug, every once in a lifetime moment. This was the beginning for them. After a long road of paperwork and trip around the world...they were finally home together, and their friends and family made sure they had the warmest welcome home ever. It was one of the most beautiful moments I've ever witnessed.
I will forever remember Luca's excited smile...and the way Jim and Theresa beamed as she carried him around and introduced him to all the people that will be a part of his new life here. Several weeks later and I still get choked up thinking about it. It was amazing; and unforgettable and I am so honored to have been a part of such a monumental event in their lives.
Many thanks to Tomas Flint for coming along and catching some fantastic shots of this incredible day. For more information on BFAS Ethiopian Adoption click here.
