One Short Year | Ortonville, MI. Newborn Photographer

This post has been a long time in the making.  I have been working with this family for a long time, but have never really shared any of their photos.  I have no idea why I haven't.  They have been the subjects of some of my very favorite photo shoots and images ever.  It all started with an off the wall email, asking if I was willing to try some underwater photography, and just blossomed from there.  That first shoot was definitely an adventure.  I didn't have an underwater housing for my professional camera, so we used a simple old point and shoot, in a ziplock style waterproof case.  The conditions were less than ideal, but we had so much fun doing it.  The purpose of the underwater shoot was to capture some images that they could use on their engagement announcements, signifying that they were "Taking the plunge."  How fun!

Fast forward past the wedding, since I don't shoot weddings, and we get to the part where they found out that they were going to have their first baby together, and a little sibling for big brother, Aiden.  I was so excited to help them create their vision for their surprise announcements.  They wanted a shot to showcase the fact that they were "Expanding their family by two feet."  Pretty cute, huh?  I got down and dirty, and a bit damp, from laying on the pavement to get just the right angle, but they turned out super cute, and were a great way to let their friends and family know about the upcoming addition.

Of course, months go by, and I finally got the call, letting me know that little Roxie had made her debut.  Mom said that she loved bright colors, which is perfect since that is right up my alley, so I gathered up some of my most colorful blankets, and even made some awesomely colorful rainbow leg warmers, and headed over to capture some images of their little beauty.  Roxie rocked out her photo shoot, of course!  Who would've expected anything less with a name like that?

Now, move on forward, one short year later, and you'll find that little sister, Roxie, has become a big sister to her new baby sis, Gemma.  I was obviously elated to be asked to help welcome their newest baby girl into the world, with her very own newborn photo shoot.  Gemma followed in Roxie's footsteps, and was a dream to photograph.  She was so sleepy and content.  You may have seen, on my Facebook fan page, that these three beautiful children celebrated an awesome milestone when, on August 6th, 2014, they reached the ages of 12 years (Aiden), 12 months (Roxie), and 12 days (Gemma).  How cool is that!?!  Gemma was born just shy of Roxie's first birthday.  Many people call that Irish twins.  I call it sweet perfection.  These girls will forever be inseparable, I know it.  And they will always have their big brother to watch over them.  I feel so fortunate to have been able to take part in so many milestones in this family's life together, and I can't wait to continue to watch them grow through the years.  :)

The shot that started it all.

Hooray, there's a baby on the way!!!

Little Roxie makes her debut.

Roxie, then & now.  Oh how she's grown!  

Baby Gemma, in all of her splendor!

Contact Carri at:

email: carrimullins@carribethphotography.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/carribethphotography

phone: (248)678-3601

Addi Turns One!!! | Astonished Auntie Photographer, Flint, Mi.

I cannot believe that a whole year has flown by already, but here it is.  Exactly one year ago today, I became an auntie again, to another beautiful baby girl.  Addison Riley was born at 6:43am, and instantly put smiles on the faces of those who were there to see her.  That trend has continued on through the year as she has grown, because you just cannot look at this girl without smiling.  Not only is she adorable, but she is also smart, and silly, and such a ham.  I love being an auntie to three beautiful nieces, and I cannot wait to celebrate Addi's first year with her.  

Happy First Birthday Addi Ooo!!!  I love you!

See Addi as she has grown, from birth to one year, through the photos I have shared here.

Addi's Arrival

Newborn

4-7 Months

9 Months

ONE YEAR!!!!!

WE DID IT!!!!! | Goodrich, MI. | Child and Family Photographer

That's right, we managed to make up our rain-delayed session from the week prior to this.  I'll tell you though, it wasn't looking good. We woke up to the same weather that put the kibosh on our original session date.  It was dreary and rainy and chilly, but luckily I have patient and enthusiastic clients, who were willing to wait it out and nab our best opportunity of the day.  There was only one stipulation.  We HAD to be done in time for the Michigan vs. Michigan State game.  Lol.

We met at the most beautiful location!  The trees stood vibrant with the gorgeous oranges, reds and golden yellows of fall.  It was definitely the perfect setting for an autumn family session.  We beat the rain, and even got a peek of sunshine here and there. We did have a short battle with the breeze, but aside from that, the weather was nice to us for the entirety of our session.

