Atlanta Baby Photographer | Atlanta Family Photographer | Newborn Photography

Another edition of Monday Love….

Another song this time: “The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades” – by Timbuk3 (I know, I haven’t heard of them either – but I’ve heard the song…. hence the picture of my Jakester below)

Something personal:  Having two children under 5 is hard.  I know, it’s such a profound statement right?  Nobody has ever said THAT before – HA!  Kylie is in LOVE with her new niece Ally and she begged to go stay the night at Aunt Laurie’s (with Nana too) and help take care of the baby.  Aunt Laurie obliged and Kylie left for the evening on Friday.  Jeff and I were left alone with Jake for about 24 hours – for the first time since he was born (I think?).  The house was semi-peaceful and we were relaxed — and nobody came in our room to announce (joyfully) that it was “seven-zero-zero” on Saturday morning.  It’s really too bad that you can’t relax and enjoy how “easy” one kid is until you have TWO!  Of course, I missed my Kylie-Bear.  I even went in her room and looked at her empty bed, and said a little “goodnight” in my head.  Jeff teased “are you going to be alright?”   Then, reality set in when Kylie returned and the screaming, taunting, whining, yelling (and I don’t just mean the kids), throwing and crying began again.  Don’t get me wrong, Kylie and Jake adore each other, but they sure know how to make some chaos together too!  It made me realize that Jake will never have that “peaceful” babyhood that Kylie enjoyed – but I suppose that’s what makes him the little man he is today!

And quite a little man he is…….

I have to give him credit because, shame on me but, I have never purchased a pair of “boy” shades for Jake.  So what is he supposed to do when it’s really bright outside?  He wore Kylie’s shades for about an hour and was quite pleased with himself.  On another note, I made Kylie stand on the front porch and let me snap this pic of her because I thought is was a cute idea for “what to wear” for your next photography session!  The entire ensemble was purchased today at, believe it or not, TARGET!

Something I love:  My girlfriends!  These ladies below (Allyson, Vicki and Cynthia) plus LIZ and AMY came to my rescue when I needed help this week with a HUGE project involving teeny-tiny holes, ribbon, envelopes and stamps.  Of course, there was a little wine & chocolate involved as well.  THANK YOU for your help and your friendship! 

Something cool / Before & After: As I was editing this maternity session, it occurred to me that some people might have some interest in my “vision” when I take a picture.  Now, more than ever, it seems that everyone has a “nice” camera and people often think that if they spend a ton of money on a “nice” camera, they will have really awesome pictures – maybe even professional-style pictures.   A good camera will definitely help improve the quality of a picture, however, I believe that artistry comes from a vision, or forethought.  Yes, you can get some good pictures by accident (especially if you take 300 pictures of the same subject) but when you take the time to learn, practice and master your craft, you will have a vision of what you want to achieve BEFORE you snap the shutter.

So, here is a sample of what I am describing.

The image on the left is straight out of the camera (SOOC) and the image on the right is the final edited version.  I posed my subject here because I loved the blow-out of the back light (so I had to meter properly to adjust for the brightness behind her and not lose the detail in her body).  I loved the texture of the brick and the lines of the wall (matching the lines of her body).  My vision for the image was to highlight the flowing dress and beautiful shoes, as well as the wonderful shape of her belly.  I knew the final image would not include her entire body (and face) but I wanted to leave room for a creative crop.  Another detail, I had her bend her left knee slightly to create the small shadow under her shoe – which gives the image a little more life – and keeps her from looking like she only has one leg (from the side-view).  And so my image came to life exactly as I imagined it, but just like photographers used to use the darkroom to create his or her final look, I used Photoshop to do my final tweaks and cropping (and to clone away her thumb sticking out from her other hand!) 

A peek:  You can get a little peek from my good friend Alice Park’s blog!

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

Another edition of Monday Love…..

Rather than a quote, some lyrics from a song / Cats In The Cradle by Harry Chapin:

My son turned ten just the other day
He said, “Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let’s play
Can you teach me to throw”, I said “Not today
I got a lot to do”, he said, “That’s ok”
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
And said, “I’m gonna be like him, yeah
You know I’m gonna be like him”

Something Personal: We heard this song in the car today while driving back from a family lunch at the Burger Club in Vinings and Jeff was singing the chorus in his usual booming voice.  I asked him if he knew what the song was really about (which he didn’t) and I told him it’s actually very sad.  It made me think, most of us have probably heard this song a million times without ever really listening to the words.  You can read all of the lyrics HERE and I challenge any parent to get to the end without a little bit of a tear in his or her eye.  This particular verse (above) struck a chord with me tonight.  Due to all of the many things going on with my photography business, summer schedules, Jeff’s job, and traveling, our kids have heard “Not today, I got a lot to do” from both parents A LOT recently.  This weekend was different though.  I actually broke out the “beast,” as I fondly call my Canon 5D Mark II, and took some pictures of both the kids on Friday afternoon.  Then on Saturday, Kylie spent the whole day with Nana and I (girl’s day out) with a stop for breakfast at American Girl Doll Store,  then school shopping followed by a much needed haircut for Kylie Bear.  Jake got to spend Saturday with Daddy and then Nana watched the kids so Jeff and I could have dinner with friends.   That’s how it SHOULD be right?  Weekends with family and weekdays for work.  Ahhhh, if only life were perfect!

So here are some pictures of my precious kids from Friday.  First up the Jakester.  I realized that I have a million pictures of Kylie eating and playing and hardly any of Jake – so a couple candid shots with his classic pursed lips!

Kylie pretending to have “Ariel” hair on the floor.

A big giggle right after I scared her by screaming BOO unexpectedly (which is apparently VERY funny!)

