{pure sweetness} | South Portland, Maine Newborn Photographer

Oooo…. I was so excited when this little girl arrived.  Her mom was on bed rest since her maternity session, so I was on edge waiting so I could meet this little one.  When I received her email, I could of jumped for joy to get my hands on this little one.

The love and sweetness this couple has for each other was automatically transferred to this sweet girl.  They were such naturals as being parents, you wouldn’t have thought this was their first child.  

I cannot wait to watch this cutie patootie grow and I hope I get to capture her adorable and stylish personality!

{photography tip #10} Catch the Light

Well, you know that I am all about using natural light and not a flash with my photography.  So I thought I would expand a little more about capturing your subject with the best light possible.  I have shared about shooting during the “golden hour” - one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset.  I would also expand that to shooting just after the sun has set.  I have also recommended shooting under shade, instead of under the bright light of the sun.  The next step is to think about the direction of your light.  One of the most important steps is finding the “catch light.”  The catch light is the highlight of a light source reflected off the eye.

In this image, I used the large window behind me to create the catch light in his eyes.  Large windows and big bright skies are great sources to create catch lights.  The light source can be directly behind you, or from the side which can create more drama or mood to the image.  I recently had a perfect lighting scenario during a maternity photo session and included examples of different angle light sources.  

A good way to practice is to look for the light.  Have your subject turn slowly in a circle and watch the light in the eyes first.  Once you find the catch light in their eyes, step back and check for how the light falls on the rest of the subject.  Make sure there aren’t sun spots or very dark shadows hiting their faces. Happy shooting!!

{a family of troopers} | Cape Elizabeth Family Photographer

Spring break here in Maine started off beautifully, with temperatures in the 70s.  However, the day after this family drove up from Virginia, the weather turned and during this session it was a very windy 50 degrees.  The cold weather did not stop this family from creating beautiful portraits of their growing family.  This family’s warm hearts and love shined through the clouds… with little help from Papa and Meme, and jelly beans. 

*Click on images to enlarge*

{me, my belly bump, and my girl}

I usually don’t like posting pictures of myself, however I had to share this one.  I didn’t take many belly pictures with my third child, so I wanted to make sure to capture my growing belly for my fourth.  My talented husband took this picture of me and I just had to share it.  Of course, my little model had to get in the photograph and I just love how it turned out.  My husband captured my natural smile, and one of my adorable daughter’s faces.  I love how her face is partly hidden by my belly.  I am now going on 23 weeks - I can’t wait to meet the little guy or gal.

{baby bump love} | Scarborough Maternity Photographer

There is just something about a woman who has a belly bump.  The excitement of a little baby growing, twisting, and kicking is just such a miracle.  I know that most of the time a preggo woman do not feel beautiful, but a preggo mom IS beautiful - especially this one. 

Through email conversations I knew I would be a perfect match for this couple.  We clicked. We talked. We photographed. And we created beautiful images.  This child will have beautiful images to cherish of her mom and dad.  

I cannot wait to meet this little darling.  She will be one lucky girl to have such loving and fun parents.

{happy birthday to my daughter}

I can’t believe my daughter turns 4 today.

Has it really been four years since our precious little girl arrived?  

Time really does fly by and I can’t believe I only have one more year with her before she starts school.  

We just watched some home videos last night of when she was only 8 months old.  She had rolls like the pillsbury dough boy and

huge. huge. huge. CHEEKS!

so cute!

and now, in her words, “I’m so big now.”

Happy birthday my sweet little girl.  You are one special somebody!

5 months old…

now 4 years old…

{boy and his bunny} | South Portland Children Photographer

Who doesn’t love a cute bunny with a even cuter boy!  I sure LOVED photographing this adorable boy squeeze, kiss (well, looks more like eating), and love on my pet bunny.  

This wonderful and brave family met me bright and early at Willard’s Beach.  You never know what you’ll get in Maine, and this morning was definitely chilly.  However, it didn’t stop this cutie patootie for exploring every inch of that beach.  Of course, the highlight of the session was when he got to meet Blackie and pull him around in a little red wagon.  This kid is definitely an animal lover.

