Fresh | Tampa Newborn Photographer

Just a quick peep into this morning's newborn session...

I remember when my own babies' toes were this tiny, and it astounds me that I now have three-year-old little feet just pitter-pattering through my house.  Lila turned three on Wednesday and her birthday party is tomorrow afternoon.  This afternoon is filled with baking, decorating and wrapping.  And maybe a bit of rest if I can squeeze it in.

In about eleven weeks, I'll have my own third set of newborn piggies in the house though, and the cycle will begin again for me.  I can't wait for those days.

One Favorite | Tampa Bay Newborn Photographer

I am launching a gallery for this sweet family tonight, and I felt compelled to share a favorite image here while I finish up.  This photograph just makes me anticipate the arrival of my own little one, that much more.  Sweet light... sweet mama... sweet scrunchy newborn.  It was one of those in-between moments when he was fussing just slightly, and Jen was gently soothing him.  It was a moment that makes me happy that I could capture it. I promise I have a lot more to share... soon.

xo,

Stacey

McKenna Claire | Tampa Newborn Photography

As I sit here listening to the rain, my little girl is napping in her room.  A few minutes ago I snuggled with her, read her favorite book, and stroked her blond pigtails as she gently closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.  It seems like it was only a few short months ago that I was rocking her as a newborn, and stroking her dark hair as she closed her eyes. Makes me so wistful to have those days back... especially when I am working on images from a recent newborn session.  McKenna was probably my sleepiest baby to date... at just a few days old, she slept the entire time I was at her home, except for the last 15 minutes.  Her family could not have been more overjoyed with her!  Sometimes, when I'm shooting, I'll sneak a peek at Mom and Dad (and Grandma and Grandpa, if they're there), and it's such a wonderful feeling to watch them smiling in adoration at their tiniest little creation, lying there peacefully in front of my camera.  McKenna is going to be loved beyond compare, I'm certain of that!

See what I mean?  She's adored already.  :)

Thank you, sweet S family, for indulging me and letting me spend the morning with you and your sweetest new addition.  Your entire gallery will be ready soon; I could barely close the folder when I went in to get your sneak peek ready!

THE MOST ENCOURAGING LOVE | tarpon springs newborn photos

I have begun these little Encouragement Books for my children, at the advice of a wonderful guest speaker who gave the message to my church last Sunday.  The sermon was titled, "The Gift", and it emphasized encouraging, listening to, and appreciating those around you.  Dr. Barry Banther suggested that we take a few minutes each day to write some encouraging words in a small notebook, to give as a gift to that person when they need it most.  I mean, honestly, how many times have you had a terrible day, and really just needed to know that someone really appreciated you and all your hard work? Well, Dr. Banther's message has stayed with me through last week and into this one.  But it wasn't until a few days ago that I started flipping through my calendar because I had just photographed little Olivia and her parents, whose last name was also Banther.  I wondered to myself if they might be related, but casually brushed it off.  After all, Pinellas County is so large and what are the chances, right?  ;)  Well, curiosity eventually got the better of me and I clicked on my client's website link in one of his emails to me.  And what do you know?  Little Olivia is Dr. Banther's granddaughter.

I can safely bet that this sweet little girl will have her very own Encouragement Book (or nine), judging from the adoring way her parents beheld her (and grandparents, too, I'm sure!).  This is often why I prefer holding newborn lifestyle photo sessions in the comfort of my clients' home ~ everyone is relaxed, they can truly be themselves, and life is real.  The photographs always reflect that, and I love the results.

Olivia has more love surrounding her than I can even describe, and it was a joy to listen to her parents softly whisper and sweet-talk into her ear as they fed her, held her, rocked her, and gazed into her eyes.

I am so happy I met this family (in more ways than one)!  And I cannot wait to watch Miss Olivia grow into a strong, confident, beautiful girl because of all the love and encouragement she will receive during her sweet lifetime.  We should all be so blessed. Love~

Stacey

PEACE | tampa newborn lifestyle photography

I want you to meet the tiniest, sweetest, most peaceful baby girl on earth.  Introducing Lucia Mary, whose arrival was a few days late by some standards, but right on time for the only one that really mattered: hers.  She was so good to me for our session, giving me the brightest eyes and mesmerizing eye contact, and then sweet slumber (and smiles!). A little backstory: I lugged in all my "newborn gear": the beanbag, baskets, furs, blankets, the whole nine yards.  But the mood at Lucia's house was so peaceful and relaxed, and I always try to go with my clients' energy and style as much as I can.  Once I started shooting, I really felt comfortable the way the session was leading, and I felt it was best to shoot as simply as possible.  We shot this session very lifestyle-ish, using very few "props" besides a few blankets and her Mommy.  And I loved how it turned out!!  I edited them a little differently as well, just because I felt the black and whites needed a warmer presence.  Anyhow, enough of my musings.  :)  I've been so anxious to get these posted for Lucia's parents; I know they're looking forward to seeing our results from the day.  (Your entire gallery will be ready very soon, but for now, enjoy your sneak peek!  xo)

Lucia has a very proud big sister, and a very curious cousin!  I love these next two!  Such a sweet trio of girls.

