The Mommy Project ~ Week 8

I have a confession:  I work too hard!  I spend too many hours in front of this darn computer and forget to live my life.  

My New Year's Resolution was to spend more time playing and enjoying my munchkin, before she goes and grows up on me!

So something like The Mommy Project is right up my alley!!!  Each week a different theme is chosen to help those who participate capture their real life on camera.  Freeze those moments so we can lock them away and not let THEM grow up at least!!!

So, here I am joining, 8 weeks late!!!  But better late than never!  This week's topic is Bathing:

Mom, stop taking pictures of my duck!!!

The eyes that melt me :)

Super Concentration

❤ ❤ ❤

Love those lashes!!!

Her favorite bath game!

Making bubbles

Duckie jail?

There's a glimpse of my baby.

Cheese!!!!!  Back to being a toddler!!!

I hope I have inspired you to check out The Mommy Project!  You don't have to be a pro to join in the fun!  You can use your cell phone!  The point is that we mamas take some time out of our busy lives to enjoy our children for who they are today!

If you want to join in here on my blog feel free to send me a photo of your entry and I will post them on my blog when I announce next week's topic.  You can reach me at kristymutchler15@gmail.com

Snow Much Fun ~ Bourne Portrait Photographer

Today was a blustery, cold day but this couple had so much fun during the session I couldn't help but have a blast too :)

They were playful and good natured and didn't bat an eye when I asked them to lay down in the snow . . . twice!

There is nothing more romantic than sharing a blanket with the one you love on a cold, snowy day!

We found a cute little clearing in the woods to take refuge from the snow and to get a few cute shots amongst the trees.

I am so happy that I got the chance to spend some time with this great couple!

A Snapshot of Reality!

I am a mom.  And I am a photographer.  

I like to think I am a pretty good mom.  My daughter is generally fed 3 times a day.  Her clothes are washed occasionally.  She is bathed daily.  She is only minimally exploited for the sake of my business.

I also like to think I am a pretty good photographer.  I generally produce photos where no one's head is cut off.  I can usually edit photos in a way that the subjects are still recognizable.  I can even shoot in manual!

But when you combine both of those things together there is often trouble....  
                   
             Mom + Photographer = Epic Fail!!!!!!! 

Why?   Because my child will NOT listen to me nearly as well as your child will listen to me!  And here is what (hilariously) results:



First the child will not look at the camera because she is ENTHRALLED with her "pretty new shoes."

Then she stands up and sits down and stands up and sits down 15 times because the overturned crate being used as a stool makes her "bum hurt."

Then she becomes fascinated with the ruffles on her dress which results in ONE adorable shot...

And a bunch that look like this:

So then I threw a stuffed duckie into the mix and got some cute shots :)

So Grace was bribed (excuse me, rewarded!) with the universal symbol of toddler peace!




But as all parents know, the peace cannot last forever!

Somehow, "lay on your belly" is a really difficult concept to understand, even with Daddy modeling!

So I got some of this...

and this...

and this...

And finally some decent shots!

So you see, it's not just you!  When you bring your child to me and want me to take lovely photos, then get embarrassed because he or she JUST WON'T SIT STILL...

I just want you to know that I have been there.  And that despite the insanity of a toddler, they are so darn cute!

Vintage Beauties

When I was a little girl I used to love dressing my baby dolls up in fancy clothes.  Then I would always ask my dad who was a photographer himself, to photograph my babies after I had lined them up in the hallway.  True story!  So it is no surprise that I just love sessions with a theme like this one here!

The purpose of this session was to model these amazing hair accessories that a friend of mine creates and sells.  I was drawn to this beautiful feathered number which is what inspired our backdrop and prop choices.

I first photographed this little cutie 4 months ago when she was so teeny-tiny.  I was so excited to see how much she had changed.  She was just so happy and sweet, and look at those pouty little lips!

She had so many different expressions for me and she was so patient, despite out two hour session!!!

The best part of the session was when we got both girls together!

Look out for "Part 2" coming soon!  

Keeping Busy...

Things have been a bit slow around here this past month as everyone rebounds from Christmas and dives right into cold and flu season (cough, cough!)

BUT, I have been staying nice and busy even if my camera hasn't!

I attended some workshops.  I am trying to improve my use of studio light AND my editing skills.  Both workshops were great and filled my head with things I can't wait to try out!  I will be looking for some clients to try out my new skills on so be on the lookout for some upcoming Casting Calls!

I have decided to do some rebranding to go along with my new (ish) business name.  So here it the logo you will see on all my photos now:

I think that it really shows the fun and whimsical side of me, which is me behind the camera!

Along with the new logo are new gift cards, a new blog header, a new timeline cover and much more!  All are coordinated and all are fun!  

In the works right now are some specials that I will be running, including a Newborn Special.  

I am also busy planning the set for my upcoming Easter Mini-Sessions which will be held in late February and early March in my home studio.

So, I have not been filling your newsfeed with daily doses of cuteness, but I HAVE been working behind the scenes to make a better Capturing Grace!