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It's been two years since our path crossed at the time your daughter Claire was born. At that time I was someone brand new in the industry who is trying to find my own voice as a photographer. Thank you for believing in my work from the beginning and allowing me document the growth of your child. Your loyalty and referral have been a generous gift to me not in the aspect of repeat business but because of your vote of confidence. It also pushed be to evolve and innovate new ideas because I personally want each session to be a little different from the last. Here we are 7 sessions later and ecstatic to hear that your family will be a little bigger in a few months. Your family made me feel like the documentarist that I strive to be. I hope that I accurately captured the overwhelming amount of love I witness from every session on film so Claire can remember each stage of her childhood through the images. I am so honored to be part of her milestones and can not wait to do the same for the new baby. Thank you again for being such amazing clients.
Your nostalgic photographer,
Nancy
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The moment I stepped inside the Artist at Heart studio my heart started racing from the paint splashed tables and whimsical decor. This place got so much character! It's hard not to be creative at a space like this one. The staff was beyond nice and did I mention talented? Now I have been to a number of paint your own canvas/pottery places but have not been to one that have their own artist on site to add the finishing touches. With a few stroke of the brush, the baby footprints are turned into a personalized piece of art. I stood their in awe as baby names are artistically added to the pieces. Right there and then I decided that Artist at Heart will be my go to art studio even it's half an hour from my house.
The event was sponsored by Advocate Condell Medical Center , organized by Little Lake County, and hosted by Artist at Heart in downtown Libertyville. Moms of non-walking infant brought their babies in to do foot/hand imprints on canvas or plate. The timing of the event could not have been better for Mother's Day. It was such a joy to see so many babies come in and how they reacted as they get their tiny little hands/feet painted. Some slept right through the process and some squirmed at the touch of the brush. All of them are to die for adorable! Aside from painting, there was a pediatrician on site to answer questions, Language Star offered a free German lesson to the toddler/preschool siblings, raffle of great prizes, healthy breakfast, and a gift bag for each mom! All in all it's a wonderful opportunity for moms to connect with others while documenting their baby's tininess. Check out the heartwarming moments below.
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3 Months (Lifters): Poses will mostly be baby lying down and if possible with baby on his/her tummy with the head lifted.
6 Months (Sitters): Poses will be laying down, on their tummy/knees, and sitting if ready.
9 Months (Standers): Now we can do a great variety of positions sitting and standing without the baby being too mobile.
Benjamin's smash cake photos showed what a sweetie this little guy is. He shared his cake with everyone around him and had an intimate moment with mommy. It took some encouragement for him to break into the rainbow colored inside of the smash cake but he got the hang of it.
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Emily threw us for a loop during her 2 years old birthday session. She is now her own person and had her own agendas for the photo shoot. Although we did not get the usual smiley and giggly images we did in the past session, but I love how these pictures captured the calmness of a two years old we don't often seen.
Ella's mom sent over some Pinterest Newborn Photography inspiration photos which really helped me see their vision. Every photographer have their own distinct style but I very passionate about merging my style with my client's vision. I prepared everything I can think but the session did not go anything as I planned since baby Ella was so alert. We all rolled with the situation and I want to thank my lucky stars that mom and dad stayed so cool. They were calm and patient with the feeding and so cooperative the entire process. With a change in direction, we captured some amazing emotional photos that really speak volume of the love between this family. Looking back photos turned out so pure and genuine that I would not have done it any other way.
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Every stage of a baby's first year will pass by in a blink. That's why I recommend newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months sessions. Please contact me if you are interested in booking a "First Year Collection". After that an annual family session will be good. Fall is a really popular time for family sessions because of Holiday Cards. Those book up fast so make sure you schedule them during the summer. If you want to capture your little ones' growth more frequently, then I recommend mixing in a few themed sessions through out the year. You can even change up the themes year by year for variety.
Without further ado....introducing the cutest duck face you'll see anywhere. Yes, this cutie can also smile so make sure you scroll down.
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Now about the seriously talented birthday girl. She has been taking ballroom dancing lessons for year and it shows in the performance she put on with her instructor. Her every move is so graceful and had the dancer's touch. I often have to tell subjects to pose with more form and drama. This was not an issue at all with this girl. She was a dream to work with as a photographer. I hope to have an opportunity to capture more life milestones in the future.
I could tell how hard Tony and Lora worked over seeing every little aspect of the planning to make this a special night for their daughter. It was a memorable night not just for the family but also everyone who attended. I sure will remember the sweet table, dancers on roller skates, photo backdrop, sparkling cake, and fun games of the night.
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Now about Kris and Gary. We originally wanted to do an early spring photo shoot with colorful tulips but the weather just won't cooperate. Although the tulips are all gone but I loved how their session turned out. The temperature, humidity, and light all came together perfectly the day for their session. Even the wind worked in our favor to give Kris's hair just the right amount of wisp we needed. The two had great energy and their best shots are when they are interacting with each other. The world seems to have just faded away around them and the shots turned out so natural. Haha, when I asked them what their home decor was like they said "fun". People usually respond with color or style of their furniture but I have never had anyone describe the decor with a feeling. After spending a few hours with them I now understand why their very original answer is so suiting for them. I hope the 11x14 canvas they ordered will soon to be displayed in the "fun" home they will share together.
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