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

Just the Girls | Goodrich, MI. Child Photographer

My favorite sister trio returned to me this year for another photo shoot.  I had a lot of fun with them last year, and this year was no different.  They looked so cute in their coordinating outfits.  I think their mom, Sarah, knew that the vibrant pink is right up my alley.  Little Ella was not really into the session at all until we found a nice flower box to play peek-a-boo with, then she was all smiles.  In the meantime, she made her own fun by running around behind the scenes while I shot her older sisters, Abby and Olivia, which made for one of my favorite shots of the whole session.  :)

There are a few perks to being friends with your photographer, and one of them is getting sneak peaks before your sneak peak is actually posted online.  One downfall to being friends with your photographer is that she can put off posting your preview, to spread out her blogging, without fear that you will hurt her, because you have already seen a few of your pics.  ;P

Sorry for making you wait Sarah, but I know you'll forgive me.  :D

Contact Carri at:

email: carrimullins@carribethphotography.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/carribethphotography

phone: (248)678-3601

Let's Get Together......Yeah, Yeah, Yeah | Flint, MI. Family Photographer

Social media has become a part of everyday life for many people, including myself.  It is a time drain as you get sucked into reading the musings of your peers, sharing little stories, and let's face it.....watching funny cat videos.  (You know you've done it.  lol).  Well, social media may be a black hole of wasted time more often than not, but it also serves a higher purpose by reconnecting people who have lost touch with one another.  It has done this for me countless times, and though it is nice to catch up in the cyber world, it is even better when your reconnection leads to an actual in-person gathering.

That is exactly what happened to me this past weekend.  I was recently reconnected with a group of old friends, with whom I attended church when I was younger.  Michelle was one of the people in that group.  She and her family used to transport me and a few of my siblings to and from church when we were little.  I was literally just a kid then, and I looked up to Michelle as a sort of older sister type figure.    It has been more than 12 years since I last saw or spoke with Michelle or her family, so it was exciting to find out that she is now married with two kids and living a happy life.  Needless to say, when she asked me to do a photo shoot with her son and daughter, I was thrilled to have the chance to see her again, and to meet her beautiful family.

Her son, Andrew, is just the handsomest little 8 year old!  He is charmingly shy with a smoldering stare that is sure to make the ladies in his future melt like butter.  Hadley is a charismatic 6 year old, who has the cutest toothless smile, and doesn't even have to try to find a cute pose for the camera because she is just naturally photogenic.  I even got to meet their 5 month old horse...uh, I mean puppy.  Maggie is the biggest 5 month old ANYTHING that I have ever met, and she is just so pretty.  She even sat still for a shot or two with the kids.

This shoot was supposed to be just about the kids, but I made sure to let Michelle know that I was more than willing to do a family photo while we were out, but she assured me that she just wanted photos of the kids.  As we were nearing the end of our shoot I made one last ditch effort to convince mom and dad to join in the fun because I think it is important to snag at least one image that includes the whole family, since in normal day to day life, there always seems to be someone missing in home photos.  We are never guaranteed another day to find the perfect coordinating outfit, have a fantastic hair day, wait for that untimely pimple to fade, lose a few pounds, sleep away the dark circles under our eyes, etc.  These are only some of the many reasons that some of my clients have given me for not wanting to be included in the photos I take for them, but I assure you that as time passes and memories fade, a photo of you with your babies will mean MUCH more to you than the memories of unwarranted insecurities. 

I hope that you love all of your images Michelle, especially the family photo.  You have a beautiful family, and I am so glad that you chose me to share this time with you all.  

