DELANEY, CAMERON, and COPELAND

Delaney and Cameron moved to Austin from New York several years ago.  It was difficult for them to leave behind their sweater-layering, sardine-apartment-renting, and olives-and-chocolate-for-dinner lifestyle. Nevertheless, they quickly embraced the "Keep Austin Weird" culture by naming their son Copeland and learning to make mayo from scratch.  To make this Austin thing official, we planned their first ever family photo shoot right next to the heart of downtown!

The day before our session, a torrential downpour plowed through the city, leaving in its tracks not only much needed water for our dry terrain, but also mud. And lots of it. Avoiding mud traps while chasing an 18 month old became an active challenge, but this (almost) spotless-footed photo taken at the end of our session is a documentation of victory for the ages. I'm so happy that you guys are here to stay. Just don't tell your friends to move here! :)

AMY, ISRAEL, and SETH

Amy, a fellow photographer and longtime friend, and her family recently returned to Austin after a multi-year walkabout in The Big Apple. I was so excited to catch up with Amy and Israel and finally meet their sweet two year-old, Seth! Of course our shoot had to be the same day the Arctic cold front swooped over Texas Hill Country. I grew increasingly despondent as the dreary skies refused to relent, and when the recent New Yorker texted, "We're going to stay inside and eat soup,” I had two thoughts: 1) That sounds delicious! and 2) Things from a photo-sesh standpoint weren't looking good. Spoiler alert: the show did go on! Between the weather, needy geese, and an initially timid toddler, we had our fair share of hurdles, but somehow everything fell into place to tell the magical story of this beautiful family. Welcome back to Texas, kids! 

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CORI + DARYN

It seems like such a short time ago that I had the pleasure of photographing Tonya, Chris, and Cori to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Miss Daryn.  Cori didn't know what being a big sister would look like, but her excitement was obvious. Today, that excitement has multiplied by leaps and bounds. When she is not cartwheeling, handstanding, or singing "Let It Go" in the most adorable singing voice you've ever heard,  Cori is doting on her precious little sis. Cori is fascinated by Daryn's little fingers and soft skin, and will try just about anything to make her baby sister smile.  Daryn loved every minute of the attention... not a single tear throughout our session! Congratulations, Tonya and Chris, on raising such lovely ladies.

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BECCA + AUSTIN

I have known Becs since we were roommates during professional school.  We had both been searching for a roommate, and had signed up through the school on some random list. When I called the numbers provided, I definitely hit some road blocks (one girl asked if I was OK living in a house of six roommates! As much as I loved watching the Real World, I wasn't keen on living through an episode).  Then I finally connected with Becca.  We talked for over an hour as if we had been best friends in a previous life.  The rest is history.  Fast forward several years, and her incredible son Austin was born. The last time that I saw Austin he could be held in one arm. Today, both arms can barely stop him from escaping when he feels like running.  1 dance party, 3 super hero impersonations, 4 bribes, 10 races, 20 potty jokes, and countless laughs later, here is a summary of our super fun session! 

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FAMILY

"There's no place like home." Dorothy may have meant it, but I really mean it.  Especially when you throw in a side of homecooked Russian meals and a generous helping of the most loving people on the planet.  The hectic nature of short weekends and hours of driving don't leave much room for photography during my visits.  This trip was no exception, but I tried my darndest to capture at least a little bit of my time at home.

I am so happy that I could sneak away to catch some super sweet moments of my brother and his family at their home.  We did a dressy outdoor shoot the same day, but I will leave you with cozy snuggle moments for now!


YOLI

When I first heard the story of Yolanda (affectionately nicknamed "Yoli"), I learned that she was born with a heart condition that would require several corrective surgeries before she turned one. Anna, her incredible mother, not only had to learn all of the intricacies of being a new mom, but also the details of Yoli's condition, along with all of the unique tests and routines that would be an intimate part of their lives in the upcoming months ahead.  I was so honored to be invited to photograph Yoli before she turned 3 months old, and the day before Anna's birthday. The icing on the cake was the ability to capture a truly momentous occasion: on this particular day, Yoli's doctors granted her permission to take her first walk outside.  And we talk about priceless moments ... Thank you, Anna, for allowing me to photograph your little girl, who has time and time again shown that she is as sweet as she is resilient. And to Yoli, mamma's little "diva" (in Anna's own words), keep inspiring those around you. All the best wishes to Anna, Yoli, and their entire family!