Little Miss Lily-Louisville, Kentucky Newborn Photographer

I had the pleasure of taking pictures of this little girl’s debut into the world. It came as my grandfather passed away. To feel the sadness of death and see the power of life at the same time was pretty amazing. Both are miracles I know undoubtedly.  As one goes out another comes in.

I will not be having anymore babies :( so taking pictures of one brings back memories of my own. They are oh so sweet and precious at this stage, and change so unbelievably fast. I cannot even tell these parents how fast it will go. They have to experience that for themselves. But by the looks of these photographs and the love between all three in this new family, I think they will cherish EVERY SINGLE minute.

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I remember being a new mother. This new mom is very secure in herself and her abilities. I have a feeling it has something to do with her mom, Lily’s grandmother.

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LOOK AT THAT SMILE!!! I am so lucky to have caught this, made my day!

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One of my favorites from the day.

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Oh and just so ya know, this guy right here is a natural. It was awesomeness to see this daddy with his girl. They have a bond that is visible and strong.

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I get to take pictures of Lily for her first year of life. How great is that? Can’t wait to see her grow. Should be interesting. She is strong willed, determined to get her way, healthy and vibrant. I can honestly say that I am as excited as her mom and dad to see what happens.

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gina - Gorgeous pictures! What treasures for this family. Great job!March 3, 2010 - 4:21 am

Helene - What great captures!! The parents must be so happy. These are truly special.March 3, 2010 - 2:17 am

jacey cosner - What a sweetie pie and you captured all of her newborn goodness!!! LOVE the last oneMarch 3, 2010 - 1:50 am

Kristi - Cutie! These are beautiful.March 2, 2010 - 6:14 pm

sarah - what a gorgeous family! beautiful images.March 2, 2010 - 6:09 pm

Rachel Clare - Oh Laura, these are so beautiful! What a treasure.March 2, 2010 - 5:18 pm

Nichole - So Lovely...... the last two are just perfect!March 2, 2010 - 4:07 pm

Laurie K. - Oh my goodness, these just melt my heart. It takes me back to when I was a new mom and everything was so precious and magical. What a wonderful job you did capturing this special time for this family!!!March 2, 2010 - 4:01 pm

Laura - Wow! What a beautiful little girl! We miss you Katie, but it looks like you're having fun!March 2, 2010 - 10:28 am

Debbie S. - Lily: You're just beautiful! My favorite is Dad and Lily. Thanks Katie and Joe these are great. I hope everything is going well.March 2, 2010 - 10:17 am

Cassie S. - Beautiful, love them all!March 2, 2010 - 9:31 am

Julie - I love these! More than just the pictures though- your little story along the way really makes me feel a stronger emotion when seeing the images. Beautiful work!March 2, 2010 - 9:27 am

eleni - I love all the pics but that last one especially with her looking right at you is precious!March 2, 2010 - 8:59 am

Leandra Stevens - Katie & Joe: Lily is so beautiful. These pictures are wonderful. Thank you for sharing!March 2, 2010 - 7:45 am

DawnD - She is such a cutie. What a treasure these pictures will be for this lovely family....great work!!March 1, 2010 - 11:17 pm

april - BEAUTIFUL!!!! Truly amazing work Laura! Love the shot you captured of little miss Lily smiling at mom and dad... priceless!!March 1, 2010 - 9:47 pm

Sheila McKay - These are absolutely beautiful. Mom and dad must be so happy!March 1, 2010 - 9:24 pm

mistyjones91@hotmail.com - These are all so beautiful!March 1, 2010 - 8:42 pm

Looking For Summer, But I Can’t Find It-Louisville, Kentucky Lifestyle Photographer

It’s been a long, cold winter here in Kentucky. And to be honest, I am quite tired of it. I try not to wish my life away but at this point, depression is setting in and I am dying for a new season, new opportunities, more shooting, and more playtime. Tired of the TV and video games, eating due to boredom, and having absolutely no motivation to do ANYTHING. I started looking through some pictures from last summer and it made me want to post about my cravings for it. Nothing truly special about these shots. I just feel warmth, see sun-bleached hair and short-sleeves, sun-glasses and brown skin.

