{In glimpse into a weekend}

Every other weekend we have my step-son Kohl at our house. Every other weekend is out of control with laughs, fun and screaming kids running from room to room. And of course what is a weekend without the occasional tears. Last weekend Kohl was at our house and we had some good times. Dad brought home some rope and other things to make the boys a tree swing. I laid in bed most of the morning trying to rest since I didn’t feel the greatest but I could hear them out there talking trying to figure out how to make the best swing. A while later I could hear excitement in the boys’ voices and then Logan start crying stating it was “His” turn.  I went outside and all three of them, my husband included, had the biggest smiles on their faces. They were so proud of their swing and all of them, the boys couldn’t wait to use it. I couldn’t wait to take pictures of them on the swing but at that time it was way to bright out so I called a family meeting at the swing in the evening so I could get the best pictures of them with that sunset!

I think it is the most amazing sound to hear your children laugh and have a good time with their family. When kids hit 10 I feel like they don’t laugh as much, or show as much excitement as they may have in years prior. I think when you hit 10 is when you start feeling or seeing more influences that are around you. Or maybe you just start recognizing influences.  And they also would love to play video games 19+ hours a day, if you would let them. This then results in that “I'm too cool stage. My parents are lame and know nothing” ahhh what a wonderful stage it is. SO.. for me to have our 10 year old for the weekend and to see and hear him laugh for hours on this swing with his dad just makes my day! High five to the hubby for making an awesome swing and hanging out, teaching and loving on the boys as he did it!

And, of course now that we have a swing this is ALL that Logan would like to do during the day. It is fun to take him out there, push him on this swing and watch his imagination grow.

           

{Every time I slow down I get sick!}

No Joke!

The last two months I tried to take it easy and spend more time around the house and with the fam bam. Where did it get me? No where but sick in bed. A month ago I had a week with nothing scheduled, and was really looking forward to it when BAM! I was slapped with the horrible flu that was going around and literally laid in bed for nine days while my children continued to destroy my home and my husband, who had to take days off from work to watch the kids, played video games on the PS3. Okay, no problem, everyone gets sick so let move on, clean up the house and get back to work. I was just getting back on top of everything when I started to get this nasty cough last week. Of course it is the week that I only schedule two clients and some meetings. Well the cough got worse and worse and worse.. After five days I finally decided to go to the doc (yes, I waited five days, I am not a fan of going to the doctor) and was told I have the wonderful Bronchitis! What joy it is to feel like you are hacking up your left lung throughout the day, peeing your pants every time you cough, haha TMI, and having your three year old ask “are you ok mama?” every time you have a coughing attack.

I am starting to feel much better today and I can only hope and pray I am not coughing by Sunday because I have a wedding to shoot!!!! Hacking in the middle of a wedding ceremony is not going to cut it. So if this cough wants to linger through Sunday, Robitussin and I are going to be great friends.

I can only hope this is it for me and the sickness for 2011.  I hardly get sick which is probably a good thing for my family because I am a horrible patient.

I hope all of you are staying healthy and happy and don’t forget to have a  wonderful St. Patty’s day.

(Not related to my post at all, but I love this picture of a orangutan’s fingers at the zoo. )

{Bailey’s NINE month stats}

I’m only a month late to be posting this, since she does turn 10 months next week but I figured, better late than never.

Bailey is still my happy- go- lucky child for the most part. She wakes up with a smile, which isn’t something I can say for myself! Unlike her brother she puts herself to sleep and most of the time sleeps through the night. She is happy 95% of the time. Only cranky when tired or hungry.

She has a total of four teeth right now; two on top and two on the bottom. She is crawling and super, duper fast. Sometime she does this spider crawl with her feet and hands on the floor, instead of her knees. She mostly does this on tile or wood floors and it is pretty funny to watch. She is spoiled rotten and only wants her “ma ma ma ma ma” unless her dad is around; game over! She weighs 18lbs 8oz and she is 28 inches long. She isn’t a big eater like her brother. So we stick to baby food, milk and finger foods here and there. She can wave “bye-bye” and sometimes will try and say “bye” when she is talking on the phone with her dad. Oh yes! This girl loves to talk on the phone… I am in big trouble.

Each day I feel like I bond with her more and more. We love her so much and her brother just thinks the world of her. If he doesn’t know where she is he freaks out. It’s actually kind of cute. But he is also the first to give her a whack on the back or try to wrestle with her.

It is amazing to me how different my two children are and how I love them just the same, with every part of my being. They are my life.

