change | huntsville children’s photographer

I was reminded last weekend what a difference two years makes…

On the left is my daughter at two. On the right she’s now four. As much as I hate to admit it I can see the slimming of the face, the thicker hair and the more aware expression that are all signs of growing up. My heart wants to say it’s the same girl and they look just alike but my head knows she’s changed. And ever-changing.  

I am asked frequently how often families should bring their children for updated photo sessions. My recommendation usually goes like this: newborn, sitting, crawling, walking, two years old and then yearly until five. After five years old holiday minisessions are the perfect time to get that updated yearly image of your family. I also find that many families appreciate an updated photo session of their child at ten years old — just before middle school when those last traces of “child” are still apparent. Of course every family is different and the particular needs and investment will vary but if you’re interested in documenting how your child’s personality changes over time that timeline is a great starting point.

Because from one parent to another, I know how quickly the time goes.

Even if I’m afraid to admit it.

Janel - She is adorable. Precious. Love it.

Jennifer - Two-year old Sarah looks like a little doll! Like it or not, you can definitely tell she’s a little girl now.

nohaydenstopit | huntsville children’s photographer

We had a special visit last week from three of our favorite people – my dear friend Amy and her sons, Benjamin and NoHaydenStopIt.

Okay, technically her oldest son’s name is just Hayden but after spending four days in my house I think I need to talk to Amy about officially changing his name to NoHaydenStopIt. My two year old is certain that’s Hayden’s real name.

For the record, this is my two year old’s issue, not Hayden’s. Hayden is the kindest, most gentle little three year old you ever did meet. He just happens to have a love for trains, cars, and wheels that is shared by my son — my son who doesn’t yet know how to share or play nicely. Hence, NoHaydenStopIt!

So allow me to introduce you… 

Amy is no slouch with a camera herself and she recently started a photography business of her own. We had fun taking our two oldest kiddos downtown and torturing photographing them.

I think Hayden was a little suspicious at first. He had already been through the ringer with his mama and wasn’t quite sure he wanted to face the lens again – even with another face on the other side.  

Pretty soon he saw the light. And decided doing things my way wasn’t so bad afterall.

Amy asked me later what I did to get him to come with me…

My answer?

Candy.

It’s always candy. I’m not a magician, people. Just a pusher.

The funny thing is, sweets at our house are few and far between. As my neighbor says, my kids think pretzels are junk food.

But I’ll do whatever it takes to get the shot. And if that means chocolate and a little sugar rush,

So be it. =)

Amy - You are magic! You captured “him” so perfectly. And oh how handsome he is (not that I’m biased or anything!). Thank you so much for these wonderful photos!

Jennifer - Everyone has another side to them, and now we know yours! You evil candy giver you!! LOL

come one, come all! | huntsville children’s photographer

I’ll be speaking at the March meeting of the Huntsville M.O.P.S. (Moms of Preschoolers) and I’d love to see you there! It is open to the public and free to attend your first meeting. Childcare is provided for a limited number of attendees so call Joy Moore at 428-9411 today to get on the list! See you there!

Billie - Hi, Erin,
Stumbled upon your other blog, went to your website, too, and ultimately arrived at this blog. All are beautiful, as only a “visual” person (like a photographer) can create!

You wrote about an old Discovery Toys wrapping game…I remember it. I’ve been selling DT for 15 years! I hope you will check out my site http://www.toysofdiscovery.com and contact me with questions you have about the current line. It seems like with your own kids and all the others you meet and mingle with, including the MOPS group, you could be instrumental in collaborating with me. Please get in touch to bounce some ideas around and see how this can benefit you.

ten on tuesday. » The PigBear - [...] 7. If you live in Huntsville you may be interested to know that I’ll be speaking to the MOPS of Huntsville (First Baptist Church) next Monday, March 8th about how to take better photographs of your kids. Should be fun! Details here. [...]

niece + nephew

First, the winner according to random.org…

#1 – Jen Weaver – The first I’d heard of Lucy was on your blog! The lyrics are touching–I’d love to hear them set to music!

Congrats Jen! Shoot me an email with your address and I’ll get my fave Lucy CD (The Red Thread, of course) sent your way. Thanks for playing everyone!

Now for the good stuff - my niece and nephew. They’re delicious.   

We took these shots in a matter of 90 seconds or less as we waited for the party honoring my husband’s family’s 90 year old matriarch to begin.

Luckly, they were good to me. A minute and a half was all we needed.

Did I mention they’re delicious?

 It’s worth repeating.Because they are.

Now if they would just give their cousins some pointers on how to pose nicely together we’d be all set.

Lorena Mora - They look so much alike! They are beautiful and those eyes, wow.

nicki - wow…the skin is gorgeous! Such cuties!

P.C. - Oh WOW, what a fun surprise!! I just knew you’d get something special out of those 90 seconds. I LOVE them ALL. Thanks so very much! I tried to get a group shot of the cousins and didn’t fair so well…

Tina - They look so sweet together. I wish my 2 would pose like that too! They both have beautiful eyes!

robin - can little L & N be any cuter? wow!!! i’m especially loving the first pics (side-by-side). who doesn’t love baby feet & a sweet gummy smile?! and omg, how gorgeous is she!

robin - btw, congrats jen!!!

