*Waves* Hello 2 readers that I still might have. Holy cow, I’ve been very absent lately. You’d think I’m pregnant or something (which I am not). I’ve just been busy taking pictures of pretty people and making them prettier, on top of containing a bunch of 3 year olds all day. It’s exhausting at the end of the day and if I’m honest, I really haven’t felt like blogging.

I really want to keep up with things here, mostly for my sake. I have so many posts to look back on while Rylie was growing into toddler-hood and I want the same for Andrew. I feel bad I haven’t kept up as well with his milestones and growing, but life is crazy with two kids and two jobs. Hopefully I will be around here a little more now that I am starting to balance work, photography and life better.

Torie Lin Photography is doing great! I am loving my job. I absolutely love meeting new people and capturing a special moment in their lives. My favorite part of all is turning those images into something worth keeping. It’s been a learning process, but a fun one. I’ve had a few more newborn sessions, a pregnancy announcement, maternity session, and some family ones. It’s been a blast and I pray that it continues growing so I can keep doing what I love.

Andrew is almost 15 months old. WHAT!? Seriously, the 2nd child seems to grow up so much faster. He is such a smart little guy. He imitates everything his sister does and it is so fun to watch. We are struggling a bit with sharing toys though. Andrew doesn’t understand sharing yet, and Rylie thinks everything is hers. It’s been a constant battle, but I am hoping there will be some sort of break through soon (probably when Andrew starts fighting back, ha!) Andrew doesn’t say as many words as Rylie did at this age, but he sure tries. Most of the time it sounds like some sort of German-gebberish. Even though he doesn’t communicate actual words, he knows how to tell me things and he definitely knows what I am saying. I ask him to go find his milk and he does, or he will go to the pantry door and cry until I get him something to eat. Not the best way to do it, but he is communicating.

It is so much fun to watch them interact as well. Rylie has always shown affection to her brother by hugs (sometimes too tight), kisses and loving on him, but as of late he has been initiating the love. Out of the blue he walks up to her and gives her hugs. It doesn’t last long, but the moment is sweet. I also love watching them share a snack. Many times I give them each a cracker or two; they will both (without prompting) sit together at their kid table in their play room and eat the snack. I love looking out there and seeing those two get along.

Seth and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary on the 6th. Sometimes I can’t believe it’s 5 years, but I feel like it’s been much longer. I think having kids so soon after getting married has made us grow up quickly and experience many new things together. Make any sense? There have been ups, downs, struggles, and joys, but going through all these things together has made us closer than ever.

I think that is most of the catching up I have, for now. There are a few posts just sitting in my draft folder waiting to be finished, but I either can’t find the time to do so, or I sit staring at a blank screen with no words coming to my brain. One of these days I will share my thoughts again. For now I will leave you with some pictures of my cute kiddos.

I had the opportunity to do two momentous sessions for Torie Lin Photography this weekend. Saturday I had my very first newborn shoot (other than taking my own sons pictures) and Sunday evening I did my first maternity. I am so happy with how they both turned out and it’s only getting better from here.

Saturday morning I drove to 10 day old Landon’s house. I went to high school with Ray (the father). His wife and I realized we had the crafty gene in common and became friends. She asked to set up Landon’s newborn photos for the middle of February since his due date was on the 10th. Well, Mr. Landon didn’t want to wait any longer to meet his family and arrived a couple of weeks early. It was a good thing Becca and I had set everything up a few days prior. I even mentioned to her “in case he shows up early”.

I arrived to their house, met their other little boy (19 months) and searched their house for the best lit area. I gathered all of my gear from the car and began to set up. I wasn’t very nervous at all. I thought I would be, but they made me feel comfortable. Plus, little Landon was the sweetest little boy. He already weighed 8 pounds, so I wasn’t hesitant to hold him. (Btw, didn’t I just have a newborn? *Sigh*) He was awake for the beginning of the session, but mommy topped him off and he dozed back to dream land. The most memorable moment was before I even snapped one photo. I set up all the blankets and asked if they wanted to take his diaper off. I warned them that all babies poop and pee during sessions so it wouldn’t be a big deal if he did during his. No 2 seconds after we took his diaper off and get him into position, he peed a river. I couldn’t help but laugh. Becca was worried about ruining my stuff, but I came prepared. Other than that he didn’t go any other times during the 2 1/2 hours we shot. He slept the whole time and barely cried. All other babies have a lot to live up to.

Sunday evening I had my first maternity session. I had been looking forward to a maternity one for a while. I love working with kids and families, but there’s something about a glowing momma to be that creates the most stunning pictures.

