Kimberly McCoy Photography

Princess Fiona Turns 1! (Alpharetta Baby Photography)

2012-02-13T19:30:00.012-05:00

Fiona's a little blog star of mine. Since she was born, which seems like yesterday rather than a year ago, I've been so lucky to spend a good bit of time with this sweetheart!

You can see her previous starring roles here:
Newborn
Six Months

Drumroll, please, for her latest feature! :)

How do they grow up so fast? Speaking of fast, I'm gearing up to do a lot more running at our next session once she discovers how fun that is!

One Adorable Angel (Alpharetta Newborn Photography)

2012-02-01T22:00:00.002-05:00

I was so happy to meet baby Elise. At just under two weeks old, I doubt this little angel was more than 6 pounds at the time!

Congratulations to the family on this sweet, angelic addition!

iPhone Frenzy at Amicalola

2012-01-17T20:00:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I took the kids to Amicalola Falls for a picnic and hiking. I have to admit, lugging my equipment with me on a hike is not really a fun activity for me.

I decided to leave my fancy camera and paparazzi lens at home (much to the delight of my kids); however, I still had my iPhone! I thought it would be a great opportunity to use what I had and enjoy a day without worry of damaging my camera or inciting groans from the kids while mommy ensures the perfect exposure and bokeh effect.

Here are some of the pics from yesterday- all taken and edited with the iPhone:

Though it won't replace my equipment at sessions, I am hooked! I love the freedom of using the phone and the fun of editing them directly in the phone as well! The quality isn't shabby either. Sure, you don't have all the options without all the equipment, but sometimes just using what you have is pretty great.

Clark Howard's Christmas Kids

2011-12-07T20:00:00.003-05:00

Benny and I stopped by our Walmart Sunday to participate in Clark Howard's Christmas Kids charity (and we got to meet Clark, too). It's a fantastic opportunity to make a foster child's Christmas!

Benny chose Demaro, a 7 year-old boy. Like almost every child, he had a bike on his wish list. I asked Benjamin if he could have anything on the list, what do you think he would want?

A bike of course! We hope Demaro has a wonderful Christmas!

If you get a chance, visit Clark this week- he'll be at Walmart in Dunwoody on Thursday Dec 8, Duluth on Friday, and East Cobb on Saturday. It was a great experience for us to help make a foster child's Christmas a little brighter!

Adventures at Piedmont Park

2011-11-18T10:59:00.000-05:00

Once again, it was probably one of the most perfect fall days- with the exception of a windy day or two, we've had great luck this season!

I was so glad to have my recent investment, not another lens, but a collapsible red wagon- where I could keep and tote all my stuff. Priceless! I definitely needed it- and it's always great when I don't have to do a scavenger hunt for lenses, etc in the grass after a session.

The family arrived with big sister ready to strike a pose (little sis was snoozing in the stroller, having fallen asleep on the way over- doh!)

Little sis had to be woken up and for a while there, she wasn't all smiles (understandably:)

Little sis gearing up for smiles to come:

But then look who decided to perk up afterall!

Ring Around the Rosie- so fun:

Little sis working it- what a cutie:

Running! (I love how mom and dad are taking a break from all the 'fun':)

Climbing trees- a great way to end the day (but the real treat was that the kids got to feed the ducks- pouting pic of big sis ready to feed them not shown :)

We weren't alone in taking advantage of this perfect day. I'm pretty sure there were about 4 or 5 other photographers and families in the same area that day, all having their own Piedmont Park adventure!

Roswell Rules!

2011-11-10T20:00:00.006-05:00

Downtown Roswell, GA is a great, historic community with some fantastic restaurants and art galleries. If you haven't had a chance to explore it, check it out! I wish I lived a little closer, but glad I have the chance to hang out there once in a while.

I met mom/son duo for an 'urban' session in an out-of-the way area on a cold Sunday morning. I loved the matching leather jackets- so cute. Mr. E was a good sport, too!

Showing off his karate moves!

Looking cool in the jacket...

Canoes amidst the downtown leaves...

