I remember what it felt like when I had school photos taken. I hated the fact that I had so little time, but also could not wait to get out of that chair. I had to sit so stiffly, and my hair had to be just right but I was too young to really know what that meant so it wasn't. I remember one year the photographer parted mine right down the middle and I looked ridiculous. It is still in my childhood photo album.

Before I became a mom for the first time, I realized that raising children would involve many emotions - joy and happiness, sadness, confusion even. What I didn't realize is how young they would be when I actually had to let go. In my mind I figured this moment would be like in Gilmore Girls when my 18 year old daughter went off to college but she still came home every weekend for Friday night dinners.

When it comes to photographing in your home, there are endless possibilities. Every room has it's own unique qualities and unless there are no windows at all, you can utilize the natural light in those spaces.

How many images do you have of yourself and your family where you're all just sitting there, side by side, attempting smiles on your faces but your heart isn't really in it? One of the hardest parts of being a photographer is getting everyone in the right frame of mind, educating clients like you on what to expect when you get to the studio, and then helping you to forget the camera is there and just having a great time together as a family.

If you are not having fun during your annual family portrait sessions, then, my friends, you are not doing it right! Fun is a must have during all Reflections of Life sessions. Fun brings out real emotion and expression, smiles and laughs. Fun creates the memories that we want to last a lifetime.

Recently my family went through a very difficult time. We've been torn apart, and I don't know if we'll ever be able to rebuild what we've lost. At first I kept most of it to myself, but now I realize that being able to talk to my close friends, and asking for help, has made a huge impact on how I'm dealing with it all.

The story of love is one with many different main characters, settings and languages. But the central theme in every variation is love, sweet love. Each version is filled with laughter and smiles, kisses and snuggles. It is the story that warms your heart and touches your soul.

If you are a mama, you understand. You understand the pure, fierce, undying love for your children. If you are not yet a mother, I promise you this, the moment you hold your precious baby in your arms for the first time, you will understand. One of my greatest joys as a photographer is capturing the love between a mama and her babies.

As mothers, we need to put aside our own insecurities. We need to be confident in ourselves and let ourselves feel as beautiful as we are to our babies. We need to get in more pictures so we can preserve more memories for our little ones to look back on.

Days with a baby in the house are some of the best of days. The nights are long but the days are filled with giggles, smiles and lots of love. Every day is a day filled with wonder, new sights to see and new skills to master.

When you have a big brother, you spend a lot of time looking up. After all, for a long time he towers over your. Especially when he is five years older than you. But even at 1 year of age, Weston already looks up to his brother Anderson far beyond the literal sense.

Your baby's first year is filled with firsts. The firsts of every holiday. The first smile, first rollover, first crawl, first foods, first steps. Each milestone reached fills your heart with pride, joy and a little sadness. For with every passing milestone, your baby is a little closer to growing up.