Samantha + Brandon

When love comes, observe it with a gentle, unwavering focus. Observe its as it sleeps, for love embodies tranquility. Pay attention to its communication, its attentive ear, and its commitment to fulfilling promises. Above all, observe how it cherishes you, nurtures you and keeps your spirit in its embrace.

Samantha and Brandon have discovered a love like no other. It's a love that will shower them with words of praise and grace them with its actions. A love that will guide them through the phases of their lives and lead them toward the correct path. It's a love marked by patience and kindness, a love exclusively meant for their souls to cherish.

May your journey together be filled with love, laughter, and endless adventures. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness and a love that continues to grow stronger with each passing day. Congratulations on your beautiful union.

Ericka + Devin

Devin + Ericka: " I take you exactly as you are, loving you today and for all our days to come. From this day forward, I promise to be thankful for our adventures as one, To love and cherish every moment, To give generously to our life together. I will always put us first, Every day for the rest of our lives."

Congratulations, Ericka and Devin! Your wedding was amazing! I wish you love and blessings!

Modesty and Tay

"I love you with all the breath, the smiles, and the tears of all of my life. You are the single greatest source of my joy. You are the sun of my heart, and I revolve around you; you nourish me, you give me life." I am so blessed when my friends trust me to capture their children. Pam, thank you so much for trusting me to care for and capture Tay and Modesty. They are truly an amazing couple. I wish them blessings, upon blessings, upon blessings

Isaiah and Tyler Maternity Session

"Before I came here. When I was formless. I imagine I asked God for a life saturated with love. Not to be seduced by anything mundane, not desire the passing flesh we think is home. Now that I'm here, I only wish for God to call my name from the lips of another being who understands love in its purest form." - Lexonart

Ty and Isaiah, I want you to know how much I LOVED capturing the love you share for your baby girl. Thank you so much for reminding me how lucky and blessed I am to do what I love. Much Appreciation...

I love Fairytales

And she saw the world not as it was, but as perhaps it could be, with a bit of magic

Just trying something different

Mom's 70th Birthday + 5 Year Survivor Session

"She's a balance of strength and femininity. She's a blend of silly and serious. She's a dreamer with her feet still on the ground. The kind of person that can find the sun's rays in a rainstorm. She is the kind of woman that redefines everything you thought you knew about amazing."

Proverbs 31:28 says, "Her children arise and call her blessed." There are so many more things that I can say about this gem of a woman. I couldn't be more blessed to have her as my bonus mom. Her spirit is fiery, and her words of wisdom are full of love and straight to the point. When my sister, Hanniyah, asked me to capture them for her birthday I almost squealed. It was such a blessing to witness the love and compassion share within the 3 generations. Mom not only turns 70 today, but it is her 5-year cancer survival anniversary! I am so grateful God saw fit to bring her though! Happy birthday, Mom! We love you more than you know!

Happy Birthday Christina

"She's the kind of queen that knows her crown isn't on her head but in her soul."

Each time I capture Christina, I grow a little more within. The peace and self-confidence she carries are awe-inspiring. Cheers to another trip around the sun! Wishing love, happiness, and peace.

Princess Ryan

“She leaves a little sparkle everywhere she goes. Play with fairies. Ride with unicorns. Swim with mermaids. Fly to the moon.” I love the sassiness of this little girl. She gave me a hard time, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. She definitely made me work for this session. It was nothing a little candy and glitter couldn’t handle. Happy birthday Princess Ryan!

Happy 1st Birthday Carver!

"You are loved for the boy you are, the man you will become, and the precious son you will always be."

It brings my heart joy to see a family come full circle. Brittani and Greg have made such a precious and sweet little boy. I'm grateful that they have allowed me to capture him and experience him as he grows if only for a moment. It's such a beautiful thing to see. Happy Birthday, Baby Carver! Love you to pieces!

The Sweetest Things Photography by Kima: Headshots

It is my goal for each client to see themselves beautiful with each and every session. Allow me to do that for you.

Christina: Beautiful Glamour Session

"There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty." — Steve Maraboli

For most women I talk to, and even for myself, it is a constant journey to self-love. We struggle with our self-image, self-worth, self-acceptance, etc. It is a breath of fresh air to capture a woman that is embracing that journey and shares it with every soul that crosses her path. Christina made me feel more comfortable in my skin by watching the way she loves her own. She proves that you can be a work in progress and a beautiful masterpiece simultaneously. Thank you for sharing your light and love.

