Being Two | Tucson Lifestyle Photographer

Belly laughs – Discovery – Tantrums – Many Snacks – Endless Energy…. awww, to be two!

 

Urban Toddler | Tucson Lifestyle Photographer

It’s getting hotter by the day, so I’m pretty positive I’ll be heading indoors for more of my sessions over the next few months. Since lifestyle sessions are typically captured best in the home (yeah, indoors),  I will be making some changes to my pricing and session offerings in the next few weeks to make these sessions even more inviting.  E-mail me @ jenna@generationsphotographyaz.com to book your session or get more information.

I spent a VERY warm morning with a lovely family this past weekend. Their little guy was so adorable and happy! Toward the end of the session, he began to rub his eyes and show us all the signs that it was nap time – a bit later, he made it even more clear to us by laying down in the middle of the sidewalk with his blankie in hand and thumb in mouth.  I wish I could get away with that!

Hope you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day!

Birth Story in Photographs- Zane

She was nearly two weeks overdue, and I knew her previous labor had gone VERY quickly, so I wondered if I’d actually make it to the birth. I imagined myself being with the kids somewhere, getting the call, and having to arrange childcare at rapid speed, get the kids home, and then make the 35 minute drive to her house. I was fortunate though, that she went into labor while I was home and Chris was just 10 minutes out. Our sweet neighbor came over to cover the overlap, which was incredibly kind, given that Annabelle apparently screamed bloody murder the entire time she was there- she is a wee bit dramatic, that Annie.

Anyway, when I arrived around 6pm, I thought we’d be there all night, honestly. I would have guessed her to be in early pre-labor. She was talking, laughing, and getting through contractions with her cute little toddler draped over her knees.

Fortunately for her, this is just how she labors, and it was only a couple hours later that a baby arrived. It was remarkable! I really have a new perspective on labor and the birth process- it’s absolutely unique. Every single birth is different, and that makes it especially fun for me to photograph.

I’ll let you take a visual journey from here on out.

Welcome, baby Zane!

Birth Story in Photographs- Ward

Ok, so I’m going to cheat a bit- not blogging in chronological order, I mean! It would seem unnatural to blog about this baby’s arrival when he’s a month old- which is likely to happen if I wait to blog my sessions in chronological order.

So… that brings me to baby Ward! He’s so special for many reasons, but his birth is quite significant to me because he will go down in history as my very first photographed birth. (I have attended another, but not to take photos).

This mom is actually a friend of mine, who I met at Mom and Baby Group at The Birth and Women’s Health Center when Annie was an infant. What an experience it was to witness such an amazing moment with her and her family!  She serves as quite an inspiration to other moms seeking a natural birth experience because, not only did she do it all natural, she did it with a fractured foot, bruised knee and severely injured shoulder. It’s sort of a blessing that this little baby decided to wait well over his due date to make an appearance- she had a little extra time to heal from her fall.

I’m hoping in just a few days (or less), the other very late baby I’m meant to photograph, will come slowly enough for me to get there, but fast enough that mama doesn’t have to endure too much pain.

I can’t thank these families enough for allowing  me to be a part of this experience.

From England to Sabino Canyon

It was such a pleasure to capture these photos for this family. They don’t see one another as often as they’d like I’m sure, since half of the family lives in England. I was pretty happy to capture not only some portraits, but a real memory. It was an afternoon full of beautiful mountains, sunshine, racing, shoulder rides, Grandpa singing to baby,  games and… rattlesnakes- we’re in the desert, after all!

Can you spot the photo with the rattler in it?

 

Twin Sisters!

I’m so excited for this new family of four. I’m sure it’s quite a shock to learn that you’re having twins. I bet it’s even more of a shock once you get them home and think, “Ok, now what?”

My lovely sister has twin daughters, so I’m familiar with the special bond they share. When her girls were babies, they preferred sleeping together- and even now, they share one, big bed!

I was nervous and excited about this session. It was my first set of newborn twins. I was pretty confident it would become a morning of spit-up, poo, pee, and screaming, and end with me waving my white flag in a submissive, “You two, win!”, sort of way. However, these girls slept and slept nearly the entire session. We stopped for feedings just once and wrapped up the entire session in just 3 hours. Sometimes it takes me longer for just one baby!

I also have to add that this Mama is an amazing decorator- every single room was beautiful, especially the nursery. I loved the ‘Woodland Animal’ theme- so cute!

When I arrive for a newborn session, I typically ask my clients if they have any heirlooms or special items in their home they’d like to incorporate into their session- I don’t bring props of any kind. For this session, the mom brought out some lovely baby blankets that had been made for her by her grandmother. I love that they have such unique images, and I love the way Mom looked when she showed the blankets to me.

I remember finding a handmade dress and bonnet when I was pregnant with Annabelle at my Great Aunt’s house after she passed away. I didn’t know I was having a girl at the time, but I wished  she’d be a girl, so I could have her wear it. The picture I have of her in it is just a snapshot at the beach- but it’s still very dear to me.

Mom is Funny {Tucson Family Photographer}

This session was sooooo easy- probably one of my quickest sessions. I think it’s mostly because the light, the mood of baby, and the fun being had  were working together all at the same time. It’s rare that all of these variables are harmonious from start to finish. This little man was so so cute- smiling nearly the entire time.

I have been searching for an active crawler for this book for a few weeks now, and alas I found an avid crawler! The grass was  inviting- soft and plush, rare for Tucson I’d say.

Anyway, I hope this post makes you smile. I couldn’t help but doing so the entire time I edited them.

 

Nearly Three Months… {Tucson Family Photographer}

I may have winced a tad, at the initial call from a client to photograph this age group last year. I really didn’t know what to do with a baby this age -I was absolutely stumped.

However, I’ve been overjoyed to discover over time ,that EVERY age has it’s pros and cons. So if you’re on the fence about your child’s photographic stage, stop stressing. There really isn’t a bad age to photograph, in my opinion!

We started this session in this client’s home and snapped some shots of them talking and playing with their sweet girl. Then we headed over to the park for some sunshine and fresh air. Baby M was lulled to sleep in the car, and let us wrap and move her as she peacefully slept. It was a dream!

 

 

Hannah, The Beautiful! {Tucson Family Photographer}

Not to get all emotional on you, but while editing this image of my baby sister and my daughter, I felt such gratitude- and I’ll tell you why.

Hannah is eleven years younger than me and 14 years younger than my older sister. When I think about how hard that must be- to constantly feel like an only child, but not be- I realize how much I want to make her feel included in my life. I want her to know how much it means to me, that she’ll go to the movies with me, hang out with my kids, and camp out like a true “Polm”.

Although she’s quite young in my eyes, I think she does an amazing job of keeping her priorities in check and making time for family, even when she really has none to spare.  I’m so proud of her! I’m lucky she’ll still  hang out with an old, not-so-hip sister, such as myself! (and even bring her friends-yes you, Claire!)

Growing Up- The Book Project {Tucson Lifestyle Photographer}

Sorry for taking so long to catch you up on my book project. I know you all probably hover over your computer just waiting for my next blog post. HA!

The wait is over… here are some images from the past few sessions that were especially moving and/or made me proud!

Thanks for taking the time to look. Oh, and if you have a sec, I’d love to know which session is your favorite thus far. 🙂 I can’t wait to compile them all into my book- which did I mention, my lovely, talented sister will be writing! You’ll want to have this one in your collection of keepsake books for your children, grandchildren, etc, -of that, I’m sure!

PS. I am still in need of teenagers and young adults for this project as well. And please, if you know of anyone that can add culture and diversity to this story, send them my way!