I {heart} NAPCP...

We just returned from Napa for NAPCP's 1st annual retreat, and I have to admit, we have some pretty incredible folks in this industry. As I catch up with all that I missed here last week, I leave you with a photo that brings so much joy to my eyes. This group, our inaugural group of NAPCPers, holds a very special place in my heart...

More images from the Retreat coming soon!

It's finally here!!

I am beyond excited about the next few days ahead.... We have been planning this Retreat for our members for months now (Kyu can attest to my obsessive planning disorder), and we're thrilled to be spending the next week with members in beautiful wine country.

Lots of bonding, learning, shooting, wine tasting and soul grabbing fun.

We'll be updating the NAPCP blog on Monday with all of the fun things going on in Napa. Be sure to check there for a sneak peak of what's going on!

Meanwhile - thank you to my wonderful clients for your patience as I get back to a regularly scheduled routine....next week!

Cheers to you all!

March of Dimes Photo Shoot

A few months ago, the March of Dimes contacted me after seeing some of the images I posted of my 2 lb princess, Nicole from Northside Hospital. The organization was preparing for their Prematurity Awareness Month campaign in November and reached out to me because they needed images that illustrated the emotional experiences of families whose babies are born prematurely.

After weeks of planning, conference calls, and fine-tuning our creative brief, I flew to Little Rock for a few days to photograph 20 or so families and their sweet babies.

The experience was incredibly powerful for me. As someone who is used to planning sessions around baby's milestones, I felt torn for the families who had been in the NICU for weeks and faced challenges with their newborn every single day. They embraced me photographing their family because they cherished their time with their baby. Everyday was a blessing. And it was evident in the room as I quietly captured their family's tender moments.

The March of Dimes has graciously given me permission to post some of my favorite images from the shoot. These babies are incredible. Their families, equally incredible. What a blessing it was for me to witness such remarkable love and strength...

1 day old, alone in his isolette as mom recovers from the delivery.



A baby a few doors down and a few days older. Happy to model for the campaign and smile for my camera...



Tender moments with mom and dad. Skin-to-skin is recommended often between the parent and infant.
Research proves this to be very therapeutic for both parties. I love how their hearts are touching...







Big brother stands proudly beside his sister's isolette. He was a little premie as an infant too.



I loved this family. Such joy to be holding their baby after more than 10 weeks in the hospital.



And this mom, who proudly told me her baby was getting big. Look how tiny his foot is in her fingers...



Loved these all as well...





And the infamous purple hat of the March of Dimes. So snug on the baby's little heads...

This was such an amazing experience that I was so proud to be a part of. Here is the group after our last day of shooting. All worn out, but incredibly happy to have had the opportunity to work together on this project.

Left to right: Kristen, Lori, myself, Susan and Shanna

I left Little Rock with such a heavy heart for all of the families who experience premature births. You are all incredible...

Out :)

Just FYI that I will be out of the office until this Thursday, June 10th. Photographing some very special babies in Little Rock, AR.



See you soon!

xoxo...

coBBlestone rue: lifestyle for the modern family

I am a big fan of bloggers, certain bloggers more than others. ;)

Spending my mornings with the AJC and a cup of coffee has quickly been replaced with answering emails and keeping up with virtual friends and the fascinating lives they lead. If I'm searching for a little photographic inspiration, I'm on NAPCP's Blogroll, but if I'm in need for some calm in my life, I'm keeping up with Mil or Ree (a couple virtual friends who seem to solve all of my qualms in life...).

Yesterday, I received a beautifully crafted announcement revealing the launch of my friend Joy's new blog - cobblestone rue.

She writes:

Cobblestone rue is my search for clarity.
It's about birthday parties and tea parties.
It's about lifestyle and home style.
It's about smart fashion for children and smart children.
It's about being a wife, mom, entrepreneur, cook, designer, housekeeper, chauffeur and super-hero, all at the same time and doing so with grace and ease.

What makes bloggers so compelling to me is how relatable and honest and open they are. Joy is no exception. Life is complicated, but she counts her blessings everyday and isn't afraid to teach her daughters to dream.

I'm excited about the launch of her new blog - her place of purpose and passion. I've witnessed Joy do amazing things with her husband Garrett's photography career and effortlessly juggle life's craziness with grace & poise. I can't wait to see where she takes this, and I look forward to following her journey.