atlanta locations | johns creek family photographer

After you've chosen the date for your photo session and your family's perfectly coordinating outfits, what's next? Location! This can be hard to choose but no matter the spot, I assure you that your images will be amazing. The most important thing is that YOU are in them. Location is secondary but can also help set the mood or vibe that you're going for with these portraits. I'm including some of my favorite shots from some of my favorite locations in the greater Atlanta area. I often do sessions on location in clients homes so know that is an option as well. But please know that I am always up for adventure and trying somewhere new!

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park

Atlanta Beltline

Atlanta Beltline

Lenox Park in Buckhead

Lenox Park in Buckhead

Big Creek Greenway in Cumming, GA

Big Creek Greenway in Cumming, GA

Caney Creek Park in Suwanee, GA

Caney Creek Park in Suwanee, GA

Barrington Hall in Roswell, GA

Barrington Hall in Roswell, GA

Sims Lake Park in Suwanee, GA

Sims Lake Park in Suwanee, GA

Poole's Mill Bridge Park in Ball Ground, GA

Poole's Mill Bridge Park in Ball Ground, GA

Webb Bridge Park in Alpharetta, GA

Webb Bridge Park in Alpharetta, GA

Vickery Creek Park in Roswell, GA

Vickery Creek Park in Roswell, GA

One Year Session | Johns Creek Baby Photographer

Miss Avery is ONE!!!
Miss Avery is ONE!!! This was my first session back from maternity leave. I cannot tell you how excited I was to be back photographing these adorable kids  We met at a beautiful park in Johns Creek. The weather was absolutely perfect too! 

Avery, her big brother Luke, and big sister Addison were too cute together. I loved my evening with them! I brought my 6 week old newborn Ryan as my “assistant” to the session and Avery NEEDED to have him. It was the most precious thing ever. Mom snuggled Ryan while I did the shoot. Then every time she walked away, Avery would reach her arms out and squeal for them to come back. At first we thought Miss Avery just wanted mom but later figured out she has a baby obsession. Might be time for baby Adams #4 ??? Right Amber? 

Adams family, I had a blast with your children and hope that you enjoy these images! Happy 1st Birthday Avery!!!

Project 365 | February 1-15, 2015 | Johns Creek, GA Family Lifestyle Photographer

February has started out wonderfully... such a magical time with our new tiny baby.

2.1.2015Big brother loves to help and insisted on wearing his "big brother" button every time he came to the hospital.

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love these little boys

2.4.2015

2.5.2015
First visit to Dr. Harbaugh! Jack got to be the big brother helper

2.6.2015
Ryan's baby quilt from Gran and Poppy

2.7.2015
Brothers

2.8.2015
Newborn session round 1

2.9.2015
One of the rare awake moments of these early days

2.10.2015
Faces of the day:
Ryan's in between more newborn photos
Jack's as he prepares his Jake valentines for school

2.12.2015
Valentine sweetheart lunch with my big boy. And his sweet answers about mommy:)

2.13.2015
little assistant loving his camera

2.14.2015
Happy Valentine's Day from our little loves

2.15.2015
All the tiny details.

2.16.2015
Yes, Jack rides his tricycle in the house:) But the best part is when he takes toys for a ride. On this day it was his "Elmo Friends." 

2.18.2015
Pre naptime snuggles.

2.19.2015
sweet baby face

2.20.2015
It's so hard to make yourself get in front of the camera when you're the one making the pictures happen. When my mom was in town to help, I was determined to get some shots with my boys. As moms, we may not love how we look (especially after giving birth!) but I know when I look back on these, I will be so thankful that I got in the frame. This is already one of my favorite photos so far this year.

2.21.2015
Learning to take the paci. We had these elephant wubbanubs with jack, so had to stock up on some new one for Ryan.

2.23.2015
Had to capture our favorite newborn outfit of Ryan's before this big boy outgrows it!

2.24.2015
Goofy face before school on an almost snow day.

2.25.2015
Ryan's first "snow." I guess we should call it his first snowfall since nothing ended up sticking over here.

2.26.2015

Project 365 | Week 4 | January 22-31, 2015 | Johns Creek, GA Lifestyle Family Photographer

Such an exciting and what felt like an incredibly loooooooong week! The days leading up to the birth of Ryan and our first couple days with him. My c section was originally scheduled for the 26th but our dr (who we love!), ended up traveling to see his first grand baby so we postponed until he got back. Baby and I held out but it really made this feel like the longest week ever.