                

My little love bug ♥

::Flash Back Friday::

Today I had a photo shoot and then as a family we did some running around and basically just spent the day together. It was nice. What made is nice is that our children were well behaved, for the most part. I couldn’t help but really enjoy my son and little man he is becoming. At times it is hard for me to believe he is three. I have found myself going through old blog post remembering what him and I use to do day to day. As I was going through them I found the pictures during the time he had to wear his helmet. Yes, I said helmet.  Logan was born with Torticollis (is a twisted neck in which the head is tipped to one side, while the chin is turned to the other.) We are pretty sure he got this because he was so big and there was no room for him inside of me which meant he stayed in one position a lot causing one side of his neck muscles to be stronger than the other. This is something I didn’t notice or realize until he was around four months old and had a very lop-sided head, When brought up to the doctor it was pushed aside until he was seven months old and I saw another doctor who said it was a problem that need to be addressed quickly. This resulted in him having to wear a helmet for four months to try and correct his lop-sided head. When I knew he had to wear a helmet and after our fist fitting I was devastated. I thought “why my child” “why me”. I also became very defensive of Logan because in the end all I wanted to do was protect him, I didn’t want anyone to stare at him, or judge him. I took this news, this new life of a helmet really hard. Once he had it for a while and we all got use to the idea it became nothing. It became normal to us, it became no big deal, which is why I look back and laugh at myself. Why did I get so stressed out over something that wasn’t permanent nor hard!!

I tend to do this often. I over analyze things and stress myself out over nothing. I am the queen of trying to change things I have no control over. These are traits of myself I wish I could put in the “give back bin” and get something better, something easier, something way more fun. But, it is what it is and all I can do is work on becoming a better person, and handling my “bad traits” in a better, less stressful way.

My boy had grown so much in the last three years and I  am super proud to be called his Mama. Plus, you would never know he was the kid that had to wear a helmet.

 

And… one of my favorite pictures of my Papa he is sitting with Logan wearing that wonderful helmet!

Here is the medical term for what Logan had:

Plagiocephaly is a type of cephalic disorder. Plagiocephaly is a condition characterized by an asymmetrical distortion (flattening of one side) of the skull. It is a common finding at birth and may be the result of a restrictive intrauterine environment. If there is premature union of skull bones, this is more properly called craniosynostosis. The unusual head shape in plagiocephaly is caused by pressure in the womb giving a "diamond" shaped head when seen from above. In pronounced cases there may be flattening of one side of the chest as well. As the child's head grows rapidly after birth, this visible inequality nearly always gets much less marked as the first year progresses.

The reason I like to think this post is a flashback is because it reminds me of a time when I thought things were really bad, but in actuality they really weren’t  bad at all. Sometimes we need these flashbacks in life to remember, no matter what, we will be ok.

Have a great weekend everyone.

 

*** Update.. Logan came in as this post was loading and asked “is that Logan?” I replied yes, that is my Logan,and then he has if the helmet was because he rode a motorcycle or a coaster ride?? hahaha.

::Pricing Changes are Coming::

 

"Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times." — Niccolo Machiavelli

Last year when I raised my prices mid-year I felt guilty. Really guilty. I didn’t know a whole lot about the “business” I just knew I was taking pictures, loving it and was able to contribute to my family. This year it may be wrong for me to admit, but I don’t feel as guilty. I have improved so much over this last year and I think we should all get paid for what we are worth, don’t you? I read from another photographer that when she first started out the advice she was given about pricing was for every three sessions she should raise her prices. So, if you keep that in mind I think you are still getting a wonderful deal from me. I wrote a blog post back in November and it basically sums up why I have to raise my prices, but why I keep my prices where they are and also give so many pictures along with the copyright. If you would like to read more please go here. With all of this being said my prices will be the following as of July 1st. If you book an appointment for July or anytime after it will be under the new pricing.

Family/Child Sessions will now be $200.00 due at the time of your session. You will still be getting a minimum of 50 edited images on a CD with the copyright release.

Senior Sessions will now be $235.00 due at the time of your session. You will still be getting a minimum of 50 edited images on a CD with the copyright along with 56 wallets, two 5x7 & two 8x10.

Engagement Sessions will now be $200.00 due at the time of your session. You will still be getting a minimum of 50 edited images on a CD with the copyright release. If you are adding on an engagement session to one of the wedding packages the price will be $150.00. Engagement session will also include one 11x14 print on styrene board. If you would like to upgrade to a bigger size you will be asked to just pay the difference.

For now, through the end of the year my Wedding packages will stay the same price. If you are interested in Wedding pricing please contact me and I can send you our price list. Packages start at $1895.00.

Birth Photography will now be $200.00 due a couple weeks before your due date so you will not have to think about paying me as you are bringing a life into this world.

Newborn Sessions will  be 200.00 and take place at your home within the first 10 days of life unless other arrangements are made or discussed. Newborn sessions normally last 1-3 hours. I like to allow enough time for feedings, soothing, and whatever else might arise. With newborns I offer a minimum of 25 pictures on a cd with the copyright release.  I also can also create your birth announcement for an additional 25.00.

Maternity Pictures will now be $200.00 due at the time of your session. You will still be getting a minimum of 50 edited images on a CD with the copyright release.