Thanks for meeting me early on a Sunday morning and introducing me to the fantastic new store, Roswell Provisions! To warm up and as a reward, I had a fantastic mocha there (I'm pretty sure Mr. E got a couple of delicious baked goods- hard to resist!) It's basically a dream in there- something else to make sure you check out next time you're in Roswell!

Bright Sunshiny Day

2011-11-07T00:43:00.001-05:00

It's not surprising to those who know me- I love fall! It really is my favorite time of year. I only wish it latest longer! The colors and cooler temperatures make me almost giddy with my favorite sweater on and my coffee in hand-(and camera in the other :).

I want to savor fall and enjoy this fleeting season. There's nothing much better than sunshine through the leaves and playing in them!

When I visit families' homes, I love to scope out the best areas to photograph. Everywhere I turned on this great day, there was beautiful color (but chocolatey black and white in photographs is nice sometimes too)...

Miss K- such a cutie and a great helper with getting my gear set up!

Now the real fun begins...

A stroll in the backyard after the fun...

It was one of those perfect fall days. I'm so lucky to be able to spend so many of them outside with fun families!

Welcome Fall!

2011-10-15T14:03:00.003-04:00

I absolutely love fall. I'm not sure if it's because it doesn't last long for those miraculous colors, much like those daily miracles of childhood, but I cherish these days more than any other time of the year.

We got our first true taste of fall last weekend. Saturday was almost summer-like while I was sweating it out at a session in the mid afternoon sun. By Sunday morning though, clouds had crept in with a chilly wind to boot- fall had arrived!

I met this fun family in downtown Duluth, GA early in the morning. I am embarrassed to admit, before that weekend I had never been there, though I'd driven past it probably hundreds of times on the way to/from UGA. The place is great! It's so family friendly, with a playground, sprayground, a festival for concerts/events, a great clocktower, a large open green space, beautiful trees lining sidewalks and unique stores/restaurants surrounding it.

After a few family shots, I got to run around after Miss 18 month-old munchkin! This age is fun, but bribery (or incentives :) don't work much until probably around age 3, so you have to get a little creative trying to get them to stay in one place, or be prepared to move!

Oh what fun gathering up some leaves can be!

Big sister was a blast- she loved throwing leaves at me and spinning around. She had a great time.

I managed a couple of the girls sitting still AND looking in the camera's direction- success! :)

When big sis lost some steam, it's amazing what the little incentive of candy did for her spirits:

Evidence of the changing colors underway...

After the session was done, we headed over to the new Tie Dye 4 Bakery to warm up with some coffee (for me, not the kids) and jazz up on some sugar (who could resist?).

And while the colors are even more intense this weekend, the weather feels like it's almost back to summer today, but I'm sure we'll be back in sweaters soon. I've got my favorite one on standby.

Mommy was missing!

2011-10-04T20:30:00.001-04:00

My little girl started Pre-K this year. It sounds cliche, but I don't know where the time went. I was just rocking her to sleep and now she's a night owl reading books until midnight if we'd let her.

The other day, I saw a drawing she did at school which made me sad and realize I had to rethink my priorities:

Mommy was MISSING... I wasn't there in our own family drawing- I was off taking pictures. Don't get me wrong- I love taking pictures and I know the importance of them for families- it's something that I try to convey to everyone I get the chance to photograph...time is fleeting, your kids will grow and change, and that it's so great to create and capture those memories and understand the importance of them.

Then I realized- what if you're too busy to be there to make memories with your family?
I'm not a full time photographer. I also have a full time corporate job. I have always loved photography since I was a little girl, so I have to balance the day job with the side business with the family time, and apparently I wasn't doing such a good job at it.

Since this time, I have made efforts to balance work and life, to block out the much-needed time with my family to enjoy those times to take them on fun outings or just hang out. It's important, because how can you make memories if you're not even there?

I'm happy to say I made the cut on the family drawing this past weekend (and notice the transformation on how she draws people! My baby's growing up...:)

Allyson and Philip's Wedding

2011-09-19T20:25:00.004-04:00

Allyson and Philip had a wonderful wedding at a gorgeous destination-Gulf Shores, AL! Though there are many more pictures for them, I hope this will be a good summary of a great day!

