Oh, baby! | Alpharetta GA Baby Photographer

I'm lovin' the babies I've been able to shoot lately at home. (Yes, these shots were taken in the family's home with the backdrops and lights I bring to my baby shoots.) Originally, we had planned to do the session a week after this little guy had been born, but sickness and client plans delayed us. So, it turned into a one-month-old shoot instead. I think that is my new favorite age! Look at the variety of expressions we got. LOVE them.

One Week Old | Alpharetta Newborn Photographer

Whew! I have done SOOO much today . . . (with the help of an awesome hubby who took care of my sick little guy and ran errands for me while I worked). On days like these, I'm full of energy and ideas. Here's what I did:

• Shot newborn session
• Packaged client orders
• Did laundry
• Delivered client orders (I felt like Santa Claus!)
• Researched brand packaging
• Went Grocery shopping
• Worked on dishes
• Finished editing and designing our family's Christmas card
• Ordered Christmas cards
• Thought it would be nice to have BFP-branded thank you cards
• Designed thank you cards
• Ordered thank you cards
• Decided to reward myself by editing one portrait from today's session
• Edited cutie below
• Oh, and wrote this blog post

Now I think I'm sleepy enough to go to bed. Good night!

Using Props | Roswell GA Children's Photographer

Lately, I've been using props in my shoots, especially with children. Something new like a hat (or hats Dad brought), blocks, or vintage telephone toy captures their interest and helps keep the smiles going through a whole shoot. Since these boys' parents especially wanted portraits of the boys together and alone, I stuffed my photo bag full of props and used them all through the portrait session. I think we got some amazing shots!

Teeny Tiny Baby Girl | Atlanta GA newborn photographer

Here's a sneak peek of the teeniest, tiniest, cutest little angel! She was born a month early (thankfully very healthy), and her mom wanted to capture this darling before she grew much larger. So at a week old, baby girl modeled for a shoot-and-learn lesson at her home. I especially love having mom's hands in the first shot because it shows scale so well. The second image was the mom's request--and I can't believe baby was alert and looking at the camera. Most one-week-olds don't stay awake during a shoot. And don't worry! Baby was well-guarded the whole time!

One Week Old | Alpharetta GA Newborn Photographer and Photography Teacher

I love teaching photography, especially when my mentee has a brand-new baby to model for us. Look at this sweetheart! Monique wanted to practice her in-camera shooting techniques while posing her girls and the baby. We set up a simple "studio" at her home using a bed, this cool stretchy blanket from Ikea, window light, and an external flash.

The baby remained quite content in the non-air-conditioned room while we sweated and worked. (Babies don't like it cold!) She was pretty cooperative and though we had relatively short amount of time, we got some great shots.We lucked out with the white blanket too! Baby stayed dry and unsoiled until the minute mom put a diaper on her. Talk about great timing!

Here are some of Monique's shots, absolutely gorgeous! Head on over to Monique's Day in the Life blog for more about her family and photography.

In Town and At Home | Norcross GA Family Photographer

My husband recently told me that I have an aversion to doing laundry. I had to admit it, he's right. I don't mind washing or drying them too much--it's the rest of it. I don't like folding clothes. Or hanging them. Or putting them away. Don't even ask me about ironing. So during the week, we usually have either: a) a mountain of washed laundry piled in the living room b) various piles of laundry in semi-folded states c) a couch full of laundry to put away depending on how much laundry I'm able to stand that day.

Perhaps the reason I don't like laundry is because I'd much rather be doing photography. That's something I can do for hours and hours!

Come to think of it, I don't know many artists who are good housekeepers. Maybe it's just the way we are.

Enjoy these portraits from one of my shoots in the city and at the clients' home!

This is my favorite!

(Psst...the above photo made a fabulous Giclée Canvas Gallery Wrap!)

A Real Photographer | Roswell GA Family Photographer

When I was just starting out in photography, I was a little hesitant to tell people as was a real "photographer," not just a mom with a camera. Not that there is anything wrong with being a mom with a camera, especially if you are interested in learning (because I'd love to teach or mentor you). But I wanted to be more

Now, I easily say I'm a photographer, and it's not because I wasn't a good photo-taker when I started. It's because I'm confident in being an entrepreneur and owner of a small business. That's taken a lot of work over the years: the permits, the business license, the insurance, and the taxes that come with it aren't the easiest parts of running Butler Family Photography. Believe me, I'd rather be shooting. But it means a lot to me to be doing this work legally and securely so that my clients can be confident that their portraits are being done by a professional.

Here are some portraits from the fall. I love this family and their boys. What I remember the best from this shoot is how mom and dad were especially glad that I had a boy of my own with the same kind of energy as their oldest. They knew I'd be able to keep up with him!

 

Catching up with the Blog and Upcoming Workshop | Canton GA Family and Baby Photographer

Now that my photography load has eased up, I have a chance to do some full posts of this season's shoots. You may remember this family from a previous sneak peek. They coordinated their shoot to coincide with baby's first birthday in October as well as get some shots for Christmas. October is the perfect month to have your Christmas portraits made. The weather is still nice and you have plenty of time to get the CD and have gift prints made without paying extra for rush shipping. (Ah, yes. I know this because I had to do that for some of my Christmas gifts. Maybe I'll take my own advice next year!)

On another note, I am pleased to announce a Portrait Photo Workshop on Saturday, January 15, 2011 from 1:30-4:00 in Cumming, GA. It's a bargain at $45.00/person. I know some of you are getting new cameras for Christmas. And some of you have nice point-and-shoots or SLRs already, but don't know how to get great pictures out of them. You've probably realized by now that it's not just a fancy camera that makes a great photograph, but the person behind that camera as well. Here's your chance to seriously improve your composition, knowledge, and experience with portrait photography. The best part of the workshop is getting a chance to shoot with me and some models (looking for some of those too, by the way) while I help you get great shots in real time. Awesome! Contact us for more information. I'll even email you a sweet-looking certificate to print out if you decide to give it as a Christmas gift.

Okay, back to more of this beautiful family!

Sweaters and Smiles | Alpharetta GA Family Photographer

It's getting chilly here! I'm not a big one on winter, but I love these sweaters! Such a fun idea for family photos. And they must know how I like color. The pinks and greens and blues are just perfect for my style of photography.

Fortunately, we captured these images before this week's frosty temperature. I'm a wimp in the cold. My thermostat? 80 degrees. I know it's expensive, but I am COLD. Meanwhile, I'm editing at home in a blanket at the computer. Does anyone else's fingers go numb with cold while they're at the computer? Now there's a product idea, a Snuggie-like keyboard cover. Okay, no more silliness. It must be late.

Afternoon Light | Alpharetta GA Family Photographer

With Daylight Savings ended, the best time for shooting has shifted to the afternoon, and I'm just loving capturing family portraits in this gorgeous light! Enjoy the sneak peek.