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Jack's preschool celebrates summer birthdays as half birthdays so Jack got to have a 1/2 birthday party on this day:) He was so excited and cute about getting to have a "party" and cupcakes. My friend Collette at Shaddy Cakes made the cupcakes with a cake flavor of cookies n cream. So yummy, everyone wanted more! And almost a month later, Jack is still talking about this day. 

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We gave jack this umbrella for Christmas and it is arguably his favorite present ever. He has also always been all about his rain boots and coat so on this rainy day I decided to take him to a local park for some puddle jumping. He only made it through this one jump and then was too upset that his pants and socks got wet. We'll have to do this more often!

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Jack asks to read about baby brother every night. This Berenstein Bears book is one of his favorites! 

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On the lookout for Captain Hook!

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"Double Tickles" 
Part of the "night night go go daddy" routine that's been going on for almost 2 years on John's nights to put jack down. They have a long list of made up games that they play on our bed on these nights that produce lots of squeals and giggles!

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One of Jack's frequent requests is to visit Whole Foods...its all about that cart and shopping for his foods.

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Jack's big boy room!

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The finished half of baby's native american themed nursery. Bedding made by my mom and teepees made with the help of Jack. We'll show the other half before too long!

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1:36pm: our hearts and family grew to welcome this little love. 
Ryan Lee Orton 
9lbs 3oz | 20.5 in

31|365

More love every day.

Project 365 | Week 3 | January 15-21, 2015 | Johns Creek, GA Family Photographer

Week three of project 365!
Some everyday adventures, some out of the ordinary. But a fun week to capture!

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My new assistant. We were picking out paint colors for baby's room at Home Depot and Jack insisted on "helping" me take a picture. Now he does this almost every day!

16|365"Look Mommy, I in there!" Putting final touches on the big boy room.

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"Look Mommy, I in there!" 
Putting final touches on the big boy room.

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So many good photos from the birthday party at INK today, I had such a hard time choosing... but finally settled on these because: 

1. It was Millie's bday at ink
2. Our friend, Joel, makes the 365 pic
3. Michael covering Madeleine's mouth as she was trying to help blow out Millie's candle...lol 
4. Jack and Millie's cousin are "helping" her blow the candle
5. (Pic #2) Jack stuffing his face with birthday cake- something we recently discovered that he loves!

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Hopefully our last grocery trip before baby!

19|365
38 weeks. Comparing bellies.

20|365
My little assistant loves trips to the post office to mail photo orders.
Jack has been loving trips to the post office for about a year and a half now. He loves to put packages in the big door and knows the process of weighing and stamping first. I had to capture this moment of one of his favorite things.

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A day in the life of a little superman... flying, preschool, napping...
These velcro cape tshirts are the cutest invention ever! I have been getting them in every size from Gap since started walking. He obviously loves them!

gender reveal - spring baby, pink or blue? | Johns Creek Maternity Photographer

My beautiful friend, Sarah, contacted me after finding out the gender of her baby and wanted to do a special photo shoot for Van, Sarah and Chad's son. I was instantly excited about this idea and knew how sweet Van has been about his mommy being pregnant and wanting to know if his sibling would be a boy or a girl. I couldn't wait to witness the big reveal!

It's a girl!!!! Van was adorable and giddy with excitement over his soon to be baby sister! I couldn't be more thrilled for my sweet friend and her family. This baby girl is so blessed to have  a big brother like Van and such awesome parents, too:) Thank you, Chad and Sarah, for letting me be part of the big reveal!

2014 Fall Mini Sessions | Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Roswell, GA Family Photographer

2014 Fall Mini Sessions are here! 

Sunday evening, October 12th

Times available:

4:00pm

4:30pm

5:00pm

5:30pm

6:00pm

6:30pm

Preschool Ballerinas | Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Dance Photographer

For the last 4 years, I have had the pleasure of teaching preschool ballet at our church as an after school elective for the preschool. Each year I have had such a wonderful group of little girls who are so sweet and enthusiastic about being beautiful ballerinas. And this year was no different! I had 7 cuties and we learned ballet through movement, balance exercises, basic ballet moves, and we even learned a couple dances (including a tap dance)!