It was an unforgetable weekend- congratulations to the wonderful couple!

Bride's dress - Mori Lee, purchased at Bride Beautiful in Sandy Springs, GA. Ivory taffeta with beading
Bride's Hair - Suzanne at Eden Spa and Salon, Orange Beach, AL (http://spasofeden.com/eden_spa_and_salon.htm)
Bridesmaids dresses - cotton sateen, strapless, short dresses in "clover" at David's Bridal
Groom - Khaki lightweight tropical blend suit by Jos A. Bank
Groomsmen - Khaki linen pants and white linen short-sleeve shirt also from Jos A. Bank
Ceremony Coordinator/Set-up - Charli Linn, company - All The Details, Gulf Shores, AL (http://www.dreamybeachweddings.com/)
Flowers - florist Ava Hopkins, company - A Flower Box, LLC, Orange Beach, AL (http://gulfshoresflorist.com/)
Catering - Naman's Catering, Mobile, AL (http://namanscatering.com/)
Cake - Publix Bakery, Orange Beach, AL
Ceremony Venue - Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, AL
Reception Venue - The Phoenix X Condos, Orange Beach, AL
Ceremony Violinist - Michelle Adams, Fort Walton Beach, FL (http://sandandstrings.com/)
Lighting/Drapery - Southern Sounds, Gulf Shores, AL. Torrie Smith (http://www.southernsounds.org/)
Linens - Kent's Special Events, Pensacola, FL (http://www.kentsspecialevents.com/)
Limo Service - Karola's Limo Service, Pensacola, FL (http://www.pensacolalimousineservices.com/)

Fiona- Still Fabulous (Alpharetta Baby Photography)

2011-08-24T20:30:00.006-04:00

Once again, Fabulous Fiona (check out the link to her newborn pics here) gets a feature on the blog for her 6 month session- who can resist this cutie pie?

Kudos to mom for the fantastic mirror, pearls and bow/bloomer props! I just love it when we can incorporate the family's things- makes it so special. I always love outdoor sessions, so it's fun finding the perfect spot in the yard to set things up.

Fiona was enamored as well- apparently the mirror is one of her favorite 'toys'- the fun begins!

I love to work on some vintage/textured looks- and some of these pictures were perfect for that!

This little chair has come in handy on a couple of sessions and is pretty easy to throw in the back of my car- Fiona enjoyed it as well-

Ready for her closeup...

Next came the wardrobe change and some fun free time crawling around. I still can't believe how mobile she is for 6 months!

One last amazing prop- mom's vintage-style bicycle (along with dad's love of Queen's song 'Bicycle Race' on Rockabye Baby), it made for a perfect backdrop:

At the rate this little one's going, she could actually be riding that bicycle at the next session! See you next time, Miss Fabulous! :)

Oh What a Beautiful Morning (Alpharetta Family Photography)

2011-08-16T20:00:00.001-04:00

I love that time in the evening when the sun is about set, but the morning is gorgeous too!

It's not really realistic to get families out for a sunrise session (or the photographer for that matter), but early morning before the heat of the day and extra bright noon-day sun kicks in works great- especially with plenty of open shade left for running around with the kids.

What's also great- there's plenty of time left in the day to reward those kiddos for how great they were (and parents to recover from having so much fun with them !:).

Testing out balancing skills with the little bro on the go- he didn't want to hang out there on the fence for long!

I love that Radio Flyer! The kids loved it too- they play with it all the time. It's great when mom and dad bring things the kids know and love to help keep it fun for them!

The kids were enthralled with the classic tale- 'Batman' :)

A nice end to the morning!

I believe a trip for candy was what was in store for these cute brothers (and a little r&r for mom and dad!:).

Family Field Trip- Vickery Creek/Old Roswell Mill

2011-08-04T21:00:00.003-04:00

This summer's heat has been unbearable without water involved! With school right around the corner, I'm trying to cram in the fun before life gets even crazier with my son starting 3rd grade and daughter in Pre-K!

We've loved hanging out at our neighborhood's pool this summer, but what we really love are rivers! We've had a blast shootin' the hooch up in Helen and hanging out on the Hiwassee in NC, but last weekend, we needed to stay closer to home.

