finding my style {in photography}

In October I had the opportunity to meet Sharon of Sharon Johnson Photography, and I got listen to her talk about her passion for photography.  It was that day my whole idea of what I wanted to capture with my own camera changed, and what also changed is how I was going to hire a photographer in the future.

Sharon was showing us (the Sassy girls) some of her work, and I specifically remember getting a little choked up looking at a birth story she had done. I could feel the emotion in each and every picture that she took of that couple experiencing the birth of their baby. Her work was powerful, and made me wish for a birth story for each one of my own children. I don't think that there was one woman around that table that night that didn't either say "I wish I could have had this done" or "I wish I was having a baby so that I could do this!" All the pictures are just that amazing.

That night Sharon took some head shots, and I didn't think much of it.  She had us just sit on the couch, and snapped a few pictures while chatting it up in between shots.  It was as casual as it sounds...and I loved the experience.

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Now lets flash back to when little Devin was a fresh one.  My friend Kimmie (and fellow Sassy) offered to come to my house and take newborn pictures of him. Seriously...these are my favorite pictures I have ever had taken to date. I love that they are so very personal.  Devin is laying on my bed, in my bedroom, with sunlight from my window. I didn't even get ready that morning (or clean my room), and yet the pictures of me holding him I am absolutely in love with.  I look at myself and remember how exhausting those first few days are with a newborn, and the shirt I am wearing was maternity.  They have so many memories attached.

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When Savannah was little I was all about props for the photos, dollin' her up, making sure she looked absolutely perfect, I may have even made her practice smiling. But guess what?  Savannah hates this. Savannah likes wearing cozy clothes, and can't stand having her hair done. I realized why am I making Savannah do something that she doesn't like, and guess what kind of memories she is going to have when she looks at all of our pictures?  I am sure the memories will be something along the lines of "Uh, my Mom was crazy, and always made me be someone I wasn't for those stupid things!"

So guess what I have done since October?

I don't just take pictures of my kids when they are in their Sunday best.  I don't delete those pictures where they aren't looking directly into the camera.  I don't delete those pictures where I didn't catch the moment fast enough, and Devin has a blurry hand. I have learned those are my favorite moments.  Those are the moments I want my kids to remember.

Also, when Sharon was offering little mini Valentine sessions, and offered me a spot...I jumped at the chance. I didn't spend hours picking out their outfits. Savannah's hair looked just like it does every day. Sharon let them jump on the bed, throw confetti, eat cookies, and just be kids...and she captured every moment.  I sat back and was so very thankful I finally realized what my photography style is before my kids were all grown up.

Disclosure: I was not paid by Sharon or Kimmie to write this post.  I truly just love what they have done for me. If you decide to hire them, tell 'em I sent you...because that is awesome. :)