In Front of the Lens [Personal]

As a photographer, you're most comfortable behind the lens. So to step on the other side of the camera, is well beyond my comfort-zone. But I think it's important to do so on many levels.

First of all, it makes you remember what it's like to be the client.

Secondly, I continually preach how important is to capture memories and moments to my clients...no matter how you look or what's going on. Could I have lost 10 pounds? Sure! I would have loved to do that! Maybe I should have gone short with my hair again...or maybe we should have gotten pictures in the middle of winter since we had them taken in fall for our engagement pictures. And is it weird that we had pictures done when we don't have kids? It's just us. But none of that really mattered.

The point is, this is the only time in our life where we will look and feel like this. It's the only time we will have been married for just over two years and are still kid-free. It's the year that I decided to pursue my dream and Josh followed my crazy thoughts and ideas without fail. And someday, I hope that we show our kids these pictures and tell them the story of what this year meant to us individually, and as a couple.

Thank you to In The Moment Photography by Jill Shadden for capturing us, just as we are. Here are just a few favorites from our session with Jill!

Expecting Jake: Megan + Dave [St. Louis Family Photography]

Faith Hill has a song out for the Christmas season called "A Baby Changes Everything". And while the lyrics speak of the birth of Jesus, I can't help but think the title really says it all for any mother expecting.

I'm so excited for Dave + Megan and know they are going to make absolutely wonderful parents! Jake is going to be one lucky little boy and I can't wait to meet him soon!

Sneak Peek: Baby Boy T. [St. Louis Newborn Photographer]

Baby T. was PERFECT for us this morning! He slept through his entire session and let us do just about anything we wanted with him. Mom and Dad did a fantastic job of prepping him for his big debut! A big thank you to them for taking such wonderful care in prepping him for the big day!

More to come of this handsome guy later!

Cutest. Reindeer. Ever!


I think Daddy might have the touch.

2012 Senior: Jackie [St. Louis Photographer]

I LOVE to work with seniors! They are so natural in front of the camera and everything just seems easy. They're willing to try anything and have ideas of their own...it just helps fuel my creativity when I work with them!

Thanks for an awesome Saturday morning Jackie!

Jaime + Carolina [St. Louis Wedding Photographer]

Who would have ever guessed it was almost 60 degrees in St. Louis on this mid-November weekend?! We had to contend with a little wind, but had the perfect overcast day to help commemorate Jaime + Carolina's special day at the St. Louis Temple.

Enjoy...I know I sure did editing these gorgeous photos!

The H. Family [St. Louis Family Photographer]

I was very excited to visit with the Harris family to capture a few great moments for their Christmas cards! Colin was such a ham and loved being in front of the camera.

The B. Family [St. Louis Family Photographer]

More from the B. family session in early November. Despite the wind, Alex and Joey did perfectly! Done just in time to head to Alex's soccer game as well!

Sneak Peek: Introducing Penny [St. Louis Newborn Photographer]

Penny was just the sweetest thing to spend our morning with! She did such a fantastic job with her poses and we just loved getting to know her mom and dad!

More of Penny to come soon...but until then, a little something to help tide you over Emily + Chris!

And a huge thank you to Grandma Divina who set up the shoot for Miss Penny...what a wonderful gift you have given to this new family!

Sneak Peek: Expecting Jake::Megan + Dave [St. Louis Family Photographer]

I just love it when I really struggle choosing sneak peek photos because there are WAY TO MANY good ones! Megan + Dave had that kind of maternity session.

Can't wait to meet baby Jake in February for his newborn session. More to come soon on this growing family!

P.S. If I look half as good as Megan pregnant...I think I'll be lucky!