Melissa M - You were able to get THAT many beautiful photos in only 90 seconds?! You ARE amazing. Can you be in my family, too?

admin - Thank you guys! Believe me, these two have personalities to match their adorable exteriors. I’m so proud to be their Chachi!

Anya Coleman - LOVE!!!

the red thread | huntsville children’s photographer

On April 16, 2004 I was driving home from a full day of teaching kindergarten, unwinding to the soothing voices of NPRAll Things Considered was my standard drive home fare and my mind flitted in and out as I half listened, half tuned out the stories of the hour. On this particular day singer/songwriter Lucy Kaplansky was being interviewed about her most recent album and it’s title song – The Red Thread. All I heard that day was the chorus - and that was enough. (This much I can say/this much I can do/when your heart is empty/I’ll try to fill it for you/’cause I’m the girl who learned to love from watching you).

The minute I arrived home I headed straight for Amazon and ordered a copy of the CD. And one for my mom.

Since that day I’ve been an avid Lucy Kaplansky fan. When I was pregnant with my daughter I flew from Denver to Birmingham to catch a show with my mom for the first time. And during that show Lucy played a cover of the Emmylou Harris song “Boulder to Birmingham“…I was thrilled. It was like she knew I was in the audience! (<—- I realize that is an over-the-top, stalkerish comment but I’m sticking with it.)

Lucy’s songs strike such deep chords for me, particularly the songs she writes about motherhood. When I first heard her song “Moon over Manhattan” I was so amazed by how she’d captured both the wonderful magic of childhood and the wonderful magic of parenthood. I was hooked and I dreamed of using that song on my website. I sat on that dream for a good year or more until I finally got up the courage to send her an email, never expecting a response. I conjured up all of my over the top, stalkerish feelings and tried to channel them into something a little less scary and much more flattering. And let me tell you, I nearly fell out of my chair when she emailed me back!

Thank you so much for the lovely email, you made my day!

And of course you can use the song on your site. I’d be honored.

All the best, Lucy

I knew I loved her. I hope you’ll love her too.

So, of course, the answer to yesterday’s little quickfire contest was that the music on my website has changed! I was stoked when the emails started pouring in just moments after the post when up. I guess that’s the power of Facebook and Twitter, right?! Six minutes later the contest was over as the correct answer sat in my inbox. Impressive!

Since yesterday’s contest fun ended so soon I’d love to send a copy of my favorite Lucy album to a random commenter…leave a comment ON THE BLOG if you’d love to have a little bit of Lucy of your own.

Jen Weaver - The first I’d heard of Lucy was on your blog! The lyrics are touching–I’d love to hear them set to music!

Jaime - I love all kinds of music and this is no different. Would Love to have my own copy! Awesome that she wrote you back…so fun!

Aunt Lu - I love my Red Thread CD you made for me and every time I watch it it makes me so thankful for you, Meghan, your mom and your gramma…Thanks again for that…I love you.

nicki - Would love to hear it!

Lacey - Man, this post started off like a Reader’s Digest article–I was worried. Alas, it had a good ending! :- ) I’m off to listen to Lucy. Should be working. Came to your blog to procrastinate. :- D

Kelly R - what a great song for your website! i’ve never heard her music before, but love her sound.

Andrea - I would love a copy…I’ve never heard her music before. :)

Jennifer - I’ve never heard of her before, but the music on your site is wonderful. I would love a cd!

Jenny - What a beautiful song and a great story on how this music came to be on your site. It sounds like Lucy’s music has a lot of meaning to you and several family members of yours! I can understand why you love “Moon over Manhattan” so much, it sure speaks to a Mama’s heart.

chesley - i’d never heard of her before, but i love the song on your site!

Stacey - Her music is new to me, but am loving the words already. Would love the copy of the CD.

Jackie Roche - I’d love a copy!!

monet - Erin, wow. I’m leaving this comment not just because I would love a copy of the CD, but because you amaze me. I don’t even know how I ended up becoming a fan of erin cobb photography on FB, but I just spent some time on *all* of your websites: pigbear, your photo a day sites, everywhere. You are doing some amazing things *and* documenting them. How do you do it?

ellen patton - Of course I’d love a copy!

cathy - I have never heard of her but found your post touching & can’t wait to go home to listen to your site. Can’t at work. I would love to be entered. Thanks.

Jodie - Isn’t it amazing when music speaks to you that way? I love the song on your site – so soothing. Thanks for sharing!

Tracey Skadberg - Thanks for doing another contest!!

Christy - Love it!!

Meridith S. - I just loved listening to that song on your site! Makes me want to go out and buy more of her things. It also kept me looking longer on the site so I could hear it all!!

robin - what an amazing, soothing, beautiful voice! and what an awesome song. :)

carriegel - I love that song! I’m going to have to go check out some more of her music. Thanks.

Rhonda - Love, love, love listening to different music!!

Tina R - I remember you mentioning her before. Love her voice!! :)

Lori - Count me in! those are some great lyrics :)

Lorena Mora - This is the first time I’ve heard this song on your website, I really like it. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.