BeeTree Photography Blog

And Then They Were Three

2010-08-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

Ahhh.... I got to do a newborn shoot this week. And a FIRSTBORN newborn shoot, no less. There is something about a two people going from a couple to a family of three that never fails to inspire me. Such drama, such extremes, such profound, fierce, brand new love and navigating new territories... and all of this on less sleep than you've ever functioned on in your life. If ever a time warranted photographic documentation, it's now.

Meet Ellison, the sweet, sweet daughter of Josh and Anne.

It never hurts to get a few simple, more traditional shots during a newborn session.

But my favorites tend to be the ones that more accurately illustrate what these first few weeks feel like. The astonishing adoration:

...the natural cradling and comforting of a fledgling momma:

...the exquisite innocence:

...and of course, of course, those tiny brand new parts:

Welcome to your new world, Ellison Grace. You are one loved little girl. (And Josh & Anne, I can't wait to show you the rest! Thank you for inviting me to share a few hours of this beautiful time in your lives!)

Sibs

2010-08-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

This week I had the pleasure of playing with Ellie

and Brennan.

Ellie and Brennan are fun. Ellie and Brennan are cute. Ellie and Brennan are pinchable.

I had to keep reminding myself that this one is just four. He carries himself like such a little dude.

Sweetness.

Fierce!

And dear me, the look she gives when I ask her for "sad."

Yep. Cute.

I was blessed to leave the hot, sticky inland temps for an evening at the breezy beach. I think they felt the same way!

Thanks, guys! Your proofs will be up shortly!

Bethany + Torrey

2010-08-12T05:48:00.000-07:00

I've been promising Bethany and Torrey a sneak peek at their wedding photos for a couple of days now, but every time I went into their photos, I found more that I loved. I have to start with this.

Can you believe the groom happened to drive past this sign the day before and told me about it after the ceremony? Perfect!

Really, "perfect" is a good way to describe the day in general. The details were exquisite, the players looked smashing, the venues intimate and stylish, and the timing was impeccable... they were actually AHEAD of their itinerary! (Take note, brides- and grooms-to-be: you will not regret having more time than you need on your wedding day!) So here you are, B&T, a tiny peek at your beautiful wedding day...

Bethany waiting patiently for her cue to walk down the aisle

The bridesmaids all lined up, trying not to be nervous

A few of the details around the church

The shoes... oh dear me, the shoes...

Every detail was thoughtfully planned out and customized for the day. I could do an entire album of just the details: herbs and wildflowers, Mason Jars, burlap and weathered wood crates, limes, birch bark... style EVERYwhere.

And let's be honest here: it helps when the bride and groom are into each other.

...and know how to party. (Tell me you don't want to grab a fingerful of that frosting!)

Oh, the sweet summery details...

Congratulations, Bethany and Torrey. I am so excited for you to relive your wedding day in photographs very soon. Thank you for including me in your perfect day!

What it's Like

2010-08-10T04:18:00.000-07:00

There's a statement that's made over and over again by new generations of parents as they discover for themselves just how true the words are:

Every child is different.

And yet, all these perfectly unique personalities go through the same set of developmental stages as everyone else. Universality meets individuality. It's one of the most fascinating parts of my job, an element that was largely unexpected and so much fun - spending just an hour or two with these BIG personalities contained in small little bodies, and observing how they interact with their world. (Throw in birth order and sibling interaction, and I'm reminded why I considered switching majors in college. I love this stuff.)

Last week, I got to meet Mason.

Mason is (almost) two, and his pictures tell that story well:

Fruit snacks and wagon rides

Sand and shadow play

Little parts that are somewhere between baby and boy

Spunky expressions: no vocab needed here

His place in the family

The freedom to run down the beach, knowing that Mom and Dad are right behind him.

And of course, cracking a few "jokes." Ah, two-year-old humor.

Working on your photos, Dobb family. Can't wait to show you the rest!