Contact Carri at:

email: carrimullins@carribethphotography.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/carribethphotography

phone: (248)678-3601

Just Another Day On The Farm | Mid Michigan Senior Photographer

I recently had the privilege of photographing a Senior whom I met through my participation in Septemberfest this year in downtown Ortonville.  Josh invited me out to the ranch, Executive Farms Inc, where he takes horseback riding lessons, so that we could capture some photos of him with the horse that he rides, named Thumper.  I, of course, was excited because I think horses are absolutely stunning creatures.  We did some practice shots to see how Thumper would react to off camera flash, and as I feared, she was a bit spooked by it.  So I put the flash aside, and watched as Josh worked his magic on her to get her calmed down.  He was so kind and gentle with her as he groomed her with a calming hand, and soon she was ready for her closeup.  It was heartwarming to see their growing bond bloom right in front of me.  I am glad that he was able to steady her nerves so that we could some great images of the two of them together.  :)

Contact Carri at:

email: carrimullins@carribethphotography.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/carribethphotography

phone: (248)678-3601

Harlow Stole My Heart | Clio, MI. Newborn Photographer

In name alone, Harlow Grayce Adell had me intrigued.  What a beautiful name she has, and once I met her in person, it was clear that she has a perfectly beautiful little face to go with it.  From her little button nose, all the way down to her toes, she is everything any parent could hope for, and her parents are surely blessed to have her.  That definitely works both ways because Harlow is so fortunate to have such a loving and attentive mommy and daddy.  They are ever patient, and so willing to take on anything for their baby girl.  Together, we worked hard to capture her in all of her newborn perfection.  Here is a little sneak peak of what we got.  I cannot get enough of that face.  Maria and Kevin, it was an absolute pleasure to spend time with you all during your short time here in the states.  I hope you love your images.  I cannot wait to show you more.  :)

 Contact Carri at:

Email:  carrimullins@carribethphotography.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/carribethphotography

Phone:  (248) 678-3601

Your Opinions Please... | Michigan "Experimenting" Photographer

I got to shoot some beautiful and quick pictures of my adorable, 9 month old, niece today, and while editing them, I decided to experiment with a form of editing that is MUCH different than my norm.  I like my work clear and crisp, with vibrant colors......but......I have always had a place in my heart for the soft, dreamy, enchanting feel that you get with a certain type of image processing.

I had created an automated process, called an action, in photoshop over a year ago, but have only really used it for my birth photography images because I have been afraid that the change in style may throw off my followers.  My fans and clients tend to expect a certain style, and I don't want anyone to think that I have changed my tune completely.  I love my current style, and I do not foresee it changing anytime in the near, or distant, future.  However, I do love this new style also, so I have decided to put it out there for the world to see, and decide for themselves whether they love it or not.

Take a look at these images, and let me know what you think.  Is this a style that any of you might prefer as a choice on your own images?  I would love to hear your thoughts.  And have no fear, the clear, crisp, vibrant photos aren't going anywhere.  ;) 

Addi Oodi, Attitudey | Ortonville, MI. Baby Photographer

Little baby Addison has been growing so fast in the past 7 months.  You may remember my earlier posts about the arrival of my super adorable niece.  If not, you should definitely go check out the images from the day she was born, and her newborn photo shoot.

I come up with all kinds of crazy, nonsensical, nicknames for my own kids, and little Addison has received a few too.  My favorite nickname for her is Addi Oodi Attitudey because she is a sassy little thing.  She is not afraid to tell you what she thinks, in her own little way.  She definitely takes after her momma with that one.  She resembles her momma too, but I cannot help but see how much she looks like her daddy.  This little girl is a welcome addition to my friday routine, which is the day of the week in which I get to have her all to myself.  I love having the opportunity to watch her grow, up close.  There is nothing better than experiencing the world through the eyes of a baby who is discovering so many things for the very first time.

I'm a bit behind in sharing her pics from when we did her 4 month shoot, so I will share my favorite of those here, along with her 7 Month photo shoot.

I just ordered this image as a metal print, and I just KNOW it is going to look awesome.
4 MONTHS 

7 MONTHS

Just a bit of extra fun for everyone.  We all love Addison's spiky/fuzzy hair, and one night, while looking at a pic of her on my brother-in-law's phone, I realized that she strongly resembled something I had seen before.  What do you think.  Do we have a doppelgänger?  Lol

 Contact Carri at:

Email:  carrimullins@carribethphotography.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/carribethphotography

Phone:  (248) 678-3601