My Sweetest Thing

"You are made of stardust and wishes and magical things. Your purpose is assigned and your soul is divine. Your existence is unquestionably ordained."

What can I say that I haven't already said about my Ladybug. Even when she frustrates me I am always amazed by the person she is and the young lady she's becoming. She is my heart's joy and the love that fills my soul. I've been wanting to try my hand at fine art photography. I figured why not try with her.

Ashley + Richard: Whispers of Love

"For it was not into my ear you whispered but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed but my soul."

It's a magical thing celebrating a new life about to come into this world. It’s times like these that I love being a maternity photographer. Maternity is one of my favorite times in a couple’s lives to capture! I couldn't be happier for a couple than I am for Richard and Ashely! I was grateful to capture their wedding, and I'm even more grateful to capture their expanding family. I can't wait to meet Baby Whip. Congratulations you two...

Terrelle + Gabriel: A Whole Vibe

"Let us make a bed out of each other and spread our love across space. Let us defy time and stretch the fabric of existence, as our souls kiss in sacred ways. Let us explore each other the way stars trace the night's sky - bleeding light upon the constellations to live in love until the end of time." - Lexonart

Terrelle is the embodiment of love, honesty, and genuineness. I'm so grateful that she has found someone in Gabriel, that shares her love and enthusiasm for life. These days it is so important to draw near to the ones we love. I'm honored to have been there to capture the drawing together of their union

Nilaja + Stephanie: The Love Experience

"Sometimes in life, we can forget ourselves; getting lost in the endings and beginnings, the coming and goings. And in forgetting, we can leave pieces of ourselves in the lives and hearts of other people, other places, and other times. Yet, when we are lucky and brave, we can find ourselves coming back to the center of our very being. We can find ourselves reminded of who we were crafted to be. And when that finding happens in the eyes and arms and dreams of another, that other bears holding onto, bears loving completely and with everything."

Most weddings have their own vibe and energy. Whether it is nervous energy or smooth jazzy energy. They are their own unique experiences. Nilaja and Stephanie's energy pulls you in and hugs with their eyes closed. Upon meeting them both you feel a sense of calm and peace, of love and safety. Their union was a truly amazing experience filled with beautiful cultural rituals and symbolism. Its unique flair made my heart beat fast with anticipation of what would happen next. As always I am grateful that they chose us to capture their breathtaking day! Wish you both love and blessings... Our last wedding of the year!

How to Prepare for Your Engagement Session

With the holidays just around the corner, engagement season is nearly upon us! Whether you’re engaged already or you think the big question may be coming soon, we want to offer a few tips we’ve learned over the years for nailing your engagement photos. From what to wear to where to go, keep these eight things in mind before your upcoming photo shoot!

1. Wear something you’re comfortable in.

Choose outfits that make you feel like a million bucks. If you do purchase something new, take it out for a test run (hello, date night excuse!) with plenty of time to launder it before your session in case of a spill or other mishap. As much as you consider how your engagement outfits make you feel, think also about how they’ll photograph during your session. For the ladies, we recommend choosing pieces that flow nicely as you move, especially if you’re doing your photos outdoors.

2. Steam or iron your outfits ahead of time!

Speaking of what you wear, be sure to de-wrinkle your clothes before your session. A photographer’s least favorite question is “can you just Photoshop that out later?” and oftentimes having things like wrinkles retouched in your photos comes at an additional cost per image. Save yourself the stress and get wrinkle free ahead of time!

Donald & Jennifer

3. Consider professional hair and makeup for your shoot.

If you feel confident in your hair and makeup skills, you can skip on down to the next tip! However, if you’ve never done makeup for photos or you aren’t really sure what to do with your hair, you may want to hit up the salon before your engagement shoot. Photos require slightly more saturated makeup than your every day look so that you don’t become washed out. Haven’t done your hair and makeup consultation with your wedding day stylist yet? It can be a smart move to schedule that consult the morning before your session to knock out two birds with one makeup brush! (P.S. You can search for hair and makeup stylists in your area right here!)

4. Make a day out of it.

One of the best pieces of advice we’ve heard from photographers is to make your engagement session part of a day-long date. Not only does this give you plenty of time for photos without feeling rushed, but starting your day in this mindset helps you feel connected and romantic as you head into the photo shoot. Start your day with a boozy brunch or coffee at your favorite spot and invite your photographer to meet you there to grab a few shots before changing locations.