Thank you for allowing me to capture these memorable moments of your family.

Happy Easter everyone.

{a little bit of heaven} | newborn photographer kennebunk maine

What a gift to be able to capture the beginnings of one’s life.  It was pure joy to enter this family’s home and experience this great love from these two new parents.  It was obvious they were head over heels for this little guy - who wouldn’t with cheeks like his!

Found this poem that made me think of this wonderful family:

A little bit of heaven 
Drifted down from above - 
A handful of happiness,
A heartful of love. 
The mystery of life,
So sacred and sweet 
The giver of joy 
So deep and complete. 
Precious and priceless, 
So lovable, too 
The world’s sweetest miracle,
Baby boy, is you.

{photography #9} focus on the details

Sometimes we get so focused on the big picture and wanting to get everything in our photograph.  This is great when you have a beautiful waterfall in the background, but sometimes the photographs we treasure the most are ones with the little details.  Some of my favorite images from my clients are of feet, hands, eyes, noses, and just faces.  I’ve posted some of my favorite detailed images below.  Next time you are taking a picture, try capturing your child’s hands while building legos or drawing.  Did you just put your baby girl’s hair up in her first pony tail or pig tails?  Take a picture of just her pig tails!  If you have a little newborn in the house, make sure to capture his/her teeny tiny hands and toes compared to yours.  These are the little moments and details that go away so fast and that we treasure most.  Happy shooting!

Check out my friend’s blog post Perspective Matters about photography.  I’ve known this wonderful lady since my high school days in Georgia.  She now lives in California, mother of three boys, and takes beautiful photographs!

{2012 sessions}

Book your 2012 session before March 9th, and you will receive 50% off your session fee.  You will also lock into the 2011 print prices and packages.  Plus, visit my Facebook page, share this photo ad, and will you be entered to win a free photo session and $100 print credit.  Make sure to share before 11:59pm on Friday, March 2nd.  Also, make your share “public” so I can see it, or just comment and let me know you shared.

(Print packages and prices will change (and increase) on March 10th.)

Hope to hear from you soon!  I am looking forward to this new year of photo sessions!

Guess who is going to be a big brother?

Baby #4 is on his/her way!!! Due in August!!!  We are so blessed that we get to have another baby and add to the craziness of the Cathy Clicks household!  I am just so thankful that God has choose me to be a parent to another one of His children.  

We won’t find out the gender of the baby and looking forward to the surprise.  I guessed right on my other three children.  My first feeling was another boy, but then I started feeling really sick (and continue to feel sick) which must mean I am having a girl.  I was really sick with my second child, who is a girl.  And with my two boys I had very mild sickness and felt very good.  I just started feeling “Turkey” move - which is his/her nickname.  

So if you will be booking a session with me this year, be prepared to see a waddling lady with a belly.  However, this won’t stop me from moving around to get the best photograph of your child or family.  Keep a look out for a special promotion, print and package changes, and my 2012 schedule.  

Meet our new bunny rabbit - Blackie Kitty.

We lost our dear rabbit in 2010 and ever since, it has left an empty spot in the family.  Ike was 8 years old and has lived with me through my years in New York City, Atlanta, Soldotna (Alaska), Anchorage, and Scarborough.  He was my first pet that I had on my own.

When I saw this little black bunny, I just fell in love with her.  She approached Bear and I without any hesitation, and didn’t hide from us like her sisters.  She also enjoyed being held, which was a plus for me since my three kids hardly let me cuddle with them anymore.

Blackie has settled quickly.  She runs around the house, goes in and out of her cage, and eats out of the kids’ hands.  My oldest named her Blackie, and my daughter wanted Kitty.  Her nicknames are also, Dora the Explorer and Nibbler.  I am so thrilled to see my love of animals passed along to my kids.

Finally! | Scarborough Family Photographer

Over a year ago, I got my first email from this family.  Because of schedule conflicts, we’ve never had the opportunity for their family photo session.  I am so glad that I finally got to meet this family for their Christmas Photo Session!  These kids are just adorable!  The youngest son reminded me so much of my youngest son, and wouldn’t stay still for a photograph.  What a beautiful family!