Daddy-daughter pictures make my heart melt.

We whipped this session out in 30 minutes. I can alway count on Sara and Junior to rock their photos. I love every single shot.

I wish that I could put into words the way my heart feels- but the words I come up with never seem adequate. That is especially so when I speak of Holly and my forever connection to her family. Our relationship began with the pregnancy of her second child and I’ve been photographing all of their momentous life events since. In 2009, Holly became pregnant with her third baby- a little girl. But at 17 weeks she was diagnosed as having a fatal anomaly. Holly and Josh knew there was a good chance that baby Atalina wouldn’t make it, but they chose to continue on with the pregnancy. I have this amazing respect and admiration for Holly and am in awe at the courage she showed throughout her pregnancy and delivery.

I am not currently a NILMDTS photographer, but I had the honor of acting as such for the birth of Holly’s little girl. On April 31 I arrived at the hospital with Holly and Josh so that I could be there to photograph the birth and short life of sweet Atalina. Atalina Hope was born on May 1, 2010. I spent 15 hours at the hospital with her and her family- from labor through delivery. Photographing Atalina was the most difficult and heart-wrenching, yet the most rewarding thing I have EVER done and I am so happy that I was able to give that gift to Holly.

Almost exactly a year later, here I am photographing Holly’s gorgeous pregnant belly again. Inside is Willow- a perfectly healthy little girl who will arrive in the world a little over a year after her big sister. What a gift.

Holly, you are strong, and wonderful, and full of grace. I love you.

She gave me permission to post these two for now. Tell me she doesn’t look incredible! YEA for hottie moms.

Here are a few:

The photo on the left was blown up into a large canvas! LOVE naked baby pictures.

This shot was also made into a large canvas. Isn’t he adorable!?

This will be my last summer in Florida (at least for awhile) and I’ve been trying to soak it all in and capture as many memories as I can before leaving (more about that later). Whenever I can make it, I spend my Saturday mornings at the Riverside Arts Market (I’ll post more pictures soon). There I get my fresh, locally grown, organic produce for the week and  take in the amazing smells and lively music. This weekend I decided to walk along the river from Riverside to downtown to attend some Earth Day festivities and take some pictures of the Jacksonville skyline to add to the Florida photo book I hope to make.

I didn’t travel far before I was stopped by a man’s deep, southern voice- I hadn’t even noticed him.

“You take pictures, often?”, he said.

“All the time, it’s a hobby of mine”, I said”.

“You know, they say a camera never blinks. It’s amazing, the memories it can capture”

I agreed and asked his name.

“Willie”

Thats all.. just Willie. “Hi Willie, I’m Katelyn and it is a pleasure to meet you,” I said while holding out my hand.

We shook hands and I sat down beside him. Willie talked for awhile and I listened…wondering what his story was. After awile, I got up to finish my trip downtown. I told him if he was still there on my way back that I’d bring him a cold drink and we could chat more.

Fast forward 2 hours. I bought a fresh squeezed lemonade from a street vendor and wondered if Willie would still be on his bench.

He was and I gave him his drink . I don’t think his smile could have been bigger. I asked if I could photograph him. Willie enthusiastically said yes. While I was shooting I asked Willie about his life.

Where did he work before becoming homeless? Where does he sleep at night? Tell me a bit about your life?

“Maxwell House. The shelter, some nights. So many people are a few paychecks away from being homeless, especially these days-I wish people wouldn’t judge-never thought I’d be homeless-I know things will get better, they have to-someday things will be good again.”

I wish I could write more eloquently about my encounter with Willie.

I wish I could express how much our meeting moved me.

But pictures are my words, and these will have to do. I hope you can see what I feel. (Willie gave me full permission to use the photographs I took of him.)

We started in my (now old) neighborhood at a REALLY old apartment complex.

And then stepped across the street to my FAVORITE park. Ever. Ever ever. Heather’s expression in this one make me so happy.. I can relate to having felt that way before.

Oh! I heart the colors in these two. all the green and then the pop of purple from Heather’s dress. For the longest time I though Florida was the ugliest place in the world for taking pictures because of the palm trees. Palm trees (unless on a fancy schmancy resort) are really quite shaggy things with browning fronds-that give me a really bad taste in my mouth. But then I discovered how beautifully spanish moss photographs–and it makes me happy.

And then there’s the majestic Southern live oak trees… almost forgot about those. This specific tree is estimated to be around 250 years old– and may be the single oldest living thing in Jacksonville, predating the founding of the city by Isaiah Hart during the 1820s (how do you like that history lesson?). That left image is hanging large and in charge in their home.

Though this one, personally, is my favorite. The octopus-like branches of the Quercus virginiana make me swoon.

Beautiful. Heather sporting my vintage headpiece–scored at an antique store in Yoder, Kansas. The shallow DOF with the trees just brings me to my knees.

I absolutely LOVE when clients (I mean new friends..) come to me with ideas to make their sessions unique. Heather and I share a love of all things old and I was MORE THAN happy to help incorporate some of her favorite pieces into the shoot. When scouting out this location the week before, the grass was long and flowing. We arrived to it having been cut short. We made it work.

Heather, you rock. That is all.

A picnic with romantic pictures, anyone?

LOVE!

Or how about a picnic with a record player streaming love ballads? Note to self- find boyfriend who won’t think I am crazy for wanting to have a picnic in the woods while wearing my prettiest dress.

Heather and I spent way too much time and energy trying to find tan suspenders. It was worth it.

Saving more of my favorites for last. These are the last images from our shoot.

Can’t you feel the love? I can.

It warms my heart. Thank you for sharing your evening with me, Heather and Jerry, and letting me witness your beautiful relationship.