A good photographer friend of mine is creating Photoshop Actions to sell. I used a couple on these photos. Can’t wait to apply them to my summertime work.

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Horses Are People Too-Pewee Valley, Kentucky Photographer

The snow has been a magnificent backdrop for the horses. I have had a great time shooting them and plan on doing it much more. I don’t have anyone to answer to but me and that feels great.

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Love to see Rylee with the horses. They are curious about her.

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Belle loves the camera.

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And she likes to be silly too. This one is makes me laugh.

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His Gift

My Grand Dad was always on the look-out for good horses, or starving ones. A story was told at his funeral about a day when he and his friend were on a trip to get some feed when he saw in a pasture a horse whose ribs where showing. He investigated until he found the owner and ended up taking the horse home with him. He said, “Lay the feed on him boys!” My sister and I got a big kick out of that story. So telling of the man that he was. He did this more than once in his life. Now that he is gone from this earth, he has left his best-friends behind, and it is up to my Mother to make sure these friends are well taken care of. He had a barn full. I now see why he could not get rid of them easily. He loved them and became quickly attached. This is what happened to us the other day when we brought two of his girls home. Someone asked, “What are you going to do with them? Keep ‘em or sell ‘em?” Whenever we would bring a horse of his home, we would call to tell him first that we made it safe and sound, and second to talk about how the horse traveled and behaved once at the farm. He would laugh with total joy and happiness at the tone of our voices and the excitement in our words. The thrill he got from seeing us girls with his horses was immeasurable.

I know he was watching when we set them out to pasture for the first time. Free Birds! The emotion was evident. They stuck together. Their happiness, powerful.

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Scout chasing them down.

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Meeting new friends……

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We will call her Shiloh.

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And her Lady Lee

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Catch Us If You Can…..

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Fergie, Belle, Monty and Bobbi

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I think we will keep them.

Sheila McKay - The horse images have a special place in our hearts as well. My daughter rides and we have grown to know each personality and have grown to love them in each and every way. I am sorry to hear about your grandfather - being raised by my father and grandmother - I know how close you can become. I am sorry for your loss.February 21, 2010 - 12:32 pm

Winter

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christy - I LOVE your art.February 14, 2010 - 9:55 am

I Hope There Are Horses In Heaven

My Grandfather died yesterday, February 4. I don’t know what to say about it really other than I am shocked that I am having such a difficult time with it, cry at the mere thought that I won’t see him again, or at least not until I get to where he is. I guess the fact that he was the one grandparent I was closest to and knew the longest has something to do with it. My feelings about him go very very deep, too deep to write about but enough to say that now he is gone, I realize how much he has impacted my entire life. Tremendously. As a child he was a god to me, he hung the moon and lit the stars. There was nothing he would not have given me. I drank my first cup of coffee with him, Sanka. Can you imagine? I slept in his bed, he by my side, the almighty protector. (I weep steadily as I type this.) He bought me my first horse. Found him at an auction, he would have been slaughtered that day if he didn’t save him. I remember when I got the call that he was bringing me a horse. Thrill through my veins. I took advantage though, after-all I was a teenager.

We took many road-trips together, back and forth from Northern Kentucky to the Eastern Hills. I wish now I could remember the details of the conversations. But when I think about it, maybe we didn’t talk much. Didn’t need to really. Now that I am an adult with my own responsibilities, he was most likely stressed. Once we were forced to stop on the side of the highway because a frightening storm was upon us, with hail the size of softballs. He held me tight. I did not see his fear, but he was scared. A man who knew no fear, would fall to his knees at the thought of something bad happening to me, any of us. He spoke of this experience a lot when I would see him the past several months. Something about it stayed with him. I think his fears began to show themselves after his beloved son passed away. What could be more scary than loosing a child?  I know of nothing else. I knew when Phillip died, he wouldn’t be far behind. And I was right. It took about five months. He told me once on one of those trips that he wanted to be buried by the highway, so he could hear the cars go by. See, he spent a lot of his days on the highway. It was part of his job. He owned a taxi business that would transport railroad workers back and forth. That job always seemed crazy to me, but he loved it. Free Bird!