Emma, the mom, is also a friend of mine. It is her first child so we had many options as far as location goes. She wanted more of a nature shoot, but I didn’t want them all in a field. We started in a popular downtown location and took a couple there. We finished the session in the field with the beautiful golden hour of light. I’ve been waiting to do a shoot with the perfect lighting and I finally got my chance. I was in Heaven. There were a few clouds in the sky, but once that sun peeked out I quickly repositioned them to take advantage of it. The session went very well, and I am so excited to finish editing the remaining photos.  Aren’t they a gorgeous couple?

Hopefully these two sessions are the first of many more to come. I loved, loved, loved them both and can’t wait to do more! I know I still have a lot to learn, but I am definitely enjoying the journey.

I often have clients ask me what to wear for their family session. I give them my tips and advice on what looks good in pictures. Some take it. Some don’t. If they don’t ask me for my opinion I often ask what their plan is. Many of them say “all white” or “all red” etc. I kind of cringe when they tell me that, but I kindly suggest other options that might look better in pictures. 9 times of out 10 they take my advice. It’s not a big deal if they don’t because that might be the look they are going for.

You might be curious to know what my tips are. Here are a few do’s and don’ts on what to wear for pictures.

Don’t color coordinate. Don’t wear all white, all black or any color for that matter. It is a little out dated and everyone ends up blending together.

Do wear patterns and colors that “go”. Patterns and textures are more visually appealing. Use a color palate or pick a few colors and work around those. (See photo below for an example) I also made a Pinterest board with outfit ideas for clients who are having a hard time finding something to wear. Here is the link.

Don’t wear something unflattering. If you are not comfortable with your arms, than don’t wear a tank top. Wear something that makes you feel good and flatters your figure. Remember ladies, heels make legs look longer

Do buy a few new clothing items. If you are investing in good family pictures take some time to think about what you will be wearing in your pictures.

Do layer clothing. Wear a blazer over a dress or a polo under a shirt. Tights with a skirt and boots look great as well. Scarves, accessories, headbands or bows for little girls. All of these things add visual interest. Just be careful not to throw everything on at once. You don’t want to over do it.

Do bring an extra change of clothes for little ones. Accidents happen and kids get dirty. Having a back up plan is necessary for those unpredictable babies.

Don’t wear logos. A big Nike check, GAP shirt or the like are very distracting in photos. Keep it simple and clean. Graphic tee’s are ok, but nothing over the top.

Do wear make up. Even if you’re not use to it put a little more on. It will keep you from washing out in photos.

Here are a few examples of outfits done right.

This is my family. Notice how we all have the same color scheme (red, blue, grey), but we are not matching.

(All pictures taken by Torie Lin Photography)

I hope this helped you get a better idea on what is visually appealing in pictures. Search blogs, look on Pinterest and really think about your outfits before getting your pictures taken. It can really turn an “ok” photo in to a “wow” photo that will have you smiling for years to come.

Who is ready for another photo session give away? Valentines day is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with a bunch a great pictures with your spouse, kids, fur babies, or even parents. Keep it for your self or give it to a friend in need. There just a couple of things you must do to be entered.

1. Like my photography page Torie Lin Photography on Facebook. (If you already do you are one step closer to entering)

2. Share the picture on my page with the contest rules. Just click the share button.

3. Let me know you did so by either commenting here on my blog, or on my Facebook page.

Here are a few other details you should know before entering: you can enter once per day by sharing the picture on Facebook until January 23rd at midnight. I will be randomly be drawing a name and the winner will be announced on January 24th. You do not have to use your session before Valentines day, but it will expire by March 1st 2013. Session can include up to 6 people. Please be honest when entering.

If you do not end up winning, but would like to book a session anyway my contact info is TorieLinPhoto@gmail.com. Full sessions are $75 for an hour to an hour and a half. Here are some more details about sessions on my website Torie Lin Photography.com.

Any one else feel like December is kicking their butts? Seriously, this is the busiest I have ever been. Between working, doctor appointments, all the Christmas parties, starting this new photography deal and every day life, I am super swamped. I don’t even know how I am writing this post right now!

I just wanted to give an update for those who have been reading about Andrew’s upcoming surgery. It was moved from last month to the 14th, which is this Friday. I am so ready to get it over with, but nervous about him going under anesthesia. If you could, say a prayer that all goes well, he recovers fast, and that we are at peace during the surgery. Thank you!

