CCJames Photography » the blog

….but the time starts flying by once we reach the end of summer.  I learned from last year – it starts to get REALLY busy by the end of August.  So, I’m trying to plan ahead a little bit and get some things ready.  So, here is a sampling of the BEAUTIFUL collection of holiday card templates that I have for 2008.  These are so great because EVERYTHING is customizeable – including the colors in the textures (as you can see from the first and second one).  I will have more styles available as we move closer to the holidays.

If you are thinking of scheduling a session for the fall please contact me as soon as possible with your requested time frame.  I will start confirming dates in late August and weekends will fill up very quickly.  The deadline to do a session for holiday cards and/or prints will be November 15th this year.

I will be out of the office (and out of town) until next week on a girlie weekend – woo-hoo!   My husband has 4 WHOLE days alone with our daughter – the longest yet!   I’m sure she’ll have a blast because D.D.I.D!!!!  That’s Jeff’s slogan -

“Daddy Does It Different”    

oh – PS – the cards don’t actually have a black border around them.  I just needed to define the card from the white background.     

It’s not too often that I get to photograph older kids.  I’m not sure why that is.  Maybe as parents we just get tired of taking pictures by the time our kids get past the first decade…..  Older kids are so much fun because a) I don’t have to chase them and b) they are very genuine with their smiles – or lack there of.  I find them fascinating as I think of my daughter getting older and what she will be like.

These two girls were so much fun to work with.   Sisters and nine years apart – they couldn’t be more different.  Both with their own style, personality and beauty.  This session was a referral from one of my great clients that I photographed twice last year.  Click HERE to see some of her pics. 

The younger sister, witty and full of personality and zest for everything (except bugs)!

The older one – beauty beyond her years – but so innocent and sweet.

I can really see the resemblance in the next two pictures – that magnetic smile!

What can I say about this one?  Gorgeous – gorgeous – gorgeous! 

And with mom (dad got a hall pass for the day!).

Thanks for coming out on a hot and steamy morning!

I often tell people the best time to photograph newborns is within the first 10 days – that’s when they are the most sleepy and agreeable.  This little sweety was 3 weeks old – so we had a tough time getting her to fall asleep – but when she did, she was OUT!  And, it all worked out because even when she was awake she was really happy.  Such a cutie pie!

Click HERE to see a few of her cousin – right about the same age…. see any resemblance???

I had to include this – so funny!  We were talking about how our babies give us “the bird” sometimes.  I really think they know……

And she’s out…..

Must be a good dream……night-night miss “p”.   

I know I take a lot of snapshots of my daughter – but she rarely volunteers to let me take pictures of her.  So, this morning when she offered, I jumped at the chance.  It lasted for about 5 minutes – but hey – she’s two!

When I look at these images, I can’t believe how big she is – and yet how small she still is.  I never thought I could love a face so much! 

This first picture I just love because it’s one of her genuine smiles.  I don’t get many of those for the camera – usually just the cheesy picture grins – which are cute too of course!

I love the third one – her cherry lips and cute little nose glowing in the sun.  Awwwww.

I don’t think I will ever tire of sneaking in my daughter’s room and taking pictures of her while she’s sleeping.  I did this with my point and shoot – in total darkness.  Don’t worry – she didn’t even budge when the flash went off.    Sorry I’ve been MIA for a while – had some out of town stuff come up. 

This was my very first set of newborn twins!  I’ve done newborns, and I’ve done twins, but not BOTH!    Mom and Dad were so relaxed – it was amazing.  I always think of when I first became a mom - and I was anything but relaxed!  We had a great time and these two little boys were a dream.  They pretty much slept the whole time – with one meal break.

I can’t wait to watch them grow up!  I’ll be doing two more sessions with them during their first year.

Proud parents…. 

I had such a great morning with this family on Sunday.  It’s a good thing none of us checked the forecast before we met or we might have cancelled.  But – we got all the pictures done before it really started raining – then we stood around talking in the rain when we were done.  I know I’ve said this before – but I have to say it again – the best part about my job is the people that I meet.  Every time I have a session, I feel like I’ve made some new friends!   Little Miss “R” just turned two and was so sweet and full of smiles.  Mom and Dad were very relaxed and laid back – which makes my job so much easier.

Thank you so much for sharing your story with me  – I hope you enjoy these preview pictures until the rest of yours are ready!

These are the infamous “purple crocs” that Mom said she wears 24/7 LITERALLY!  She even takes a bath and goes to bed in them!  Of course, they sneak in and take them off after she falls asleep.  Kids are so funny!

Just look at those eyes!

This was so cute – she ran up REALLY CLOSE to let my camera smell the flower. 

Our very own little “diva”

Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always thought the most important thing in the world is people.  Without people – what do you have?  Being from a small family with no siblings, I have been so lucky in my life to have many “surrogate” families that I feel very much a part of.   This family is one of them.  A group of people that are so loving, generous, kind and fun.  My dear friend and old roommate, Noel, lost her father yesterday.  I feel helpless being so far away – they are in California and I in Atlanta.  I wanted to honor his memory with some pictures I took at Noel’s wedding in November last year.  It was beautiful and her father was so happy and proud, even though he just received the news that he would soon be fighting a battle with cancer.   

So, here are some pictures –  in loving memory and my most humble tribute to a beautiful man and his wonderful family.  I love you guys.

I had such a wonderful session today.  This family of three is soon to be four.  Little sis will arrive in September and big sis is soooo excited.  Mom said she really wanted these pictures to be about little miss “E” and the new baby.   We had so much fun and miss “E” was EXTREMELY cooperative and sweet the whole time – it was amazing.  We got so many wonderful shots – I don’t even know how I will narrow it down!

Here’s a few for you all to enjoy.  This first one is definitely one of my FAVORITES! 

 This one (below) is also one of my very favorites.  I know everyone wants the smiles, but sometimes these tender moments speak so much louder.

 And the star of the show with her PRIZE for being such a great model!!!! 

Can’t wait to meet the littlest miss “E” in September!

I often smile to myself when I watch the things that Daddy teaches Kylie (sometimes on purpose and sometimes not).  Since he doesn’t spend quite as many hours with her as I do, he isn’t trained to think – “should I REALLY show her this trick?”.  For instance, if I forget something upstairs I might call up to Jeff and say – “Hey, can you grab my crocs?” – at which time he will come to the catwalk and proceed to toss them down to me…… hmmmmmm….. what do you think happens next in the story?????

Well – this trick is pretty funny and every kid should learn it.  Good job Daddy – for making life so fun(ny)!!!!!

** Okay, I haven’t figured out how to post the video INTO the blog yet – so if you are interested in a laugh – click the link below and it will play the video on your computer ** 

Tummy Tickle