The Attitude of Gratitude

I was going through some old photos the other day, and came across this snapshot I took.  It was taken about 10 months ago.  And for me, it has such strong ties associated with it. 

It was taken on my son's first birthday as I had the day off of work and we were enjoying some time at the park in our neighborhood.  He had just learned to walk, and I was reminiscing on the journey of the last year that had taken him from birth to this day in the park.  I have always know that God has loved me, but when I became a mother and felt the love for my son, I understand God's love and plan for me so much more. 

And I remember thinking, "I wonder what the next year will hold for not only my son, but also for me."  I knew I needed to have a job that allowed me to have more time and energy for my son, and my current situation - although an incredible job - was just not fitting that puzzle of my life. 

So when I look at my life that day... less than one year ago - and look at my life today and the way that photography has become such a fun and exciting expression of my creativity, I am blown away. 

I think of all of the amazing families, babies, children, and couples that I have had the joy of serving with my photography, I cannot fight this feeling (and don't want to fight it!) of absolute gratitude. 

And a feeling of pure excitement for what is to come in the upcoming year. 

Thanks to all of my clients - past and future - for making me the luckiest girl in the world.  I truly have the attitude of gratitude.

Cool

A few weeks ago, I did a photo shoot with Jessica and Brian. (Click here.)

Jessica is Miles' daycare provider extraordinaire, and Brian helps out by making the kids laugh and playing them (amazing!!) music on his guitar when he is there. Some music he even writes himself!

(Ah... I remember the days when I had time to sit outside in the sunshine and write songs and play guitar. Now I'm limited to playing/singing "Itsy Bitsy" (spider) and "EIEIO" as Miles requests / calls them. But it's precious nonetheless, and when he cheers and says "YAY Mommy!", it absolutely melts my heart.)

It was so fitting that I captured some great pics of him playing guitar at our shoot. How cool is Brian (or "Bah" as Miles calls him)?!

Headshots & Fitness Faves

A few months ago, I enjoyed doing a fitness photo shoot with Stephanie. She is a very talented fitness professional and soon-to-be mommy! Check out my previous blog post from 12/11/10 for more pics from our session at http://www.milesofsmilesphotography.com/ (click on BLOG).


Here are some of the headshots and other faves that I edited with my new software.

The K Family - Part II {Austin Children's Photographer}

As a photographer, there are those shots that pop up on our screen when it is time to edit that just take our breath away. This was one for me. I just couldn't wait to show his mama!

Are those eyes amazing or what?! No photoshop'ping on the eyes... I promise!

The K Family - Part I {Austin Family Photographer}

I had a wonderful time doing the K family's photos last weekend. "G" wasn't so excited at first, but I tell you what... being a mama myself has sure enhanced my ability to find ways to get smiles and make things fun!

The little pieces of candy I had in my pocket certainly helped get a few of these sweet smiles! And once the smiles started from "G" they didn't stop. HE was actually asking me to keep taking pictures of him! And what a great job he did.

Here are a few photos of Mr. "G." More sneak peeks from this family's session are over on my "Miles of Smiles Photography by Sarah" facebook page. Enjoy!