5. Set the scene.

Location is everything, so before heading to your neighborhood park for engagement photos, think about what you really love as a couple and what places reflect that. If you relish over making coffee together and snuggling on the couch with some good ole Netflix, maybe an at-home session is right for you. Are you an adventurous couple who spends your weekends hiking? Take your photos in the forest or mountains, hiking gear in tow. Don’t be afraid to incorporate your favorite activities like riding bikes or taking a canoe down to the lake. Check out our tips for setting the scene for your engagement session and take this quiz to find out where you should take your engagement photos.

6. Schedule your session around the sun.

You may have heard that there are certain times of the day that are better for photos and that’s all because of the light! Golden hour, which is that beautiful time of day just before the sun sets is when you want to shoot if you’re looking for that glorious, golden light in your photos. It’s important to be aware of when the sun is going to set (you can check your weather app to find this out!) so that you have plenty of time to shoot before the light is gone. The early afternoon may sound like a good time for photos schedule-wise, but keep in mind that the light is much harsher at this time because the sun is directly overhead. Early, early morning light can also be magical, so you may want to consider a sunrise session where you arrive at your first location just as the sun starts to rise.

7. When in doubt, kiss!

If you haven’t spent a lot of time in front of a camera (and let’s face it – who has?), you may be pretty nervous or become stiff during your shoot. A quick way to loosen up while still getting great photos is to go in for a kiss! This can help you connect with your partner and forget the camera is even around, which makes for more natural photos anyway.

Article from Junebug Weddings | November 2017 | Nicole

Preparing for Your Maternity Photography Session

Congratulations on your pregnancy! As you prepare for your little one to enter the world and join your family, your to-do list is probably a mile long. Having a professional maternity session may seem like just another item to add to your list, but a maternity session can be a perfect time to remind you of the power and beauty of your body during your pregnancy journey. You deserve to have this incredible moment in your life captured, to celebrate with your partner and family the joy of a new baby entering your life.

If you’ve never had a maternity session before, you may not know how to prepare or what to expect. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to everything you need to know in order to make the most of your session and get images you will love.

Schedule your session early

The earlier you book your session the better. Your best bet is to book your maternity session somewhere around 20 weeks if possible. Especially if you have a specific photographer you want to work with, it’s important to book as early as possible to make sure they will be available.

Plan to book a shoot for your third trimester

The best time to take your photos is in your third trimester, between 28 and 32 weeks. At this point, your bump will be showing well and look great in photos, and you will still be able to move around and pose comfortably. While you can do your maternity session later in your pregnancy, there’s a good chance you will have more trouble posing and standing for long periods of time.

Talk to your photographer about your desires

Every photographer is different and every mom-to-be is different as well. If there are specific images you want—or don’t want—be sure to let your photographer know. Talk to your photographer about what images are important to you and whether you’re interested in doing partial or implied nudes. It’s important to let your photographer know what you’re comfortable with before your session so they can better plan out what shots and poses to do.

Pamper yourself

Your hands will appear in almost all of your images, so you want them looking good! Your maternity session is the perfect excuse to pamper yourself a little with a professional manicure.

Have your hair done professionally

Continue the pampering with a visit to your hairstylist. If you’re not sure how to have your hair done, think about what you want your photos to look like. If you’re going for a more casual look, a loose and simple hairstyle may be the perfect option. But if you want your images to look a little more formal, don’t be afraid to go dramatic with an elegant look.

Consider hiring a makeup artist

While some photographers may include makeup and hair as part of your session, others may allow you to make your own choices about how you want to look. If you really want to look your best, a professional makeup artist is the way to go. A pro will know how to do your makeup so it shows best in photos. If you decide to do your makeup yourself, you want to go a little bolder with your makeup than you normally would make sure your eyes and lips are well-defined in your images. We can recommend a makeup artist for you if you’d like.

Get plenty of rest the night before

I know, it can be hard to get any decent sleep during pregnancy, but if you’re able to, go to bed early and try to get a full night’s sleep. That way, you’ll be refreshed and relaxed at your session the next day.

Stay hydrated—and don’t skip breakfast

It’s critical to drink plenty of water both before and during your session. Hydrated skin will look fresh, and staying hydrated will help keep your energy up throughout the shoot. And even if you have a case of nerves about stepping in front of the camera, be sure to eat breakfast before your session.

