Finally all wrapped up with my 2017 limited edition sunflower field sessions! We had amazing, although hot and humid, weather. Here are some more sneak peeks of all the beautiful families and adorable kiddos that came out. I already can't wait for next year! And, a special thanks to the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance in West Chester, PA for allowing me to photograph at this gorgeous location. If you aren't already a member of the BRC, please please please consider joining. The BRC is committed to conserving our watersheds, protecting natural resources, and inspiring and teaching the next generation. They host many programs and events as well as summer camps too!
1 Comment
The M family is doubly blessed - they are welcoming twin boys into their family this fall! Little Maddie is soon going to be a big sister, and what a fabulous one she will be. She's already giving them kisses and cannot wait to cuddle them. I only wish my (soon-to-be) 3 year old was as gentle as Maddie! We will miss this family as they move out-of-state, but I'm so glad I got a chance to capture these memories for them. My last post wasn't as upbeat about taking my children's pictures, but this time was a different story. Gummy bears after every pose for the win! (Hey, I am totally not above bribery, especially when it works...) These are the images that make my heart melt as a mom - seeing my kids together and being nice to one another (ok ok, so there were some hitting and angry faces involve, but those don't get edited). They don't even need to be looking at the camera, as long as I can tell they are in the moment and enjoying themselves. These were also taken at my FAVORITE place to photograph in West Chester, such background diversity, and an overcast day, which made for the perfect, soft lighting. My schedule is filling up quickly (VERY limited spots left in June and July and October, like 1 or 2 spots each) so if you are planning on outdoor family sessions, please get in touch with me asap so we can starting making memories and creating beautiful art for your home! I feel like there are few things in life more unpredictable than toddlers. And, I can say this because we've lived through toddlerhood once and are currently in the midst of it again. They are seriously fickle creatures, and you just never know what you're going to get, including when you photograph them! My beautiful, sweet 2.5year old daughter is no longer interested in being agreeable or smiling for pictures. She will sit for a second, but she wants a toy, or a flower, or a treat, or then is crying she doesn't want those but rather something else indecipherable, and her "cheese" face has now turned into a fake smile while looking the other direction. Then, she's up and running away as fast as she can. Being able to capture these couple of gems was a struggle and took a whole lot of patience. I think we are going to skip family pictures for a few more years, year 4 or 5 seems to be when they can at least follow directions better, well for most kids anyway. ;) These toddler years full of whining, tantrums, and wanting independence are tough, man! Also, I thought it would be fun to share with you some painfully honest before pictures and the afters. Normally I only shoot outdoors during the golden hour (the dreamy light is unbeatable!), but when you have a cranky toddler and are trying to scope out locations, you learn to make lemonade from the lemons you get (hello neon grass - yuck!). It's been a while since I've done a session in a client's home. Ever since I ended up with a herniated disk in my neck, I decide I would no longer be lugging so many props around for newborn sessions. Luckily this momma was totally okay with that and wanted a more lifestyle approach anyway. I never know what to except when I travel, and this was a pleasant surprise! Mom has decorated their house beautifully and all the natural light coming in was AMAZING! A photographer's dream! Not only that, but the girls were ADORABLE and WONDERFUL, mom is stunningly beautiful, and a 1 year old that cooperates, - more dreams come true! I'm pretty sure that had it not been for my daughter's doctor appointment, I probably could have stayed all day and photographed these cuties. Welcome to the world baby Camryn! You are SO loved already! Seriously. Do not look at these images if you don't want to smile. I'm warning you. Little Luke's smile is completely contagious!! And I LOVE it!! <3 <3 <3 He may have been a bit grumpy for the first 5 minutes after we woke him up for pictures this morning, but that was it. As soon as he warmed up, Luke was all smiles and such a ham! I can't believe this little guy was in the studio a mere 7 months ago. Now look at him! I am so happy to call this family, friends! I love everything about them and am so thankful they drove hours to come see me this morning for a shoot. They are all beautiful, inside and out, and tons of fun! I hope our kids can grow up close despite the distance between us. I'm also glad both sets of grandparents were involved