Here are some other things I remember:

  • He was always packin’, a gun that is. My dad used to get so upset because he would leave weapons out in the open. He was in law enforcement too, did I mention that? A staunch Reagan Republican, there is a picture of him hanging on his wall in his house, over his bed. With one of President Bush right beside it. I love it!
  • Tobacco, Red Man to be specific. He smoked a pipe years ago. I always loved the smell of it. If I were to get a wiff of that vanilla right now, I would be happy.
  • He was a horse-lover to the highest degree. Not only did he rescue people, he rescued animals. I wonder who will love the cats at the barn now?
  • His coveralls, his gloves, his keys, his hats, his boots, his vans, his cars, he had a lot of “stuff.”
  • The fact that there was more food than anyone could ever eat in his home. He had a fear that there would never be enough.
  • He told Uncle Sam more than once to kiss his you know what. He thought it was crazy to give so much of his money to the government. I think it’s crazy too.
  • He was tall, very tall.
  • He was strong, very very strong.
  • His life was threatened many many times. But no one ever had the balls to kill him. I am not exaggerating.
  • He told me once that he could chug a tall glass of straight whiskey in one shot like it was a Coca-Cola. I didn’t doubt it. But he wouldn’t because his daddy did and he knew better. He knew better not to take it that far anyway.
  • He was a dedicated son, big brother, unconditional uncle, loving father, devoted grandfather, proud great-grandfather, best-friend, protector, savior…….. the list goes on.
  • He was always clean and smelled like a fresh shower and Old Spice.
  • I am told as I get older that I look like my mother. He said I looked like her long before anyone else did. He saw things others did not.
  • He was smart.
  • He could see right through people. Liked you or he didn’t.
  • My son has his height and his ears.
  • My daughter his stubbornness and humor. Yes he was extremely funny and witty too.
  • I tried to talk him into going to the ocean once before he died and he said he would rather stand in a pile of horse shit than go to the beach. That’s what he said. And now, to see him standing at the foot of the ocean wouldn’t look right at all. He was so sure of himself.
  • The horses my sister has, he gave her. And they are awesome horses. He had an eye for the good ones and a heart for the desperate ones.
  • He was the first person my little girl laughed at. I have a photograph to prove it and my mom as a witness. She knows a good man when she sees one.
  • He loved his wife and stayed with her til her end.
  • My cousin Kris looks just like him.
  • He handed out money like butterscotch candy, or peppermint candy, whichever he had in his pocket for the horses.
  • We all took advantage of him at one time or another. I think it’s human nature to do so. Maybe with some ignorance mixed in.
  • He was dad to many.
  • He wouldn’t go to weddings, but he drove me to mine and went to the reception, he had not ever done that before. That was the best part of the day for me. I will never forget it!
  • He told me things, secrets, that I will never tell. The fact he trusted me is an honor.
  • He said something to me once that hurt me to my core. But he was right and it was true and now I forgive him.
  • I, We, will miss him terribly. Now that he is gone, a part of me is too. This has changed me somehow. Not sure how yet, but it has most definitely changed me.

Tipton Ralph Lee as a young man

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My Mom, so sure he was as proud of this picture as he was of her. She’s his spittin’ image and I know now more than ever, I am proud too.

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Shakertown visit, that was a special day for them. My dad took this picture and many others from that day. Love my dad!

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This one in particular makes my heart sink into my chest. Us girls will miss him more than we understand at this point in time. Life will never be same without this incredible man.

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Our last Christmas with him.

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One of my most favorite pictures. This says more than you know.

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His favorite spot on earth.

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After telling Rylee that he had died yesterday, tears came to her eyes, she said “It’s ok, he is in heaven and he is better.” Then she went to the window looked up into the sky and said, “Mom, he’s in the clouds. I saw him, look, do you see?” I said yes I do Rylee, you are right, he is in the clouds.

The horses in heaven are happy today!