Let it Be

2010-08-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

If there is one blanket statement I can make about taking photos of children, it is this:

They keep you on your toes.

(Actually, scratch the "taking photos" part... adding little ones to any situation makes it more interesting.)

For some photographers, adding the kiddo variable is something they'd rather not do. The posed family photo is, after all, nearly IMPOSSIBLE with an uncooperative tyke. But even in my four years of experience with my own little ones, I have picked up a number of tricks. Chief among them:

Go with it.

If Abby wants to play over in the beach grass, go for it!

If Lily would rather hang back with daddy, great!

And if Kyla isn't really feeling pictures tonight...

Let it be.

She'll come around.

Thanks for the opportunity to play with your little ladies! Your proofs are almost ready!

Chrimily, Part II: Many Moods

2010-07-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

Another round of congrats to Christian and Emily... you are so loved!

{I had such a hard time deciding which of these four to include here, so I left them ALL. The Magic Light made me do it.}

{Emily, I love the way you fit right into the family without skipping a beat.}

We miss you already, Michi-Californians, and can not wait to celebrate with another Mr. and Mrs. Fredericks.

{And thanks for letting me do the engagement session.}

Chrimily, Part I

2010-07-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Two years ago (wow, was that TWO YEARS ago?!) I did an after-the-fact engagement session for my brother and new sister-in-law up in Port Austin where our family vacations every summer. When Christian and Emily (lovingly referred to as Chrimily) announced that they were officially engaged this spring, we were stoked for MANY reasons! Another Port Austin engagement shoot was icing on the cake.

There was only a little trespassing.

But it was necessary.

Awww... my baby brother and his beautiful bride-to-be...

Honestly, is there a better place to take pictures?

But wait, there's more! I'm still working on our pre-beach sesh in downtown Port Austin... coming soon!

Allison + Greg :: Saint Mary's Wedding

2010-07-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

From the pretty details

and the celebratory touches

to the vibrant summer colors

and the breathtaking vignettes around Saint Mary's College

Allison and Gregg's wedding day was one to remember. I've never been so excited about a posed bridal party shot as I am about this one. That's straight out of the camera, baby!

Thank you for inviting me to be part of your day, Gregg and Allison, and many blessings on your new life together!

Discovery on the Third Coast

2010-07-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

When their mama contacted me about doing a family session while they were in town this summer, I couldn't have anticipated a more delightful evening than we had last week on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Bright struck out on his own

Daddy followed with Zion and Brave (see that chubby little foot?)

and we found a few spots to snap some family photos.

But the shore holds so much discovery for three little boys, and the evening had only just begun. The ladybugs were abundant, and Bright was eager to be an insect jungle gym.

Zion was a little more hesitant, but a little brother has to keep up, you know.

However, the swing was another story entirely.

The three boys have distinct, tender, endearing personalities, and the opportunity to be allowed into their worlds to capture them is a privilege I don't take lightly. It's an incredible job.

Bright in the big big world

Sweet Zion, finding his place
(You're killin' me here, kid.)

...and little Brave, content and happy right where he is.

My, but little boys are fun!

...and these two look more like they're doing an engagement session than wrangling three little boys.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share an evening with you, Rupp family. I'm looking forward to sharing the photographs with you!

Lost Lake Family Session

2010-07-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

One of the many perks of this job is coming home from "work" with sandy calves and pink shoulders. The evening is only made sweeter when it is spent with a fun family like these guys. Remember our last session, when I marveled at having two-year-old triplets? Well Andrew, Emily, and Ben are now THREE!

Big sister Kate was ALL OVER the photo shoot, and made certain she got her face time as well.

Their beautiful grandmother was a huge help in keeping genuine smiles on the kids' faces...

Yes, Scott and Jill literally have their hands full, and I have a feeling they wouldn't have it any other way.

Thanks for inviting me to your family getaway, guys! The rest of your photos will be up soon!

