Rosa - Beauty and Bravery

 I have to admit that before Rosa's shoot, I was quite nervous.  I am always a little nervous/anxious for a shoot, and I honestly hope that never goes away, but I was even more nervous to shoot Rosa.  We had spoke on the phone, and through email, and she had shared some ideas she had for her shoot, while I brainstormed ideas of my own.  Rosa wanted the session to take place before her hair came back.  Because I had never taken photos of anyone fighting cancer, I was nervous and honored to have been asked, and very excited to do something different.  

If Rosa was nervous, she showed no signs.  She was so comfortable and easy to chat with.  In between poses we talked about her cancer, her treatment, her children and grandchildren, and recent travels.  She was so open and honest with me.  She was so upbeat, and optimistic.  Her strength, and courage left me in wonder.  Rosa left me feeling so fortunate to have gotten to spend some time with her, and full of so much gratitude that she allowed me to do this for her.  She is an incredible person battling such an awful disease but she does it with such grace, beauty, and bravery that I was left in awe.  

Rosa's story is not mine to tell.  However, she shares her journey beautifully in a video that you can watch Here.  

Thank you Rosa for the amazing opportunity!  Enjoy the sneak peek!

Addie's Baby Bump {Miles City, MT Maternity Photographer}

I love shooting maternity photos, and I am always so excited when a friend asks me to document this special time for them.  Addie and I are on the same page about the importance of maternity shoots.  I know a lot of people don't see the value in these types of shoots, but as a huge advocate for documenting all life's big and small moments, this is one of those times in life that definitely deserves a photo shoot!

Obviously parents usually want capture as many photos of their children as they can.  We take photos of them sleeping, eating, smiling, crying.  Every new milestone gets a photo, and we proudly show these photos off whenever possible.  If you follow my IG account you know how guilty I am of this.  So why wouldn't you want photos of your baby when he/she is still growing inside of you.  I think pregnancy and birth is an absolutely AMAZING time.  No, it is not especially fun, but for me, it was the most magical thing to ever experience.  It is seriously incredible, and completely worth having photos of!  I know there will be a time when I get asked by Paxson about pregnancy, and I look forward to being able to pull my maternity photos out and show him where I always felt his little feet kicking me.   I want him to see how he looked in my belly, and be able to share stories of my pregnancy while he flips through photos.  

Anyways, I adore these photos of Addie, and I hope that she and her family will as well!   

Rachel and Derick {Miles City, Montana Engagement Photographer}

After a little winter break, I feel like I am back at it with shoots!  My poor little blog has been so neglected lately, and I am hoping to change that with more regular posts again.  I am also hoping to share some more personal photos as well.  I still have birthday photos of Paxson that could be shared, and I really want to share those, I just need to take a little time and catch up on personal photos.  

However for now, I am excited to share this adorable engagement session!  Plus with Valentine's Day just around the corner, now is the perfect time for it.  

Enjoy the sneak peek Rachel and Derick!  

Valentine Mini Sessions {Miles City, Montana Children's Photographer}

Here is a sneak peek of the Valentine's Mini Sessions I shot this past Sunday.  It went so well, and the kiddos all did wonderful! Such a wide variety of ages and little personalities, and it was great to spend the day with them.  

 and because I haven't shared any photos of Paxson in a really long time, here are a few of him!