I remembered through scouting photo session locations and exploring the creek with the family last year that the Old Roswell Mill area and Vickery Creek would have potential to help us beat the heat last weekend. I was right and surprised!

For all the years we've been here, I never even knew how great that area is. We loved reading the plaques with the kids on the history of the mill (check out more info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roswell_Mill , http://www.georgiatrails.com/gt/Old_Roswell_Mill ), and seeing the ruins, but what surprised us was the old dam (with water flowing over it making a very cool waterfall). I'm not sure why we never knew about it, but we could pretend it was a mini-Niagra falls or something! :) There were a few other people there enjoying what looked like a swimming hole right beside the dam.

David and Benjamin enjoyed walking up the creek to check it out- The one thing David was a little concerned with was the possibility of something coming over the edge, so they didn't stay too close to it for long.

After playing in the creek/waterfall area, we checked out some of the ruins...

...and read about the dam/mill construction... (Kids were actually more interested than photo on right would portray :).

We then headed past the old machine shop and over the covered bridge to hang out in another section of the creek. We just missed being a part of photos from a wedding with groomsmen on the bridge:

After a bit of a steep/slippery walk down to creek, there was a great view of the covered bridge above. The water was actually pretty warm compared with mountain rivers we've visited, but definitely more freshing than the bath-water pool after all those days in the 90s! If you go, remember the swim shoes- there are a lot of rocks in the creek:

I'm sure come winter and the break from this heat, we'll be wishing for warmer days where we could play in the water- at least that's what I've been telling myself! :) It was definitely a fun 'in town' family field trip where we could pretend we were up in the mountains for a while and learn a little about the history of our area.

Like Kids in a Candy Store (Alpharetta Children's Photography)

2011-07-20T23:12:00.000-04:00

So it sounded exciting and harmless enough... I was asked to do a photoshoot for Impressions Magazine June/July edition: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20110607/#/2 , https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Impressions-Magazine/317583300067. Even more fun, the edition was featuring kids' clothing and my kids could be the models!

After a few days of scouting out locations for what could represent summer- it dawned on me- ice cream! Ice cream at a photoshoot is not necessarily the best idea, but candy would be great too! We have a wonderful store in our neck of the woods that features both: Scoops! http://www.scoopssweettreats.com/ ,
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Scoops-Crabapple/119365404763500

The date was set and with kids in tow in their outfits (along with Impressions' fearless art director, Wendi) we were off to Scoops (they graciously allowed our photoshoot in their store) with my lighting and the thought this would be fun.

OK, so now I understand how it is for parents when their kids don't act perfectly as expected. I am so patient with other kids, but when it comes to my own, adding in the fact that this was an on-location/limited-time shoot- the stress was on! :) In all fairness, the kids were in a CANDY STORE and asked not to drool over/touch/whine about all the amazing goodies that lined the wall.

Bribery was the key to the day- the promise of ice cream was repeated often (as well as the constant questioning by the kiddos of when they were going to get it) :)

Pay no attention to the wall of heavenly goodies behind you...

It is nearly impossible to keep clothes with wording straight/visible with the constant movements/slouching of little kids...

Sit real still and pretend you're angels for a few seconds more...

We were nearing the end of kid cooperation at this point- ice cream was imminent - I grabbed one quick shot that ended up on the table of contents:

The kids finally got their ice cream after a wardrobe change (these outfits didn't make the magazine. For consistency and the colors along with the indoors of the shop, the first outfits were the ones that made the cut):

The cover! Make sure to check out the digital edition of the magazine here- the other pictures are on the table of contents (page 2) and the article 'Cool Kidswear' page 22!
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20110607/#/2

All in all, it was a challenging day, but so fun to see the end result! Thanks to Impressions for the opportunity and Scoops for letting us shoot at the store! The kids still ask to go back there often (as long as mommy leaves her camera at home ;).

Weekend of the Twins (Alpharetta Newborn/Children's Photography)

2011-06-17T18:58:00.002-04:00

The weekend started off with twin newborn boys! (well, they weren't extremely newborn anymore- already close to 10 pounds having been born premature a couple months before! Actually, the weekend we had the maternity session planned, that's when the little guys decided to make an appearance!