Dave + Liz

2010-06-01T06:08:00.001-07:00

Downtown stroll + morning sunshine + adorable couple = lovely engagement shoot.

Dave and Liz picked a great weekend to come into town. Look at that light!

A little affection never hurts.

In fact, during an engagement session, it helps a lot.

Liz and Dave were up for anything, and while we didn't get too crazy,

...we were able to walk a couple blocks to the church where these two just happen to be getting married in October. How exciting!

Thanks for the fun session, you two. I'm excited for the big day!

Little Lady Lina

2010-05-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, a couple of kids fell in love, got married, and had a baby. Hi there, Lina!

When Lina was born, her parents called me and I came to their house to take a few photographs of the new member of the family. As she approached 3 months old, we planned to get a few more shots to show how much she'd grown. A session was scheduled, but a certain chubby someone made her entrance a bit earlier than expected, and I emailed from a hospital bed to apologetically reschedule. But six months.... six months was all about Lina Rachel.

The eyelashes that don't quit, the soft baby rolls, the toothless grins, the newly-discovered feet... all the things that make a six-month-old irresistible. Lina is certainly no exception. Though some photos beg for black and white (like the one above,) I couldn't bear to do ANYthing to the baby studies below; every artistic treatment seemed to detract from the softness, the cleanness, the purity of Lina's tender age.

What fun to watch this little one grow and change! I'm already looking forward to what I'll see at the next session, but there's no need to rush. Six months is a beautiful age, and the family wears it well.

Holly & Delsie

2010-05-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

When I begin any portrait session, I like to start shooting right out of the gate. This is to warm people up and to get them used to the camera in their face for an hour or so, but these shots are rarely the ones that are purchased, or even edited. As couples, babies, children, families start to ignore the big black camera pointed in their direction, they start to act like themselves again... and that is what I'm watching for. Thoughtful photographs of people being themselves tell stories, like an illustrated journal entry.

In my opinion, that's the whole point.

This weekend, I had the privilege (and I don't use that term lightly) to spend some time with Holly and her service dog, Delsie. (Holly also brought along a clan of ridiculously good-looking nieces and nephews.)

This is Delsie.

Though I'd never before done a shoot with a subject of the canine variety, I quickly learned that the technique need not change: just watch closely, and keep shooting. Within a few minutes, I began to see the things that made Delsie special, and her relationship with Holly so unique and intimate.

It's difficult to put into words what it was like to watch these two working together, and to explore the love

between a girl and her dog.

Chase is One!

2010-04-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

I know what you're thinking. That kid is aDORable!

And you are right. But just wait...

...apologies to the Future Chase, but I am photographically obligated to share this.

Think he'll forgive me?

He looks like he's in a good mood. I'll take my chances.

Happy birthday, Chase! The rest of your photos will be ready soon!

Allison + Greg :: Saugatuck Engagement Shoot

2010-04-17T04:16:00.000-07:00

Where do you take a couple who live in Chicago, are getting married in South Bend, and happen to be in Grand Rapids for the weekend, to do an engagement shoot?

Why, Saugatuck, of course.

Downtown sessions offer such variety, versatility, and... whatever this stuff is...

They also offer an opportunity to stroll up and down well-worn small town sidewalks, getting to know a sweet couple getting married in July. Great to meet you, Allison and Greg! I can't wait for July (and it looks like neither can you!)

The Difference a Year Makes

2010-04-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

A year already, Matthew? Really?

I have followed this kiddo photographically as a newborn, then a six month-old, and now as an official toddler (he's got to have struck out on those first few steps by now, hasn't he, Rachel? Any minute now...)

Somehow, SOMEhow...

...he keeps getting cuter.

Great to catch up with you again, Matthew. Today is proof day!

...and we're back!

2010-04-06T04:04:00.000-07:00

If you've noticed that it's been quiet over here at BeeTree and you're not yet aware of the cause, be not alarmed. The reason for my late winter sabbatical was born February 18, 2010: Hi there, Selah!

