CCJames Photography » the blog

Sometimes it’s even MORE challenging to photograph people/kids you know – but for this session that was not the case.  We had a great time and spent most of it laughing.

Meet my dear friends, the Dekels!

This was Bella’s second official photo session and she did a fabulous job!  Her big sister Kiki was a huge help.  They are both about to celebrate their birthdays (1 and 5).

Look at those EYELASHES – and that sweet little grin!

Gorgeous right?  I can’t believe how she’s growing up right before my eyes.

We finished our session with a fabulous dinner at Zuccas!  What a great way to spend the afternoon!  ;)

I feel so lucky to get to cuddle, hold and kiss these sweet little babies so I don’t have to have another one of my own.  I get my “baby fix” without the sleep deprivation!  ;)

Miss “E” did such a great job for us.  She was already 4 weeks old because we had to reschedule twice.  But after we wrapped her, fed her and rocked her for a couple hours, she slept just like a newbie!   Mom and Dad are both school teachers (which I admire so much) and they are overjoyed with their new little angel!

I think she’s smiling at Daddy!

I think this is my favorite one – tiny little baby, beautiful mommy, such a special moment.

Little miss “C” arrived a little early and she is the sweetest thing with a full head of hair and silky soft skin.  I had so much fun photographing her – and mom is so relaxed – she let me do whatever I wanted!  ;)

Mom (and Dad) have their hands full with these two beauties – just wait until they are in high school!

Miss “C” gave me so many smiles during our session.  Sometimes she would even open her eyes and smile.  I think she really likes me…..

Miss “A” was so great the whole morning.  She loves her baby sister and she even did a few poses for me.  Beautiful!

You can see our last session HERE.  Thanks mom for allowing me to capture such precious moments for you.  Can’t wait to see you guys again!  :)

…for me to write a blog post (LOL)!   It’s been exactly one month since my last post – a personal record I think!  My apologies to my loyal followers (and anyone who periodically checks in), but I have been on a “break” from all things photography related for a while.  This past holiday season was very busy (which I am so thankful for), but I feel like my family paid the price for me working nonstop for most of the fall.   I am finding that it’s quite difficult to manage what has turned into a full time business on part time hours.  Add to that, managing a household and being active in my children’s lives (and my marriage), and there’s not much time left for anything or anyone – including myself.

I have much to think about.  There will be some changes to CCJames Photography this year.  I am excited to say that I will be “slimming” down my schedule to allow me to be a better mommy to my two beautiful kids and a better wife to my amazing husband.  My photography business has given me so much joy and I have big plans for the future – but I am going to take things at a bit slower pace starting this year until my kids are in elementary school.  I will be working on some other exciting changes this year as well (not telling yet…) and I plan to continue improving my craft and learning more about how I can be a better photographer for YOU – my awesome clients!

I will close with two sweet pictures of my daughter and her cousin.  One is from Christmas 2007 and the other from Christmas 2009.  They are separated by many miles, but you would never know it when they are together.  It warms my heart to see their relationship and to watch my daughter experience all of the joys that a family can bring – especially a BIG family!  ;)

You might remember this family because we just recently did a session while mom was pregnant.  Miss “E” arrived a couple days before Christmas – and she is just a sweetheart.  She was awake for most of our session, and surprisingly, she hardly made a fuss.  I couldn’t really curl her up and pose her like I do the sleeping babies – she liked to stretch out.  She’s only two weeks old and so alert.

Doesn’t she almost look a bit annoyed with me here?  Like – “Hey photographer lady, can’t you see I’m trying to relax here??”  Hee-hee!

Mom is amazing.  Mr. “A” came along for the session, so it was just the four of us.  Anytime I tried to take pictures with mom and baby, Mr. A wanted in on the action.  Mom handled everything with a smile, she was so relaxed.  Love that.  :)

After several hours, Miss E gave in to the sleep.  She REALLY liked being wrapped up, so I decided to just photograph her that way.  Doesn’t she look peaceful?

