Look who's 1!!! "B" cake smash and family photo shoot {Belvidere IL, DeKalb IL, child, family, maternity, birthday photography}

I met Mr. "B" and his mom about 6 months ago for his 6 month session.  Mom and dad brought him back for a Christmas mini session and now again for his one year pics.  I am so happy I get to photograph all these milestones for them, I also found out that Mr. "B" will be a big brother in a few months.  How exciting is this.  We captured a couple belly pics for mom as well.  We had a blast during the session.  It was raining on and off that day and when we got to the park we had to wait a few minutes for the rain to let up but am I glad we waited.  I love the location and how the pics turned out.  Afterwards we headed back inside for the cake smash.  I was really excited for this photo shoot after seeing the awesome cake Ali Beth Bakery made for us.  Since the theme of "B's" 1st birthday party was puppies we went with a puppy theme.  I tried to keep it neutral by just using the paw prints and I think the set turned out super cute.  "B" was a little weary of sitting on the backdrop and was not too sure about the cake but we lucked out and got a few shots of him with the cake.  Hope mom and dad enjoy the pics.  Here is a sneak peek.

Cousins "D" and "T" session {Belvidere IL, child, family photography}

I have known Ms. "T" since she was a baby and her mom and I are good friends.  "T" and my son are always playing together and I have borrowed her a few times for some of my practice shots and she always comes up with her own poses.  I was excited when I found a field of these yellow flowers, I knew that would be a perfect spot for "T's" pics.  I am also friends with "T's" cousin "D's" mom and since he needed some updated portraits we decided to combine the sessions and do some individual portraits as well as some together ones since they are cousins.  They were so silly during the shoot but we kept shooting away and came up with some good pics. Here are some previews.  "S" and "T" I hope you guys like them.

1 year cake smash star Mr. "C" {Belvidere IL, Rockford IL, child, 1st birthday, family, cake smash photography}

What fun did we have with Mr. "C" for his 1st birthday session.  I did his 9 month pics a few months ago and he was all smiles then and he was smiley this time around too but we also got to see some serious faces as well.  Mom brought along a few props that were used in "C's" big brother's 1st year pics and they worked out great.  We headed outside for some shots too, we had to battle a little bit of full sun but they turned out great.  Then there was the cake smash... So much fun, I always love that part.  Thank you Ali Smith Bakery for the awesome cake.  It tasted as good as it looks too.  Big brother "N" got to join in for some cake smash pics. How sweet are these boys.  Enjoy the sneak peeks.

Smiley Mr. "S" {Belvidere IL, Streamwood IL, baby, 3 month portrait, photography}

I had a pleasure of meeting Mr. "S" and his parents for his 3 month milestone session.  He was such a happy baby the whole session and not to mention the baby blues he has on him.  Mom and dad were awesome and helped out with getting his attention as well.  He is such a cutie.  I hope I get to see him for his next milestone session.  Enjoy the sneaks.

"M" maternity session {Belvidere IL, Machesney Park IL, maternity, belly, family, baby bump photography}

"M" contacted me few months ago to schedule her maternity and newborn session with me. I was so excited because I only had one previous maternity session and was definitely ready for another one.  I have had couple inquiries but mom's always backed out at the last minute and decided to do newborn only.  Having two children of my own I totally understand that we feel a little self conscious about our bodies and I myself never got maternity pictures done.  Well let me tell you I regret it now.   "M" was so great and open to all the ideas I had and she had a few of her own as well.  I think we came together and got her a well rounded session (pun intended, LOL) .  She is so stunning even at the very end of her pregnancy.  I think for most I would recommend doing the pics between 28 and 35 weeks but "M" pulled it off with style during her last couple weeks of pregnancy and she was glowing.  I cannot wait to share all the pics with her and cannot wait for that baby to come.  Will it be a prince or a princess?  We'll just have to wait and find out.  Big brother "G" was not very interested during this session, hopefully we can get more pics of him during the newborn session. For now enjoy the sneaks from the maternity session.  

6 month old Mr. "N" {Belvidere IL, Sycamore IL, baby, family, milestone photography}

I originally had a session with "N" and his parents on March 31st but unfortunately due to my computer issues I lost all the pics from that session.  I was so disappointed and embarrassed but his parents were so nice about the whole situation.  We ended up redoing his session last week and I think it turned out better than the first time.  We were able to go outside this time for some family pics and  "N" really enjoyed being outside.  This was definitely a lesson learned and I make sure I back up each session as soon as I am finished with it.  This could have turned out awful but thanks to "N's" wonderful and understanding parents were were able to do it better the second time around.  Here are a few sneaks from his 6 month milestone session.