merry christmas | mishawaka family photographer

be merry | mishawaka child photographer

"May your days be merry and bright. "

christmas cuties | mishawaka family photography

From the moment I laid eyes on this little shed it reminded me of a little Santa house. When it came time for some family pictures for Christmas cards, I knew exactly where to go. This is my sister and her beautiful family. Some of my very first photography subjects! Aren't they the cutest?!

gifts | mishawaka child photography

We gathered the troops back in mild November to surprise Grams & Gramps with some photos of their grandkids for Christmas. We pulled it off both the photos and the surprise!

sweet, sweet baby | mishawaka baby photography

Welcome to the world, sweet baby. She arrived less than 2 weeks ago and has her entire family smitten with her sweet face. At our session last week, she was only 8 sweet days old. She has the most helpful Big Sister and Big Brother around. Mommy has to wait her turn to hold her baby.

I can not get over just how much she resembles her big sister as a baby. Wow! Congratulations to the new family of 5!

birthday boy | mishawaka baby photographer

So he likes my singing. Yes?? Actually, he likes whatever Momma is doing behind the Christmas tree. I have loved working with and getting to know this Baby Step family over the past year. I say it every time and moms you know its true...time flies by so quickly. Aren't you glad that we've got pictures to help us remember?

This little boy is a sweetie and even though he protested a bit yesterday (Mom?! Why, exactly, are you shaking my puff snacks behind the Christmas tree?), I think this was a favorite session. He is just.so.cute! Or maybe it was the family session at Kamm Island? Or was it the first time we met and his blue eyes were brighter than his blue shirt? Who knows. I'm glad I don't have to pick a favorite. Thanks for a super year, family! I'm already looking forward to our next session.

keeping warm indoors | nappanee family photographer

While I am busily trying to get these images into your hands, the sneak peek has taken a backseat. But I cannot NOT show you these gorgeous faces. While we were getting our first big snowfall of the season, we were keeping warm indoors. The kiddos could not have been better. We literally slid the kitchen table to the side and voila our own in home studio. I'm loving these images and just wish I could share them all. Thanks for a GREAT session, family! Can't wait until next time!

the apple doesn't fall far | elkhart baby photographer

Beautiful Baby H, it's not hard to find where your beauty comes from. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree my dear. You and Mommy are quite the pair. Thanks for a fun session, guys. I couldn't have asked for more.

goshen baby photographer

I cannot get enough of these long lashes and stunning blue eyes. After rescheduling for sickness, etc. a few times, I'm happy to report that "third time is a charm." For sure. I even came away with some delicious Pumpkin Whoopie Pies! Thanks for a great session and a great treat!

luke| south bend baby and family photography

Welcome to the world, Baby Luke. He was the picture of perfection for his newborn photo session last week. We started with the bluest eyes wide open. Then got cozy in a little knit pod he received as a gift. Followed by some family shots. And would you believe he was still going strong and we were able to get some birthday suit images at the end. Way to go, buddy!

Thanks for being so patient waiting for your sneaks. I hope it was worth the wait!

Thanks to your great response, my January - April calendar is pretty much filled. I'll let you know if there are any openings after the dust settles. I can not thank you enough. I'm so incredibly grateful to be able to be doing this.

they call her love | mishawaka maternity photographer

They call her love, love, love. Well, they will actually call her a name just as beautiful and I know they are anxious to see her face. I loved my time spent in this family's new, beautiful home. Just happened to have lots of gorgeous light flowing in. Holly, you are gorgeous! Thanks for a fun session, family. So, so excited for you guys! Happy Nesting!

Post title courtesy of She is Love by Parachute.

opening day (updated)

**ETA: I have updated two important facts. #1 Email and scheduling will both begin at 9AM on Monday, November 29th. #2 I will be scheduling January - April 2011 at this time.

The 411:

-I will begin accepting limited appointments on Monday, November 29th.

-These appointments will be scheduled through email beginning at 9AM on Monday, November 29th.

- See 2011 prices in post below.

-On Monday (Nov 29) beginning at 9AM, email me with your interest, weekday or weekend preference, month preference, who will be photographed, location ideas, etc. I'll respond with possible dates and times and you'll respond with your choice. I'll respond in the order I receive the emails, but will confirm with those who reply first.

-Be sure to give me an email address that you have easy access to all day.

-Deposits are now required for every appointment. You will have 10 days to send in the $50 deposit, after which I will open the date to others interested.

-As much as I love my job, I am a wife and mom first. That coupled with the current Baby Steppers means there are literally very limited openings. Please keep this in mind.

-Baby Steps is currently full. I anticipate opening for more babies towards the middle of 2011. Thank you for understanding.


Let me know if you have any questions regarding this process. I love working with Michiana's most fabulous families. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with me! You're the best!

2011 pricing

basic session - Your $200 investment includes:

*Your immediate family.
*On location session at your home or other favorite spot (Travel fee added for locations outside a 25 mile radius).
*CD with 10-15 of the best images from the session with print release.

it's my birthday - Your $100 investment includes:
*1 individual
*CD with 5 of the best images from the session with print release.
This session would be good to celebrate a birthday milestone, that gap tooth smile around age 6, or headshots.

baby steps - Your $350 investment includes:
*3 Sessions within one year. Typically newborn, sitting and 1 year.
*You will get 10 images on CD from each session.
*Guaranteed a spot on my calendar for those 3 sessions.
* Baby Steps is currently full. I anticipate opening for more babies towards the middle of 2011. Thank you for understanding.

*A non-refundable $50 deposit is due within 10 days to confirm your scheduled appointment. After 10 days, your appointment will re-open to others interested. *Professional prints available upon request, please inquire for prices. *Prices subject to change without notice. Your session fee is guaranteed with your deposit.

celebrate | wakarusa baby photographer

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl! I was greeted by some fantastic teethy grins but when it came time to pull out my big, black camera she had some reservations. I'm totally going to blame it on her sore gums and teeth, though. She is full of sweetness and charm. It does my heart good to see her so busy. She's definitely a special child and I know that her gorgeous Momma, Daddy and entire family are celebrating a whole lot of things now that she's 1 year old and thriving.

Another reminder for the opening of jennyhoke photography's early 2011 calendar one week from today. Monday, November 29th. Keep an eye out for more details!

the award goes to | middlebury baby photographer

I have got to give this delightful young man the official award for the Absolute Smiliest (yes, it's a word) 3 month old. Ever. In history. Go ahead an check and you will not find a smiley-er (yes, it's a word) 3 month old around. Oh, and those smiles will melt your heart. One hundred percent genuine CUTE! He totally hit his 3 month old session out of the park. Thanks for a fun visit, guys!

That pretty little thing sitting on mom's lap? She was one of our very own Baby Steppers. What a doll!

happy dancin' | granger baby photography

Happy Dancin'! These guys are gorgeous. Love what they wore. Beautiful setting. All of that...yes! But what's making me especially happy is this weather. We were able to switch between indoors and outdoors and I just could not have asked for better conditions for a Fall session in Northern Indiana.

I know it's going to get cold soon but just imagine the cute snowy, bundled up with hats and scarfs sessions we could have?! See Patty's beautiful snowy picture in the flash slideshow above. I'm kind of excited for snow!?? Did I just say that?

Thanks for a great session, guys!