Light Love Laughter Photography

Make this Mother’s Day one to remember…

Tessa — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:50:27 +0000

With two 70 degree days in a row I believe Spring may have finally arrived! I’m looking forward to meeting so many new faces and capturing the love and joy of so many beautiful families over the next couple of months.

Plan ahead this year and allow me to help you with giving the mother, grandmother, or even your wife a gift she’s never forget.

When you Leave a piece of your heart behind…

Tessa — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:06:24 +0000

I’ve wanted to do this post for a long time but it seems like there is always something else that takes priority. So I did it, this afternoon I decided to take some time to go back through my old photographs and recount on some of the highlights of those months I spent living amongst orphans.

I can honestly say that they were both the most challenging and yet the most rewarding 4 months of my life. Somedays I wished terribly I could go back home where it was clean, safe, comfortable, I could have real milk with my breakfast, a yogurt, a slice of meat on a sandwich for lunch, or even just 5 minutes spent with some air conditioning and yet other times I wished I could stay in this land forever with these children that have more love and bigger giving hearts than any children I’ve ever known.

Although some of them are still very young their life experiences are some I hope to never have and wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I added so many new experiences to my life during those short 4 months and quickly grew and adapted to a life that wasn’t my own. Looking back, and what I commonly will share with others is how I arrived alone and not knowing many in a city of millions. I didn’t know their language or much about their culture, but I quickly grew to love Manila and its people, the dirty streets and the bikes with black exhaust. I grew to be comfortable and at home in a land that was once foreign, and upon returning home there were so many things that seemed foreign and almost scary to me… in America where everything should be “normal”. I remember laughing over peoples concern for keeping that “personal bubble”, having to pay $7 for a sub, and getting in the car to go anywhere!

This is Rudelyn, she’s a gorgeous girl with a heart of gold and smile that could brighten any room.

They take brushing their teeth VERY seriously. They brush and brush and brush 3x a day! The little things we take for granted… like having clean teeth!

Beautiful inside and out!

Saying good bye to my friends and boyfriend was extremely difficult to do. I never dreamed in such a short time these children would grab my heart and saying goodbye to them would be an extremely difficult thing too. The final night I as I had to hug each of them goodbye I was in tears. As I cried they all came and surrounded me in hugs, some of them were more patient than others. Little Michael (all of 3 years old) came over and kept going, “Tita, TITA!!!” (A word they use for single females that are older) Once I acknowledged him and looked down- he had his arms open wide and had one more word for me, “HUG!!” When I picked him up- he gave me the biggest bear hug I’ve ever had. It was one that you never want to let go of. Armie also came over to say goobye but as sweet as she could be, she added, “Tita your makeup is running- but you’re still beautiful”. They are all beautiful children- inside and out. I hope to return in the future with my “real camera” and be reunited for a visit one day soon!

Kaylee 6 Month session |Rome, GA Baby Photographer|

Tessa — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:54:54 +0000

Kaylee is such a beautiful little girl and I have immensely enjoyed getting to watch her grow and develop. What feels like just a few short weeks ago I was capturing Amy’s Anticipation. Brad and Amy were so excited for their little girl to arrive and they have been the most wonderful and loving parents a little one could ask for. Kaylee has grown quite a bit since my last visit, gained a little more chunk and lots more personality. She’s teething and her bottom teeth are slightly visible, she’s got patty cake mastered and has the brightest and sweetest smile ever! Amy wanted some pictures of the family together and then we definitely let her take the spotlight for a series of outfits and pictures. She’s such a little princess and has some of the absolute cutest outfits! My favorites were the Easter dress and the little brown one with all the flowers.

More of her pictures can be seen here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Light-Love-Laughter-Photography/316240552065?ref=ts

As always, comments are welcome! Now, go enjoy this beautiful baby!

Daddy kisses are always the best!

This pictures makes me yawn Every time!

Those blue eyes get me every time!

I really like the next picture…

Her little Easter hat and dress are so precious!

WWhat a chubby little bum.

Sara and Josh

Tessa — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:08:20 +0000

What an amazing and beautiful day Sunday afternoon was. The 50’s with a slight breeze but an absolutely beautiful and gorgeous blue sky with scattered clouds. I’m not the meteorologist but I get really excited when I see a blue sky and scattered clouds after such a dreary and cold and wet winter we’ve had. Better yet I was out of town and there wasn’t a tall building or skyscraper to be found! :) Bring in Josh and Sara. I met Sara this past Fall when she called and asked to do a session with her sisters as a gift for their parents for Christmas. The day we got together was the polar opposite from Sunday. Windy, below 40, wet, gray, and miserably COLD. Thankfully Hawthorn Suites was kind enough to let us take pictures inside their lobby before we headed outside to face the cold. Despite the weather we had a great time and never ending smiles. :)

It was too nice of an afternoon to pass up and I had a couple of hours to kill as I had another session later that afternoon so Sara and Josh, who had already planned to picnic after church didn’t mind if I tagged along with the camera. Yes!

