Helen Joy’s Photographer Blog

Helen Joy George 8/3/15 Helen Joy George 8/3/15

drew kate | love takes root

A month ago I was there when my beautiful nearly 10 pound niece came into the world. Drew Kathrine "Drew Kate". Throughout the 60 hours of labor I saw my sister transform into a mother in the most obvious and out of body way. Throughout her labor as I watched her, I would suddenly flash back to her girlhood and that same freckled nose that I love so. My sister was the picture of strength and patience and trust.

I also was able stand back and watch the love between my sister and brother in law take root deeper than ever during the process.

Since she lives several states away, I waited 2 weeks before going back for a second visit. I think in my big sister, "experienced" mother of 3 mind, I thought I would go and help them with some of the inevitable chaos of the twighlight newborn phase.

Instead I was welcomed into a haven of sweet sweet bliss. It was hours of staring and heart melting sighs (as it should be) and lots of letting the little things go. I also saw my brother in law as an attentive, proud father (a transformation I wasn't there to see since I left the birth room soon after the birth). It was seriously the sweetest 23.5 hours with them.

Throughout the day I managed to capture some of my favorite newborn pictures to date.

www.helenjoy.com

Helen Joy George 4/13/15 Helen Joy George 4/13/15

noah | newborn session

I posted Kathleen's maternity pictures a few weeks ago and wanted to show you some of their intimate newborn session. We did this session just 3 days after this little guy was born. Kathleen tandem nurses both Noah and her 2 year old, something I had always wanted to do but never quite was able too. She and Jon are beautiful, intentional parents and I always love working with them.

This shot of Kathleen and Jon holding hands is one of my very very favorites of all time.

www.helenjoy.com

Helen Joy George 3/19/15 Helen Joy George 3/19/15

waiting on noah | a maternity session

Repeat clients are always special and this family is no exception. It seemed like I had just finished up doing Anna's first year when they rehired me to do baby number 2-a boy, Noah ( I like it!). And way back when, I photographed their engagement pictures as well!

I love this family and the way they hand over the reins to me every single time. They have no expectations and so much trust. A beautiful combo which lends itself to powerful, artistic images every.single.time.

This was I think our 4th attempt at doing maternity photos this go round. Weather and sickness kept us postponing and postponing...and maternity sessions aren't really that postpone-able if you know what I mean ;-)

Just in time, I was able to spend an afternoon with them in their seriously cozy home while the wind howled outside. We then ventured to Jon and Anna's special daddy/daughter date cafe for some pancakes. And we even managed to get a few outside shots at Kathleen's childhood home under the large oak tree that she loves.

These images are so intimate and so warm. Some of my favorite to date.

Also, for my birth/nursing lovers, Kathleen is tandem nursing and I've included a shot of her nursing Anna atop her beautiful baby bump.