because when Eli and Owen are older, they will cherish each and every picture they have with their family members. Although our session was rained out last Thursday due to the weather, we were able to reschedule this for Labor Day, and it definitely made for a fun morning! Little Charlie is celebrating turning 3, and preparing to be a big sister! Her brother Jack is due at the end of the month. We met at Springton Manor farm, which really has some gorgeous land, and a variety of animals for the kids. The goats were SUPER friendly, one even smiled right at the camera! Yesterday evening I had the pleasure of photographing this wonderful couple from Philadelphia as they prepare for their baby girl. The golden hour light (<3 those natural sun flares!!) was simply perfect, and they were so easy-going and sweet, that it just made for amazing and enjoyable session! I cannot wait to photograph their little girl, who is due in about 4 weeks! I know she will be as beautiful as her momma and surrounded with love! Amelia is off to new adventures! She is celebrating her official adoption, moving to Maine, and becoming a teenager shortly. She is smart, kind, beautiful both inside and out, and will do amazing things in her life - I just know it. I wish you all the best Amelia and I hope to see you and your wonderful family again in the future! The day I was headed down for vacation with my family, I got a call from a local photog/friend in distraught. The mommy-and-me mini session she was supposed to have that evening got cancelled due to the overcast weather. So, after loading up the car, we booked it to the beach in torrential downpours, and got there before any rain made it. Although it was still overcast and no pretty sunset, I was greeted by these happy, smiling faces and knew it was going to be an awesome session. Just look how beautiful Megan is with her two adorable boys!! And their coordinating, not matchy-matchy, outfits were perfect! Being in landlocked PA, I have never done a shoot at the beach, but boy am I glad I did. The sand brings out the best in skin tones as there's no green color cast to content with. Hallelujah!! The beach has always been my happy place, and maybe we'll have to start taking extra long vacations just so I can book sessions down there. Anyone up for it next year?! ;) Photographers don't like to shoot mid-day unless it's overcast because the light is so harsh. Instead, we prefer what is known as the golden hour (an hour before sunset or an hour after sunrise). This time, however, is not always ideal when you have children that have early bedtimes or need help getting ready in the morning. So, I try to tweak it a bit and pretend that golden hour stretches for about 2-3 hours ;) On Sunday morning though, I couldn't have asked for a better "golden hour." My session with this sweet family started at 8am at a local nature preserve and converted barn. The sun provided us with enough light, without being too harsh. Combine that with 3 adorable kiddos and their parents and we ended up with a fabulous family session! Little Emily just turned a year old and has officially "graduated" from my baby plan. I've so enjoyed watching her grow and I hope to see her again in the future. Happy first birthday, Emily, and thank you to her parents for allowing me to capture all these special memories! Did you know that Nathan was my very first newborn client a year ago? I just can't believe how fast time has gone, and I know his parents can't either! This little cutie has gotten so big and even more adorable, if that's even possible! He is such a happy baby, and definitely loved his cake (made from scratch by mom and perfectly matched the set-up)! Nathan has gone down in my record book as best cake smasher ever, and I'm not sure if anyone can top this - just look at that mess! I LOVE it! Although Mr. Ethan really only wanted to be in mom's arms the day of his first birthday cake smash, he did loosen up enough to get some great pictures. Which, isn't too hard to do when you're this cute! That bright blonde hair, blue eyes, and happy smile are just so adorable! I had the pleasure of meeting this sweet family at a new (for me) outdoor location in Glenmoore, PA yesterday evening. The weathermen couldn't make up their mind, first it was 40% chance of rain, then 0%, then 70%, then back to zero, so I was a bit worried we would get there and it would start raining, but boy am I glad that was not the case! Their little girl, Delaney, has the absolute best head of red hair and is beyond adorable! I would be happy to take this wonderful family's photographs any day and I will definitely be returning back to this location. Red barn doors, stone walls, tree lined paths, and goats - yes please! Parenting is hard. I don't think anything can prepare you for the sleepless nights or how hard it is to watch your child be sick and can't do anything to help except give Tylenol. Disciplining a child is tough, as is sending your child to daycare or school for the first time. Being completely responsible for a tiny human, making sure