Of course, big brother didn’t want to have his picture made with his little sister.  Mom let me put her in the baby-doll stroller to see if Mr. A would come with us and take a picture.  I wouldn’t normally share this pic (it’s not really a “portrait”) but don’t you just LOVE the little twinkle in his eyes?!   “Now I’ve got her, look out, here we come!!!”  Of course, he’s a pretty smart little guy, and once he realized it was part of an evil plan to take his picture, he was done.

I met a wonderful family recently – Mom, Dad and two young men.  Mr. M is 19 and Mr. J is 17.  All I can say is WOW!  They were really great to work with and, I think, by the end they even kind of liked me!  ;)  It’s so hard for me to imagine that my children will one day grow up and have their own lives.  Complete independence.  Well, I can hope right?

These two guys answered a question for me and I think it speaks volumes….

Crystal: “So, what are you guys gonna do when I’m done torturing you (ahem, I mean taking pictures of you)?”

Them (in unison): “Go out”

GO OUT?  Where?  What time will you be back?  Who will you be with???  Your parents just let you LEAVE????  Of course, I didn’t actually say this out loud – considering the oldest is already living away from home and attending college and the youngest can drive, etc, etc.  But, being the parent of a 3 year old and an 11 month old – it was very hard for me to have some restraint.  Oh my gosh….. how will I ever let go!

The youngest, the baby of the family – but no longer a baby at all.  Handsome and sweet – with a great smile.  (And that’s Oreo with him)

Older brother – GREAT eyes right?  He also had the coolest yellow shoes – very stylish!  :)

Here’s everyone.  I’m so glad that mom organized our session.  Now she will have some GREAT images of her boys and the family – and I will have fond memories of a fun-filled afternoon!  :)

I got to meet this precious little girl on her DUE DATE because she was nine days early.  Mom and Dad are calling her their Christmas gift – and what a special gift she is.   I feel so lucky to have a glimpse into the early days of new babies and new parents.  It brings back memories of my experiences with both of my children (good & bad) and reminds me of just how quickly the time flies by – and how amazing these teeny, tiny, wee ones are.

Meet Miss “A” and her perfect little angel lips, fuzzy baby hair and tender soft skin.  And yes, I just had to give her a little kiss while I held her….  ;)

The jury is still out – Gators or Bulldogs……..

I kept trying to curl her little legs up under her (which most babies love), but Miss A wasn’t having any of it.  She would instantly stretch her legs – and even prop herself up on her knees.  Adorable right??

This holiday season has been a whirlwind – and it’s not even completely over!   I have yet to blog about the AWESOME visit with Santa at the Shoppe of Vinings and a very special event that I volunteered for at the Atlanta Children’s Shelter.  And, there are a couple people that have yet to receive their galleries (THANK YOU for your patience).  I have been working 24/7 it seems – and so has the fabulous miss Allyson (thank you, thank you, thank you).  I miss my husband and my kids – and my brain!  So, I’m off tomorrow for a very special trip to CANCUN with three wonderful ladies who have been friends of mine since the EARLY days (I’m talking 80’s fashion, first loves, pre-baby, etc. etc.).  We planned this trip in August and it’s so hard to believe it’s already here, but I’m BEYOND excited!  I hope to enjoy lots of laughs, have some fun in the sun, and get some much needed rest.  I’ll be back Monday to finish out the season and can’t wait to spend time with my family and friends again.

Thank you so much to all of my fantastic clients, my beautiful family, and my awesome friends for an amazing year.

Hoping tomorrow will look something like this……CHEERS!

These two darling girls gave me the hardest time – but I can’t help but love their silly smiles and goofy faces.  I’m sure mom is convinced we got ZERO good shots after all the chaos and chasing, running, dancing, etc.  BUT, not to worry – lots of great images – and these are just a few!  I can’t believe how much they have grown since last year – beautiful little ladies.

I was looking through these images and found myself humming the Beatles song…. All ya need is love, da, da-da-da-da….

This family holds a special place in my heart and I’ve been doing their pictures for several years now.  Mom has been through a very tough couple years and I’m really hoping that 2010 holds only GREAT things for her.  Mr. “M” and Miss “O” are the BEST subjects to photograph – full of hugs and giggles.  This family of four really does exude an aura of love.  It’s great just spending time with them.