Celebrating Alanna- Hillsdale, Michigan Documentary Photographer

I have had the joy of photographing Alanna three times now, albeit the first time she has still nestled inside here momma, but she was, oh, so close to gracing the world with her presence.
On this, the third time, Alanna graced the lens of my camera,  Alanna's family was celebrating her with a naming ceremony.  Her family gathered around enjoying an amazing meal, watching Alanna try all the various food choices on her plate, chatting about life, and reminiscing about the past.
There was much laughter and copious amounts of love as this family took the time to celebrate Alanna as she is today and as she will be in the days to come. During the naming ceremony promises were made to this precious, blue-eyed beauty that she would always be loved and cared for.
It was a wonderful demonstration of the love of two parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who came together to display to Alanna that they would always be there to guide her, love her, and celebrate her.


"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One is roots, the other, wings." -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The Camera You Have With You

It's been said, "The best camera is the one you have with you".

I couldn't agree more!  We aren't always going to lug a slr camera around with us or even a mirrorless camera.  Sometimes we don't have our purses or bags with us, but if you are like most people you will probably have your phone.

This past weekend we celebrated my nieces high school graduation.  I didn't want to carry my camera all around their front yard, so I left it and my purse at home .  I tucked my phone in the front pocket of my skirt in case someone needed to get a hold of me and looked forward to sitting and relaxing for a bit.

I wasn't even planning on taking any photos, I was photo saturated at the moment and tired.  The idea of taking pictures didn't bring joy to my heart. I was ready for a break. My plan was to eat and enjoy visiting with friends and family.

Then all cuteness broke out.

My husband, Joel, gave our nephews cake and pop.  It was a huge treat for them that only Uncle Joel has clearance to do.  There is a long story behind that, but in short when we first started having children my sister was about 11 years old.  Through the years she did things like draw chest hair in permanent marker on our boys and gave them all kinds of treats and goodies because she could.

When she began having her own babies, Joel returned the kindness. He now treats her boys and girl to all kinds of surgery sweetness then packs them off for home.

I was so glad I at least had my phone camera to capture this moment of Uncle Joel inducing a sugar high.

This is our family, our love, our moments.

It may be a bit crazy and wild and topped with sugar overdoses, but it's what I want to remember.  It's what I want every child in our family to remember.

 Just a little encouragement...
All these images were also edited on my phone.  You can get good images with your phone. It can be done!

June 2017 5-on-5- Getting All Dolled Up

Dance Recital day is a big deal around here and so this year I decided to capture all the ins and outs of getting my girl ready for her big day.
Hair is a biggie.  In the past we have had someone else do a fancy curled bun sort of thingy-m-bob. This year we opted for a braid bun.  Which was well within my hair styling abilities

Next was the make-up.  A big treat for this little girl.  She enjoys getting all dolled up, except for the mascara.  That, well, let's just say after 5 years of dance we are improving.

 If you give a girl a remote, she will take photos.

This last one breaks the black and white theme, but I had to add it.  It was one of the few (okay more like 30) photos that we took together that turned out and black and white didn't do it justice. We were at the end of our hair and make-up routine, and she was ready to shine on stage.

 For more documentary photography that tells a story in just 5 photos head on over to check out the beautiful photography of Amy. She is a Portland, OR Documentary Family Photographer.