Momma and babe, Daddy and siblings are all healthy and adjusting well. Selah is even getting used to being "worn" while her mother runs around after the other two, a position she quite enjoys. She is beginning to wake up to the world now, (though you wouldn't know it by these photos,) smiling and cooing, kicking and craning her little neck to get a better look at her surroundings. She is a blessing to our family, and we're so glad she is here!

Spring has finally arrived in Michigan, and Selah isn't the only one joyfully waking up to it. I have three sessions this week (a newborn, a one-year-old, and a sweet engaged couple) that I can't WAIT to share with you. Watch for it! In the meantime, if you or someone you know has been thinking about updating your photo wall, getting some new shots for the grandparents, or just capturing your kids at the unique stage they're at, I am now taking spring session requests. And guess what! Spring time has me so.. so... GIDDY, I'm offering a complimentary 8x10 with any session booked in the month of April. (Just be sure to mention this blog promo when you book.)

Happy Spring!

You're Killin' Me, Kid.

2010-01-26T18:07:00.000-08:00

Remember this little newborn sweetie pie? Incredibly, amazingly, impossibly, Willow is already 6 months old, and full of personality.

Oh, six months, what a lovely age. Can you handle the rolls? What perfection!

Sweet girl. Your complete proofs will be ready soon!

Newborn Mania

2009-12-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

When I first met Allison, we were, ahem, colleagues at a downtown restaurant, slinging burgers and earnestly working our tables for tips. Look at her sweet young family now!

Well hi there, little Lina Rachel!

Of all the shoots I'm privileged to be a part of, the newborn sessions capture me in a way nothing else can. Maybe it's my season of life at the moment, with the baby in my own belly growing and moving more each day and the anticipation this brings. Whatever the reason, I have been feeling an extra measure of blessing in the last week as my hard drive fills up with photographs of tiny shoulders, fingernails, and of course, those FEET.

What is it about a daddy's hands? So tender and protective and strong, playing with tiny toes, cradling his sweet firstborn daughter...

Welcome to parenthood, Allison and Travis, and thank you for allowing me to witness a few of these precious first moments with your perfect little girl. I'll have your complete portfolio of images up soon over at the website!

2009-12-02T17:42:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year, I drove out into the country for a springtime photo shoot with this little 16-month-old. When we met up this time, little Thompson had done a lot of growing up.

Honestly, how cute is this kid?!

This time, he brought his big brother and sister along!

I do lots of sessions with wee urchins, so it's a fun challenge for me to get the personalities of "big kids" at different ages and stages.

And again, I glean fashion help from a kid.

Way to go picking the sunniest Saturday in West Michigan's November, kids! All your photographs will be ready soon.

Little Liam

2009-12-01T04:30:00.000-08:00

It's been just a number of days since we first met Liam in the hospital, and what a difference a few days make!

I was so struck once again at how completely dependent a newborn is for everything he needs. That tiny arm draped over his momma's is such a picture of trust and comfort.

These little parts get bigger and stronger every day, in barely-perceptible increments. Newborn photos are so incredible to look back on years, months, and even weeks later.

Welcome to the world, little Liam! I'll have proofs ready for you and your momma very soon.

Chomping at the Bit

2009-11-15T05:30:00.000-08:00

Although we haven't yet done the formal "newborn session" for little Liam, I got to tag along with my husband when he went to visit this sweet newborn son of one of his colleagues. Oh my goodness oh my goodness oh my goodness.

Look at those squishy lips! Those wrinkly hands! Those impossibly tiny fingernails!

You're just too much, Liam.

Congrats, Tanya, and welcome to the world, little Liam. Hope you don't mind that I'm giving you a little taste of the newborn portfolio before we take them all. :)

Facebook proves to be more than an idle time-waster.

