Six

I have been subconsciously speeding up this child's life. If you had asked me how old she was five months ago, I would have answered "almost six". Which I suppose is technically true, I could have also answered "she just turned five" - which would have been about the same as almost six I suppose. But never would I have just answered five. And then within the last month when asked I automatically answered "she's six". 
Why?
Why do I do this?
Today she is six. And now I am feeling as though I have squandered away her last days as a five year old, telling the world she was already six. I can't turn back time, but I can say - this little girl, who acts as if she is six going on sixteen, will in fact BE SIX until she turns seven.
No more speeding up time, it's slipping away from me fast enough as it is.
Happy Birthday to my baby girl who is wonderful in every sense of the word.
My "fanciful, adventuresome, silly, comforted by familiar things, and boldly curious about the new" six year old.

xo

Mommy

Skimpie's

My son woke up (for the day) at 4:50am. And as I sat there rocking him, debating whether I should cry or make coffee, I realized it had been over a week since my last blog post. It was time for a post. There's been a lot going on in my life lately - and while this post isn't about me as much as my business - it is a huge part of why I've been so busy and slacking on any blogger responsibilities. Does that make sense? Like I said I've been up since 4:50am.
Boudoir photography has always been a passion of mine. I love the whole idea of it. Dolling up, picking out some cute (and maybe expensive) underwear, and letting your inner Diva (or sex goddess if you will) out in front of a camera. It's empowering. It's invigorating. And it's sexy as hell. I had a boudoir shoot years ago and I've been wanting to do another but couldn't bring myself to pay $300+ for a 45 minute session, not including images or print rights. I just couldn't do it. I realized then that I am probably not the only woman wanting these pictures done but refusing to pay the money. So I decided to announce that I wanted to add boudoir photography to my portfolio and the response I received was incredible. Honestly guys, my phone was blowing up and in my own little way I felt like I broke the internet.
I've said before that this whole "starting your business based on a passion" thing is super humbling. The support and, dare I say, demand, for my work is overwhelming. And as I sit here watching the sun rise I'm lost for words. Where was I going with this? Oh right, my passion broke the internet.
I booked nine (NINE) boudoir sessions in a night. Some have come to fruition, some are still on the books. My hunch was more than accurate. Some women wanted these pictures for themselves, others for their lovers, regardless who they were for, they wanted them. I've had four sessions so far and they're easily my favorite. Don't get me wrong, babies and families are great. Couples and seniors are fabulous. But boudoir sessions are freeing. Not just for my subject but for me. And I can't find the words to describe this feeling in more detail... I guess the coffee hasn't kicked in yet.
After my last session I decided I really wanted to try and take some of myself. Which is a whole heck of a lot harder than it sounds. Taking "selfies" was a lot easier before I became a "photographer" (see my older what I wore posts). I attempted these while my husband was out of town, less pressure if he's not home to walk in and ask why I'm taking pictures of myself in my underwear. I put the kids to bed, picked out a favorite set, added a little extra makeup, and tried to get the best lighting I could in my dark bedroom. The result? Not as I hoped honestly. Out of 210 images, I got one that I considered decent. BUT at least I got one.
And as I share a picture of myself in my most vulnerable state I will end my post with this, boudoir photography is not pornographic. It shouldn't be frowned upon or labeled as dirty. Most of the images I've taken have been classy and modest.
Boudoir is not taboo.

xo

Justyn

Williams Couple :: Maternity Session

Occasionally, I'll get on the local community boards and see if anyone is in need of a photographer. The competition in this area is tough, there are so many talented photographers, and I'm usually not the only to put my name out there. Occasionally though, I get picked from the bunch - and it's kind of like winning the lottery. Especially when I meet a couple like these two.
Kirsti and Dustin are expecting their first baby, and it's a little boy, and I can just tell that they're going to make the most amazing parents. When we initially started discussing her maternity session, Kirsti had mentioned maybe doing it at a park. I threw out some options and after a little back and forth she decided that her families property, where their engagement pictures had also been taken, was the perfect location.
I couldn't agree more.
We shot at sunset, my favorite time, and with the open fields - the lighting was perfect and I was able to capture some beautiful skies in their images as well.
I can't wait to meet their little man, Lucas, here in just a couple more weeks! I wish nothing more than the best to these two as they enter the next phase of life, parenthood, and their new alias's of Mommy and Daddy. <3

xo

Justyn

Alexis & Austin :: Engagement

This session is from a couple of weeks ago - things have been busy with Kaelyn starting school and blogging hasn't been a priority as much as editing my recent sessions and spending time with my kids - but I have been wanting to share these pictures since I took them!
This couple is just absolutely gorgeous. And so in love. They were amazing to work with, and Alexis {the bride to be} had so many cute ideas - and props! - it was one of my easiest sessions. We shot at  Stonewall Farm - one of my favorite venues - and took advantage of every backdrop. From their courtyard to the open field with horses, and my favorite rustic barn - this couple was up for anything. Not pictured was their adorable Min Pin, who got in on the shoot as well, Reese. Might I add, a much better behaved Min Pin than my own Dori dog. We were also able to get a couple of shots with the horses, although they scared the be-jeezus out of me. Don't get me wrong, I love horses. Horses are beautiful land majestic creatures - they're just also huge and intimidating. I digress.
I didn't share any black and white images, which is odd because you all know how much I love a good black and white, but the colors came out so well I wanted you to see just how beautiful the shoot was! I wish that they were getting married in North Carolina so that I could capture their special day, but regardless am honored that I was able to capture their engagement!
Congratulations Alexis and Austin!

xo

Justyn

Caleb :: Cake Smash

This little guy stole my heart when he offered me some cake at his one year session. He was such a trooper, obviously ready for his morning nap. And how cute is his outfit?
I love cake smashes because no two are ever a like. Some kids will just go for it - like little Catherine who had no time for nonsense and picked the entire cake up. Then some kids need a little coaxing - like little Caleb here who wasn't quite sure how he felt about this polka dotted dessert placed in front of him. Luckily it didn't take him long to find the icing and proceed to smear it over every visible area of skin.
Who doesn't love a cake covered baby?
Exactly.

xo

Justyn