Brooks // the first year
Ten of the longest fingers I've seen on a newborn. One sweet button nose. Two long skinny legs. A squeaky baby voice that sounds only when he's hungry or his parents & photographer want him to wear too-big Nike shoes (see the end of the slideshow below for proof!).
Brooks Robert is a handsome guy who showed his big personality during the newborn studio session - from his want to have a hand under his chin, to kicking his legs out of the swaddle. This guy takes up space (tall and skinny, just like Dad!) and I was worried he wouldn't fit in my baskets! But he curled up quite well and took direction ... as much as you can give a not yet week old baby.
I love documenting these first few weeks of life - all the details that as they grow, might become foggy memories. I hear babies grow quickly and they don't keep ... so all the more reason to have these precious days captured!
Lolo, 6 months // First Year
Suddenly, Lolo is six months old! I say this often about my tiny clients, but even though we know babies grow, it's amazing to see them from belly to brand new to 6 months and then to walking, jabbering little humans! Life is such a miracle and these healthy, happy babies make my world go 'round.
Lolo flaunted her smile and her smooshable baby rolls like no lady I've ever known and I hope she never loses that sweetness and confidence. When we laid her on the sheepskin, she wouldn't stop laughing and reaching for those toes - I had this thought - "what if all women showed love to themselves and their bodies like Lolo is in this moment?" How beautiful and full life would be!
I'm taking that "what if" with me daily into 2016 - and I can't wait to snuggle a one year old Lolo and her big sis Beau in a few more months!
Wolpert Family // Lifestyle
"I could never love anyone as I love my sister // Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
Photographing families, especially those with sisters, always brings me to thoughts of my all-time favorite book (and movie!), Little Women. From the time I was young and reading longer books, I always loved this tale of sisters, through so many of seasons of life. I would pretend I was Jo, then maybe Beth with her piano, jealous of Meg who was married first and had twins, Amy with her travels and suitors ... Books have such a power to transport us into a world apart from our own reality, if even for just a little while.
When I met these sisters for a family session last fall, I loved their banter, their strong personalities and how, even despite their differences, were so protective of each other. Makes me always wish I had a sister! Clients who entrust me with witnessing this bond between siblings is something I always feel so grateful for - and don't take for granted.
I can't wait to watch these girls grow and to work with this family again, especially in 2017 for Sydney's bat mitzvah! XOXO
We'll be witnessing the magic of the Internet again with Raina's newborn photos today and her six month photos coming soon! This sweet and spunky lady took her time getting here and didn't arrive on my birthday like I had requested :) Baby Raina came into the world with a head full of red hair and a calm demeanor, the perfect match to big brother Ravi, a true spitfire and totally lovable.
I loved all the headbands, blankets and outfits that Mama brought were the perfect touches and I loved using them to accent Raina's personality. She never wanted to miss a thing and stayed awake for most of the session, with the exception of her milisecond catnaps so we could still get the sleepy baby photos. Mama stayed back with me in the studio with Miss Raina and Dad took Ravi to scope out the trucks and trains nearby... I love watching parents tag-team when baby #2 comes along and these two are a great match :)
When I look at these photos, I remember Ravi smiling SO BIG as soon as we put Raina in his arms and I can hear him counting her fingers and saying "baby Raina" in his sweet voice, giving her kisses. I love the interactions I witness with my clients-turned-friends and so when I look back at their photos, I can almost see the memories come to life in my mind. It's my deepest hope that this is the same for my clients!
Stay tuned to watch this little lovie grow!!
I first met sweet Ravi and his mama when he was JUST ABOUT to be born late fall 2012! And now he's a moving and shaking 16 month old kiddo - and look at that smile! Talk about a heart melt!
Ravi's mama Aditi contacted me for a mini session in March to document this time as a family of three and get a few updated portraits of her firstborn... because come October, Ravi's going to be a big brother! Another heart melt :) We even had cousins come to the session to pretend they're in a little rock band - adorable!
Enjoy your images, cuties! Can't wait to meet baby #2 in October!!
xoxo,
Sydnee
Happy Monday, friends!
Although this isn't a bar + bat mitzvah, I met Miss Ruby at her brother Jacob's bar mitzvah in 2012 and she's been one of my favorites ever since! Ruby's mama Amy called me about needing headshots for her star last summer.
Coming from a family that was "born for paparazzi," I knew working with Ruby would be fabulous! She came into the studio on the hottest day of the summer and was such a sport. And what a great job taking direction... of course!
Ruby had been chosen as one of two girls to play the role of Shprintze in "The Fiddler on the Roof" at Chanhassen Dinner Theater last winter. I had the honor of getting a backstage tour for the show and seeing it, up close and personal. Ruby SHINED so bright and it was an amazing time!
Since working with Ruby, I've had the honor of working with two VERY talented brothers - Jonah and Joshua - who will be featured in a show at the History Theater this summer! WOW!
If your child needs headshots for any auditions, productions or even to give them that extra boost of awesome, I'd love to work with them!
xoxo,
Sydnee
This trio has graced my blog numerous times over the years and I couldn't be more thrilled to have them back again! And... preparing to welcome baby #2 in about 3 weeks! EEEK!
Brandi hired me way back in 2008 as a fresh-faced college grad to be her assistant at a local gift company. We had an amazing 3 years together and now, I'm so happy to not call her my boss, but to call her a friend. She launched her own graphic design card company last year and I'm thrilled to have offered some of my images for her sample designs. Check out Write Wright Design for all your card / design needs! Brandi's fella Clettis won't ever tell you this, but he's a super cool sought-after photo assistant here in Mpls and together, they're the parents of this ADORABLE #HEARTMELTFOREVER dude Cannon aka "little C!" It's been such an honor to watch this guy grow up and now he's about to be a big brother. This is my favorite part about my job: watching clients become friends become parents again and again and sometimes, again and again!
These three came to the studio in March and we played around in our bare feet, itching for spring. Brandi had a fabulous style concept: basic white t's and colored pants. And Little C's suspenders? OMG. He's only had a sucker twice in his life and I'm happy to say that the second was during this session :) He's always been a quiet guy around me but warms up pretty quick when there's candy!
Loads of hugs and kisses to the three of you as you get ready to welcome #2 - can't wait to see you FOUR soon!!
xoxo,
Sydnee