My relationship with Bebe Au Lait is lengthy — it all started when I was pregnant with my third-born and I’ve been capturing genuine moments with kiddos loving on their products ever since. Here’s one of my favorite patterns — World Map & Someday. Fun fact: I secured a super snuggle blanket (huge adult size!) for myself, and my 8 year old stole it to sleep with every night. I’m not mad about it… :)
Here are a few of my favorite shots.
One of the most wonderful benefits of being a part of a creative community is having access to incredible styled sets, where photographers and clients create art with their own, unique eye. I recently hosted indoor studio “Pink & Gold” sessions at The Denver Photo Collective and am so happy to share some of my work. This room is available until 2/15/23, and perfect for besties, motherhood, and best of all - celebrating yourself in a safe, beautiful space (including boudoir!).
Book your session with me before 2/15 before this room transforms into the next best thing. :)
There is no higher honor than being trusted with portraits of a peer in your field of work, so when Thao approached me to capture updated photos for her new website, I was thrilled to help. We are both pro family photographers, moms of multiple little ones, and share a deep love of good food and good company. As believers in the importance of community over competition, Thao and I strive to build each other up, and this friendship only points our respective work to the next level. Thank you, Thao for tasking me with your personal branding! Let’s do this every year and sneak in creative moments along the way over some yummy eats. :)
If you’re interested in a personal branding session like this, please book today (select Personal Branding & Headshots)!
All children are deserving of love and joy, and especially so during the holiday season. In support of foster kids and the wonderful families who welcome them with open arms, Stephanie Tucker of Marilee.co Portrait Photography teamed with philanthropists Annick Coston and Julie Leckey of The FI Team & eXp Realty in a benefit for Hope & Home Foster Care.
We were able to book an amazing holiday set at The Denver Photo Collective, where Stephanie is a member practicing photography. Hope & Home foster families were gifted a special invitation to meet a very charming Santa in person, along with snacks and all the fixings for ornament decorations! The general public was invited to attend in a second hour, and their generous monetary support were sent off to Hope & Home, not to mention an awesome toy donation drive for Christmas gifts! All in all, $625 will directly benefit the kids. Annick, Julie and I are so proud — thank you.
Enjoy a small sample of the photos from the day.
Some personal musings tonight. I am fortunate to have some inner reflection while watching my kids grow. I’m no longer a child, but many of my school-aged experiences stick with me to this day.
I shared the below message with personal friends/family on Facebook, and it resonated so well with fellow former-children that I thought I’d share a public version here on my blog. After all, I work with many families. I don’t have all the answers, but I do understand the struggles.
Image of my son, used with his permission.
I just sat down with my 8 and 5 year olds at the coffee shop this morning and had a candid conversation about being your own best friend first.
It's really hard for introverted (and extroverted) children to find "safe people" who are peers, and I thought back to little Stephie in 5th grade and 11th grade specifically, when it was easier to hide in the bathroom stall (or computer lab) than it was to be social.
Starting over every year with new classmates, changing schools, and moving on to new jobs, new cities, etc isn't easy. But we gather, retain and use tools every single time... and that part does get easier. And look at me now, ma… I’m doing OK.
Kids can and will have a crap year, and aren't aware that mayyyybe just around the corner will be the day they find their chosen people/person.
Love yourself first as you are, and anyone who matters will follow, my kids. It may not seem so now, but alone time will become precious instead of being scary. Be OK with eating that burrito you love near a sunny window all on your own. Treat yourself to a warm drink at a coffee shop with only the company of a good book. See the movie you want to see, even if you have tickets for one.
Finally, brush off peers who actively reject you, because they won't be around for long anyway.
We also enjoyed this conversation while eating macarons and croissants, so that was helpful.
