Sam just turned five. Five years old, off to kindergarden, and becoming a girl with ideas, loves, likes, dislikes and lots and lots of words. Jolina, her mom, said to me, "It so fun these days! But sometimes, we're talking, and the endless questions just lead us down a rabbit hole. And before long, I'm thinking 'how did we get here?'" 

I love this vision of endless chatter and discovery, because when I first met Samara, she was one. And very shy. Every year, I get to meet her a little more, see her real personality come out. On this gorgeous morning at the Georgetown waterfront, we did our annual photos. And had a ball. Check out this link for a trip down memory lane with Jolina and Sam: http://staceyvaethphotography.blogspot.com/2011/08/samara-turns-four.html

Yesterday a client and I were talking about style. Photographic styles have changed so much in the last few decades, that everyone seems to have a different expectation of what a successful picture will look like. Often, within the same family, one person will want a formal shot, others envision something candid.

It's such a personal thing. Some of my favorite photos from my childhood are the least scripted ones. I guess that's why I shoot the way I do. When I look at a photo, I want to feel what it was like in the moment, rather than just see it .Yet, often in the more candid moments, we don't look our best (or maybe we do, but someone doesn't!).

And now there is this trend of styling shoots, which has updated the classic studio shot to something more unique and artistic. Yet your baby never actually spent time in a pumpkin, now did they (not knockin' the brilliant Anne Geddes, but, you know)? All I know is that I am so happy to be a part of this vibrant, evolving world of creating personal art for the everyday. It's a great gig. I kind of can't believe that I get to spend my days thinking about these things. Great gig, indeed.

So, what's your favorite type of image? Is it in a studio, with everyone looking at the camera and perfectly posed? Is it laughing in a park, or on your couch, capturing an everyday moment with your family?

How i Got the Following Photos

Placed subjects in the right spot and light and let them do their thing. In fact, I think Rachel was holding her infant Helene in this spot first, while Rowan was off collecting flowers. The baby started crying, so Russ took her out of the shot, and Rowan brought his mom a little yellow bloom. 

Placed subjects in the right spot to take advantage of that gorgeous rim light, and put Danielle up on a few steps, since Peter is 6'4". Let them do their thing. 

Same steps, seated, facing the other direction for more fill on their faces, posed. 

Posed. I don't know, doesn't every baby look adorable in a basket? 

Posed little Catherine.

Posed. 

Certainly not posed. Little Ella Rose giving the stare-down to Jen :) She was a little sleepy this day.

 Not posed. John actually holds his daughters this way...in the most perfect "Dad" grip....and Catherine actually had her hands like that. 

Put Sam in the spot that I wanted, and she struck her lovely look all on her own. 

 A little happier Ella Rose. 

 Posed on a white backdrop. 

Posed. For three frames. Then the twins were off and running for the rest of the shoot! 

Standing in the parking lot under a light rain, Jen and I conferred. The kids were in the car, anxious to get out. Her husband was of the mind that she got to make the decision on this one. Great light, a long distance we all traveled, and tons of rain. We decided to reschedule.

As we found a date that worked for all of us, the sun began to break through parted clouds. The kids were promised that they could get out of the car to feed the ducks anyway. We decided to go for it. And am I glad we did. Photography isn't a convenient thing. The best shots are just during or after inclement weather, at the crack of dawn, or while everyone else is eating dinner. But when you catch that light....nothing could be better.

Many congratulations to my new clients! I'll be working with them all year, tracking the development of their family through photographs.  Below, a few favs from their infant and maternity sessions.

These little twins were such crack-ups at our session a few weeks back. The last time I saw them, they were in momma's belly, waiting to be born. Such an amazing thing to see how big they are - already! Happy friday all, stay cool out there.

 

 

 

Christine and her husband welcomed baby number three, and their first boy, to the family this summer. We did a session in Rose Park, in Georgetown, to capture the moment. Congratulations to you guys!

Grace and Garrett created the most amazing shared living/nursery space for baby Stella in their Foggy Bottom home. I love their use of simple textures and unexpected details, highlighted by a modern color palette. It was a beautiful, place, and family, to shoot Stella's newborn session. 

Madeline's mom is really excited to see her mini session pictures, so, an early mother's day gift to you, Amanda! 

Enjoy the many faces of Madeline...I love how you can see her sweet, silly and mischievous sides, from one minute to the next.

We had some great mini sessions at our new home over the weekend! The crazy weather led to a whole number of rained out Cherry Blossom Mini Sessions, but we made up for it this weekend, with bubbles, sprinklers and good old fashioned greenery. I'm thrilled that we're finally settled into our new place, and to have this opportunity to create the gardens and shooting space of my dreams, but until all that happens, we're off to a good start with what's currently here. To kick it off, let's start with Annie's precious little girl in the most adorable little beach outfit I've ever seen!