Happy Valentines Day!!

I thought this was the perfect post to share today! I captured this adorable 1st birthday last year for M Magazine! Due to the commercial nature of this work I couldn’t share it till 3 months after publication. I thought it may be strange to share Valentines in May so I waited till today! I really enjoyed working on a commercial shoot again. I get so inspired working with a stylist and art director. It reminds me of my days working at the Hallmark Cards photography studio.

This little boys birthday falls close to Valentines day so his mom (Erin Volante) planned an adorable birthday party themed around the holiday! It’s of course done in the most talented DIY style. Seriously Erin you are the best at this stuff!!

stylist: Erin Volante
cake: Rebekah Cake Artist
art director: Susan Cannon

For the 2013 Holiday season I hosted a day of mini sessions at an adorable Christmas tree farm in Shawnee, KS. I had so much fun capturing these families for their holiday cards even if it was crazy cold! It was a chilly 30 degrees and the sun was no where to be seen which made if feel even colder. Despite the cold we still managed to get some adorable family photos! Next holiday season consider booking a mini session as they are the perfect way to make a holiday card that you love.

I have often heard that it’s the little things in life you should treasure. Your everyday moments that you are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy. This family is making sure they do just that. See one of these sweet twin boys was diagnosed with Leukemia in September. When I contacted this family they wanted to document their family, capture the casual times as a family spent together laughing, playing with toys, making pizza, enjoying the holidays and of course bath time. We are so lucky that we get each day and this is a reminder to live it to the fullest!

He has already started intense chemo treatments (which will continue every week for 3.5yrs), has a port put in and has already started loosing those curly locks. Please keep sweet Austin (Austie) in your thoughts and prayers. He is such an adorable boy and just meeting him for the few short hours that I did I could see what a sweet soul he has. Send positive thoughts his way for full healing, for him to be able to remain healthy and active during treatment and that he will handle the treatment well. Also be thinking of his sweet family and send strength their way.

I asked this family what can we do to help? They said become a bone marrow and blood donor! Something as small as that could save a little boy like this. You can get more information here – bethematch.org/.

This session was one that really tugged at my heart. I realized how important it is to document life as your everyday family. Those special times you spend together. Because of this session I have decided to start offering Day in The Life sessions. If you are interested be sure to email me at lucinda@portraitsbylucinda.com.

Thanks to Jack and Austie’s parents for allowing me to come in their home and document this precious time for them.