2009-11-14T07:04:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I ran a promotion just for fans of BeeTree Studios on Facebook, and one of the lucky winners was this guy. Can you guess who the shoot was REALLY for?

Daddy didn't escape the photos entirely, though, and little Johanna was okay with that.

While I'm tempted to post a collage showcasing Abigail's talent for the dramatic, I'll leave it at this...
...as I try to convince myself I don't need a frilly pink skirt of my own.

Blessed Beyond Measure

2009-11-09T04:20:00.000-08:00

Among myriad other roles, I am a momma. I'm a momma of two young children, soon to be three... children with needs and love and blessings and trials and all that goes with them, all those things that other mommas know and have experienced for generations and generations. And yet, even with the shared experiences (and perhaps BECAUSE of them) I am in awe at the family I shot a session with last weekend:

Two loving parents, a beautiful, sensitive five-year-old girl, and three active two-year-olds, full of personality and ready to take on the world.

(You caught that, right? THREE two-year-olds?)

Whew! This shoot was so energetic and the kids so eager to smile for me (for the most part ;) I find myself struggling to make this merely a teaser. Whittling down my favorites has been a challenge. For now, we'll just get everyone represented... Scott and Jill will have to show you the rest!

The boys...

The girls...

The eldest sister, ready for her close up...

...and each of the triplets, showing their personalities.

These two made it look like no sweat!

I've been blessed by your blessings, Nelson family! I can't seem to keep my hands off your photos... your proofs will be up shortly over at the website!

BeeTree Weddings, 2010

2009-11-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

It's difficult for me to imagine life any further out than February, when the arrival of our third little burrito will render both my husband and me- as well as MY GRABBING ARMS- outnumbered. However, I'm confident there WILL come a spring after this crazy winter, and this week, I've been thinking a lot about next summer...

...WEDDING SEASON, to be more precise. :) So for all you brides- and grooms-to-be out there who have inquired, thank you for your patience as I have been hammering out BeeTree Studios' Wedding Packages for the 2010 season. We're talking dual photographers, complimentary engagement sessions, and ALL images on disc included in EVERY package. For more information check out the website under "Session Fee" for all the juicy details!

After School Special

2009-10-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking of words to describe this family session...

easy
energetic
autumnal
kid-paced
comfortable

and... can you believe it... QUICK?

The time frame for our family session was indicative of the busy family: dad drove in from a business trip straight to school to pick up the kids, shot home to change clothes, and then immediately downtown to meet up with me before jetting off to a restaurant to enjoy a family dinner.

Would you believe, over 300 photos later, that we were done in 40 minutes?

The kiddos were rearin' to go and I am having so much fun playing with the photographs, I just can't pick what artistic treatment I like better. So you get to see all three favorites, on three VERY different personalities:

I was really touched by how sweet the boys were with their little sister.

We did get a few more traditional family shots, as well, though not lacking in personality.

VanDam family, you were so much fun! Your proofs will be up soon over at the website!

I have a few more openings in November for family sessions... get 'em while they're hot! (Or, more accurately... before it's too COLD!) To check availability and schedule your session, email me through the website or call me at 616.283.0150.

Real Family

2009-10-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

Well, we've got some catching up to do! It seems that in the short little interval between posts, Michigan has declared that summer is decidedly OVER and autumn's time has come. Time to break out the sweaters!

Can you guess who flew in from Southern California a few days before? Hmmm...

Ah, yes, the one with the short sleeves and, somehow, the biggest smile. This session was all about Anna and the ones she loves. Parents, step-parents, cousins, best friends, and little ones: Anna's family.

Family, friends, kindred spirits: the easiest- and most complicated relationships. And the ones we need the most. I really had fun at our family session, Anna, and your proofs will be online soon!

Everybody Needs Love and Ice Cream

2009-10-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

When I was approached a couple months ago about taking some photos of this little cutie...

with her cousins...

Well, yeah. That was a no-brainer. And when I was told they wanted to involve the family business? Even better.

