Here it is! I’m so excited to introduce my new blog. Isn’t it beautiful? I LOVE the flash banner with rotating images the most I think. I updated my website colors and style too, so it looks fresh, clean and modern. I hope you enjoy the changes, so add me to your Google Reader (it will take a little time to show up since it’s new) or other rss feed for updates.

I imported the older posts, so pardon the text inconsistencies within. New readers don’t have to look at the old blog, but can here if desired. Be sure to check out the links in the drop down menu too and I’ll add more soon.

-oh by the way, if you like a post and want to share it on your Facebook wall, just click the little icon under the post. You DO know I have a Facebook Group and Fan Page too, right? I ((LOVE)) fans :)

I thought I would post something a little different this week. For my Mother’s Day gift, I told my husband that I wanted him to take a photo of my son and me. I found the spot, handed over the camera for once, adjusted the settings and let him have control. I even had THE image in my mind and I knew exactly what I wanted.  This is what my husband took:

At some point in your child’s life, they’ll be searching for a photo of you and them that they feel a connection with. It may be a planned one like mine-or candid. Doesn’t really matter. Just make a point to take one now and again. Hair down or up, smiling or not, overweight or not. Just take some together- each child with mom, each child with dad- not just a big family group shot. One day they’ll be so happy you took the time, handed the camera over, makeup or not, hair fixed or not, posed or not.

I post this because I feel sad when the majority of parents don’t want to be photographed with their children because they are not comfortable for one reason or another. I would love a childhood photo of just me and my mother like this- or even something candid and fun of just us. She was always the one taking the photos in our family. Nevertheless, time goes by and you wait to lose that weight, get your haircut or buy the outfits for the session and it just doesn’t happen. When I’m at a session, I always stress the importance of taking just a couple at the end with the child. They will love it someday.

It doesn’t have to be perfect at all.

I worked hard last week and got all of the Block Party Portraits finished up a week early!  I delivered those today along with a fun 20×20 collage of adorable kids from the event, so stop by and see it at Java & Gelati there at Main/Allen Heights where the party was located (get yourself a yummy treat while you are there).  I had a tasty blended ice vanilla mocha today and it really hit the spot on a hot day!

I’m taking a little break this week getting several things accomplished here on the home front in the form of organizing my office and such.  Funny how things can get out of hand so quickly!

It’s also time to start thinking of Holiday portraits, so I’ll be lining those things up here very soon and taking a waiting list for the Fall.  I’ll update that here next month or so when I finish up the details.

Since it’s no fun to post without a photo, here’s a couple of favs from Miss S.