Also, my photography endeavor is going well! I’ve had at least one session every weekend this month, and I am enjoying it so much! I love meeting the families and working with them, but my most favorite part is editing the pictures. I love seeing a before and after and really making the photos pop. I could do it all day! Here are a few pictures I took over the past couple of weekends.

I just set up my new (to me) computer and it has a 24″ screen! It will be so much better to edit on than a 13″, which seems miniscule to me now.

We have been doing elf on the shelf too. Rylie loves finding Elfie every morning and always calls him “silly Elfie”. I’ve been taking pictures every day and hope to post all of them when this it’s over.

I am loving the holiday season this year. Even though it has the busiest, it’s been the most fun because Rylie is starting to understand it all. We are trying to keep Jesus in the season as best as possible, and keep the “gimmies” to a minimum. It’s hard to teach these things when Christmas is now so commercialized and all about presents, but we are trying.

I want to update on Andrew’s helmet situation too. Hopefully I can get some pictures of his progress so far and post some before and after pictures. It has really improved and I can’t wait to see the end result. Only a few more weeks and we can say good-bye to the helmet!

I hope you are enjoying the holiday season and remembering why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.

A week ago I had my first official photo shoot as Torie Lin Photography. I was super nervous, but totally excited to get there and start. I even was a dork and wrote down poses that I wanted to do because I knew with all the anxiety I would forget.

She warned me ahead of time that her baby hadn’t slept all day and the evenings were rough for her kids. You would have never known that. Maybe because I am use to shooting my stubborn children, but her kids were perfect. I don’t expect for babies and toddlers to sit and pose on demand, but they did pretty darn close to that. Of course there was bribery involved, but anything to get the shot right?

I was so excited to get home and look at the pictures. I had Rylie’s birthday party the next day and my house was not clean, but I didn’t care. I loaded them on my computer and starting to smile as I browsed through the collection of shots. I couldn’t stand making them wait to see any pictures, so I edited one of my favorites and gave a little sneak peek on Facebook.

This is definitely a learn-as-you-go process. There were a few moments I missed because my camera was not ready. I realized a few pictures were not as in focus as I’d like because my settings weren’t right. I’m learning how to keep the kids attention, what angles look best, and how to capture those candid moments. Jenny made my first session easy, relaxed and comfortable and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.

I can’t wait to do more! Watching a dream become a reality is one of the best feelings in the world.

She sure is pretty, huh? I took Rylie to a spot that I’ve had my eye on for a while now. It was just me, her, a bunch of marshmallows, and a big lollipop. She did really well for about 30 minutes and then she was over it. I had to bust out the lollipop to get the last few photos. Bribery at its finest.

I can’t believe she will be 3 on Saturday!

Remember a couple of months ago when I was annoyingly vague in this post? Well, I can finally reveal what has been on my mind in prayer and in thought. I’m will be sharing my love for photography with others in my community.

It’s been on my mind for some time now, but I always talk myself out of it. Thoughts like “your photos aren’t good enough” or “you don’t have the right equipment” or “no body will want to pay for your services”. Those thoughts cross my mind. But here’s the thing; everyone has to start somewhere. You can only get better right? I can only take so many pictures of my kids before people get sick of seeing them. I had to push those thoughts out of my head and take a step–a step in faith.

For those who have asked, I will still be teaching at the school during the day. This is just something I am doing on the side as well as get some feed back on my work. Plus, our family could use the extra money right now. I’m not gonna lie, times are tough, but we are taking whatever measures we can to help our family out.

Also, sorry my blog has been so lame lately. I am still adjusting to our new routine. We also have had many doctor appointments in the last month for Andrew’s new accessory as well as preparing for his upcoming surgery.

Thank for all your encouragement and support as I take on this new beginning. I can’t wait to share some of my work with you guys!

My silly princess.

This is how daddy plays.

Disney World!

My happy boy.

This is how he’s been sleeping lately. 

Poor girl got sick. We had to leave school early that day.

Enjoy the cooler evenings.

We ended on a high. We went to Disney on Saturday, so we were still pumped from the weekend. Rylie is loving school and did not cry at all on Monday. I was so proud of her (she has some mommy-attachment issues sometimes). Mid-week Rylie got sick at school and we had to leave early. She seemed fine when we left the house, but as the morning went on I could see across the hall that she was not herself. She was sitting at her table for snack time, not eating and pouting. If you’ve met Rylie you know that is totally opposite of her personality. We spent Thursday at home just resting and trying to get better. I was so glad that she was back to her normal crazy self today.

I hope you have a great weekend!

Linking up with The Paper Mama for her photo challenge.