Sara is generally a happy person, and was full of smiles in between her teeth chattering this Fall, but it doesn’t compare to the way she lights up when she’s with Josh. Fun, happy, joyful those words don’t even begin to express their pure happiness when they are found together. Anyways… we arrived at Berry College and took a hike in an open field to the top of a hill to set up a picnic. As we were at the peak of the hill the breeze was pretty strong and it wasn’t long before Sara got cold. Josh being the gentleman he is ran back to the car to grab her coat. We were just chatting it up and happen to be upwind of where the cars were parked and didn’t hear what was about to happen…

The next two images are straight out of the camera (SOOC).

Sara was sharing her lunch.. what a sweetheart!

As Josh was coming back across the fence it gave way and left him pinned between the boards and the barb wire. We didn’t hear the board snap or his calls for help and only looked up to see what looked like him straddling the fence. We didn’t think too much of it but after a couple of minutes when he didn’t move we realized something must be wrong so we went running over (still kind of laughing as we thought he was playing some sort of joke on us). It wasn’t until we were feet away that we saw foot was up under him and his knee was severely trapped between the wire and the board and the top board of the fence was gone. It took both Sara and I to counter the tension in the wire that was against his leg to help him get free. We’ll just say the fence won this battle and the picnic was over. Josh’ entire shin was bloody, cut, and bruised and he had cuts and puncture wounds on his other leg and shoulder. I’ve never seen anyone hold it together like he did and remain totally calm. We went on a search for ice and a first aide kit and were successful with the ice but returned to Josh’s to bandage him up. I was more concerned on treating Josh’s battered leg rather than get pictures of the scene… besides I don’t know how many of you would want to see a bruised and bloody leg in the midst of such a beautiful couple. Needless to say that ended our picnic, BUT later in the afternoon Josh was willing to go out and give it another try. Here’s what we got… Feel free to leave your comments! :)

I love her expression here.

Going for a drive but Sara wasn’t so sure…

Check them out!

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*Disclaimer* Please do not try this at home.

Another favorite…

Just so fun!

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Custom Products |Atlanta Family Photographer|

Tessa — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:31:07 +0000

Today I wanted to share some of the projects I’ve designed over the past couple of weeks.

This is beautiful Nora and the brag book her mom and grandparents all will receive a copy of.

This fall I met the Witbeck family and couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon with a really great family!

I can’t forget about the Swygert Family. Paige and Megan were such fun girls to spend the afternoon with.

This is a fun collage idea that’s available to anyone. I put one together using our wedding pictures to create Christmas gifts for our family. It’s a fun way to tell the story of our day.

One of my absolute favorite and most unforgettable sessions was when I met Jennifer and Brett at the airport and got to see them welcome their husband/father home from war. This story is one you don’t want to miss! I helped Jennifer design a stunning gallery wrap display to hang above Brett’s bed. Although he’s young, it’s a moment he’ll never forget.

Today I was very excited to see a box arrive from GW Molding. I’m proud to be offering custom framing with each session starting this Spring. The corners I have so far are beautiful and I look forward to seeing the frames hanging in your homes!

If you haven’t seen it yet check out my facebook page. Here’s you’ll be the first to see the latest news and photographs I’ve taken.

Miss Anne

Tessa — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:22:23 +0000

On one very windy and cold afternoon last week I met Jennifer for lunch to discuss her upcoming wedding. She’s so much fun and I’m really looking forward to telling her wedding story in just a few short months! Jennifer recently purchased a dslr and had some questions about the basics of learning to shoot in manual so I happily obliged to give her some help. :)

Anne is a such a cheery friend. We met through the families we both nanny for (when I was a nanny) and have been friends ever since. She gladly obliged when I ask if she’d like some fun “facebook” pictures and if she’d like to do a mini session with Jennifer and I. Little did we know after such a beautiful weekend and weather in the 70’s the wind would be glowing a gale and it’d be bitterly cold. Regardless… she braved the wind and the cold but was most happy when we were shooting in the sun ;). We didn’t stay out very long because it was FrEEzinG but there are some of my favorite moments from that chilly afternoon.

She’s got such a beautiful smile!

and she can be serious, but only when it is required.

A little attitude?

Where Do I even begin?

Tessa — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:18:15 +0000

What a week it has already been! Yesterday I completed my first interview. Erin, Chief Joy Officer at The Joy of Marketing asked last week if I’d be interested in sharing a little bit about my business and the journey I’ve taken so far. I met Erin last October when I was just feeling out the idea of becoming a professional photographer and when we met I didn’t plan on being serious about making this my job for at least a year or two. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be in the position to quit my full time job and go full steam ahead with my camera a mere 4 months later…

I’m continually amazed and humbled by all the families that have allowed me into their homes to photograph their families and am continually blessed by the friendships I’ve made and those that continue to grow. I’m so very excited for what is to come and for Spring to get here! Although the snow is really pretty when it falls, I’m ready for it to be warm, sunny, and green outside. :)

I had an absolutely amazing weekend in Rome. I had sessions with a beautiful bride, a precious baby, a super fabulous couple and a church that’s on fire for God. It wasn’t 70 degrees this weekend, but the snow wasn’t falling either and allowed us to be under some beautiful blue skies and pretty sunshine.