Decide who to bring with you

Your family members are absolutely welcome at your maternity session, especially if you want to include your spouse or other children. Just keep in mind that extra people can be a distraction and can even make you feel less comfortable in front of the camera, so avoid bringing friends and extended family members along.

Bring along sentimental items

Anything special you want to include in your photos is a great addition. Whether that’s a family heirloom, your ultrasound, or even your own baby blanket or favorite childhood toy, these mementos can add special meaning and a personal touch to your images.

Choose what to wear

Whether you want to keep it casual with jeans and a blouse or wear a flowing maternity dress, or even both, take time before your session to choose your outfits and make sure they fit and look the way you want them to look. You should also pick out clothing for any other family members who will be part of the session and make sure to choose outfits that coordinate and don’t clash with your own.

Go with stretchy fabrics

Of course, you want to look good in your photos, but comfort is just as important. Be sure to pack plenty of clothes made with stretchy fabrics, maxi dresses can be a great option. This is also a great excuse to go shopping if you need a few new pieces to add to your wardrobe.

Keep your colors simple

You and your baby bump will be the primary focus of your images, so you don’t want to wear any bright or loud patterns that will distract. Instead, stick with neutral colors and jewel tones that will look great with any background and any skin tone.

Make sure you have the right undergarments

Give some thought to your underwear and bras as well. For example, if you’re wearing a white dress, you don’t want to wear dark panties that will show through the fabric. And if you plan on doing partially nude images, make sure to bring along lacy undergarments that will look good in your photos. I always recommend nude underwear and strapless bras, and some black and white underwear.

Prepare on the day of your session

Before your session, make sure to have a light snack and drink plenty of water. Pack a bag of extra snacks and any other items you think you may need throughout your maternity shoot.

Put on some non-greasy lotion

A couple hours before your session, take time to apply some non-greasy lotion to reduce any dry spots on your skin. Be sure to avoid using any artificial tanners or spray tans as they may give your skin an unnatural orange look.

Don’t wear any clothing with elastic

While you should definitely dress in comfy clothes to go to your session location, be sure to take off any clothes with elastic bands at least an hour before your shoot. Elastic leaves marks on your skin, and you want your skin to look naturally smooth. Also, be sure to remove any hair ties or other tight bands from your wrists.

Make plans for your other children

If you want to include your older children in your maternity session, it’s a good idea to make plans for someone to pick them up when they’re finished. That way, they don’t have to sit through all the individual shots of you, and you don’t have to worry about keeping them calm or entertained.

Don’t stress

It’s easier said than done, but do your best to relax and not worry about your session. Your photographer will walk you through every pose and position. All you have to do is be your natural, beautiful self!

TOP 6 TIPS FOR PARENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL NEWBORN PHOTO SESSION

Congratulations! You just welcomed a new member to the family! That means it is time for some adorable newborn photos. The first few days of a baby’s life are so magical and incredible! Being able to freeze those moments for you is such an honor for me! ♥  I thought it might be helpful to write down how parents play an important role in a successful, pleasant, and enjoyable experience for the successful newborn shoot. 

So…. let’s get started!

1. Location

To make sure everyone is comfortable, we typically photograph newborns in your home. The baby already knows the location, plus you have everything you need there. You might be panicking already. But don’t worry! We have seen countless houses post-baby so we understand that life will be a little crazy. Maybe you didn’t put the dishes away or try cleaning up the piles of clothes, oh well! We can work with you when we arrive to help pick out the best spots in your home and tidy up those areas.

The main thing that we will be looking for, is a room with a lot of natural light from big windows. The more natural light, the better! We try to avoid using flash and lights on the little ones as their eyes are particularly sensitive to light in these early days.

If you are wanting an outdoor newborn photo session, we can definitely do that instead. Just make sure you bring enough supplies in case of messes. We do love photographing little babies on fuzzy blankets at the park!

2. Temperature

Naked babies get cold. One of the more important tips for parents for a successful newborn photo session is keeping the baby warm. We suggest cranking up the temperature in the house to a comfortable 80 degrees about half an hour before your session start time. Space heaters work well too if you would prefer. The warmer temperature will hopefully help your newborn stay asleep and happy.Speaking of naked babes, loosen the diaper a little before we arrive if you are interested in having cute newborn photos without a diaper. This will eliminate any annoying diaper lines and the need for retouching later.