Patty, thank you for your patience, and for being such an amazing person, mom, and friend.  All our love to you, Scott and the girls.

growing up | st petersburg baby photographer

I really wonder sometimes why I am so lucky.  I have the honor of documenting so many babies' first weeks of life. . .  and again when they're a little older as they crawl throughout their home and discover so many new things.  Then again when they're walking, talking, growing up.  It's been such a pleasure working with my clients over and over again, and by the time their baby is a year or so, it's just like visiting with family. This family is no exception.  It has been such a pleasure working with them over the past year.  Just over a year ago, when their babies were a week old, I was able to witness their bond because any time we'd lie them down together, they'd immediately find each other and snuggle right up, arm in arm.  It was precious to watch.

I've had the privilege of watching them marvel at their first Christmas lights together, listening to their babbles and coos. Crawling, laughing, smiling, enjoying the beauty around them (and watching their parents acting silly behind me and my camera).  ;)

And recently I was invited to join in their first birthday celebration,to see them walking around as the full-fledged toddlers that they have become.  It was a perfect, lovely afternoon in their backyard, and I'm so happy that I was able to be in attendance.

I loved the vintage theme of the party.  Some of the toys reminded me of my own childhood (Fisher-Price movie viewer, anyone?).

Happy 1st Birthday, sweet babies.  You will change the world someday.  You are already so amazing, and I feel blessed to know you.  Much love.

Thank you, Chris and Monique, for letting me come along on this sweet ride with your family.  I've enjoyed every moment, and I look forward to watching your "babies" grow.

~S

sweet baby | tampa newborn photography

I dearly love photographing newborns.  It's a thrill to meet such a fresh, tiny little person in their first few days of life.  And watching the overjoyed parents with their newly created bundle of sweetness is just as much of a heart-melter for me.  Today I'm introducing you to baby Jake, who charmed me on the spot and was one of the sleepiest babies I've met, to date.

Isn't he just precious?  I can't wait to watch him as he grows.  Congrats, Laura and Zack!

_____

While you're here, go ahead on over to The Creative Mama today.  My article on stylishly displaying family photographs in your home is featured today, and you won't want to miss it!  Lots of inspiration and resources, DIY instructions and how-to's, even a few links for downloadable gallery templates to get your wheels turning!  Don't forget to leave some blog love (a comment) and link up ~ show me your walls!

into open arms | tampa bay newborn photographer

I have no doubt that Joshua entered this world into anxious, joyful arms.  That he is surrounded by love and admiration, and is adored by many.  I had the pleasure of photographing him at the ripe old age of three weeks.  :)  With two parents who obviously are very much in love, I wonder where Joshua's favorite place to be is??

In his parents' arms, of course.  And I don't think you'll hear them complaining.  ;)

Loved the sweet curve of his back, and the way the light fell across it.

Can you get over this peace sign he's throwing me here?  Ha!

Megan and John, I hope you enjoy your gallery.  It was my honor to photograph your baby boy for you.

precious little man

I got the chance to meet Aiden, the sweetest little newborn this past week... he was 8 days old and absolutely perfect.  Such a good sleeper for me too.  See for yourself...

You know me... I have to capture those details, no matter how tiny they are!

And I have to give credit to Daddy here, who came up with the idea of the next pair of images.  I can't wait to see these hanging side by side in their new home!  What a blessed little boy Aiden is to have such amazing parents who very obviously adore him.  I can't stress it enough ~ I love this wonderful job of mine!

Just before the end of the session, Grandma took her turn holding her first grandchild...  in the rocking chair that her grandfather built to rock her father to sleep as a baby...  who rocked her to sleep in it, and she eventually rocked her daughter (Aiden's Mama) in this chair as well.  So, this little fella is the fourth generation of babies to be lulled to sleep in this very special rocker.  Now... how amazing and sentimental is that?!  And of course, it worked like a charm.  After some warm milk and a sway or two, he was out...  sound asleep in his Grandma's arms.

Nicole and Jeff, congratulations on your beautiful baby boy, and thank you for sharing your morning with me.  I can't wait to show you the rest of your gallery ~ you're going to just love the rest!

beckham

What a sweet little love he was.  And I truly mean little.  This guy was just 5 lbs 8 oz when he was born!  So tiny and sweet.  And SUCH a good sleeper at 7 days old.  We got some great variety in their session... some images on the beanbag, sleeping in a basket or two, a few in his Mama and Daddy's arms, and even with his big fur brother, Haven.  It was a perfect session!  I can't wait to design their album.

He was 3 weeks early, and still covered with lanugo hair.  Are you melting yet??  :)

Cannot resist teeny-tiny baby toes!  It was all I could do NOT to kiss them at the session.  LOL!

Makes me so happy to see this much love for these tiny miracles.  And isn't Mom just beautiful?  This is exactly one week after giving birth, too.  Amazing.

Loved, absolutely loved, this moment with Daddy.  Those tiny dark eyes, that dramatic light, and the little creases under Beckham's eyes (trait of a fresh newborn!) that will all-too-soon fill out with baby-chub.

Last but not least (and this could be my most FAVORITE image from the morning)... is this not the sweetest doggie face you've ever seen??  Love that.

Thank you, Ryan and Lacy, for sharing your morning with me.  I can't wait to watch your sweet boy grow this year!