Family Archives -

Lizzy and Doug Expecting a Baby and adding to their happy family

Lizzy and Doug are expecting a baby and adding to their happy family. They are into their third year of being married and alas, a newborn baby addition is coming. Along with their fearless little sister dog, Chiles, Lizzy and Doug are ecstatic about bringing their first baby into the world.

As I arrived to meet everyone, I was immediately greeted with smiles. The vibe in this home was welcoming and full of love, indeed. Truly choked me up to see those familiar looks, the glow about Lizzy in these final weeks, the excitement in Doug’s eyes and a bounce in Chile’s dance around the house.

Their classic Dundee home was full of light and the neighborhood is the right fit for a family and oh so close to my favorite, Memorial Park. My guess is that Chiles gets to open up in her domain for her breathing room. As I met Chiles, I couldn’t help but notice the colorful pink handkerchief with baby sister prominently displayed.
Life is a miracle and a family is so much a blessing to be able to grow. My job is not even work when I am asked to step into the world of the family and record memories for their children and children’s children. Amazing to imagine who this individual will become before the memories begin. We had the option to go to the park but it was a wee bit chilly this day. Normally, an outdoor family session is ideal but we may have to delay that for when the spring blossoms are out and barbeque season begins.

If you know of someone who loves their family and wishes to have intimate memories made in their home, I would be so honored to be asked to spend time photographing their love. Family is everything! Call me anytime to chat about themes and ideas that you have so that we can get on the best time of year.

28 Mar 2014

A barn photo shoot to help Kevin and Jen mark their memories.

I had a blast photographing our friends Kevin and Jen with family for a barn photo shoot. The area of Ponca Hills is full of people who enjoy life on their acreages. We’re located just a little north of Omaha. Many families look for creative ways of entertainment. These adventurous entrepreneurs are interested in helping people satisfy their urban gardening skills. From Christmas trees, to apples to everything in between. Jen will be offering classes in helping people sustain and have alternatives for growing their own fruits, veggies and trees. I’m excited for them and honored to make family memories for them.

03 Jan 2014

Peg and Phil add a newborn son to their Family Photography Session

Peg and Phil are just the most easy going parents and keep pace with what seems to be their annual newborn and family photography session. Their family photography session has actually been about an 18 month cycle. They love their kids and look forward to packing up their SUV with the crew to come to our studio, catch up with an updated family photography session. It’s always a blast and promises the unexpected. They like the idea of black and white photography too which is so classic and simple.

Even as a photographer with my own family, we let too much time lapse between kiddos and never quite get around to keeping up on an annual family photography session. Actually, when I photographed our children, my expectations were set so high, that an occasional blow up on my part became the norm. I think my expectations were set too high and my kids just wanted to be kids. As I recall, I would say, just one more. They would come back with, aw dad, are we done yet?

It’s so incredible to watch a new born brought into the fold of his brothers and sisters and are initiated into the dynamics of family. It’s as if the newborn has to go thru a ritual of learning what the pecking order is and who’s in charge, at least for now. You don’t see families of this size every day but both mom and dad being doctors by day and involved parents the rest of the time, I am in awe. It reminds me of the ongoing cycle of feeding, changing diapers and discipline 101 all over again. But what joy and blessings become of it. This is much more than words can describe other than family is everything. I just love watching the mix of personalities.

Please check out the photos and contact me if now is the right time for your family photos. You can call, text or email me for specials on our family photography sessions and ideas that you have for your growing family.

02 Jan 2014

Jessica and Shawn’s Pregnancy and Family Photography

I fell in love with this family while making their pregnancy and family photography. The laughter and expression of love went on all throughout the day. No one even yelled at me or at each other. Yes, I am kidding.

I usually spend Sunday afternoon’s with my family but I long to be adopted by these guys. We hope to continue doing their family photography. Our next photo session will be a combination of their two year old with a newborn. This should be an excellent opportunity to use natural light within an indoor studio. A lot of candid moments will likely continue.

Wrangling people around on this outdoor session only took gummy bears and strange sounds coming from their photographer. Oh yes, I make pretty scary Donald Duck sounds when asked. Children and parents

This is quite possibly a top three favorite of family photography in my career of twenty some years. This was even better than gorging a pint of soft serve ice cream at Zestos!

Could you even imagine that in Omaha, we would be in the zone of spectacular colors still in November. I will take that kind of fall in a New York minute. The four seasons can be beautiful and I look forward to the challenge of a day in frigid cold with a light snow fall and some brave souls with their toboggan.

10 Dec 2013

Family portraits in fall at the forest has a magic of its own

I absolutely love to photograph family portraits in the fall, especially when everyone is super excited to be a part of a fun experience. This season has been extremely colorful for our annual family portraits in fall theme. There is definitely nothing like it. Its almost cheating to call this work. I get to explore new spots for pictures, walk the beautiful trails and catch up with the people who make this day enjoyable.

Again, we had another returning couple whom we photographed both for engagement photos and their wedding day. John and Amy have made a few changes and started a family with two awesome boys. It’s great for them and I can tell they enjoy being parents. For me, I enjoy when I can document the moments that are a more candid and real as it speaks to their being connected, in both their differences and similarities.

How cliche to say but usually the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. It becomes obvious in watching children hanging around together. They are true to what they reveal about themselves and those around them. I guess the same can be said about us parents.

During or following the family session, we usually discuss the vision to make welcomed changes in the look of their home, by creating a display of canvas and other print products to refresh the familiar family portraits that have been hanging above the fireplace for eons. This time of year is especially nice as we all tend to have more relaxation time when the holidays are upon us.

How appreciative am I to make these connections and have such a positive experience from both sides. I can’t say enough about how I love my job and am blessed to have this opportunity to keep in touch with those whom I’ve known for a very long time and be trusted to make images for their lasting memories.

14 Nov 2013

Dustin and Sarah celebrate 10 years with family pregnancy photos

I was shocked to receive an email from past wedding clients whom I photographed at the Joslyn Castle 10 years ago, contact me for their family pregnancy photos. Dustin and Sarah had both their wedding and reception held at the Castle. There are quite a few weddings and receptions happening at the Castle year round so their is much history to reflect on as an Omaha Wedding Photographer.

They had much to celebrate with this casual ten year reunion followed up with family pregnancy photos. Dustin and Sarah planned a trip back to the Castle from their home in Florida to commemorate this anniversary with two new additions to their family. One soon to be newborn and the other, a very fun spirited four year old boy.

I love the idea of commemorating 10 years of marriage and recalling all that we did as their wedding photographers. It turned out that their oldest son was all boy. I thought that I was the master of being a clown, but their son figuratively beat me up in that category. We had so much fun with both outdoor and inside the Castle. I like to share some of my favorites from the portrait session as we make beautiful and lasting memories thru the day.

12 Nov 2013

Family Portraits

A Better Exposure is a Photography Studio specializing in Omaha & Destination Family Portraits. No matter how large or small, A Better Exposure specializes in capturing your family and friends in the moment. Contact us today to schedule your family portrait session.