3. Feeding & Breaks

Newborns will need feeding breaks throughout the photo session, especially if they are a little fussy and upset. A quick meal paired with some cuddling and your little boy or girl will be ready for the spotlight again! Feeding times also allow us to capture intimate nursing moments between mommy and baby, if you are comfortable with us being there.

It is helpful if you feed your baby before your photos session so they will be ready to sleep. Warm milk equals a happy, model-ready baby! Hungry babies wake up often and crying.

Keep extra wipes, diapers, blankets, and trash bags nearby for quick cleanups. Naked babies do tend to have more accidents, so it’s a good idea to be ready. Just remember to be patient and don’t get embarrassed or frustrated when things go wrong.

4. Props & Wardrobe

Props, props, and more props! Anything and everything is welcome! Just keep in mind that we might not be able to get to all your items. Also, you are not required to provide any props, these are just tips for parents for a successful newborn photo session. For example, during a lifestyle newborn photo session, we focus more on documenting the important moments between baby and parents, instead of the sleeping baby poses with props.

Some common props that parents like to include: wedding rings, fuzzy blankets, knitted hats and matching socks, favorite stuffed animals and toys, baskets with wide bases, scarves, and family heirlooms.

As for those adorable baby outfits, we suggest prepping about two to three wardrobe changes for a standard hour long newborn photo session. Remember to have them readily available by laying them out nearby. This can include a cute diapered baby and something funny like a bear onesie. It is a good idea to include bloomers or some sort of diaper cover if you want a diaper photo because they can come across a little boring in photos.

By changing up the location or what your newborn is laying on, is an easy way to add variety to the photos. A recently-made bed, neutral couches, shallow baskets, and interesting ottomans are great options when it comes to newborn photo props. Blankets and pillows create soft fillers for basket-like objects and can be draped on couches for added texture and color.

5. Family Photos & Pet Appearances

Yes, your new baby is the star of the photo session, but that doesn’t mean mom and dad can’t jump in a couple photos, too. Don’t forget about the furry family members! We try to focus on capturing candid moments between the baby and family members so we encourage you to invite others over. Who doesn’t want to ooh and awe of the cutest little person in the room! Keep in mind that you might need to add on extra photography time as you add more people.

If you have other children, remind them to try to stay calm and quiet when they are not in the photos to keep the newborn happy. Explain to the siblings ahead of time what is expected of them during the photo session. Instead of bribing with candy and toys, use positive reinforcement and prep them by saying “Mommy and Daddy are excited about taking photos with you and the baby.”

Make sure someone always has a hold on the pets during the photo session. Animals can change emotion quickly and we want everyone to stay safe and happy while we capture adorable best friend photos.

Be vocal about any pain (like from a C-section) so we can better assist you with setup and posing. Again, never be embarrassed about saying too much.

6. What to Wear

The last thing on your mind is probably what you need to wear during the photos session, but we have outfits tips for parents for a successful newborn photo session, too! Try to keep your clothing simple, without busy patterns and logos. Soft, neutral fabrics are flattering and don’t distract from what the baby is or isn’t wearing.

Tips for Parents for a Successful Newborn Photo, aka Everything Might Still Go Wrong

Honestly, we never know how a newborn photo session will go. Babies are pretty unpredictable adorable! But hopefully these suggestions help you feel prepared and comfortable for your upcoming photo date. If you are still unsure about something, just ask! We are always here to help. And don’t forget to send us those Pinterest boards ahead of time!

Always remember that you know your newborn better than we do so please don’t hesitate to bring up any concerns or suggestions. But do stay patient. Babies can sense when their parents are becoming upset or frustrated. Crying, inability to soundly sleep, bathroom breaks, and the need for more feeding are all normal things during a photo session.

Melissa + Mike: The Better Half of My Soul

"I never imagined when meeting you, that you would change my life. Some people have to search their entire lives to find the person that matches their soul, but I never had to search because our love was destined to be. You are my best friend, my true love, and the better half of my soul. In your eyes, I've found my home. In your heart, I've found my love. And in your soul, I've found my forever."

Congratulations to Melissa and Mike on their nuptials today. Their bride/groom session a few weeks ago was amazing! I wish you two continued bliss and love!

Mommy's Helper

Me: Hey Baby... Can you stand here so I can check the lighting for the shoot?
Ladybug: Yes ma'am...

2 minutes later... Lol

She brings my heart so much joy! I love it when she comes with me to my shoots.