Oh How I Wish..... | Ortonville, MI. Newborn Photographer

As I mentioned in my previous post, I will be sharing some sessions that I have been digging up from the 2012 archives.  Well, in my search for unblogged sessions, I came across this little cutie, who modeled for me, and a group of photographer friends, early last summer during a fun photo filled weekend in Grand Haven, MI.  It was beautiful out there, with the warm air, the sparkly blue water, and the picturesque boardwalk/pier filled with people walking, skateboarding, riding their bikes, and just taking in the view.  Sitting here reflecting on our time there makes me think, oh how I wish I were back in that moment, with the sun shining on my face, surrounded by great friends, and having a good time.

While we were in Grand Haven, we set up a handful of photo shoots, just for fun.  Handsome little Alex here, was the first of the group, and he set the precedent for the shoots to follow.  He was amazing.  He was so sleepy, and didn't stir a bit.  So much so, that we decided, (with the ok from Mom, of course) that we should get some shots of him on the beach, with it's fine tan sand, and it's glistening water.  Not being prepared for an on-the-fly beach shoot, we trudged through the sand, quickly filling our shoes with the stuff, but it was so worth it.  Alex rocked it out, and I got a rare chance to photograph a sweet newborn on a beautiful beach.

I had such a fun time hanging out with my ladies that weekend, and Alex only added to that enjoyment.  He will be turning one in the next few months, so I hope that this is a welcome look back at how tiny he was, and how much he has grown.  As for the other shoots of the weekend, keep your eye out for future posts.  We did some really fun stuff that you won't want to miss.  :)

Contact Carri at:

Email:  carrimullins@carribethphotography.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/carribethphotography

Phone:  (248) 678-3601

Digging Out the Archives | Gaines, Mi. Newborn Photographer

As excited as I get with each and every session I do, I don't always find time to blog about them.  Now it happens to be the slower time of year, so I thought this might be the perfect time to catch up on some beautiful babies that got left behind.  Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of these sessions for all to enjoy.

We are going to start with precious little Owen.  He was the tiniest little thing.  At over a month old, this little guy was still only in the 5lb. range.  He is just the sweetest little thing, and he fit perfectly into the green setup below.  He looks like a little pea in a pod.  Owen is the youngest son of some friends of ours, so when we were finished with the session, the rest of my family came over, and we all hung out for the night.  All the while, I had a nagging feeling that there was a shot that I was missing.  I came in knowing that daddy is a big fan of baseball, more specifically, he's a BIG Detroit Tigers fan, and I had intended on doing a photo to showcase this, but it had been pushed aside to make way for the chaos of having six kids in one house......and to make time for some horseshoes for the guys, while it was still light out.  It comes down to the end of the night, and still, I cannot shake the feeling that I HAVE to do this picture.  I guess it's just that urge that people get when they think of something that they believe will be fabulous, and cannot rest until they do it.

So, at 10 o'clock at night we decide to setup the backdrop, and tell daddy to change into something suitable.  I have lost all remnants of the natural light that I am so used to, but lucky for me, I always bring my flash with me.  Dad comes out in his team gear, and I nestle little Owen into Daddy's baseball glove.  I cannot believe how perfectly his little bottom fit into that mitt.  You might say, he fit "like a glove".  ;P  Ok, sorry, that is a little of what my husband calls "Carri humor."

A few quick snaps, and we were done.  I finally felt satisfied with the shoot, and when I went through the images and came to the baseball pic, I knew that it was WELL worth the wait.  Not only did I love it, but Daddy LOVED it, and it seems to be a favorite with many who have seen it.  I am so glad that we did it.

Enjoy the images of little Owen, and remember to check back to see more beauties from the archives.  :)

Contact Carri at:

Email:  carrimullins@carribethphotography.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/carribethphotography

Phone:  (248) 678-3601

Little Buddy, Colton | Grand Blanc, MI. | Newborn Photographer

Check it out, two Coltons in a row on the blog.  And they are BOTH so darn precious!  This Colton is just the sweetest little baby.  I was blessed to be asked to photograph him in his very first moments of life, on the day he was born.  Unfortunately, he was whisked away quickly, and I didn't get to capture all of those things that a photographer hopes to be able to capture, like the moment he is first weighed and measured, or his first skin-to-skin cuddle time with mama.  But patience payed off, and after sticking around for a while, I was able to snatch a few shots of daddy's first time really getting to meet his son, face to face.  I had to shoot through the nursery window, with the blinds down, but they are priceless pictures regardless.  Then, after a bit more waiting, they FINALLY brought mama down the hall to see her precious baby boy, and I was grateful to be granted permission to join them, to help capture her first cuddles with her baby boy.  It was a beautiful and emotional day, and I am so happy that I was asked to be there.  