I figured since I usually try to keep babies warm with heating pads and space heaters inside, 95 degrees in the shade weather outside would work perfectly to keep those babies content!

Any guesses where mom and dad went to school?

Brother #1: Getting sleepy/content :)

Brother #2: Just chillin'

Hanging out in the faux fur:

Then came the adorable owl hats!

I couldn't leave without getting some of the cute nursery details:

The next day- more twins! An adorable boy/girl duo this time- and no longer sleepy little babies, but active, fun 2 year olds!

Quick family pics before it was off to the races:

Yes, to answer that question- getting two two-year olds in one place/facing one direction is like herding cats :)

When they are this age, it works best to run around after them than try to get them to stay still:

So sweet!

You follow them around long enough, you're likely to capture some sweet moments!

After the weekend of the twins, I went home to my two kids (over three years apart) and wondered why I thought one at a time was so hard! :)

Mia is 2! (Alpharetta Children's Photography)

2011-06-01T01:29:00.000-04:00

I've been lucky to take little Mia's pictures since she was a newborn! She had a lot of hair even then!

Last year for her 1st birthday, she was standing and relatively stationary:

Now she and big bro are growing up, her hair was a lot longer than a year ago and the biggest difference- she ran- and fast! Here was one of the famiy pics at the beginning when she was willing to sit for a second or two:

After that, there was really no standing still for long- there's definitely no need for a workout when you're running all over the grounds of Bulloch Hall after a two year old!

The little gardeners:

On the go...

She wasn't the only one on the go- big brother actually ran towards me rather than away :)

A moment of rest:

A sweet end to a busy girl's day. They really grow up fast and I cherish these moments I can spend with the little ones, even when they keep me on my toes (and keep me running!) The great thing is, this is Mia at 2- not really posed, but letting them run around and running after them, you get to see kids as they are at their age, and I love that.

Angela and Clay's Wedding

2011-05-20T00:22:00.000-04:00

I was nervously watching the weather earlier that week, since it was forecasted at 70% thunderstorms. It turned out that it couldn't have been a more perfect day for Angela and Clay's wedding!

and dance by the light of the moon...

What an amazing day! Congratulations to the newlyweds!

The Venue: The family's farm
Dress: David's Bridal (Galina)
Bridesmaid's Dresses: JCrew
Ceremony Music: Tiffany Watson and Mandi Crosby
DJ: DJ Leak Productions, Keith Berryman
Rentals: Peachtree Tents and Events
Bridesmaid flowers/Groomsmen: Kristy Swales
Bride Bouquet and Corsages: Faith Design Florist
Food: Williamson Brothers
Cake: Publix

Baby Chase (Alpharetta Newborn Photography)

2011-04-25T21:56:00.001-04:00

I got to spend some good time with baby Chase and his family- it was so nice to meet them and we even had lunch together (and I bet they were surprised I was gone before dinner! ;).

Every family and baby is different, but one thing I've found- babies definitely love to be warm- I've had some good success with a little heating pad and space heater. He was such a sweetie and seemed quite content to hang out on the armchair.

Even awake, baby Chase just chilled. I'm not sure why my kids were never like that! :)

Big brother Bryce was absolutely adorable, though being only two he almost seemed like he'd rather wrestle with his baby brother than stay put- but that's expected and part of the fun. We still captured some sweet moments- just had to be quick ;).

Like most two year olds, they only want to participate for so long before nap-time awaits! Mr. B was getting close to that time, but I had a couple tricks up my sleeve to get some smiles.

With big brother down for his nap, it was time to focus a little more on mom and dad...

It's so sweet to capture those newborn smiles!

Thanks to the family for having me over on a beautiful Saturday to meet their newest addition!

Natural Vs. Studio Light

2011-04-20T20:00:00.009-04:00

I recently went to an amazing workshop where we had a blast learning about using off-camera lighting. Even though I had a couple of strobes, I ordered the one we used in the workshop, since it was more powerful and will let me play around with cool effects/making more dramatic images when working with (or shooting into) the sun.

