My Mexican Vacation

Ok, really this post isn't about my vacation. It's just that the last part of November and the first part of December have been a whirlwind of revamping my website, editing sessions, holiday portrait sessions, and rushing to get orders filled, so that I can go on (a much needed) vacation with my hubby. I never posted photos from the City Museum sessions, and I love them soooo much that I thought I would share. Have a great holiday season, and I'll start posting again in 2010!

Holiday Shopping and Cute Models

This past weekend I was in St. Louis for photo sessions at the City Museum. The loft created a perfect space for kids to run and crawl around, and the textures and light were amazing. More on the individual sessions later, but first, in honor of the biggest shopping day of the year, let me promote a unique holiday present idea for anyone needing gift ideas for little ones.
La Loo makes fabulous gifts, accessories, and high quality clothing. Owner, Nayla Durham, uses some of the most adorable and well made appliques I have ever seen. She contracted me to take a few model/product shots to update her website, and here is a glimpse of the session. Take a look at the beautiful models AND clothing below and check out laloo.net for more info...

City Museum Photo Sessions in St. louis

Welcome Baby Joey!

I have known Tommy since I was 10 and Sarah since I was 15. Our high school crowd was ecstatic when they got married, 11? 12? years after they started dating, and to add blessing onto blessing they have just welcomed a baby Joey into their lives. It was a no-brainer that I would travel to St. Louis to photograph a few fleeting moments at the beginning of his very long journey in this world. We can't stop the growing up process, nor would we want to, but I hope these photos will preserve the memory of this very special time in your lives. More soon... Leah

Big City Babies 2- October Colors

We were so lucky to have a beautiful fall day for our second Big City Babies session, after canceling twice due to rainy weather. One or two came in costume to celebrate Halloween a bit early, and others came in their fall best, accented by pumpkins. Everyone seemed to be in a great mood, so it was very difficult to narrow it down, but here are some of my favorite shots from the morning. Enjoy!

Rain = Good Luck on Wedding Day

I know Crystal and Michael have been waiting for these...

I photographed their beautiful wedding two weeks ago in Peoria, IL. We had plans to take photos in a park after the ceremony before heading to their reception at the zoo, but the weather had a different idea. Waiting for the wedding party to arrive at Bradley Park, I watched the raindrops smacking against my windshield. I got a call from Michael:

"Leah, my iPhone says it's cloudy out right now...right here," he says (with more of an optimistic rather than skeptical tone in his voice). "I guess we'll just have to wait for everyone to get here so we can caravan to the zoo."

So we waited until everyone got to the park, at which point the rain completely ceased long enough for us to take 45 minutes worth of pictures.

Stacey Vaeth, who is not just a wonderful friend but photographer extraordinaire (http://www.staceyvaeth.com), posted a few weeks ago that taking photos after the rain gets the gunk out of the atmosphere and allows for crisp, colorful photos. I'll be honest- I love to play around with color effects. I believe different color variations can bring a new dimension and feel to the photograph. That said, this photo- unedited, straight from my camera, was too perfect to touch with any photo software:



To me, it looks like the Heavens are shining a spotlight on this incredibly in love couple.

Enjoy these few photos, Michael and Crystal, until I get the rest of them posted. Thanks for including me in your fun, gorgeous, wedding! -Leah