LIFEOGRAPHY | Virginia Beach + Norfolk's Maternity, Newborn, Baby & Child Photographer

Mine

Stephanie — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:53:53 +0000

As the summer winds down, we’ve returned from a series of travels visiting friends and family in Tennessee, Florida and most recently, Maryland–just in time for the hurricane that wasn’t (thank goodness). I’m officially on maternity leave and we’re gearing up for fall, the start of pre-kindergarten, and the arrival of the baby-to-be in 4-6 weeks! While away, I contributed two articles to The Creative Mama. The most recent was a “Letter to My Unborn Baby” – take a peek if you’re curious about the bun’s development and what we’re looking forward to.

Today, Liam met his new teacher at his preschool, shopped for school supplies, decided red Converse All-Stars were his footwear of choice and got a mini-makeover at Wink Salon (love this place!). I took some photos to send to his daddy and decided I’d share here too.

Before (the scruffy Lump was a hot mess!):

After (a bit more dapper and grown-up):

And of course the Muffin + his ‘fro. He’s next on the list for a trim.

Under The Boardwalk | Virginia Family Photographer

Stephanie — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 15:15:09 +0000

As the summer is winding down, I’ve had the opportunity to shoot a handful of amazing families near the boardwalk. It’s a great location for kids because of the many settings, colors and activities. Our time is fast paced and exciting for little eyes and hands and feet. Annie described her crowd as playful…and she was absolutely right. Little Ollie *adored* my white kids chair (he wanted to carry it around for the entire shoot!)– that’s never happened with a toddler his age before. And Lucy was right at home on the boardwalk — carefree, spirited, snugly and perfectly five. There’s nothing better than a mama and daddy who are relaxed enough to let their kids be kids — to get sandy and silly and even sulky at times. In the end they simply had fun together: it’s a joy to watch a bit of their everyday unfold, for their guard to let down and display the love they share. That’s what I want my family photos to show in 20 years. I hope I’ve captured a bit of that for you.

Gifted.

Stephanie — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 01:11:45 +0000

(photos courtesy of Jefra Linn)

Thought this was the perfect title to describe one of my best friends and fellow photographer Deb Schwedhelm. Not only has she gifted me with a friendship that is enduring, authentic and precious, she has shared her amazing talent with my family since the day we first met–when she photographed this disheveled new mama with a fussy, two-week-old newborn in arms. She was completely green then. I was her second “client.” Yet, her natural talent far exceeded her days behind a camera. From the moment I saw those precious photographs with tears streaming down my postpartum cheeks, I knew she possessed a rare and special gift. It was only the beginning.

She, beyond most any photographer I know, is gifted — gifted with a natural artistic eye and an innate ability to capture people in ways that are true. She never captures a likeness only, she digs deeper and reveals more–of the people she is photographing, and her own beautiful, generous soul. She is complex and unique. A star in her own sky, that shines brighter than most. Because of our relationship, I am blessed. Few friendships last long-distance — even fewer thrive. When we have chances to see each other, it is a rare and wonderful pleasure. It’s as if we have always been. Right. Where. We Are.

Her family is also part of the military, and recently moved to my hometown in Tampa. Giddy would be an understatement, if I were to describe how excited I am that I will have more of her in my life over the next three years. During my three-week trip home (that I’ve just returned from), she made time for a maternity session to capture my blossoming belly during this wonderful, hectic and sometimes, far-from peaceful time. See her blog entry about the session here. And, enjoy her magical, ethereal work below.

Endless thank yous to you, my sweetest sister + friend. You are truly gifted. And all that you are is a gift to me.

(all maternity portraits above taken by Deb Schwedhelm — a million thank yous!)

Far Apart, Close At Heart

Stephanie — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:52:24 +0000

Head on over to The Creative Mama to check out my first article where I share how we cope with the inevitable long-distance relationships that result from our military lifestyle. Would love to hear your thoughts — and ideas as well!

A New Venture as A Creative Mama

Stephanie — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:38:31 +0000

Once in awhile an opportunity arises that makes me do a happy dance. When Angie Warren of The Creative Mama invited me to join her team of writers last week, I was thrilled. My first love (and profession) was writing. After the corporate grind sapped my energy and creativity, I left it behind for photography in 2006. Since then, I haven’t written in any official capacity (despite the nudges of many of my dear friends like Deb).

As my photography business slows this fall due to my maternity leave, it’s the perfect time to embark on a new journey with a group of dynamic women I admire. Not only that, I’ll be writing on topics that are near and dear to my heart…it doesn’t get much better than that! Thanks to the new Creative Mama team for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to collaborating with you!