Belly-Birth-Newborn Package.  I will now be offering a package deal if you are looking for Maternity Pictures, Birthing Pictures and then also Newborn pictures. This package will be $525.00 if booked together. If you are not interested in Birth Photography and would just like Maternity and Newborn Pictures the package cost will be $350.00.  {please note I like to take newborn pictures within the first 10 days of life when your baby is still very sleepy and flexible}

If you would like all of your unedited pictures from your session on a CD the price will now be $100.00.

All sessions will still take place at a location of your choice and you will be allowed as many outfit changes as you would like.

I still haven’t fully decided on this but I think I am going to start requiring a $25.00 deposit fee to hold your session date. This will be paid by check that I will hold until your session. At the time of your session I can either give you the check back  or you can apply it to your session fee. OR if you would rather have it go to your session and don’t want to write a check you can pay with paypal. I have tried to stay away from this the last two years but I was extremely busy last year in the fall and I can’t afford to have people cancel at the last minute, nor is it fair to my other clients waiting for dates.  

I also just wanted to give you all the heads up that I am extremely bad about returning phone calls. If you have ever left me a message you know this to be true. I do not do this intentionally it is just really hard to talk on the phone with two little ones around. If you send me an e-mail I will return it within 24hours, I cannot promise the same with phone calls. Just being honest.

If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions please send me an e-mail and I would be happy to help you out.

HannahSonsPhotography@gmail.com

::Flashback Friday::

It has been awhile since I posted a flash back Friday and this week I wasn’t sure what route I wanted to take. Personal or Photography. Photography crossed my mind because I have been updating my web-site this week and when I was looking at all of the old pictures some of them made me cringe. I felt bad for some of my first clients. What was I thinking when I took those pictures? Oh yea! I wasn’t I had no clue what I was doing. Sad to say but very honest and true. I have heard from a lot of people lately, they are so happy with my work and how far I have come. I honestly didn’t know what they were talking about until I was going through all of the pictures and now I get it! wow! I am sure glad I practiced a lot and put everything I had into this because it is paying off and I am soooo excited to learn that much more and get that much better. That is the one thing about photography I love. The possibilities are endless and there is ALWAYS room for improvement.

So with that being said. I am posting a picture from three years ago.. Oh man, I really cannot believe I am doing this because it is a horrible picture. I love my nephews and niece but I slaughtered their beautiful eyes with my editing and the light is just ALL wrong. There are so many things wrong with this picture, I could go on and on..

So please remember THREE YEARS AGO I took this.

Happy Friday everyone. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

::Travis+Katie:: E-session:

I am so happy for these two. Katie is like family so I feel like my sister is getting married and could not be more ecstatic she found such an awesome guy. When I take pictures of people I have to watch their every move and then when I am editing I tend to see things a little different. I love to look at a picture and find the “meaning” in it. When I was editing these pictures it made me like Travis that much more because I just adore the way he looks at Katie. When these two look at each other you can just see the love between them and how much the long to be together. When Katie makes her funny faces he just smiles. Travis had about one facial expression during the whole shoot which worked for me but it was great when I got him to laugh to see his wonderful smile. I cannot wait for their wedding later this year. I know Katie is going to look stunning but what I really can’t wait for is the In & Out they are getting for the reception. Plus, I get to attend the wedding as a guest which will be totally fun. I love you Katie and I couldn’t be more happy for you and Travis.

                

:: Sean & Lisa:: Maternity Session:

I was so excited when Lisa called me to take their maternity pictures I haven’t seen her in years and I had never met Sean so it was great to catch up and take pictures along the way. We went to UCR Botanic gardens which I had never shot at before but I instantly feel in love with this place. It is gorgeous inside. Lisa probably thought I was crazy for getting so excited over her beautiful belly. I only wish I look half as good as she does pregnant. It fits her well, plus she has had an almost “perfect” pregnancy with no sickness or pain. Talk about one lucky girl.

I am positive her and Sean will be wonderful parents and this little boy is going to be spoiled.  I cannot wait for this little guy to enter the world and capture every moment.

    

::The {F} Family::

Ahh Another one of my cyber Monday winners. I am not ashamed to say I am so glad they won. I didn’t know Sarah until the day I took their pictures but once I met her I felt like I have known her for years. I find it funny how God can bring people in your life and you just know they are a “fit”. Our kids are similar ages and when I watched her son run around, throw rocks and count out of order it reminded me of Logan a year ago. You can just tell this family loves each other and loves God. They work as a team and that was really neat to watch and be a part of. I cannot wait to see them again, and hopefully have our kids play together.

:: The {C} Family::

I love when I can meet amazing families and the {C} family made that list for sure. Mama C is expecting another little boy in April and with a total of two boys I am sure she will have her hands full. Since Papa {C} is a football coach I am pretty sure they are going to have some athletes in their family. I really enjoyed talking with them and watching them interact with their son, who never stopped moving. I think that has been a trend lately, kids are always on the go, go go. After we got some family pictures out of the way I took mama and we took some pictures of just her. I am loving all of these pregnant bellies. These woman are so beautiful.