It's been some time since I've written a blog post, but seeing as we all have a lot more time on our hands, I figured...why not start back up again?

At the beginning of this wild, wild situation, none of us could have ever imagined a world where everyone, yes everyone, would be confined to their home for weeks on end because of a deadly COVID-19 virus. All this idle time is really giving us all some much needed time to slow down, reflect on things that matter, and focus a little more on what's in front of us. Me especially. 

Since becoming a mother, I've found myself wishing for more time with my little boy. I'm a homebody already, but spending time watching a little human grow has fascinated me from the beginning. However, being someone who always wanted to continue my career, I knew I wouldn't be home with him during the day after my 12-week leave. 

Fast forward to now. I'm getting all kinds of time with my boy, and pups and husband, and to be honest, I'm not mad about it. Not one bit. It's allowing me to slow my mind, focus on the now a bit more, and really do more of what I love; photography. 

If you see me during this quarantine, you will likely see me with my camera strapped across my chest or up to my face. This unique time has energized me and reignited my creative fire. And one of the things I've started doing are family porch-traits. 

Now this is not an Ebonn-original. I'm not sure the first photographer to coin the phrase, but whoever it was, kudos. So cute. When the idea of these porch sessions came across my Instagram, I was a little hesitant. Partly because I wasn't expecting this quarantine to last this long and partly because I wasn't sure how it would be accepted by the community. But the more and more photographers that I saw jumping on an opportunity to provide their community with a little sunshine in an otherwise dark time, I knew I wanted to do the same. 

I've had such a wonderful response to my sessions and I'm so glad I decided to do it. Not only is it getting me out of the house for a few minutes, but I'm getting to meet new families from at least 6 feet away!

The families I've captured have been so appreciative of the small collection of images they receive and it gives me all the feels knowing that I've provided them with just a little happiness during this unprecedented time. 

Each family is different and that's what makes this project so much fun! This is the time to capture life the way it is. This is history. We've never seen anything like this, and likely never will again in our lifetime, so capturing these families as they are is documenting a piece of history. And I love it.

Point of this story. If you live in an area where a photographer is offering these sessions, do them. What else do you have going on? At the very least it will give you a reason to take a shower, right? 

Stay well, friends. ​❤️

​How many of you made a new year’s resolution to not procrastinate? Anyone?
 
I’m sure some of you did. If not, maybe you just vowed last year that you wouldn’t wait until the last minute this year to get prepared for the holidays…famous last words, right?
 
With life throwing curveballs at you left and right, and things just prioritizing themselves over other things, it’s easy to forget that Christmas is…well, it’s less than 150 days away! Right?! How is that possible?!
 
As we move into the last week of July, let’s be honest with ourselves. Once pumpkin-flavored everything hits the shelves (which it may have already), the days are going to start moving at warp speed and before we know it, it will be Christmas once again! Why do we do it to ourselves? We know it’s coming from December 26 of each year, yet we continue to put things off!
 
It’s time to make a change!
 
If you’ve decided that you want a new family portrait for your holiday card this year, why not go ahead and cross this “to-do” off your list?
 
Here’s why it’s a good idea to go ahead and schedule your holiday portrait session now.
 
You’ll Have a Spot
Every fall, I’m forced to turn families away because I’m booked solid for the holiday season. I absolutely hate having to do that! I know it’s disappointing to the family, but to be honest, I love taking pictures so much that I hate that I can’t take them of each and every family who comes my way! But alas, I only have so many free weekends once cool weather hits and they book up fast. By booking your session now, you can ensure you’ll have a session on the books and can be a worry-free momma (or daddy)!

You’ll Be More Relaxed
Knowing that your portrait session is scheduled for a specific day will allow you to get all your ducks in a row. Not only financially, but also with coordinating outfits, scheduling haircuts, and not having to worry with finding a photographer last minute. If you take the time now to schedule your session, you’ll be a lot less stressed about one thing on your list, come the holiday crunch.

Before Mother's Day this year, I had the pleasure of meeting with two super adorable Columbia moms to photograph them with their little ones. 

I always enjoy mommy and me sessions. They are so fun to shoot and I just love letting the kids be themselves. Sometimes that's how you get the best pictures! 

​This year was fabulous! Columbia had been unseasonably warm a few days prior, so I was fearful that we would be sweating to death that morning. Thankfully, it had cooled down just enough to be tolerable and my full-on sweat was downgraded to a glisten (thank jesus :)) As always, the Horseshoe was gorgeous, and our only distraction was the flurry of college seniors celebrating their big accomplishment (graduation) with their own photoshoots.

In the end, we were able to avoid the cap-and-gown photobombs and capture some great shots.

First up, Allison and her baby boy, Harrison. Harrison was a complete doll! He was so fascinated with the ground, we had to pull out all the tricks to get him to look up! 

We succeeded, and Allison walked away with some adorable images to share with her husband and family. 

Here are a few. 

Next up was Megan. I've actually photographed Megan and her sweet family a couple of times. They are all just beautiful and I've enjoyed watching her little Ellison grow! She's such a little lady! 

A special bonus -- her husband joined us and we were able to snap a few family pictures, too!

Here are a few from our session.

Mommy + me sessions aren't just for Mother's Day. They are a great way to capture a moment in time and can help document exactly how your babies were at that exact date. 

Also, if you're looking for a thoughtful and fun gift to give parents or grandparents, mommy + me sessions make for great images to frame. And what parent or grandparent doesn't want a beautiful picture of their family to share with all their friends?

Any who, I hope all mothers and moms-to-be had the best day. Until next year!