See the announcement at The Creative Mama.

And, if you are looking for some inspiration this afternoon, check out each of these phenomenal women and their work:

Angie: www.angiewarren.com
Hayley: www.tinytwig.typepad.com
Erin: www.erincobb.com/ThePigBear/
Bree: www.bakedbree.com
Hannah: www.seekingequipoise.com
Amy: www.lifeineden.wordpress.com
Tiffany: www.mommygoesgreen.com
Julia: www.thefrugalfind.com
Jessica: www.503galleries.com/blog/
Stacey: www.staceywoodsphoto.com/blog/
Marci: www.overcomingbusy.com/
Michele: www.pinkletoesblogstalker.com/
Marta: www.martalocklear.com/blog/
Kelli: www.francephotography.com/blog/
Rachel: www.rachelgoerkephotography.com/blog/

Home is Where the Heart Is | Virginia Family Portraits

Stephanie — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:19:53 +0000

I’m so excited for this beautiful family to finally get a peek at their images. When we originally discussed scheduling a session, location was one of the primary sticking points. What would be best for a 2-year-old and a 3-month-old? The beach? A park? In the past, on-locations photo sessions had been difficult for them. I always remind my clients that a good photographer can make any location work. For me, the goal isn’t to capture a family’s likeness against a beautiful backdrop — it’s to capture their hearts, their love for each other and their connections. With careful attention to detail, this can be done anywhere you can find proper light. In their case, I suggested home would be most comfortable. It’s often the very last place families think of for portraits, but is actually the best place for young children — especially those that are happiest in their own comfort zone. We take time for snack breaks, playtime and it’s much easier to encourage interaction in a familiar environment. In the end, we shot mostly in the backyard — a small patch of grass near a golf course. It’s not the location that takes center stage here — it’s the family. I can see their hearts on their sleeves and almost hear the giggles. Can you?

Summer Living | Beach Family Portraits

Stephanie — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:28:18 +0000

I’m so grateful to my photographer friends Rashmi Pappu and Rachel Devine who referred this fabulous family of four to me. Stacey is a local trunk keeper for Matilda Jane clothing — an *amazing* designer clothing line for perfect for your daughter (or the one you wish you had!). Beyond their fabulous style, was their immediate and obvious connection as a family. Dad had a servant’s heart, they both love their little ones with abandon and kindness just poured out from them. That, plus happy kiddos, made for a fun, easygoing session — and images where I had to direct so little because of their natural interaction. Stacey and Brad, I am so grateful you took a chance with me. Thanks for a memorable afternoon that kept me smiling long after it was over.

Studio Updates + Availability

Stephanie — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 02:10:30 +0000

This is how Finn reacted when I broke the news that I’m fully booked for July + August. He felt a little better when I explained that I had room for a few August mini sessions only and would still be able to take *his* pictures…I’m starting maternity leave the last week of August and will resume shooting in Spring of 2011. It’s been a whirlwind of a year here and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead for our growing family (and our business) next year. Meanwhile, there are plenty of upcoming session sneak peeks as well as some fun personal work in the pipeline. So stay tuned..there’s more to come.

xoxoxo
s

Party of Five | Virginia Beach Family Portraits

Stephanie — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:29:38 +0000

I’m always honored when clients from out of town book me for a shoot–and it’s even better when one of them is a photographer. Stephanie is a budding portrait photog and carved out an evening for me while they were in Virginia Beach on vacation. With kiddos ages 1, 3 and 5, sessions are always unpredictable…but never short of personality. The youngest of the group was under the weather that day, but sometimes, it’s the in-between moments that capture a family best. There were plenty of them, and I hope this preview eases any anxiety you may have had about “getting the shots!” You both deserve a medal for sticking it out with two rambunctious boys (just like my own) and a fussy toddler on the move. It’s not hard to see you have a wonderful family…thank you for sharing a piece of your stay here with me.

Welcome Gianna | Virginia Beach Newborn Photographer

Stephanie — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:00:40 +0000

One of the beautiful parts of this work is watching families grow–especially of those I know well. Bella, who you may remember from this special session, is proud to be a big sister! Welcome baby Gianna, who much to her family’s relief was born at full-term. This angel has had the luxury of being home since her birth, unlike her big sister. And while mom and dad were weary from her nighttime wakings, they are ever grateful to experience life with a newborn out of the NICU. She was already four weeks old when she arrived in the studio — precious, happy and wide-eyed. Of course, Bella was a trooper for the entire shoot — and in the last few shots, gives us a peek at what happens behind the scenes while the babies are being fed and comforted.