Claire is 2! Dallas Children's Photographer

The days when I get to photograph little ones who I've been photographing since they were born put the biggest smile on my face. Watching a newborn grow into a pudgy baby who becomes a tenative walker turned full-on toddler is exactly why I love what I do. Life moves at such a fast pace, and passing moments equal stacks of photographs that document a child becoming who she was made to be. Claire is a firecracker, full of curiousity and light, ready to take life by the horns and leave a beautifully lasting mark on the world.  Happy birthday, little miss! I love seeing you grow.

A 6th Birthday Princess Tea Party Meets Fashion Show Celebration, Dallas Children's Photographer

Six important observations about celebrating the 6th birthday of this very little lady who is much loved by me and my family.

1. Costumes are essential. Have princess dresses and accessories ready to go.

2. The birthday girl's wardrobe changes emphasize her flair for all things fashion and fabulous.

3. Friends who know how to bring laughter, dance moves and general silliness totally make the party.

4. The birthday girl really is growing up, and it must be accepeted and celebrated. (And yes, she was the cutest, sweetest baby any of us ever knew. Seriously.)

5. Tea! And Cake! (Plus maybe, just maybe adult beverages for the grown-ups)! And waiting to open presents till after the guests leave... these things make a party go oh-so-smoothly.

6. The birthday girl enjoyed the trappings of her birthday party, but really, what every kid wants more than stuff is to be celebrated, affirmed and called out. She wants to be loved. I think this little birthday shindig communicated just that to one very loved little lady. I'm so grateful to have been a part of it.

The J Family, Dallas Family Photographer

Wrapping up January with the J family, friends for 20+ years, which makes me feel both old and thankful. Seeing girlfriends I grew up with with little ones of their own puts a huge smile on my face, and getting to photograph them with their whole family when everyone is in town at the same time is such an honor. I love the connection between siblings and cousins, and I'm excited to see how this crew continues to grow and change. Here's your sneak peek, J family. Can't wait to show the full set of proofs!

I Love Little Lady L, Dallas Baby Photographer

It's amazing to watch a little one grow up, and this little lady is close to my heart, belonging to a dear friend of mine. Last time I saw her was when she was born, as Washington is her home and a bit far from DFW. That said, we hit it off right from the get-go. Snow and freezing weather kept us indoors for basically my entire trip, so I don't have any outdoor winter photos to show. Though those photos are missing from the set, I was pleased to come home to a mix of photos that represent L's personality quite well.  I can hear her little voice chirping when I look at these. I cannot wait to see her again in the summer when her baby brother joins the family.

We only managed a handful of family shots at the airport just before I left, but don't they look ready for a baby boy?

Introducing Max! Dallas Newborn Photographer

Little Max's newborn photos ended up being my last session of 2011, and I can think of no better way to have finished out a great year than with photographs of a calm, much-loved newborn. His big brother and sister did a great job "helping" with the session, and this is one of those families that makes my job easy. They are beautiful, outside and in, and they simply shine. I love the simplicity of these images and the laughter we shared in creating them. When we finished the session, we shared lunch, and I got to snuggle with baby Max a bit. It made me so grateful to get to do what I do: capture a family as they are and tell their story visually so that when these fleeting moments pass a lasting testament remains. Max captured my heart during his session, and I cannot wait to share the full set of proofs.