Shortly after Jack was born, I realized that I may not have the opportunity to have professional portraits taken of just he and I during his newborn days. I’m a photographer but I can’t take pictures when I need to be in them! Yes, I know cameras have self-timers and I could just push the shutter button and quickly run into the picture. But with a newborn baby? Moving quickly and making sudden movements doesn’t really work for them, and it doesn’t really help create natural, “lifestyle” portraits.

I was able to do a “photo swap” with a photographer friend of mine and Jack and I do have some newborn portraits together (I still need to blog those!). But this little predicament got me thinking…What other moms have the same problem?? What other moms wish they had professional portraits with their kiddos?? “Mommy & Me” mini sessions were then born. 🙂

Earlier this spring, I invited moms to consider celebrating this Mother’s Day with some portraits in my backyard. Six acres of open grass and friendly woods, and the hope of beautiful sunshine for capturing them and their kiddos having fun and sharing love! I’ve unfortunately had to reschedule all but one session so far because of the lack of sunshine (too much rain and wind recently!), but was able to follow through with my first scheduled “Mommy & Me” session with my MOPS friend Karen and her two girls. We had plenty of sunshine, warmth and mommy-daughter love for their session…

Miss Nora was just born in January…

Probably my favorite from the session. 🙂

Now it’s time for Karen and her older gal, Ava…

Another favorite! Beautiful light and some lovely interaction between the two.

Karen brought a bouquet of roses to share with her girls during the session and they made a lovely prop. They also matched Ava’s dress…bonus!

I promised all the moms a few pictures with dad during the session. He’s part of the family and deserves a little love, too…especially if he’s the one carrying the bag, props and trying to make everyone smile for the camera. 🙂

And one last portrait as we headed back to the house!

Karen, thanks so much for bringing your family to our “neck of the woods” in Maryland. I’m so glad I was able to work with a MOPS mom and friend for my first “Mommy & Me” session. I hope you will cherish these pictures of you and your little girls forever!

Happy Mother’s Day to Karen, and all the other moms out there! Especially my mom and grandmas…who I know will probably read this blog post. 🙂