Journey Through Life Blog

Sunday November 17th, 2019 12:30-4:20​
 

Can you smell the sweetness of Christmas Cookies in the bake shop? It can't get better than baking in the cookie shop WITH Santa.

Come experience the joy of decorating cookies with Santa at Amelia's Desserts (the absolutely, cutest bake shop ever). 2 different Photo Session options available.

A. Enjoy a fun afternoon of cookie decorating. A Group Option with 6 spots for each class. Class taught by a phenomenal cookie decorator - Amelia's Desserts. Adorable Candid Images as Santa walks around interacting with each child. Packages starting at $100 per seat

B. Get ready for the cutest Christmas Card Portraits. Enjoy decorating cookies with Santa as a one on one experience for your child or family. Posed/action styled images. 15 minute time slot with Santa. Packages starting at $150

Book your session now! These will sell out fast!  

I met Danielle through a model call.  I'm always studying and researching trying to better my craft.  I take online courses, attend workshops, go to conferences, etc.  After taking a recent lighting course, I was dying to try out all of the fabulous things I've learned.  Danielle was kind enough to let me photograph her sweet baby bump.

Two of the different lighting techniques I learned in the class were called "Dream lighting" and "Rim lighting."  We had time to practice both.  

Dream lighting is exactly as it sounds.  It gives a dreamy, clean feel to the pictures (almost heavenly).  I loved the way these turned out.

Rim lighting is lighting just a small portion of the person or subject.  It is a beautiful way of highlighting a significant portion of the image to make a powerful statement.  I like that it can be very dramatic and emotional.  We were able to incorporate a stuffed animal that had been passed down in Danielle's family.  It added that much more life to the portrait.

To learn more about these lighting techniques visit the http://themilkyway.ca.  This is an amazing source for photographers.

Also Danielle creates beautiful crocheted items.  Visit her shop at https://www.facebook.com/offthehookbydanielle

Maternity sessions are best done in the 7th to early 8th month.  Schedule your maternity session now. Contact us here or 757-630-0575 or http://Leah@JourneyThroughLifePhotography.com

I was so excited to be able photograph this sweet 10 day old baby girl.  She was absolutely precious and looked so much like her big sister.  It was even more fun because her big sister got to come along and sneak into some of the pictures.  Big sissy was so excited to have a little sister and right before she turned the BIG 3!

When booking their session I found out that her mama's aunt was the one who first taught me photography in high school.  She played a very instrumental part in the photographer I am today.  She was a fantastic teacher and always pushed me to go beyond my little box of thinking.  It is a small world!

We started out across the street in a quiet backyard along the water.  It was a beautiful morning and we found the perfect shade under a nice big tree.

We then moved into the studio once she had fallen asleep.  After picking out headbands and wraps we snuggled her in and got to posing.  She did a fantastic job on her first photo shoot.

Big sister had fun playing dress up while baby girl was taking a feeding break.  It is nice sometimes to have siblings there while the new baby takes a break.  It gives us a chance to really put them back in the spotlight during such a big transition where they no longer have it all to themselves.

Is this not the most adorable doting sister ever?  I think they are going to be the best of friends.

Adorable Newborn bonnet and leggings made by Mountain Mommy's Crochet

Click here to schedule your newborn session.  Newborn sessions are done within the first 6-10 days.  It is best to book your session in your 2nd trimester.

This lil' man and his mama and daddy came to see me when he was just 10 days new.  He was such a sweet little guy and did perfect for his first photo shoot.  We started off the session by picking out hats, blankets, and baskets.  There is no denying he is his mama's boy.

That full head of hair was just too adorable.  It didn't matter what pose I put him in, he just was so content.

I have never had a baby stay awake for his entire newborn portrait session, but this little guy wanted to keep an eye on me the entire time.  Every time I thought he was falling asleep, he would trick me and open his eyes right before I released the shutter.  I caught a few shots of him with his eyes closed, but he was only fooling me.  So cute!

Is this not the cutest little lion you've ever seen?

Of course, the last few images he decided to fall asleep.  Pure sweetness!

Click here to book you newborn session today.  Newborn sessions are best done in the first 6-10 days.  Schedule your session during your 2nd trimester.  757-630-0575

I had so much fun at this adorable little guy's newborn session.  He came to my studio at just 7 days old and was a perfect little model.  His sweet little cheeks and cute red hair were so much fun to capture.  His big brother was the life of the party.  

We started off the session by picking out outfits, hats, and props.  Then we moved into the nice and cozy heated studio to do some sibling shots.  Big brother Logan was excited to be there and it showed.  The out-takes were hilarious.  I'm surprised we got one still shot of him.  I think my cheeks hurt from laughing so much.  He did a great job and was full of life for a little 2 year old big brother.

Don't you just love their matching shirts!  So cute!

I even got to sneak in some pictures of just Big brother.  This is a really big step in his life and he deserves some spotlight too.  

Big brother got to relax after his part was done and go play with all the toys in the next room.  Mama hung out with us for a little while to see her new baby boy shine in the spotlight.  

After seeing how awesome he was doing, mama went to relax herself by enjoying her complimentary 60 minute massage that comes with a newborn session with Journey Through Life Photography.

He had the cutest furrowed brow expression.

Click here to book your newborn session.  Newborn sessions take place within the first 6-10 days.  It is best to schedule your session in your 2nd trimester.

Normally newborn sessions are done within the first 6-10 days, but I got to meet this little man when he was 38 days old.  He was the perfect little model for his "newborn" session.  He slept like a chance which helped his mama enjoyed her complimentary massage during his session.  Mama relaxed in the other room while he rocked it in the studio as daddy enjoyed watching his little man show off his awesome modeling skills.  

We started our session picking out accessories such as hats and blankets.  Since he was wide awake in the beginning we started with some sweet bonding pictures with mama and daddy.  There is something sweet about capturing these special moments with a new little family.  They sure are a beautiful family.

After striking a pose in front of the camera as a family, it was time for little Christian to shine in the spotlight.  He had a full belly and a clean diaper which was a perfect concoction for a sleepy baby.  He made my job so easy and just confirmed how much I LOVE my job.  He slept like a champ and let me pose him however I wanted.  My expectations were blown out of the water as I never imagined he would do so well at this age.  Now I can just sit back and ooh and ahh over his sweet pictures.  

Hear what his parents had to say, "Leah did a fantastic job on our newborn, his pictures came out beautiful! I couldnt be happier! I would most definitely reccommend her as the experience was wonderful."

- Heather

Click here to schedule your newborn session.  It is best to schedule while still pregnant.

Introducing sweet Piper.  A little miracle baby and a real fighter.  Her mam longed for her and what a sweet present when she finally got to hold her in her arms.  

She got an extended stay at the hospital. Not too sure it was all the luxury of a 24 hour spa she thought it would be, but she was a real fighter and made it home.  

I had the pleasure of snuggling with sweet little Piper at 22 days new.  She did such a great job... sleeping... tough work I know.  Just a precious little sweetheart.  She also has 2 older cousins who were super excited to welcome her to the family.

More additions coming to this family soon.  Stay tuned.

I met this family about a year ago at a fundraiser photo shoot.  It was a great event held at the Thoroughgood house in Virginia Beach.  The event was a huge success and helped raise funds for a mother and wife get the surgery she needed all the way in Germany.  They had so much fun last year that they decided to have their family portraits taken again this year, but this time on the beach.

Little man was full of smiles and loving the new independence he has discovered since learning how to walk.  He gave me a great workout and tested my agility skills.  Bystanders even stopped to lend happy pups to keep him entertained.  We had fun making all sorts of animal noises and goofy faces.  The end result was well worth it.