THIS is the family business.

It's safe to say the kids were okay with the arrangement.

Summer summer summer! Don't leave us yet, summer!

Okay, I'm done now. Back to the photos.

Elle may have been a little disappointed that there was no ice cream for her.

Not to worry! There's a solution for that.

Good grandparents know just what will make the kiddos happy when they come to visit.

Love and ice cream.

Matthew at 6 months

2009-09-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

One of my first newborn sessions this spring was with Matthew. Wait... how is he SIX MONTHS OLD already?

Mom AND Dad got in on the action this time, and Matthew showed off his animated little personality.

Oh, I love those mama snuggles. What is it about little boys?

Proofs soon, Matthew, proofs soon!

Chelsea and Rob

2009-09-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

A pretty wooded setting...

Simple, colorful details...

...and a couple of good-lookin' lovebirds.

That's what I love about shooting weddings.

Your proofs are just about ready, Chelsea and Rob. I can't wait to share!

What a Deal

2009-09-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

Confession: I love to barter. Perhaps you remember my excitement upon receiving grocery gift certificates in exchange for an in-law's portraits. Well guess what... the graphics whiz who helped me put together the logo you see at the top of the page was up for a trade in family photos.

SCORE.

It helps that his family is a bunch of lookers.

Meet Griffin

...and Sabine.

That's right, any of you who caught the reference. The cool factor of these names is unparalleled. The kids are pretty sweet, too.

We checked out a site I'd visited before, but never for a shoot. Felt Mansion has become a new favorite spot with such variety in backgrounds and scenery.

Thanks for a great logo and a fun session, guys! Your CD is on its way. :)

Boy Crazy

2009-09-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

I have a little boy. He is rammy and growly and tender like boys tend to be, but he is my second child, and only 18 months old at the moment. You could say the majority of my parenting experience has been tempered by Eden, our careful, cautious, reserved little snowflake. Boy behavior is fascinating to me.

So Monday evening was fun. :)

Running, jumping, seagull-stalking, ninja move-honing, tree-climbing, BOY-BEING.

We did manage to wrangle the boy for some sweet family shots as well, on an evening perfect for shooting at the beach.

Heather, Rob, Nathan... thanks for inviting me along to snap your photos. Your proofs will be ready very soon at the website... I can't wait to show you!

Two under two

2009-08-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

One of the first weddings I shot (2003? 2004?) was Seth and Dani's, and I still remember with horror the moment I realized I had reached the beach location an hour away, ready to shoot the ceremony, only to discover I had forgotten the film on my kitchen counter. (What does THAT tell you about how technology has changed in only a few short years?) Thankfully, the two were gracious and forgiving, and patient as I peeled out toward the nearest convenience store to buy out their supply of 400 speed Kodak.

Since, then, with soon-to-be five children between us, we've all learned something about patience, and going with the flow. Sofi and Emma are just over a year apart. But my oh my, look at those faces.

Our session was in the middle of the family's vacation in a rented cottage on the lake. Every day had been spent in the sand and surf... and four days in, everyone was in full-on vacation mode.

Playing with daddy

Who says you need the whole face in the frame? I know exactly what's going on here.

Poor Emma had some brutal teething going on, and just about anything would do to ease those little gums.

There were some more traditional pictures where everyone was facing the camera and looking pleasant, but I love what this one says about life with two very small children.

Thanks for dinner, guys. It's been a treat to watch you transition from dating to marriage to parenthood, and your family is beautiful. Your proofs will be up soon!

Let's call it a post-Engagement Shoot

2009-08-28T05:11:00.000-07:00

When Caitlin and my brother Adam met two years ago this September, they began what was truly a whirlwind romance. They were engaged that December, and married the following May. Since they never did a real engagement session (stopping by my house for half an hour to get a photo to submit to the paper does NOT count,) we did a little shoot while on vacation this summer in Port Austin, Michigan.