Natural/available light is still and always will be what I love to use.

Here are a couple examples with my willing kids as guinea pigs. (They are so used to it by now!)

Natural light using a very small reflector:

First shots with one studio strobe outside with a 70% lighting ratio and off to side at about 45 degrees (please ignore my son's extreme bedhead! :):

Which do you prefer? I think there are times for either look!

New Baby Brother (Alpharetta Newborn Photography)

2011-04-15T02:04:00.003-04:00

Baby Landon was a little older than newborn (about six weeks), though he still seemed tiny to me (my baby is 4 years old now!). He had the most beautiful alert brown eyes and could really hold up his head- it's amazing what a few weeks can do.

I was thinking Landon wouldn't want to sleep so much being a little older, and typically it's the first two weeks where you have the best luck with fun posing, but it's amazing what keeping his nursery a scorching 90 degrees with the heating pad and space heater can do (ok, I'm exaggerating- but it felt like it!)

So the nap didn't last long, but it was great to have chances to capture those adorable, alert expressions!

This is kind of funny since Landon was through cooperating for the moment, but Dad kept up the happy face!

Now enter big brother Ryan (not much bigger- only 18 months), and with all kids that age, they don't sit still for long since bribery still doesn't really work that much at this age!

After stickers, peek-a-boo and attempts at candy bribes, we switched it up and took the casual and playful approach which we all enjoyed.

I'm sure by the time fall rolls around big brother Ryan will be more interested in his baby brother and eventually they'll be buddies :). How great it will be for these two little guys to grow up so close in age!

Sweet Spring (Alpharetta Children's Photography)

2011-04-11T19:00:00.007-04:00

I love meeting new families and sweet kids! It's so fun discovering personalities and playing around a little during our time together. More than perfectly posed, often it's about having fun and doing our best to make sure the kids have fun too!

These two sweeties were so adorable. As with any four and two year old, time is limited after we get to know each other a bit where they are excited about having their picture taken, so I try to move quickly and end on a fun note.

Meet Elizabeth and Clark! They did amazing for the quick set up out front of the family's home.

After that, we went to a nearby park and the kids had a great time kicking a soccer ball, avoiding a rogue goose by the pond, and playing Simon Says (special thanks to mom and dad who showed extra enthusiasm for the games with the kiddos!:). I love pictures of kids in their 'natural' element having fun!

We ended the day on a high note before needed naps and the kids left happy with a couple prizes from a much-loved treasure box in need of repair (but gets the job done since the kids love it!).

Amazing Lighting Workshop!

2011-04-08T00:18:00.001-04:00

I was so lucky to be able to participate in a fantastic lighting workshop in Franklin, TN earlier this week with Zach and Jody Gray- check them out! http://www.grayphotograph.com/
The day started out like a scene from Wizard of Oz or Twister. I was already thinking this could be a 'lightning' workshop instead of lighting with all the severe storms predicted, and I thought our workshop was going to be outside! I had my poncho and umbrella handy, but figured any equipment couldn't possibly deflect bolts of lightning.

During our class time, it got extremely dark and windy with horizontal rain included. I moved quickly from the window and found out later a tornado supposedly touched down not too far from us! After the threat passed, we were able to go to a really cool place called The Factory, with plenty of covered and indoor areas. The rain never really let up and it got very cold, but we all had a blast and learned so much.

Before we broke off into our groups to try our hand at off-camera lighting, Zach gave a demonstration on setting up one light and walking through the metering process, comparing natural light vs. the awesome one-light result. I grabbed a natural light shot of Lindsey while he explained. He later showed us the results and it was hard not to be amazed (you'll have to image since we didn't get a shot at this point).:)

Our group went with Jody first and each person took their turn setting up the light for the particular look they wanted (lighting pattern) as well as how dramatic they wanted the image (lighting ratio). After the setup was ready, everyone set their cameras and took their turn!

The before/after below: The first shot on the left shows how the day actually was- gray, rainy and generally miserable. With the dramatic lighting setup of I think a 90% ratio, the image on the right is as captured using one off-camera light- what an amazing difference!

