Sweet Dreams

I just had to post this sweet picture of my two-year-old son, Ryder. He has been trying to give up napping altogether, but he didn't make it on this day. His long lashes and pouty little lips are just the cutest...

Ellen

This session was a lot of fun! Not only is Ellen a senior at Cleveland High School, but she is also my cousin. We held the session at her moms property in Estacada. It was beautiful, with pastures, flowers, orchards and even a view of the mountain. Ellen was willing to be adventurous and try new things...so we shimmied an old ladder against a huge oak tree so she could climb into it and I could take some unique shots! Thanks Ellen for accommodating my crazy requests. I hope you love the pics! Here are just a few...

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

I have just been approved as an Affiliated Photographer to serve on behalf of the NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP Foundation. Through my photography, I hope I am able to be a small part of the healing process a family must go through after the loss of a child.

"Pregnancy and birth are miraculous journeys. This amazing time of life is full of mystery, anticipation, joy, hope, and wonder. Feeling the powerful energy of birth and new life, watching as a new family is born unto each other. These things humble and amaze. These are the things that we celebrate when a baby is born.

But there is another aspect of pregnancy and birth. There is an unexpected place in this journey where some families may find themselves. When a baby dies, a world is turned upside down. There is confusion, sadness, fear, and uncertainty that cannot be explained. There is sorrow where there should have been joy. During this time, it might be impossible for families to know what they might need in order to heal in the future.

This is the place where the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation gently provides a helping hand and a healing heart. For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives.

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation (NILMDTS) administers a network of more than 5,000 volunteer photographers in the United States and nineteen International countries. At a family's request, a NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer will come to your hospital or hospice location and conduct a sensitive and private portrait session. The portraits are then professionally retouched and presented to the families on an archival DVD or CD that can be used to print portraits of their cherished baby.
Our entire network of affiliated photographers graciously donate their time and talents to our families and we are proud to be able to offer our services at no cost.Your Donations are greatly needed and greatly appreciated."
--NILMDTS website

Katie

This is my first senior session for the class of 2009 and it was great! Although the weather wasn't the greatest, Katie was such a trooper. She is my Newberg High Rep and I'm sure she will do a great job! Katie, thanks for hanging out with me--I'm looking forward to the August session! Here are a few of my favorites...

Isn't she pretty?!...