Brotherly Love – Stories of Autism

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This is just another post of another family who I have had the privilege of photographing. This session was pretty typical, with a beginning, middle and end; and although the purpose of this session was clear from the beginning, the story portrayed of these boys is more than just a story of autism. Brotherly love is the same, with or without a disability. Brotherly love is a kindly and lenient attitude toward people. This portrait of two brothers on the Autism Spectrum shows brotherly love; a view of acceptance and inclusion.  It not only shows them beating to a different drum, it shows them listening and accepting each other,something we all need to do and show more compassion, understanding and empathy to those around us.

Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again  And what do we teach our children? We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capital of France. When will we also teach them what they are?

We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything.

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.

- Henry David Thoreau

The New Union South and the fabulous Ross Family-Madison Child and Family Photographer

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The Ross family has been behind my lens numerous times over the past  5 years. From Jack’s 6 month session to meeting miss Laine and the numerous family session over the years. I have basically watched their family grow up; change jobs, welcome a new member of their family, move and build a new home, along with the other numerous life changes and celebrations. I have also have the pleasure to  meet and photographed both sides of their extended family, so I feel like I have become a small part of their life journey. But besides the fact that they keep coming back for more, they have seen my business evolve and grow as much as I have seen them grow as a family. And that transition is just as amazing in my opinion, because I see this business as another child of mine, something I have had to nurture and build and feed and provide love and care to continue to grow and make a difference in this world of photography.

Babies, babies and more babies- Madison Newborn Photographer

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Although I was going through some newborn withdrawal at the first of the year, I am sure that my cup will runneth over with newborn goodness for the next month or so. I have ten, count them 10, newborn baby clients that will be born in the next four weeks so you can imagine what the next month looks like for me. I am super excited to try out lots and lots of new props( and few oldie) and really to just snuggle those babies.

Can you believe those eyes? And dad’s tie; this little man is going some where and his great parents get to part of the ride.

Another {Mommy & Me} workshop in the bag, the camera bag that is

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The day was perfect; the sun was shinning and the natural light in the studio was gorgeous. We had a full class for the February {Mommy & Me} workshop,which including babies and toddlers and most importantly some anxious moms wanting to learn more about photographing their children. And boy, did we learn. Two hours just flies by, but I try my best to cover all the bases on what is most important when using your camera to capture those only moments at home and on the go.

While instructing the moms, I snapped a few images behind the scene and of some of the kiddos from the workshop. We even braved the 40 degree winter day to take a quick trip outside to talk about composition, depth of field and lighting of course. 

And again, all of the ladies and some of the kiddos were spoiled with those beautiful camera cupcakes that we had at the first workshop of 2012 from Cupcakes A Go Go. If you need a sugar fix and want to feast your eyes on the cupcake art, check out the last {mommy & me} workshop.

And if you need a little reinforcement on how this class will improve your candid photography, just hear from a few moms from this class. 

Jennifer H from Madison, Wisconsin said… (the image above included a new prop that Jennifer donated to the studio, a vintage bassinet, baby not included

“I went to a workshop in February.  Before I went I felt like I could take some good pictures but it seemed like chance to get something really great.  Just learning what settings I should be using helped my pictures look better alone.  But also on Danielle’s recommendation I purchased a new lens that just arrived today.  I’ve already been snapping away and the pictures look awesome!”

 And Lyndsay A from Verona, Wisconsin commented…

“I’ve never had the time to really figure out how to use my DSLR. Having Danielle help me optimize the settings and learn how to make adjustments as I’m shooting is getting me so much more out of the investment we made in our camera.  My new lens arrives tomorrow and I can’t wait to play with it!”

And this image is a great example on what one of the techniques we talk about during the class. Back lighting your subject. Miss Tailia had a blast running up and down the sidewalk to model for the example.

And don’t miss your opportunity to attend one of the last two{Mommy & Me} Workshop for 2012. April is full buy I just opened up two more classes for May 5th and June 2nd. Spots will book quickly so email Danielle to get more information. Only 5 participants per class. Want more information on what is included for only $100 plus tax, email Danielle or call the studio 608.204.9747. I look forward to helping you take great images of those little that capture those first moments and last memories.

24 hours and counting…Child and Family Portrait Photography

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Sitting here on Sunday evening, winding down from the weekend, I realized lots of things are based on time. We schedule and plan our days around time; to sleep, to eat, to grab a cup of coffee with a friend. There is a perfect time for everything. Sometimes we miss the opportunity without proper planning, but life would be pretty boring if we planned everything. Where would the spontaneity and element of surprise be? Think of all those times when you have planned the perfect day, everything started off great, and then something unplanned happened; do you roll with it? do you let the element of surprise help you make the best of the occasion? or do you acknowledge that maybe those in between moments are the best unplanned part of life?