Fast forward two weeks later, after one postponement due to me getting a cold, (I will NOT shoot a newborn unless I am in tip top health.  I would never risk the health of a baby), I got to revisit this adorable munchkin to do his newborn pictures.  It was a beautiful day, so we were lucky to be able to bring little Colton outside for a quick autumn-themed shoot.  We actually had to relocate leaves from one part of the yard to the ideal spot for the shoot, (we're tricky like that.  lol), but with the help of big daddy, Brett, we made it happen, and it looked great.  Colton loves his daddy so much, and it shows.  I watched in awe as he repeatedly smiled every time daddy would say "are you my little buddy?"  It was definitely something to see.  It never failed.  Every time dad asked him that, he would just smile away, and that went on for a good period of time.  ADORABLE!

The one request that these proud new parents had for me, was to get some shots of their little man with some wolverine gear.  They had a hilariously adorable UofM mohawk hat, which was specially made just for Colton.  I'm not sure that Colton loved wearing it as much as we enjoyed looking at him wearing it.  He just looks so unamused.  Lol.  We then moved on to making some use out of daddy's jersey.  Little Colton barely covers a fraction of that thing.  Still so tiny, at over 8lbs.  Katie and Brett, I'm sure your sweet baby boy will be fitting that thing in the blink of an eye.  Thankfully, you will have these images to look back on and remember how tiny he really was.  :)

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

Happy Memorial Day | Proud American Newborn Photographer

On this weekend that precedes our patriotic holiday, I wanted to take a minute to give a shout out to all of our Armed Forces, past and present.  As I sit comfortably on my deck, overlooking the lake, and smelling the sweet spring air, I realize how often I take for granted the fact that I am able to enjoy simple luxuries like that.  I am forever grateful for the brave men and women who are serving, or have served, our country.  And I have a special place in my heart for those who have given their lives for us.  During this beautiful weekend, that informally signifies the beginning of summer for many, do not forget to take time to pay your respects to our fallen heroes.

Here is one of our country's newest patriots, Baby Jackson.

Isn't he sweet.

Contact Carri at:

email: carrimullins@carribethphotography.com

facebook: www.facebook.com/carribethphotography

phone: (248) 678-3601

A Perfect Day for a Perfect Baby! | Pontiac, MI. Newborn Photographer

I have been eagerly waiting to show off this sweet little guy. Meet Kendell. Kendell was a bit of a celebrity when I first met him. You may not recognize him now, (or maybe you do. He has been hanging out in my header photo for over a week now (: ), but his face was all over the news back in November when he was born because he has a very special birthdate. Kendell was born on November 11th, 2011....aka 11-11-11. You could tell, just from that short interview that the camera loved him, so I was eager to have the opportunity to photograph him. I met this bright-eyed baby boy on his 1 month birthday, which is pretty late as far as newborn sessions go, but he was a total doll, and I had such a blast working with him. He has the cutest little face, and his silky smooth skin is absolute perfection! We didn't get much more than a small smirk out of this one, but he gave us everything else, from sweet sleepy baby poses, to a great BIG yawn. He even managed to flash those sparkling doe eyes at us. I absolutely loved my time with Kendell, and I am anxious for our future photo sessions together.

I would like to thank Kendell's parents for welcoming me into their home. It was a true blessing to meet you all. I would also like to thank my assistant for the day, Colleen Snyder. I couldn't have done it without you. :)

Contact Carri at:

email: carrimullins@carribethphotography.com

facebook: www.facebook.com/carribethphotography

phone: (248) 678-3601

Adorable Oliver | Commerce Twp. Infant Photographer

This is Oliver. He is one bright-eyed baby boy, full of smiles and sweet baby noises. He is three months old, and growing fast. Watching him smile at his mama just melted my heart. You could just tell that he knew that everything was right in the world as long as his mommy was there. And little Oli is most definitely the light of his mommy's life. Mama is not the only one who Oliver looks up to though. It is obvious that he also adores his daddy, and there is no doubt that his daddy adores him right back. All together they make a BEAUTIFUL family. I am excited to watch Oliver grow throughout the rest of his first year of life, and beyond.

Thank you to Patricia Mansour of PatsHatsetc, for the adorable hat. :)

Contact Carri at:

email: carrimullins@carribethphotography.com

facebook: www.facebook.com/carribethphotography

phone: (248) 678-3601