they stay alive, and thrive, and grow up to be a kind, smart, responsible adult is a big task! It is by far the hardest job in the world!! However, it is also the most rewarding. Watching that tiny human grow, learn at an astonishing rate, and have their own personality, there's just nothing like it. My children are my world and even though I love watching them thrive, I really do want to freeze time. We are done having kids, and I will miss seeing a smile for the first time, hearing my baby's first laugh, being excited over their first words and steps. Today, Lila turned 19 months old, which means she is closer to 2 years than 1, and it makes me so sad to realize that I really don't have a "baby" anymore. That's hard. Blake is now 4, and he has learned how to ride a big bike, write his name, count to 30, identify all his letters, zip, unzip, and unbutton his clothes, and so many other wonderful things! But, before I know it, he will be in school full time, then a moody teenager, and he won't want me to read him stories before bed, or cuddle on the couch. Hard. Parenting is amazing, and rewarding, and gives you all those warm and fuzzies, but it's tough too. Tough to watch them grow so quickly, and the years go by faster and faster every year. So for now, I'll try to capture all these wonderful memories so I can remember my babies as they are. Fun. Sweet. Curious. Energetic. Smart. Perfect. I just can't wait until after this family's gallery reveal on Sunday to share these images, so I'm totally cheating and sharing now! Miss Gabriella's nursery is elephant themed, so I purchased this adorable hat and lovey set for her session and I'm in love with how adorable they look with her! Sooo cute, and purple is definitely her color! LOVE!!! Elephant set by No. 2 Willow Lane Purple mohair romper and matching headband by The Tiny Blessings Boutique Cream wrap by Manly and Pretty Little Things The other week I traveled to this gorgeous family's home to photograph their newest addition, baby Cruz! He was a dream to photograph and look at all this adorable blonde hair! His nursery was equally adorable, decorated in gray, white, and teal with so many stuffed animals. Thank you McKelvey family for allowing me to capture this special time in your lives and I hope to work with you again in the future! Fabric Backdrops by Fancy Fabrics and Props Cream wrap by Manly and Pretty Things Teddy bear bonnet by The Tiny Blessings Boutique Star and moon hat by Violet's Playground There is seriously nothing like holding your newborn baby in your arms for the first time. The feeling is so much more love than anyone could ever describe. I do this job not simply because I enjoy it, but because I want to give parents those memories every time they look at their newborn photos. I want them to remember that first hug, the way their newborn smelled, the way their baby fit so perfectly in their arms, and every tiny detail from their little lashes to their tiny toes. I hope every time mom and dad look at these pictures of baby Lydia throughout the years, that they are brought back to this special time and smile, heart full of wonderful memories. Headbands by The Indy Cottage Prop Shop and The Tiny Blessings Boutique White outfit, matching bonnet, and coral mohair wrap by The Tiny Blessings Boutique Backdrops by Fancy Fabrics & Props Cream pearl outfit by Cute As Can Be Props Now, since I know this fabulous family has been patiently waiting for more pictures, without further ado, here is sweet little Lydia! Everyone was anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby Luke, especially since he was born 8 days past his due date, but he was DEFINITELY worth the wait! Look at his chubby cheeks, that hair, and those perfect little fingers and toes!!! Even though editing is not my favorite thing to do, I enjoyed every minute of looking at this sweet face again and again. He was by far my sleepiest baby yet and once he finally let me un-clench his fists, he was a dream to pose. I feel very lucky that he is on my Watch Me Grow Plan so I can see this cutie pie two more times in his first year- once he can sit independently and for his first birthday cake smash. I know I say it all the time, but I seriously have the best job in the world! I love watching these little ones grow up and I love that I am able to capture these special memories for the parents. Grayish-tan sleepy beanie - Props by Jeana Gray moon & star hat - Violet's Playground White mohair bear hat, pants, and blue wrap - The Tiny Blessings Boutique Wraps and fabric pieces- Manly and Pretty Little Things |
AuthorI am Kristen Yeager, a portrait photographer specializing in maternity, newborns, babies, and children. I am based in Chadds Ford, PA (Chester County, right on the Delco border) but also serve West Chester, Unionville, Kennett Square, Glen Mills, Malvern, Downingtown, Exton, West Grove, Oxford, Media, King of Prussia, the Mainline, parts of Lancaster County, Wilmington and Newark, Delaware, northeast Maryland, and surrounding areas. Archives
December 2024
Categories
All
|