I’m going to be sharing some of the designing I’ve been working on and have completed, some goals I’ve set for this year, the books I’m reading and what I’m learning and of course the amazing people I’ve photographed over the past week.

Let’s start with Kaylee. Amy was my first belly session and then just a couple of weeks later I returned to meet Kaylee. She’s growing so fast and time passes just as quickly, just a few short months ago I saw her for her 3 month session. Soon I’ll be sharing her 6 month session, but for now here’s a peek.

Sunday afternoon after church I wanted to get outside and take advantage of the beautiful blue sky. While looking for someone to go out and shoot with I saw Sara who I met this past Fall. It just so happened Sara and Josh were planning to have a picnic and said they wouldn’t mind if I joined them with my camera. You’ll have to check back for the rest of the story… but due to a series of unplanned events we were slightly delayed but later in the day we found ourselves exploring the abandon factory and stumbled upon a corvette as well. Who could pass up a photo op and a sweet car?? More crazy FUN pictures from this couple soon!

Last Thursday I met with my friend Anne for lunch. She had just finished an interview for grad school and my friend Jennifer is learning how to use her new dlsr. Anne was kind enough to volunteer to be our model despite the Freezing wind and cold. It was a sunny day but it wasn’t close to being warm! I’ll showcase more of Anne tomorrow!

Life is moving extremely quickly right now and the calender is filling up very quickly for this Spring! Between now and June I have 9 weddings along with a number of family sessions, school pictures, auctions, and participating in The World’s Largest Baby Shower (more on that soon!) I’m going to try and roll out new pictures and information daily so be sure to check back often… there are a few announcements and opportunities that you don’t want to miss!

Check out my NEW Facebook Fan Page. I announce new promotions, events, and the latest news there. You don’t want to miss out! While your there invite your friends to join as well. Look for special sessions later this month and wonderful gift ideas for Mother’s Day!

Fastest week of my life

Tessa — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:40:31 +0000

Where did the week go? Phew.. that was quick! I’ve been a busy bee getting things in line for the Spring that lies ahead. It’s been quite the change sitting at the desk and working from the beginning to end of a project, taking a break and then starting another project. I must admit there were times I wasn’t super focused or productive, but it was so refreshing to be able to get into a zone and work until I was done!

I always wondered what Maggie did while I was gone and now I know. She sleeps. I don’t quite understand how she can still sleep so much but she does. She’s readily awaits (not very patiently) until I have a seat at my desk and then she jumps up, curls herself into a ball and 10 seconds later she’s out cold. She’ll sleep like this for hours- it’s crazy! This little ball of energy has NO until about 5pm still! haha.

So, I’ve spoken with many of you about your upcoming wedding or family session this past week and can hardly wait for the Spring to get here! That 70 degree weather last weekend was amazing.. I’m hoping the Sun decides to not only shine tomorrow but warm the air some as I’ll be busy with a beautiful bride and a precious little girl tomorrow. :)

I’ll try and update again Sunday evening, but wanted to leave you with just a few more pictures I found while finishing Nora’s session today. She’s absolutely beautiful and I am so blessed to be the person that gets to document her growth and development as she takes on this thing we call “life”. :) Don’t forget to leave your thoughts and comments! ;)

As her mommy leans in to give her a gentle kiss… you can see just how tiny she really is.

If you missed it, make sure and enjoy Nora here. See what her parents had to say (don’t miss the slide show)!

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Please Welcome Miss Nora

Tessa — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:03:36 +0000

What a treat it was to spend an afternoon with the Henderson family. I was so excited to get an email from her mommy asking me to come capture her beauty and budding personality! I traveled up to see her and she was just 5 days old! She was a champ. When you photograph newborns it requires an extra serving of patience and I always caution on the side of lots of time, lots of wet ones, and go expecting to have to get my hands dirty. Yes, I have yet to shoot a newborn session and not incur the typical, well… we’ll just say explosions. :)

Nora was no exception, but I will say she did it in style and made sure the playing field was even by getting her mommy first and then later unleashed on her daddy. He’s such a champ as well and just smiled, laughed as that’s about all you can do.

I’m in love with this little girl and her chubby cheeks. She’s seriously beautiful and she has parents that have loved and prayed for her from day one. What a blessing she is to them and how blessed is she to have parents that care for her and love her so Very much! I have to give a shout out to her Uncle Derek for connecting me with his sister and hope that after seeing these pictures he’s all the more excited to meet his niece. (He’s in PA school but is coming home next week!)

This is my Absolute Favorite picture!

She is simply beautiful…

I really like this picture as well…

I’m in love with this as well!

She’s so tiny!

Yet another… how can I choose just ONE picture?

Tiny toes…

Tiny nose…

I told you she had a budding personality!

She’s already a Daddy’s girl.

One big happy family!

Holding on to her daddy, he’s going to lead the way through this journey we call life.

Newborn Teaser…

Tessa — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:55:07 +0000

This is the most beautiful little girl. I’m blessed to be part of this special time in her life. I can’t wait to share the rest! :)

She has the most beautiful little eyes of wonder and curiosity.

She’s already holding on…

So precious