We were very happy to move indoors and try to dry off- here was the second setup:

Then it was back outside with AJ's turn at setting up the light/shot:

It was time to thaw out back inside. The first shot on the left almost looks photoshopped/fake, but it's not- it's amazing what slowing down that shutter speed did to create that effect.

These below are interesting to see the same basic shot from two different perspectives.

These last shots were shot with a speedlight flash and a giant/7ft umbrella. Zach demonstrated how even using a flash can produce soft lighting as long as the umbrella is huge! :)

After we were done in our groups, we rejoined the rest to see the last demonstration of the day with glamour lighting and a reflector to achieve a beautiful image which Zach shared with the group. It's another one of those you have to imagine :)

After a long day, the monsoon was finally slowing down a bit and we headed back for some delicious Italian food and discussion/review of the images of the day. I had a wonderful time and learned so much! Now, who's ready to be my model?

Welcome Wyatt! (Alpharetta Children's Photography)

2011-03-27T23:22:00.000-04:00

I've been waiting a few weeks to meet Mr. Wyatt! When you have three other girls, someone was bound to have pink eye or a stomach virus (poor kids!), so we were lucky to get to arrange to see him before he was off to kindergarten! :)

The girls were too cute and so willing to help me with my lights and helping me with my test shots. 'Can I help, Miss Kim?' was something I heard a lot- so cute!

Sweet sisters...

Miss Hayden definitely warmed up with a little game of jumping on the couch (don't think she was supposed to, though I think that was part of the fun ;).

Just when we brought Wyatt out was when the girls decided they were pretty much done helping for the day, but not before I managed a couple quick shots of them welcoming their new baby brother.

Don't let their serene faces fool you- the girls were definitely done at this point, but the parents were pros with all eyes on me :)

With the girls eating lunch, we could focus on mom and dad...

Baby Wyatt loved to be swaddled. The moment he was unwrapped he began to wake up. What adorable expressions and we even got a couple smiles!

Even with the challenges of scheduling the session and keeping the girls interested, it was worth it and am so glad I got to spend the afternoon with the family getting these pictures!

Sweet Baby Girls (Alpharetta Baby Photography)

2011-03-24T23:33:00.000-04:00

What a joy it was to see these sweet twin baby girls again! I first met them back in October and it's amazing how fast they grow! They are 8 months old now, adorable as ever- sitting up and not sitting very still except for a few short moments:).

Meet Elizabeth! She was pretty happy most of our time together. With every session, there's the chance a baby decides not to play along at times and with twins, it's definitely double the fun trying to get them to! :)

Here's Emily! She was a little extra tired and wanted to be held by daddy most of the time (but you couldn't tell in these pics :). Still a sweetie, just the same!

Emily hung in there for a while longer while we got the whole family....

Outfit number two- Elizabeth was the little model that day...

We managed one shot of the two girls in the flowers before Emily decided she was definitely done for the day :).

The babies were definitely happiest in their parents' arms.

It was a gorgeous day with adorable babies. I'm sure after their time in the spotlight they had good naps!

Jilly's Cupcakery

2011-03-20T00:00:00.002-04:00

After a day at the ballfield where it seemed more like summer than spring, we headed for the pizza place. I recently heard about Jilly's Cupcakery off of Windward/Hwy 9 in Alpharetta and thought today was the perfect day to take the kids over for dessert and check it out.

(pictured above: Birthday Cake (partially demolished) and a limited edition Irish cupcake (available for special order) that was amazing: Chocolate Guinness Cake with an Irish cream frosting and Chocolate ganache drizzle- yum!)

Now some people's resolutions may have been to get more exercise. For a die-hard sweet tooth after my first visit to Jilly's, mine is to try every last one (and additional incentive to exercise)! Cupcakes are so great- it's perfect portion control (if 3 inches of frosting is a portion ;). You lose some of the guilt of indulging.. and indulgence it is!

Ultimate chocolate:

I am still hoping my son will learn to get food in his mouth, but I think the problem is he's in such a hurry when scarfing treats! :) There were even more crumbs from his Cookies and Cream cupcake on the floor than on his pants- he's a chocoholic as I am, so I was surprised he let anything miss his mouth!

