Archer turns 7 months old | Spokane Mini Session | Children

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This post is a very special one for me. Several reasons.

1. This age is about my favorite ever! (although I say that about every age..ssh) The smiles are happening. Kids are sitting on their own. And most importantly, they're putting on the chub by the handfuls. Yum! 

2. This photography journey became "official" for me just 7 months ago with Archer's birth (those photos here).  A day am I forever thankful to have been a part of. Since then, I have met dozens of amazing, sweet families! I am continually overwhelmed by people's kindness, generosity, and appreciation for the photos I give them.

3. This took us 15 minutes. That might not sound like a big deal, but for me it is. It means that I've learned a lot. It means I read Archer and his limits, and personality, read this room and its light, knew my abilities to get it right in camera, knew this age and what positions work, and know that families are busy. 

4. The most important thing about this is what his mom Ashley said after. Scroll to the bottom to see her reaction. It is this type of sentiment I hear from clients that makes me happiest of all. It is why I do this. 

Now carry on with the scrumptious Mr. Archer and all his expressions! Ladies, brace your ovaries.

“I teared up, then I laughed out loud, then I wondered in amazement how you captured this beautiful moment when I hadn’t showered and smelled of baby spit up and sweat. Lol! Seriously, every frame is so great! They are all my favorites. Perma mommy grin over here. ”
— Ashley

Mini Sessions are the best for birthdays and kiddo milestones when attention spans are short anyway! Or even for husbands for that matter. ;) Oh and don't forget, today we make our relationship Facebook official. Thanks friends!

Martin Family Fall Photos | Riverside State Park, Bowl & Pitcher, Spokane

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A family for which I'm so very thankful - hello, Martin family. Thank you for making such adorable kids (sorry not sorry for how much I must photograph them). Thank you for agreeing to this amazingly beautiful location. Thank you for such perfect outfit combinations. Thanks for all of it! This photo shoot just goes to show that even with the fall leaves gone, Spokane is still looking gorgeous for photos!! More of the Martins here: maternity, birth.

Please all have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving holiday! Let us remember that we all have much to be thankful for and pray for those that have less or struggle to find a thankful heart. XO

Martin Family Welcomes Baby Archer - Birth Photos - Spokane

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Here is the photo story of the birth of little mister Archer Thayer Martin.

When Ashley and Toby asked me to photograph their son's birth I was...um...shocked, overjoyed, scared, thrilled, and mostly honored. I truly admire the way they approached this pregnancy and birth with such calm—making informed decisions where they could and letting things happen as they would otherwise. I truly believe that pregnancy and birth can affect a woman dramatically. I sincerely pray that every woman could have an experience that leaves her feeling proud, empowered and in awe of the beautiful miracle we get to be a part of. It doesn't matter if your birth is medicated, unassisted, at home, at a hospital, or in an operating room. It's yours. It's beautiful. And you can take part in it. I could witness a baby being born every day and never get enough! For Ashley and Toby, it turned out to be a beautiful day full of quiet, calm, peace and love. It was just the outcome everyone had hoped for—healthy and happy baby boy welcomed lovingly into the arms of his happy parents, sister, and family.

It's what Ashley said to me after seeing these photos that will stick with me for a lifetime:

“It was such a blessing to have you there with us and to capture such an important day in our life. Not only was it the day we completed our family and brought Archer into the world, it was healing for me personally to have such a positive birth experience. Having the photos to document the details of that experience gives me something tangible as a reminder of this whole journey - like the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. The photos are truly amazing. ”
— Ashley

See their maternity photos here.

Thank you again Ashley and Toby and the doctors and nurses at Deaconess.

Martin Family - Maternity Session - Spokane

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Be prepared for the Martin family take over the start of this blog! For one, I just love them. Two, the timing is perfect - I got to do their maternity, birth and newborn photos - woop! And three, I decided to post my work moving forward from the time I start this blog instead of going back. So here we go!

What you can't tell from these photos is that one person fell off a log and another person got stung by bees multiple times in the bum....um oops...sorry guys! lol It was memorable for sure. :)

It was so special to get some of just the three of them before their family of four was complete. And seriously, how gorgeous is Ashley at nearly 40 weeks pregnant - ah, love it! Enjoy the adorable Toby, Ashley and Lily only a few days before they welcomed Baby Brother into the world!