Caroline has grown so much since March.

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A couple of outtakes- happy happy

The glory of being 2. I love action shots like these and capturing the essence of childhood.

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CHUBBY WITTLE CHEEKS- I could just eat her up!

can we say “doll-face”?

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I have SO many great expressions from Georgia. By the time these were taken, it was actually DARK outside. I cranked up my ISO, opened up my aperture and slowed the shutter speed as much as I could (while not blurring her movements). She makes my heart palpate.

Thank you, as always, Nat for being so open to different ideas (pulling off the side of a road in rush hour traffic) every time we get together. I find myself waiting to hear you are back in Jacksonville just so that I can be in your lovely company and hear your sweet love stories and relationship advice.

Her mommy, Sheridan, was pretty amazing as well. Not only did Sheridan let me choose Rebekeh’s entire outfit, but she gave me freedom to do whatever I wanted. She stood quietly in the distance-holding our props- letting me indulge in silly jokes and skipping around the park with Rebekeh. There were no forced smiles or “cheese”‘s here. I think this contributed to one of the most natural-looking child sessions I have ever done!

I am obviously funny. Oh, and that pose on the right? Totally her own.

Can we say heartbreaker?

I didn’t give her this pose either! SASSY

We looked high and low for puddles. When I don’t want rain, it rains. When I want rain  for a puddle-jumping shoot… and there is a 70% chance of rain. Guess what? No rain. This is the best puddle we could find… soggy grass.

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Love!

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The best thing to ever happen during a shoot….Even if the guy was a tad creepy. I think it’s a requirement for ice cream men in Florida.. But anyway-he was nice enough to let us get a few shots.

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Thank you Rebekeh for being soo good! I’m glad we’re friends and Sheridan-you’re an awesome mommy!

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She loves books and horses. We combined the two!

Juicy apple.

Pocahontas? Just a little? Come on

Mmm yes, three of my faves!

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Like I said, nine. Laughing to mom doing the underwear dance.

Work it, honey.

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And then the light proceeded to disappear.
Thank you Shelbye, for being such a trooper. I know you didn’t feel well.

Meet Rebekeh. She’s 5 and started kindergarten this year! We held hands and romped through very wet grass together, twirled, jump-roped and ate ice cream. I think that makes us friends.

I cannot stress enough how important it is for a bride to give herself (and the photographer..hehe) enough time. Sahar is the time QUEEN. I got nearly 2 hours to shoot her getting ready and her portraits as well as a full hour to photograph Sahar and Samad together. Perfection.

The ceremony was held at the Deerwood Country Club. As soon as we walked in and I saw this room- I knew exactly what would come of it.

Elegant and timeless portraits, of course.

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Sahar and Samad opted for the “First Look”, where the bride and groom choose to break tradition see each other before the ceremony. This is great for calming nerves.. ANDDDDD awesome picture taking!!!!!!

The country club had a gorgeous lawn out back-complete with a pond and willow tree (when Sahar told me this I screamed.. for real).

OH, beautiful details

Naturals in front of the camera? Check and mark!

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I love photographing people in love. For a few hours I can forget about the troubles of the world and just let myself be swallowed by happy feelings (you can barf now)

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I’m thinking the right picture would make a gorgeous, HUGE canvas.
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Pure loveliness.

We were greeted by Sahar’s friends and family when we made it back inside.
I pretty much refuse to use my flash unless it is absolutely necessary-I do not like the BAM-FLASH-IN-YOUR-FACE effect-I do like blending in to get a more “natural” feel. Embrace the grain!!!

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Sahar went upstairs to hide before the Baraat (not sure if I am using that in the correct context) and I captured this shot.

The Baraat is procession of family, relatives, and friends of groom that accompany the groom to the wedding ceremony. Traditionally the Groom makes his way to the ceremony on a richly decked horse or in a car and “baraat” follows in different vehicles. The Groom is given warm welcome by the bride’s family with flower garlands and rose petals.

Another instance where I embrace the grain-Before the nikah there was a religious ceremony.

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Finally, Sahar’s mother and father walk her down the aisle.

I wasn’t allowed to shoot during the actual nikah cermony, but this one was taken right before. Nikah is purely Islamic official wedding ceremony. Nikah is attended by close family members, relatives, and friends of groom and bride.

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Samad’s family showered Sahar with jewels.

A quiet moment I caught, while everyone headed for the food!

Ladies first.

Um, can we say-YUM! From the top-starting with the Naan (a flat bread), mixed curried vegetables, chickpeas, chicken tikka, goat korma, chicken biryani and salad. I also had the most DELICIOUS dessert called ras malai. It is a scrumptious dish made of sugary, balls of paneer soaked in clotted cream.

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When you see something like this-you should probably turn around….

Because, in this case, it was cake time!

Somewhere, in someone’s home video- is me. I’m sure they are thrilled.

And that’s all folks!
Off to Bowl America the Bride and Groom went…;)

I absolutely love the Naem family-so hospitable and friendly. Thank you for allowing me into your home to capture Sahar’s getting ready process.

The process actually started 4 days before the wedding when Sahar went to have her Mehndi (or Henna) done.

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Then, the big day..

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I just love the extra dimension that the henna adds to all the pictures

Sahar’s sister, Saman, touches up her make-up

LOVE!!!

Many more of these shots, but Sahar removed her head scarf to finish getting ready and I agreed not to share those.

Elegant-right?

Mom helps pin the scarf

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Sana and Saman finish the job.

Timeless

GAH! So beautiful!!!

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The infamous ring shot

Before we left, Sahar’s mother copied down a prayer to ward of nazar (or the evil eye).

Come back soon for the actual nikah photos!