I met Elise in July at a photographer’s workshop in Pennsylvania. When I found out through my super sleuthing ways that there would be another MA photographer on board I was a little bit nervous. Why? For a long time I felt I had to keep to myself; as if being a photographer was one giant competition–one big race to be the best and reach the top. I thought it might be strange to be standing there, side by side, with somebody from “home” learning the same things to get ahead in our profession. Over the past couple of years I have learned to let this go and I have forged many friendships, both in the flesh and through forums, that are priceless with women who are doing the same exact thing. When I met Elise, a sense of calm washed over me. She is as sweet and kind as she is beautiful. When she praised my work while we were there, it felt amazing. She has been in the business for 10+ years, so for little ol’ insecure me to hear this it was a major ego booster. And then when she asked for me to photograph her family? Well, I thought I might hurl from nervousness. Would I screw up? Would she like the photos? The answer is NO, I didn’t screw up. And YES, she loves the photos. My heart is full. So much so that I hope it leaves no more room for me to doubt myself anymore. I’m over it. Enjoy. xoxoxo
Cristina - Just beautiful!!! She is sweet and beautiful! So are thise girls! That shot in front of the greenhouse doors??? To die!!!! E rocked the clothes too. Awesome!!!
michele + brooke - So incredibly beautiful….the family AND the images. You never cease to amaze me. Lovely:)
haley b - i seriously LOVE every single one of these. they are beautiful images and a gorgeous family! great work, as always!!!
Natalie Clayshulte - I love the soft colors and the family has wonderful styling. Beautiful work!!
Kara May - Beautiful – I want their clothing LOL. Love the tent and ornaments. Great session!
jaime lackey - holy moly!!! the same fear creeps into my head also! I think it always will. but you my dear rocked these like crazy and they are oozing with love, creativity and style. Each and every one has a feeling of individuality to them! you go!
Kerri Romano - Every picture was so thought out … So Beautiful ….you are so talented Steph.
Kimbrali - You know when they show editorials of the family life of the beautiful and rich and famous in vogue and in harpers. The kids are perfect and the photos are always so magical. Well this is like that. But only better. So so gorgeous. Really no words will do them justice.
Becky Earl - You KILLED this session my dear. I am in love with it and your photography always blows me away 🙂
Becky Earl - ps- by “KILLED” I mean you did amazing!! haha
Jen - WOW. Just wow.
Natalee Potter - WOWEE!!!! You so should be over it you are amazing I would love to shadow you and learn your secrets. I always love the way your sessions turn out like I have said before you are my inspiration:)
Lindey Magee - each one of these is beyond amazing! the attention to detail-that tent set up & the light…yummo! gorgeous family and crewcuts on 2 little girls that know how to work it certainly doesn’t hurt a thing!
Lisa - Just gorgeous!
Cayce - Amazing…as usual! I would love to know the name of that workshop too! You inspire me with every post 🙂
Wendie DeLano - Stephanie- I love this session! I can see why Elise would be thrilled with them. I agree with what you wrote as well. I have been guilty of feeling the same way until I started meeting other local photographers and spending time with them (as well as my forum friends!). I’m learning to let go of the competition thing too.
BTW- the girls are dressed so beautifully! I love the tent idea too. I was going to try something similar with my little ones this summer but my son would not stop running through it long enough to snap a picture (ahhh 18 months!) maybe next year when he’s a little older… such a cute idea.
Jackie Jean - These are fantastic!!!
Desiree Hayes - STUNNING!!!! These are all just gorgeous!
Monyeen - absolutely stunning.
Joanne - beautiful job Stephanie!
Matt - Wow, fantastic session, Stephanie. Seriously. The two girls standing in front of the door is killer.
Stacy Schurman - Beautiful session. Beautiful family. Great job!
kandi lamont - WOW. You did an amazing job! What a gorgeous family and the clothing is to die for!
shelley schuette - I have been following your blog for months now and I cannot tell you how inspired I am by you! I check it everyday and even when there is not a new post I find myself searching through your old archives! I love the “soft look” of your photos…they are priceless! Hopefully someday I can bring some of these types of photos to kansas! lol! Keep posting!!
Marzena - I’m stunned – the styling, the theme, the angles!! LOVE LOVE
JoAnne - BeeeeeUTIFUL!!! I love it~ I see the Christmas card in my head!!
Karen - wow oh wow oh wow. stunning.
Timothy Pham - It says something when I can come back from time to time to check out your work and my jaw STILL drops everytime!
Gorgeous family!
gina - perfection, as usual!! just spent the last hour re-renting your entire blog…