My daughter loved her Birthday Cake cupcake (or mainly the frosting! :)

What's great too is that anything that is not sold by the end of the day is donated to a local food charity. Check out their website for all the delicious descriptions of what's available and join me in my resolution to try them all! http://www.jillyscupcakery.com/

Little Guy Gideon (Alpharetta Newborn Photography)

2011-03-10T03:33:00.000-05:00

Baby Gideon's nursery theme is monkeys. Before the session I thought how cute it could be to have the little monkey surrounded by monkeys. I figured they'd have a few- instead they had a whole herd of monkeys hanging in a net- lucky!

Hanging in the closet I spied the giraffe costume- it wasn't a monkey, but the colors were good and we'd go for an animal theme!

He was still a little monkey! Despite what the pictures may show, this little guy wasn't really that tired... it's all the illusion of photography! :)

He and mom took a lot of breaks- maybe it was just too exciting with the lights, camera and action!

Eventually the little guy actually did get tuckered out for a good 20 minutes or so. Apparently after I left, he slept solidly for hours! (Being cute can really wear a baby out!) :)

just one more...

2011-03-04T19:10:00.002-05:00

I love this vintage look- and of course, how sweet is Fiona?

Fabulous Fiona (Alpharetta Newborn Photography)

2011-03-03T02:40:00.003-05:00

Baby Fiona is destined to be talented. She was already practicing her singing skills for a good part of the afternoon (not pictured ;). Ashley is an amazing piano teacher with so much patience and love for her little baby- she's already a wonderful mom!

Daddy and daughter- he makes a good pacifier!

After a little while, Fiona decided it was nap time

I loved how even their puppy Maxwell had to take a snooze...

Those sleeping smiles are so precious!

I love to use what families have as props- what a fantastic recovered couch and perfect baby bowl on the table!

I just love the little hat!

It was a long afternoon, but little ones need lots of breaks for feedings and changings, but we still had fun and Fiona ended up performing fabulously. :)

Pictures in Paradise (Alpharetta Engagement Photography)

2011-02-24T19:40:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Ally and Philip! I can certainly think of a few worse places to have an engagement session than the Bahamas!

They were already brushing up on their poses for their big wedding day. We got a good variety in the short time we had in between lounging by the pool and testing out the chilly Atlantic!

All seriousness aside, I think we all had fun!

Congratulations you two! Let's meet next week for another session- I'm thinking a good mountain scene- Alaska it is! ;)

Johnny Rockets

2011-02-23T01:27:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago after a trip to the Atlanta History Center, I introduced the kids to one of my favorite places from the past- Johnny Rockets! I hadn't been there in years, but I used to make pilgrimages in high school down to the location off of W. Paces Ferry for the chocolate malts! Needless to say, they became quick fans- each with their own root beer float. Mommy was the favorite that day! :)

Just arrived:

Checking out the juke box:

Anticipating deliciousness:

That's the ticket

My malt (Benjamin all too happy to try)

Happy kids!

My Funniest Valentine

2011-02-15T22:30:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day is all about candy for my kids- second only to Halloween for that excitement. For me, I enjoy going out to dinner without the kids if possible (though this year was a quick trip to Chili's the day before kids in-tow).

Continuing the tradition my mom started with us, I give my kids a small box of chocolates they wake up to at the foot of their bed (but to their dismay don't eat until that evening). My kids return the favor with fun cards, crafts or flowers (with daddy's help).

This year, I have to admit, the gift from my daughter takes the cake- it was hilarious- a bobblehead Kendra thanks to her very creative daycare teacher! Could this be the next offering in a photography package? Perhaps a bonus! Who wouldn't want a bobblehead of their kid? ;)

Hello!

2011-02-15T21:43:00.000-05:00

Here goes- I'm going to take a stab at the world of blogging. I promise to try my best to keep up with it and share some things I find funny or useful as well as images from sessions- especially those cute newborns! I figured I needed something to fill that time between 3 and 4am when I was sleeping. Sleep? Who needs it anyways? :).