Little Lady Lina

Once upon a time, a couple of kids fell in love, got married, and had a baby. Hi there, Lina!




When Lina was born, her parents called me and I came to their house to take a few photographs of the new member of the family. As she approached 3 months old, we planned to get a few more shots to show how much she'd grown. A session was scheduled, but a certain chubby someone made her entrance a bit earlier than expected, and I emailed from a hospital bed to apologetically reschedule. But six months.... six months was all about Lina Rachel.

The eyelashes that don't quit, the soft baby rolls, the toothless grins, the newly-discovered feet... all the things that make a six-month-old irresistible. Lina is certainly no exception. Though some photos beg for black and white (like the one above,) I couldn't bear to do ANYthing to the baby studies below; every artistic treatment seemed to detract from the softness, the cleanness, the purity of Lina's tender age.





What fun to watch this little one grow and change! I'm already looking forward to what I'll see at the next session, but there's no need to rush. Six months is a beautiful age, and the family wears it well.

Holly & Delsie

When I begin any portrait session, I like to start shooting right out of the gate. This is to warm people up and to get them used to the camera in their face for an hour or so, but these shots are rarely the ones that are purchased, or even edited. As couples, babies, children, families start to ignore the big black camera pointed in their direction, they start to act like themselves again... and that is what I'm watching for. Thoughtful photographs of people being themselves tell stories, like an illustrated journal entry.

In my opinion, that's the whole point.

This weekend, I had the privilege (and I don't use that term lightly) to spend some time with Holly and her service dog, Delsie. (Holly also brought along a clan of ridiculously good-looking nieces and nephews.)



This is Delsie.


Though I'd never before done a shoot with a subject of the canine variety, I quickly learned that the technique need not change: just watch closely, and keep shooting. Within a few minutes, I began to see the things that made Delsie special, and her relationship with Holly so unique and intimate.



It's difficult to put into words what it was like to watch these two working together, and to explore the love



between a girl and her dog.

Chase is One!

I know what you're thinking. That kid is aDORable!



And you are right. But just wait...


...apologies to the Future Chase, but I am photographically obligated to share this.



Think he'll forgive me?


He looks like he's in a good mood. I'll take my chances.



Happy birthday, Chase! The rest of your photos will be ready soon!

Allison + Greg :: Saugatuck Engagement Shoot

Where do you take a couple who live in Chicago, are getting married in South Bend, and happen to be in Grand Rapids for the weekend, to do an engagement shoot?



Why, Saugatuck, of course.


Downtown sessions offer such variety, versatility, and... whatever this stuff is...


They also offer an opportunity to stroll up and down well-worn small town sidewalks, getting to know a sweet couple getting married in July. Great to meet you, Allison and Greg! I can't wait for July (and it looks like neither can you!)

The Difference a Year Makes

A year already, Matthew? Really?



I have followed this kiddo photographically as a newborn, then a six month-old, and now as an official toddler (he's got to have struck out on those first few steps by now, hasn't he, Rachel? Any minute now...)

Somehow, SOMEhow...


...he keeps getting cuter.

Great to catch up with you again, Matthew. Today is proof day!

...and we're back!

If you've noticed that it's been quiet over here at BeeTree and you're not yet aware of the cause, be not alarmed. The reason for my late winter sabbatical was born February 18, 2010: Hi there, Selah!






Momma and babe, Daddy and siblings are all healthy and adjusting well. Selah is even getting used to being "worn" while her mother runs around after the other two, a position she quite enjoys. She is beginning to wake up to the world now, (though you wouldn't know it by these photos,) smiling and cooing, kicking and craning her little neck to get a better look at her surroundings. She is a blessing to our family, and we're so glad she is here!

Spring has finally arrived in Michigan, and Selah isn't the only one joyfully waking up to it. I have three sessions this week (a newborn, a one-year-old, and a sweet engaged couple) that I can't WAIT to share with you. Watch for it! In the meantime, if you or someone you know has been thinking about updating your photo wall, getting some new shots for the grandparents, or just capturing your kids at the unique stage they're at, I am now taking spring session requests. And guess what! Spring time has me so.. so... GIDDY, I'm offering a complimentary 8x10 with any session booked in the month of April. (Just be sure to mention this blog promo when you book.)

Happy Spring!

You're Killin' Me, Kid.

Remember this little newborn sweetie pie? Incredibly, amazingly, impossibly, Willow is already 6 months old, and full of personality.



Oh, six months, what a lovely age. Can you handle the rolls? What perfection!



Sweet girl. Your complete proofs will be ready soon!