Fall Child Photography

12/18/2023

Best way to end the year!! So magical

10/21/2023

Two years ago today, I had the honor of witnessing the most beautiful day. Miss A's gotcha day. I've been with her and her mama since they were connected. It was such an emotional day witnessing her, in her quiet but powerful voice, tell the judge she wanted and was ready to be adopted.

Happy anniversary, Tess & Miss A! I am celebrating with the two of you in spirit today.

10/16/2023

10 years ago, a dear friend of mine (and my lifelong stylist) opened her own hair salon. We've done family photos every year but our very first year after the salon was open, we did photos inside their new space.

It's amazing to see how much Salon Orea has grown, these kids have grown, and I'm so honored to have been able to capture their lives over the years.

I love that they wanted to to a 10-year throwback to our first shoot at the salon. So proud of how far this family has come through creating a successful business, raising great kids, making sure the salon survived COVID, and staying sane.

Love you, A fam!

10/02/2023

I've been so lucky to photograph some incredible seniors this fall, but being asked to photograph family is an honor. It's hard to wrap my head around the fact this lady was a fresh baby when I found out I was pregnant with Davin, her cousin is next up in the Hood/Jenkins/Lucas family!

Congratulations to all of the Class of 2024- we love you Jenkins fam

09/26/2023

I wasn't ready to write this. I'm still not ready to unpack the deep, heartbreaking grief that we are all experiencing right now facing the reality that you are truly gone.

It was real & raw, overwhelming, and brutal to say goodbye but I'm so glad that we did. Your sister and your nieces wore your favorite rhinestone bandanas. We sent you off with a photo of the whole family and one of just you and your son.

Life won't ever be the same Michele. I wish you could have been here to see your peanut graduate and your grandkids grow up.

I found an Irish Blessing you wrote down when Mara passed. I think it's very appropriate. I hope you both are at peace together.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

09/24/2023

Of course you had the perfect hoodie for me.
I know you're laughing because I never actually rode your Harley without you.

To all the strong beautiful women who came before me, you are at peace yet left our family in pieces.

Please think, pray, call my mom.... tomorrow we say goodbye in so many ways. It's going to be a long road. But we are surviors.

"La llamada a la muerte es un llamado de amor"

09/22/2023

"Death is a challenge. It tells us not to waste time. It tells us to tell each other, right now, that we love each other"

09/22/2023

As the pain creeps in, the anger, reality....
Sleep doesn't come easy when you've buried you're entire family in the last 10 years.

I'm finding the bittersweet spot of the one thing she left for just me, the joy of capturing moments. Looking through stacks of pictures and seeing how talented she was and how much she inspired me to create.

Two of my most favorite photos in the world, taken by my auntie. Me as a toddler & me and my papa. I was so spoiled being the first Stainbrook granddaughter.

I keep telling myself I can do this. I can sleep, I can eat, I can laugh, I can honor her through my art..... I can break the cycle.

But everything just feels so heavy.

These memories are all we have left and they are everything.

05/17/2023

Unique spot open this weekend- only one available. Message me for more info.

05/14/2022

Had a rare opportunity that my own smaller human was dressed and got some photos of him before he leaves for a residential dance intensive

05/04/2022