Vail Photographer - Sheeran Family Photos in Beaver Creek, Colorado

You often hear photographers talk about the magic hour for lighting.  It's the last hour of good light in the day before it starts to get dark. It's called the magic hour because it produces the most flattering light on your subjects without the harsh shadows that appear when the sun is directly overhead.  The only issue is that this is also the time of day that kids are starting to wind down.  They're tired and often pretty hungry.  What's the solution?  Gorgeous girly tutus, promises of pizza for dinner and the assurance that we'll get the photos as fast as possible!

Having a good location also helped to keep my photo session with the Sheeran's on track.  We shot in a meadow in Beaver Creek and stopped a couple of times on the drive down to the base.  The old barn outside The Mirabelle was a great backdrop to finish the session with.

Bridget (pink tutu) is one of Maxwell's little buddies.  She was very confused about me being there without him.  My highlight of their session was Bridget asking me where 'Maskwell' was.  So cute!

In other news, I'm happy to announce that my new logo is complete and should be up and running shortly.  I'm about to embark on setting up my new website, so keep an eye out for White Starfish's new face lift!

To see more Vail Family Photos, click here.

Vail Wedding Photographer - Jessica and Brian's Engagement Photos

Jessica and Brian used to live in Vail, so it was fantastic that they were willing to drive back up here from Denver to have their engagement photos taken.  We started out in Vail Village and we took a few shots by the covered bridge and then moved around to a couple of spots I had found earlier along Forest Road and on the other side of I-70.

We shot their photos in the morning, which I don't usually do because I prefer the late afternoon light.  Morning was the only time that really worked for all of us though and I think the light turned out great.  Here are a few of my favorite shots from their session.

To see more Vail Engagement Photos, go to the Engagement Collection.

Vail Newborn Photographer - Parker's First Photo Session

The best thing about being pregnant at the same time as your friends is being able to share the good times and the bizarre times that come with pregnancy. Kim and I are lucky enough to have gone through not 1, but 2 pregnancies at the same time, so I was super excited when Parker Hood made his entrance into the world. 

We were able to shoot at Kim's house and we had 3 new vinyl backdrops to work with.  I fell in love with these backdrops instantly and promptly went online to Etsy and bought 5 more. 

Big sister Emma made a few cameos and gave us some gorgeous photos during the session too. 

To see more, go to The Vail Newborn Photos Collection.

Vail Maternity Photographer - Rachel and Ben's Maternity Photos in Vail, Colorado.

When you're pregnant, you tend to notice pregnant people everywhere.  I don't know if it's just because I had a baby this summer, but it really does seem like there's a baby boom going on in our little valley at the moment.  Rachel and Ben are expecting their first little boy at the end of October, so it was a great time for us to take some maternity photos recently.

We went to a little spot at the top of Beaver Creek and Rachel brought along a few props, including the awesome clothesline in the second photo.  Their first born, Sierra, managed to make it into a few photos too (see the last photo).  Sierra and Beansy are friends from way back in the day when they used to roam the Vail softball fields together.

Rachel and Ben are doing my Belly to Baby package, so expect to see some photos of Baby CJ in the next few weeks.  I've just stocked up on backdrops and props for newborn sessions too, so I'm very excited!

Vail Newborn Photographer - Newborn Photos of Baby Evan in Vail, Colorado

The only way that I can describe last week is 'insane'.  I had a wedding to shoot, a newborn shoot, a maternity shoot, 2 family shoots and an engagement shoot.  On top of that, I had to take Maxwell to Denver to ride on the Thomas the Train.  We had tickets to see him a few weeks ago, but he got caught up in all of the flooding on the front range.  Somewhere in between all of this,  Russ and I were both in our friends wedding on Sunday afternoon.  Thank goodness my wonderful in-laws were able to come and help us out with the madness!

So this week I'm playing catch up and getting lots of editing done and trying to get in a few blog posts too.  Our dear friends Jeff and Suzanne had Baby Evan a couple of weeks ago, and these shots were taken last Monday.  Isn't she beautiful?!  I love her little hands.  I'm pretty sure this is going to be Harrison's prom date in a few years, but I don't think Evan's Daddy will appreciate me saying that!  

Go to The Vail Newborn Photography Collection.

Vail Wedding Photographer - Fall Piney Lake Wedding, Vail, Colorado.

Mary Beth and Justin decided to hold their fall wedding up at Piney Lake, so I was very excited to be able to shoot their big day.  Piney Lake is a hidden gem in the valley and it requires you to drive 11 miles up an extremely bumpy, pot holed dirt road.  Once you turn the last bend and see the view of Piney Lake set against the Gore Range, it definitely makes the whole drive worth it.

Their wedding had so many gorgeous details from the cowboy boots to the signage set along the road, guiding guests towards the lake.  You never know how the weather is going to be in the Rockies in the fall, but we were lucky enough to have a perfect day with blue skies over Piney Lake.  Here are some of my favorite pics from their stunning day.

To see more weddings from White Starfish, go to The Vail Wedding Photography Collection.