Our end of year recital occurred this week and was a wonderful evening where we showed off everything that they've learned over the year. The girls were so excited to perform for their parents and I was so proud of the show that they put on! Before the show began, I took the opportunity to take some photos of the girls all dressed up for the big evening. Enjoy!

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precious baby boy | Roswell Newborn Photographer

I was thrilled when Danyella and Wes contacted me about a newborn session for their new precious boy, Lucas. I can't ever say enough about how the specialness of newborn sessions. It's such a sweet and fleeting time in a family's life and I'm always so honored to be asked to capture the makeup of a new family.


We had such a wonderful afternoon together, baby Lucas was as sweet as he could be and I loved getting to chat with his mom and dad during our breaks. I've known Danyella and her family for several years and they are such great people. I've met Wes a couple times so enjoyed this chance to get to know him and Danyella as a couple. They are already such great parents, Lucas is so lucky to have them! 


Thank you so much, M family, for inviting me to photograph your beautiful newborn baby boy and new family of three:)  I wish you nights full of sleep and days full of joy! You have so many fun times ahead of you with sweet Lucas. 

adorable brother and sister | Johns Creek Child Photographer

How cute are these two kiddos?? They belong to some good friends of ours and I had so much fun capturing their busy and fun personalities on this sunny evening in March. Michael is 100% boy and loved throwing money in the water fountains, growling like a dinosaur/monster, and running & jumping all over the place! Miss Madeleine is absolutely adorable as you can see, with her piggie tails, cute little walk, and "so big" expressions. 

Thank you for asking me to capture your beautiful kids this spring, G family! I had so much fun playing with Michael and Madeleine and capturing their little selves and big personalities. I hope you will enjoy these images for many years to come!

beautiful new addition | Johns Creek Baby Photographer

I can't say enough great things about this session and the beautiful family that you'll see here. I just love newborn sessions and this one was so much fun. And you will not believe how amazing this momma looks, just 8 days after giving birth! I'm so impressed.

Chelsey was a sorority sister of mine at Samford and she and her husband recently moved to Atlanta and to open their own location of Iron Tribe Fitness. I loved catching up with her, meeting her husband Chaz, hearing about their new business and of course, photographing their beautiful new addition Nora! Such a special family.

Nora was an absolute angel during our session. She slept, let us pose her sweetly, and took snuggle and eating breaks with mommy and daddy and then was ready to get back to work! I just love how the images turned out from our session.

Thank you, Tillman family, for allowing me to capture Nora during these precious, early days of her life! You have such a sweet and beautiful girl and she is so blessed to have you as parents! I wish you all the best during this magical time:)

one year old little guy | Atlanta Baby Photographer

Joseph, how in the world are you ONE?? Wasn't it just yesterday that we did your newborn session? Crazy how fast time flies.

I have absolutely LOVED being able to photograph this little guy during his first year of life. We did sessions when he was a newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and now one year.  It has been a pleasure to watch him grow and see what new things he's doing at each stage. Joseph is such a precious and beautiful baby and his mom and dad are so loving and attentive, he's lucky to have them.

Thank you so much, Alicia and Josh, for hiring me to be Joseph's first year photographer. I can't begin to describe how much fun I've had at our sessions, how I've enjoyed getting to know you all, and how much I've loved seeing Joseph grow! 

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The Koehnke Family | Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, GA Extended Family Photographer

Another awesome extended family session for the books! I met this family at their home in early January. We were hoping for pictures by the lake in their neighborhood, but the weather betrayed us and it was freezing outside! So we moved the session to their home which was beautiful and if we had to do it indoors, their house was perfect for it.

All of their family members had come into town for the occasion of this family's son's baptism. It's rare that they are all in the same city- usually only once per year- so they contacted me to update their family portraits. 

I had a wonderful time with all of them and can really tell that they enjoy each other's company and were so glad to be together for such a special event. 

Thank you, Koehnke Family, for inviting me to your home to capture all of your family members together. Your home served as a beautiful backdrop and I enjoyed helping you make memories of this time in your lives!

