Happy Birthday

  Sometimes there are sessions that we must schedule during days that we have an assistant, which includes more than one small child, big groups, newborn babies, etc. Sessions that are helpful to have an extra person but they are often times when it is just myself in the office and it works out better for the family to be scheduled on that day. That’s what happened for this one-year-old session. But with such a well-behaved little boy this session worked out perfectly. Except for when dad may have gotten his foot stuck in a hole at the park, sorry about that dad. He suffered in silence for a minute because he knew we were getting some great smiles, such a dad sacrifice! We were able to get some family photos first with laughter and smiles. We threw on some holiday hats to make them really look cheerful and winter-like. Then we decided to focus on baby Matthew who is growing so fast, not sure he can really be called a baby anymore. He is doing very well with standing up not yet walking any steps but to be honest that’s kind of helpful because if he doesn’t get away as fast when you’re trying to take photos. We did use a chair that was made by a family member and Matthews’s dad had his photo taken in it as well. Those traditions are always very heartwarming because we are the ones that get to create those memories. I will say we met in a unique location but you would never be able to tell from the photos and it shows that mom has a great eye when it comes to some cute little spots to do photos. Near their home is a cemetery that had a small pond, some nice trees so we were able to utilize this area. Of course, making sure do not to get any of the headstones in the photo. It’s actually probably going to be a funny story when told where these photos were taken but really you can’t tell. It was a location close to home and worked out perfectly, great eye mom! We look forward to the next session at 18 months where we are sure that Matthew is going to be running around and keeping us on our toes the entire time! #ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #birthdayclub #oneyearphotos #outdoorsession

Girls in the park

A perfectly wonderful day at the park with the perfectly wonderful family. There are sessions that may seem challenging to parents trying to get the kids to cooperate, however we only need one split second to get the photo. We couldn’t stop smiling when we reviewed these photos, just so many to choose from in there. We have done many sessions together and when baby sister arrived the sessions changed a bit. Getting two children to stay in one spot adds another element to the fun. Now that the weather was nice we did the session outdoors, this makes everything a bit easier and harder at the same time. The open area gives the kids a chance to run around instead of having to stay in one spot like when they are in the studio. At the same time, running around keeps everyone on their toes the whole time, but makes it much easier for us to work with the kids in finding a location they want to sit.
We started off with some photos of the girls together because we knew that was something we wanted to accomplish for sure…well we got it! Family photos were great too because the smiles just kept coming from everyone. We did have to put in some bubble guppy trivia, but whatever works it fine with us. We wanted to make sure that each girl got a chance to have photos by themselves. Since Clare is old enough to tell us what she likes we took her photos in front of a door. She wanted “to see who was home” Despite the smiles we got I think she was a bit upset nobody answered the door, haha! Hannah didn’t get to pick her spots for photos however she showed us that no matter where we put her she was going to smile about it. I have no idea how mom and dad are going to narrow down from this session. Get them all!!

#ravettaphotography #birthdayclub #stlphotographer #parksession

Candid Family

We’ve all had our struggles throughout this crazy year and we are thankful for each of our clients, especially loyal clients, like this little family, who return to us for family photos time and time again! Having the opportunity to watch your children grow, makes us feel like part of the family – even if it’s just one day out of the year. It reminds us that photography is such a rewarding career path and we appreciate working with each of you to create priceless memories like these! Our excitement grew once we booked this session! We always have such a blast when we gather to capture the contagious smiles of Grace & Bruce. They just want to play and explore – there’s nothing wrong with that! We love photographing the true emotions that come along with wandering through the park and turning our session into an adventure. From climbing over bridges to throwing rocks in the creek, and playing peek-a-boo within a willow tree to tossing around our green monkey, these two know how to keep all of us on our toes. You would never be able to tell anyone was a bit upset during this beautiful day at the park, but everyone gets a little over stimulated at times, and photoshoots often become overwhelming for the little ones. We fought through some tears with help from Mr. Green Monkey and all enjoyed taking a stroll throughout the outskirts of the Grand Basin at Forest Park! (Maybe we should plan on a picnic next time! How fun would that be?) We are so glad we were able to reconnect and can’t wait to go on yet another adventure with your sweet family. Slow down Grace & Bruce – you’re growing up way to fast! Until next time…   #familytime #walkinthepark #ravettaphotography #forestpark #stlouis

Oh James!

Oh James, you have grown so much. You surely know exactly what you want and keep everyone around you on the chase…literally! From the moment this wonderful 2 year old stepped out of the car he wanted to run, walking wouldn’t cut it, running only for this guy. Mom thought ahead and brought some favorite items that we could use in photos if needed. Sometimes a running little boy is a challenge but James was also a very curious guy so when we talked about touching the bumpy tree, or sitting quietly to look for a robin’s nest James easily complied. Of course these still moments were quick but that is really all we need to get a great smile, not to mention the help from mom and grandma with some songs and peek-a-boo fun. I enjoyed talking with James about his favorite animals while he also showed off his best cheesy smile. That grin just lit up my day! Yes we have clients that come in only once or twice but our birthday club members are just a joy because we get to watch them grow each time we see them. The personality on this very mobile 2 year old is amazing. He is not a fan of climbing trees or sitting in the grass but he enjoys being outside looking for animals in nature. Or pretending to be one! A small field of grass was a perfect spot for a photo and since we had totally worn out our smile welcome with James I thought we would have a bit of fun. He likes dinosaurs so asked for his biggest roar and stomping through “the forest”. He loved every minute of it and I know this roar face is something mom and dad see often. The next time we see you James you are going to be so much more grown up, but don’t grow up too fast because we like to take some time and just be kids with the little ones, get down on their level and have some fun! #ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #parksession #outdoor #birthdayclub #locationphotos