She’s my next door neighbor.

She’s due to have little man in two or three weeks.

She’s always wanted to be a mom.

Charity is one of the sweetest, kindest people I know. She’s selfless and always thinks about everyone around her. She and Chauncey’s baby boy is going to be one of the happiest little guys around. I made this photograph yesterday, and it’s the only one I’ve edited so far. It’s definitely a favorite though. Dad-to-be Chauncey will make his appearance in the whole post, but I’m definitely wanting to celebrate this gorgeous mama for a minute or two…

Fast forward two and a half years later.  Aimee and Adam will be welcoming a new sweet little girl into their family, Lainie.  It was so much fun to hang out with these guys – to see how grown up Lexi has become, how funny she is, how they love to laugh together, and how gorgeous Aimee is pregnant.  Miss Lainie is going to have three awesome people who love her so incredibly much.  They’re eagerly awaiting her arrival…

Because of that, I’ve had a bit more time to stop. Pause. Look around. And to see the beauty.

Sherry is one of my closest photographer friends. She and I met a little over a year ago for lunch before I started second shooting weddings for her. She and I instantly clicked. I remember we had to make ourselves say good-bye and turn to leave because we would have kept talking ALL day.  Our friendship is still that way – when we call each other to ask simple questions, we just stay on the phone to laugh and talk, for her to update me on the newest Sofie stories…and 45 minutes later get off the phone.

When Sherry asked me to photograph her family, I was floored. I had to try to put aside all my nerves during the session and just focus on playing and having fun. I didn’t want to focus on OH MY GOSH- what if I frame this weird and Sherry wonders why I shot something like xyz? I had to realize that Sherry would be looking at the pictures as a Mom – seeing her little girl grow up. Sherry and Sean are two of THE BEST parents I’ve ever encountered. In case you’re wondering – this was one of my favorite family sessions to date.

I had such an incredible time with these three. Enjoy the photos and leave Sherry, Sean, and Sofie some love!

Here’s a little preview for you…

That was true.

But then this happened…

I had an incredible family session last night. This was a spontaneous, fun moment that I just loved. Laughter, happiness, and joy – that equals perfection.

Just a reminder – if you would like to book a family session this spring, contact me soon. This spring is quite busy with beautiful weddings, engagements, and tons of families. I’d love to be able to photograph yours as well.  Just click the contact button below and drop me a line!

My emotions are a very big part of who I am.  I went into this session with Jessica and her baby girl, J, excited but emotionally wavering. You see, Jessica and Nic had baby J four months ago. Nic was deployed shortly after J’s arrival. This is their first baby girl together, and I just felt this immense pressure to make sure that we would be sending Nic photographs that he would really appreciate. Photos that would speak volumes to how much Jessica misses him, and how much J is growing into a beautiful little girl.

There was so much pressure on me – but it was completely my fault I felt that way. As soon as I met Jessica at our first location, I immediately calmed. How could I not be excited to send Dad pictures of his two beautiful girls?  Jessica has the sweetest voice on this planet, and a giggle that will clench your heart. J was so adorable in her bright pink tutu and her little converse shoes. (I’ve always told my Mom that when we have kids, I too will be dressing him/her/them in baby converse.)

This was one of my very first frames of the day. I think we got the perfect picture.

Know someone in the Military who would benefit from an OpLove Session?  Share Magan’s Lens with them – a baby, children, and newborn photography studio that enjoys reaching out and sharing her work with others.

I’m 100% guilty of this. I feel the stress of this sometimes – the need to get the perfect family photo where everyone is staring directly into the camera with their best non-cheese smile. However, today I was re-watching Tamara Lackey’s Creative Live about children and family portraiture. She gave a beautiful talk about the importance of family portraiture. I was nearly in tears as she described how wonderful they can be – especially when approached with the right attitude.

This hits me at an especially tender moment in my life. A time when our small group is helping a refugee family adapt to America as they’ve just fled their country. Their family. As I’m getting to see our family grow with the soon-to-be very first addition of a nephew. (I’ve never been an aunt before!)  During a time when I’m receiving more inquiries for OpLove sessions than ever before. When I’m getting to see some of the families I have grown to love and care for through this business finally welcoming children into their homes via adoption.

Families are perfect due to the imperfect. I’m embracing that, and I can’t wait to show you some of this family…

As Amber is a photographer herself {insert plug for Amber and her phenomenal high school senior photography}, she edited all of the files she needed for her cards. I have been waiting to share their photos after I got 100% caught up with all of my clients. I’m still working on a full post for the blog, but wanted to share a few that I loved. Enjoy!