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sweet little siblings | Alpharetta Family Photographer

I was so excited about this session for my friends the Gersters and hoped that we would get lucky and have a warm December session. Not so much, it was freezing!!!

We got some really sweet shots in the short time we were together but will be finishing this session on a warmer day. So look for more of this beautiful family soon!

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beautiful sisters ~ family of 4 | Atlanta Family Photographer

Really love this sweet family. I first met the Bakers when their daughter, Abigail, was 3 and started taking preschool ballet with me. That was a little over 3 years ago! I can't believe how much she's grown and continues to get more and more beautiful. 

Now, I have the pleasure of teaching ballet to little sister, Kiersten. She is just so full of life and energy and is constantly making me laugh. Not to mention that she is another beautiful daughter they've added to the family. 

All that to say, I was thrilled when Cheryl called me to book their session. We had to get together quickly because Abigail was going to lose one or both of her front teeth any minute! We worked out the session, had perfect weather, and Abbey lost her tooth 3 days later! Talk about perfect timing. 

I had so much fun with your beautiful family, Bakers, and I thank you for inviting me to your home to photograph your family and create memories for you all. XOXO.

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fun family of 4 | Johns Creek Family Photographer

This family was so much fun to photograph. I met them for the first time at our session and they were so easy to talk to, great senses of humor, and all around lovely people! They really enjoyed each other's company, which I love to see that with families- It just warms my heart:) And I really think that comes through in their images. 

Love the variety of backdrops at this location that we used and the perfect weather made it that much better!

Thank you, Tenbrink family, for allowing me to capture your family. I truly enjoyed it and absolutely love all of the images from your session! 

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9 month old cutie pie | milton family photographer

I can't say enough about how much I love this family! I have had the pleasure of photographing cutie pie Joseph when he was a newborn, at 3 months, 6 months, and now 9 months. It has been so fun to see how much he's grown at each milestone and I have really enjoyed getting to know his parents.

This little boy is so loved by his mommy and daddy and has such a precious personality that you can already see at just 9 months old. For this session, we met at a historic park and covered bridge in Ball Ground. Joseph's mommy always chooses beautiful locations and this one was no different. We had a great evening and I absolutely loved capturing Joseph at this stage of his sweet little life:)

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Pumpkin Patch | Alpharetta, Johns Creek, GA Lifestyle Photographer

Last Thursday we took our second annual trip to Berry Patch Farms to visit their pumpkin patch. We love this pumpkin patch because it's small, easy to get to in Atlanta traffic, close enough to attend on a weeknight, and the crowds aren't out of control. 

Jack was not really in the best mood and was much more into the tractors and throwing rocks and didn't want much to do with the pumpkins. It didn't surprise us that he was into the tractors but he's been so interested in pumpkins, even naming them as we drive by homes in our neighborhood. Oh well, I guess it isn't all that surprising that in the mind of a little boy the tractor will always take precedence in a tractor vs pumpkin competition! 

It was a fun evening, even though we had one tantrum when Jack didn't get on the tractor because mommy wanted a picture. But that signaled the end of our night!

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Be sure to visit the blogs of the other talented ladies in my group...

Jana Knupp

Betsy Morgan  

Annie Fox

Amber Yarnevich

Melina McConnaughy

Adrienne Russell

Carrie Nelson

 

handsome brothers | Johns Creek Child Photographer

What a fun session. These are the handsome boys of one of my closest friends here in Atlanta. Like I've said before, I'm so honored when friends ask for a session- it really means so much to me that they like my work and would trust me with something as important as their family photos! 

Brendan and Colin are such great boys and did everything I asked of them even though they didn't always think my jokes were funny:)  It doesn't hurt that they're so photogenic, either.

Thank you so much, Amy & Brian, for asking me to do this session for your guys! I loved it!

 

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Morning Routine & Kid in the Kitchen | Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Atlanta GA Lifestyle Photographer

My next installment for our lifestyle blog circle group!

I combined two of our topics since I missed last week and these two just worked together for me this time! Here's a glimpse at our morning routine and jack in the kitchen on a typical school morning.  

Make sure to visit the websites of the rest of the ladies in our circle (links at bottom of post).

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