I'd like to point out that I didn't ask them to kiss or get cozy ONCE. I love sessions like that... it's how I shoot best.

This one is SO Adam's personality.

Not staged.

This one either.

Oh my goodness, you guys.

It's so authentic, you have to love it.

Who knows, maybe the Post-Engagement shoot will catch on! No pressure, no deadlines, just lovey newlyweds being their lovey-newlywed selves. Happy almost-2-year-anniversary, Adam and Caity! We love you!

Reeve at One Year

2009-08-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

You can put a little boy in the right outfit, plan the photo session for after his nap, and save all the best toys for when he doesn't want to cooperate anymore.

You can not, however, keep a one-year-old from sleeping in the car on his 4-hour drive down from Northern Michigan on a warm August afternoon, three hours prior to his planned-on nap time.

Did Reeve let this get him down?

No, indeed.

I know that a boy in blue isn't exactly unexpected... but COME ON.

Even after his eyes began to glaze over with fatigue, a cuddle with mama and a story was all we needed to get a few more shots.

Impressive, Reeve. (I hope you had a restful nap after I left. :)

My first dollar

2009-08-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

We're coming up on the end of a summer full of shoots: newlyweds and newborns, families, couples, toddlers, high school seniors. But last week was the first photo session I booked from the website last March, shortly after it launched. Driving to the beach shoot, I felt like I'd gotten to know Vicky and her family through the many emails we exchanged over the months. (She even sent a crisp dollar bill with her deposit to frame as my first. How sweet is that?) The icing on the cake was the PERFECT weather in Grand Haven the evening of our session. August in Michigan is where it's at.

Oh, a mama and her girls.

My first thought was to correct the ultra warm tone here, but I thought better of it. One has to be able to look at a photo in the depths of snowy winter and remember that, YES, the sun did at one time shine warmth on our faces, and it will happen again.

I couldn't stop these two once they got going.

Where it all started. Aren't multi-generational shoots fun? There are always great stories...

All Skate :)

Even as I upload a few favorites from the evening, I am reminded of the many I had to leave out. It was hard to pick out favorites for a post here. HARD, I tell you. But it is a teaser, after all. I have to leave some suspense. :)

Melissa's Senior Shoot

2009-07-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

This senior shoot was fun, color-filled, and EASY. Look at this girl.

See what I mean? Easy. Thanks for making my job so fun, Melissa (and family!) Your proofs will be up soon!

Heidi and Cory

2009-07-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

Church weddings, beach weddings, chapel weddings, tent weddings, gazebo weddings.... and now a horse farm wedding. A perfect horse farm wedding, despite threatening clouds that thankfully drifted by without more than a sprinkle. The wedding was held at Waukazoo Farms, a sweet, beautiful location hidden away on Holland's northside.

Glimpsing the back of the dress

Spending some time with mom before the ceremony

The glowing bride and groom

And the happy family... congratulations Heidi, Cory, and Sierra!

Sweet Willow

2009-07-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

If I can never have a little girl with a sweet name like Willow... at least I can take some photos of one.

So alert and awake for the WHOLE session... we were all amazed.

I couldn't help it... this one gets me every time.

And one of my favorite stories from our shoot: Joe and Tiffany's two labs were around for our session, and while I admit that I'm not what anyone would term a "dog person," the sweet protectiveness and companionship these pups showed their new family member was a sweet thing to see less than two weeks after she "moved in."

Congratulations on your sweet baby girl, Joe and Tiffany! Your proofs are up at the website!

The time has come...

2009-07-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

...and a conclusion has been reached: BeeTree Studios needs its own blog. Feel free to link to my family blog if you're interested in the goings-on in the Pomp household, or check out the website if you'd like to see additional portfolio work. This will serve as a space to showcase new work from recent session, post teaser sneak peeks for clients, and otherwise explore photography as a lifestyle and a business. Thanks for visiting, and check back soon to see what we're up to!