I cannot believe I’m even writing this post right now. 2018 is coming to a close and 2019 is right around the corner! I love the feeling of a fresh start and looking forward to all that’s ahead, but first I want to look back at all the beauty this year has brought. 2018 was the first full year of me only photographing birth and new life. It’s not lost on me what an incredible blessing it is that I get to do exactly what I want to do as my career!

These lovely people invited me into their homes and lives and I couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you all for sharing these moments with me and for trusting me to document your gorgeous lives!

Film Processing: PhotoVision

Technically, Rhys was born in 2017, but he was a New Years Eve baby and yesterday was his first birthday so I had to include him in this post! His water birth was beautiful and sweet and I’m so happy I got to be there to witness his mother’s strength bringing him into this world. To read his full birth story, click HERE.

I never shared these images, but at the beginning of this year, I had the amazing opportunity to mentor two incredible photographers on how to shoot film. With each mentor session, we set up a fun styled shoot – below are a few shots from those shoots!

At 36 weeks pregnant, I waddled into the hospital to capture this momma’s long awaited VBAC. She was amazing and it was the perfect birth to end on as I geared up to welcome my second boy! Read Nixon’s birth story HERE.

Then, at 39 weeks pregnant, I got to photograph this beautiful momma as she also awaited the arrival of her boy! It was really special to be pregnant together and to talk all things birth and baby as I photographed her beautiful belly. Full session HERE.

After Rory’s arrival and a sweet maternity leave, I jumped back into work with mini sessions! It was so good to see so many clients and friends after taking some time off!

When clients hire me to photograph their full journey into motherhood, well, there’s just nothing like that. I got to capture this family’s maternity AND newborn photos and it made my heart so happy!

Little Avery’s Fresh48 session was so fun! I don’t get to do these types of sessions often, but I truly love them! When I photograph a birth, I leave just a couple hours after baby’s arrival. Babies and family’s change so much in those first couple days so getting to capture that, talk through a new momma’s birth, and see them adjusting to their new life is just so special.

My first birth back after maternity leave. Just the very best. Full story HERE.

When a dear friend asks you to photograph her birth and newborn session. And the icing on the cake was that I got to hold her hand as she welcomed her surprise boy. It’s a moment I’ll never forget! Full birth story coming soon!

The Waynick family have not only been loyal clients over the years, but have also become great friends. It was so exciting to photography them as a family of four this summer!

I don’t often photograph birthday parties, but when a friend asks you to take photos at BOTH of her girl’s birthday parties, you jump at the chance, obviously!

The Tippette family met me at Old Salem on a hot summer day to capture this season of their family of four. It was so great to finally meet them and I hope to see them again soon!

Nursing my boys has been so special to me and to capture these amazing mommas providing the same nourishment and bonding to their babes was magic.

I photographed Preston’s arrival in 2017, then I got to photograph his first birthday this year! He’s getting so big and still just melting all of our hearts with that smile!

Repeat clients are the BEST! I got to meet this family when they welcomed their son two years ago. This year, they welcomed their daughter and it was amazing to be there for that milestone, too!

The Lowe family had been traveling to their long time photographer for family photos for years. So when they decided to find a photographer closer to home, they got in touch with me and I was so honored! I hope they’ll be in front of my camera again soon because look how gorgeous they are!

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Glorian got in touch with me about family photos and then basically created magic in front of my camera when we finally got together. Seriously stunning.

Another repeat client hiring me for one year photos after documenting their birth last year? I’m just so grateful!!

Somewhat last minute, I decided to have fall minis, too, and I’m so glad I did!

The Junker family hired me for maternity and newborn photos but when their baby boy decided to arrive 9 weeks early, we had to cancel the maternity session. He spent some time in the NICU but fought hard and I got to meet him when he finally came home! AND they switched out their maternity session for a family session so I get to see them again this year!

Maternity, birth, and newborn photos for a sweet friend? I simply can’t ask for more!

Sometimes I do session swaps with other photographers and it’s basically a dream and the biggest compliment!

My last birth of the year was one for the books! I can’t wait to share more!

I ended my year with a precious newborn session for baby Charles. It was simple and perfect.

Thank you thank you thank you to each and every one of my clients this year! I don’t even know what to say to truly express how grateful I am. I hope I get to see you all again soon!