Matilda is 1.

Leave it to St. Louis to have that one sunny, perfect day right smack-dab in the middle of the longest, coldest winter ever. Props to M's mom, who bided her time and called it perfectly. Baby Matilda just turned one, and I spent that one beautiful Saturday morning in February chasing her and darling big sister (who has the best smile. ever.). Enjoy! 

About the light: here's to stepping outside of one's comfort zone to shoot in completely crazy, mid-day light. I never would have given this location a second glance under my usual shooting conditions (right before sunset), but it was just perfect for our little shoot, and I am totally taking my own kids back there sometime at high noon for their own personal photoshoot.

S Family

When a friend (who is also a photographer) asks if you want to do a family session swap, you say yes. Immediately. Especially when the photographer friend is the talented Tiffany of Tiffany Sharp Photography. She does gorgeous work, and she's new to the area- you should definitely take a moment to check her out. 

We got to spend a light-filled evening at Faust Park in St. Louis, and I cannot get over how adorable this family is (and how many gorgeous parks St. Louis has- I don't feel like I've even begun to scratch the surface of the parks around here). 

About the light- I don't think I'll ever get over the transformative powers of good light. That mangy-looking bush that has about 6 leaves and looks like absolutely nothing special? A little late afternoon light and ta-da! You've got yourself the perfect, sparkly backdrop.