A Celebration of Life

What do you think makes a person beautiful? Me, well it may sound cliche, I believe that it is what is inside a person...their soul...that makes them beautiful. One of the many reasons I love what I do for a living is because it allows me to meet new and interesting people. Beautiful people.

Patty is one such person. My dear friend, Jamie, asked me to travel to Logan and photograph an open house that she and her friends had planned to celebrate the life or a beautiful leader, friend, and mother to many. It was clear from the moment that I met Patty that she was has one of those beautiful rare souls I mentioned before.

Patty is battling cancer. And she is strong. I saw her strength through my camera as I had the privileged to be a fly on the wall as she greeted each and every one of her guests with a smile and concern. She was a shining example of selflessness. As she watched those around her eat the beautiful and delicious food that she herself could not partake of she did not dwell on her circumstances or the disease that she is battling but asked them all about themselves. She had more concern with them then with herself. Patty cried with her friends for the struggles they were having in their own lives and Patty was the first to ask what she could do to help them.

What struck me the most was that when the people whose lives, it was clear, Patty had had such an impact on would ask what they could do for Patty, each time her reply was the same. It was to love their children, to cherish their families, and not to get angry.

Below are some photos from Patty's party. I loved the photo of her and her husband holding hands. Her husband told me that that is how the two of them started out years ago...holding hands :)

There was a special guest arranged to preform for Patty. Patty loves music and one of her very favorite is Michael Mclean. He came and serenaded Patty and it was so very touching and you can tell it was special for Patty from the smile on her face. 

Thank you, Patty for being an influence in my life even though I have only known you for a minute. I plan on taking your advice and loving my children a little tighter tonight.

Keep smiling,

-Leah

What to Wear (clothing tips for portraits)

I did this post recently for Flats to Flipflops and thought I would share it here as well for any of you that are interested and may have missed it. Enjoy!


Trying to decide what to dress yourself or your family in for portraits can be somewhat of a stress...who am I kidding, it can be a HUGE stress!!! The good news is that it doesn't have to be. During my years of photographing I have learned what works best and what doesn't work so well. Hopefully this will ease a bit of your stress and help you come up with some ideas while planning what to wear for your upcoming photo session.

INDIVIDUALS & CHILDREN:

Your individual portrait is all about you. When dressing, be true to who you are and your own personal style. I recommend steering clear of large logos or character T's that can detract from you, the subject, and stick to pieces that contribute a timeless quality to your portraits. This also applies to individual portraits of your children.

I recommend clothing that has texture like knitting, embroidery, dark faded denim, and ruffles. Keep in mind that this is your time to shine so don't be afraid to wear something bold and colorful or patterned. Accessories can also add texture and show off your personality so layer up!

SIBLINGS & FAMILIES:

This can be tricky but try not to be too "matchy-matchy" while still coordinating colors. It always adds a bit more depth to the photo if children aren't in identical outfits. Try to pick a couple of colors that will carry through to each outfit and bring some fluidity to the ensemble.

Last but not least, when selecting the outfits for your portraits, keep in mind the feel of the room that you will be displaying them in. If you will be showcasing them in a very formal room you will want to stick to a more classic look to your outfits (blacks/whites/earth tones usually work well in that case).

Now that you know what to wear you have no more excuses to put off your photo session. Don't wait another second, pick up the phone and call your favorite photog and schedule your custom photography session. You wont regret it but you may regret it if you don't...but I'll save that for another post.

Keep Smiling,

-Leah 

Miss Elizabeth 5 Days New-Southeast Idaho Newborn Photographer

I love when I get the opportunity to photograph little newborns straight from Heaven! Little Miss Ellie was such a sweetheart and it was a privilege for me to help her wonderful family commemorate this time in their lives and welcome their sweet miracle! I met Miss Ellie's sweet family last fall when mommy was newly expecting for their family photo session and they were able to use the photos to announce the impending arrival of this sweet little bundle.

The adorable headband in the photo below was made by Ashley with Mutze: Hand Knit Hats and I highly recommend you all go to her site because her work is amazing. Whether you are in need of photo props or something for you or your little one to wear on a regular basis you will want one of her hats.

This sweet headband pictured below was made from the heart for Baby Ellie by her loving mother :)

It is always so fun when the family comes along for the session. I was able to capture of few of handsome big brother Tre during the session. I had to work quick because he is a mover and a shaker but each shot is precious...how could they not be...just look at those EYES!!!

Isn't this family beautiful! 

If you are expecting a new little one be sure to contact me before they arrive so that we can get them in as soon as possible. Newborns are best photographed within the first 10 days of their new little lives. And don't forget that you can still take advantage of the newborn special until the end of May. -Leah