Kylie and Jake, posing dutifully for me. 

Go ahead, you can say it out loud:  AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW….

A Blooper: To change things up a little, I thought I would share a funny picture.  When kids are being too stiff (you know, the “cheese” smiles) I will usually challenge them to make funny faces, stick their tongues out, etc.  I don’t always take pictures of the faces, but rather the giggles afterwards – but I caught this one.  It should give you a good giggle for your Monday! And I’ll know if my friend is checking the blog because I’m sure I’ll hear about this one!

A Peek:  I know I have hinted that things are changing around here, but REALLY, things are changing!  New products, new experience, new tools, a new look……. and even a NEW NAME for CCJames Photography!  The end, or rather the beginning, is near!  I can’t wait to share everything with you!  Still so much to be done……..

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

Another edition of Monday Love….

A quote: “Together is a wonderful place to be.”  Unknown

Something personal:  Jeff’s cousin was getting married so we packed up the car and headed to Charlotte for the weekend to attend the beautiful event.  A couple days ago, I asked Jeff if he wanted to just go by himself.  Part of it was selfish because I’m so buried in work right now, the time away was almost unbearable to think about.  The other part of it was stress — packing bags for the family, staying in a hotel room together, leaving my kids with a babysitter that I’ve never met, not to mention 4+ hours in the car each way!!!  On the way home I told Jeff that I was really glad we went (all of us), because sometimes you just have to get out of your own house to realize there is a life (besides work) waiting to be lived out there!   We had a fabulous time, the kids did great, the babysitters were awesome, and I got to meet lots of members of the family that I had never met before!

I’ll leave you with this picture of the kids.  We finally broke out the DVD’s during the last hour of our trip back to Atlanta – when we (and the kids) just couldn’t think of anything else to do.  After a little Elmo, Kylie wanted to watch the Little Mermaid.   As many of you probably know, there is a shark scene in the beginning that is kind of loud and scary.  Jake started to whine and Kylie immediately reached out her hand and said “it’s okay buddy” and Jake grabbed her hand and they both watched the scary shark scene together.   I snapped this picture as quickly as I could get my point & shoot out of my purse, it melts my heart (and makes me giggle too)!

Something I love:  PHOTOJOJO.  It’s such a fun place to get DIY photo ideas – and sooooo much more.  I actually have their book (it was on my Christmas list) and have had a ton of fun without it.  You have to check out the photo cupcakes!  My most current MUST HAVE from Photojojo is the new Camera Lens Mug – OMG so cool!

A recipe: I have a favorite punch recipe that everyone always asks me about, so I thought I would share it here.  I found it online a long time ago and it’s EASY AND YUMMY!

Serves: 403 qt. orange juice 2 qt. pineapple juice 2 liters lemon-lime soda 1/2 cup grenadine syrup OR juice from 10 oz. jar maraschino cherries 4 cups ice cubes 1 med. orange – sliced 1 med. lemon – sliced 1 med. lime – sliced -Combine juices, soda, and grenadine in a punch bowl. -Add ice. -Lay slices of fruit on ice to garnish.

And another little peek inside my crazy, crazy world right now.  Some color…..

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

Another edition of Monday Love….

A quote:  “A new baby is like the beginning of all things, hope, a dream of possibilities.” Author unknown.

Something personal: As many of you know, we welcomed our niece into the world last Monday evening.  Ally Lauren Haire.  She is so tiny and beautiful I could just eat her up!  My sister-in-law, Laurie, is doing awesome as a new mommy.  And Ally’s Daddy and big sister are already devoted to her in every way.  When I had Jake, Kylie was almost three.  She always wanted to hold him, and then two seconds later she would be “done” and plop him off her lap like a ragdoll.  This experience was so different.  Kylie looks at baby Ally with awe and sweetness.  She whispers to her and holds her so gently.  I get teary-eyed just thinking about it.  Of course, she still loves Jake, but he’s not really into the touch-feely-lovey stuff.   Here are a few of Kylie and Ally.

Nana was able to come down for a couple days to see her newest grandbaby.  This picture makes me laugh because Jake jumped up on the couch and wanted the boppy pillow on his lap (just like Kylie had it when she was holding the baby).  Nana was trying to get a kiss – but he was giving her the “who is this woman always trying to kiss me” look.  Can you blame her?  He’s such a cutie pie (but I am a little biased).

You’ll be seeing LOTS more pics of Ally!

Something I love:  Okay, no shoes this week.  Apparently there are some guys out there that read my blog and they didn’t find my fascination with Eliza B Sandals all that terribly interesting.  Boooo!  I’m not sure they will find this topic very interesting either but another favorite item of mine is ….. drumroll please……. LabelOnce labels.  Sorry guys, but this one is probably more for the mommies!  Anyone who has kids will love these.  They stick onto sippy cups, lunch boxes, clothing tags, etc.  You can write your child’s name on them and they STAY ON in the dishwasher!  I won’t go on and on about them – you get the idea.  I got my package at the Container Store…….

Oh – did I mention that I love those cups too (pictured above)??  Not a sippy cup – but a non-spill cup.  They are by Contigo – and I got mine at Costco. 

Something cool:  Rather than a cool shopping find, I came across a notice in The Bright Side newpaper – South Cobb edition.  The Dream Factory has a chapter in Georgia (with an office in Smyrna) and they are looking for volunteers to fulfill their mission of granting dreams to critically and chronically ill children, ages 3-18 years.  I checked out the website and it’s some very amazing stuff.  There is even a picture of the President with one of the children.  Call for more information: 770-434-1383.  Sometimes it just takes a small connection to someone you know that could make a very ill child’s dream come true.

HAPPY MONDAY!!