This session was strategically planned to coincide with the upcoming birthday of their youngest daughter, who is turning one. Unfortunately, little miss Ella was not fond of the nip in the air, so we didn't get any outside pics of her by herself, but she rocked it out for the family shots!  (My legs nearly gave out on me from doing so many power jumps to coax out those precious smiles, but it was sooo worth it for the end result).  I don't think that there could possibly be a cuter family.  And, though we were unable to get a happy Ella outside, we got some great shots of her lovely sisters, and then we captured some ADORABLE images of her inside.
All three of these girls are total gems, and I LOVED spending the day with them, and each of their very different personalities.  This session was a long time coming, and has totally lived up to my expectations.  They couldn't be more perfect.  And, in the end, I'm happy to report that dad made it home in time for the big game, and Michigan came out with a win!  Woot woot!!!!  It was a great day for everyone...........unless you're a State fan.  ;P

Thank you Sarah and Rob, for being so flexible, and working with what mother nature handed us that day.  And, more importantly, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLA!!!!!  :)

Contact Carri at:

Email:  carrimullins@carribethphotography.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/carribethphotography

Phone:  (248) 678-3601

And the Winner Is.......... | Ortonville, MI. Toddler Photographer

I recently participated in a local trade show, Septemberfest, that takes place annually in our town.   I had such a great time, and met so many locals, and even ran into more than a few acquaintances that didn't even know that I am a photographer.  (I guess I need to mention that more often, lol).  Anyway, during the show, I had a raffle for a free session, and I am happy to report that the winner of that raffle is the proud mama of an adorable little boy, Koltyn.

Koltyn was so much fun to shoot and we couldn't have had better fall colors and lighting than what we found at Depot Park, in Clarkston.  This little guy is so energetic and just wants to go go go.  It is so fun to watch him toddle on his freshly matured baby legs.  He was such a little stinker as he teased me with his hat.  I would ask for it, and he would quickly pull it away and look at me with the funniest little scowl on his face.  Then he would smirk and extend it back out toward me just to snatch it back again and give me that same serious face from before.  After all of that, he was so sweet when he came up behind me, while I was crouched down, and gave me the biggest hug!  I just melted.

I would've loved to just take him home with me after the session.  We could've cuddled up on the couch and watched the Lions play on a Sunday afternoon.  Ok, so I'm not a HUGE football fan, but I would watch it with this little guy, while he wore his super cute, personalized, Lions jersey.  I'm guessing there is probably some daddy baby cuddle time for him on Sundays.  :)

I really loved photographing this little cutie, from his beautiful brown eyes, that just sparkle when he smiles, to the little whorl of hair that sits perfectly on his forehead.  I cannot wait to see him again.  Thank you to Erica, Bryan, and Grandma for being so great, and being the best assistants.  You have such a beautiful family!  I hope you love these.  :)

Mama didn't want to be part of the photographs that day, but I am so glad that I captured this little moment between the two of them.  Erica, you are beautiful, and you can just tell that Koltyn loves you SO MUCH!!!

Oh yeah, THAT'S the face!  What a stinker.  lol

Contact Carri at:

Email:  carrimullins@carribethphotography.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/carribethphotography

Phone:  (248) 678-3601

Cousin Campout | Burton, MI. Infant and Toddler Photographer

I woke up Saturday morning to a beautiful warm summer day......a perfect day to photograph some happy babies. By the time we arrived at the session location, it was apparent that it was going to be much more than just "warm". It got sweaty-hot fast, and though all of the adults were very aware of the heat, by some miracle, the kids were unfazed by it.

I was so excited for this session because it is a returning client and friend. You might remember these girls from the hot air balloon shoot last year. They were so fun to work with then, and I couldn't wait to see how much they have grown now. I was also eager to meet the new addition to the family, Evan, who made his arrival soon after our previous session.

These adorable cousins were so funny to watch with their different personalities, and their ever-increasing mobility. Everybody got a bit of a workout keeping up with them all. Not to mention the workout that, the stupendously chivalrous, Mark got by helping me carry my many props through the park. (Thank you for that!!!!)

With some help from my baby wranglers, we got some beautiful images of these little cuties. Emily, it was so nice to see you and all of your family again. I can't wait to share more with you, but I hope this will tide you over for a little bit. ;)

 

......and, just because we ALL know that it's not always all sunshine and rainbows.........especially at the end of a hot summer session.  lol

This one cracks me up because we have three different emotions shining through.  We have Evan in the middle, just as happy as can be, with his skeptical sister, Emma, looking at him like he's crazy.  Then, we have sweet little Mae, who is just SOOO over it.  Lol.  They were all little troopers.  :)

Contact Carri at:

email: carrimullins@carribethphotography.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/carribethphotography

phone: (248)678-3601

Mackenzie's turning ONE!!!! | Ortonville, Baby Photographer

This past week I was able to enjoy some time with my sister and my little niece, Mackenzie, when they flew in to visit from California. Mackenzie has grown so much since the last time I saw her in January. She's turning one at the end of this month, and is on the verge of walking. Being that she lives so far away, I count myself extra lucky to be able to watch her as she clumsily attempts to take her first steps. Being a long-distance Aunty (and sister) is so hard. I miss them so much while they are away, and only wish that they could move back home. In the meantime, I try to enjoy them as much as possible while they are here, and I was ecstatic to find out that Mackenzie didn't cry every time she saw me this time. Lol. Actually, she has a very happy disposition, and is just too funny to watch. In anticipation of 'Kenzie's first birthday, we decided to do a photo session, while taking advantage of this beautiful weather. I wish I could be there for her very first birthday party, and I hope she knows that, even though I am not there, I love her very much.....and her momma too. :)

Contact Carri at:

email: carribethphotography@yahoo.com

phone: (248) 678-3601