Becky Alway - Laura, So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your cherished memories.February 26, 2010 - 10:45 am

christy - What a beautiful tribute this is Laura. I am so heart broken for your loss...I can't imagnie how difficult this time is for you & your familt right now. I am so glad you took the time to create such a beautiful post and hope that it helps you heal. How touching, your converstaion with Rylee....how innocent and sweet she is. If only we could all see life through the eyes of a child. Hang in there my friend! You know that I am only a call and an e-mail away :) Prayers to you...xoxo...February 14, 2010 - 9:54 am

DONNA - BEAUTIFUL, TOUCHING, WHAT A TRIBUTE TO A WONDERFUL GRANDFATHER... THESE PHOTOS ARE GREAT! SUCH TALENT...I AM GLAD TO BE A FRIEND OF YOUR FAMILY...YOU ARE TRUELY INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE...THANKS FOR LETTING ME SHARE YOUR MEMORIES, LOVE DONNA WEIXLER-EMERICKFebruary 11, 2010 - 8:13 pm

Stacie Gibson - Laura, so sorry to hear of the loss of your grandfather. I too lost both of my grandparents within a year of each other whom I was extremely close to. I know how bad your hurting, know he will always be with you and he will let you know in little ways every once in a while that he is there! That was a beautiful post in memory of your grandfather!February 10, 2010 - 11:19 am

Andrea - I just wanted to say I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather's passing. I lost my grandfather a year ago suddenly and think about him and the memories all the time. My prayers go out to you and your family.February 9, 2010 - 8:54 am

laura - Thanks all of you, means so much to have these thoughts and comments. LFebruary 6, 2010 - 3:50 pm

Joan Simpson Hoelmer - Thank you for these thoughts, memories and pictures. Your grandfather was the only grandfather I knew, so I claim him as my own. I have wonderful memories of him from my childhood, he was strong and bold, I remember the old spice, his jokes and his vans! My heart is with you.February 6, 2010 - 11:02 am

Tony Miller - You don't know me But I know you Your grandfarther, i rode every horse that he bought, He would call me and say Tony come and see if i bought an outlaw... he talked about you often,All iI can say is Ralph was a real good man and a great friend...February 5, 2010 - 6:35 pm

Donna Powers - I am Speechless, which I thought was impossible.February 5, 2010 - 6:16 pm

Dan Powers - I am in awe. You have always been a close friend to me, even though we are hardly ever around each other. There has always been a connection with you that goes a lot deeper than just "Howdy-do's" and joking. You are one of the people who has always held me to a higher standard as I stumble my way through the days. Because of my children I have become so much more in tune with the impact I have on those around me. I cried as I read, and am fighting it while I type this. I'm not crying for the loss, but for the love. It lives in every word you wrote and every photo you posted. That is the impact I hope to have on my friends and family. He had that impact on you. You have had it on me. For that we should both be thankful. If there is anything you need, just let us know.February 5, 2010 - 11:09 am

Molly - Nice. What a loving tribute to your grandfather. Losing my Popaw was one of the most difficult things in my life, so I can just imagine what you are feeling right now. Reading things that you and your grandfather did reminded me of mine as well. Maybe they are sitting on the back porch together, watching the horses togethr ;) I am so very sorry for your loss Laura.February 5, 2010 - 10:06 am

The Gibson Four:: Louisville Kentucky Maternity Photographer

God is good and miracles DO happen. Just ask these parents to be and they will tell you it’s true. They have been through hell and back! Blood, sweat and tears, many many tears. They were willing, creative, and extremely appreciative.  They are not only excited about these babies, that’s right I said two, a boy and a girl, but they have an understanding that not everyone has. They know wholeheartedly how lucky they are and realize sincerely the meaning of this miracle and that it is an incredible, almost unbelievable, gift. Being a part of this with them was good for me too.

This one is my special fav………

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I loved shooting this maternity session and think I want to do it again. In fact, I KNOW I want to do it again!

Marci Yochum - Laura these are beautiful! You did a wonderful job of capturing her and her tummy.February 1, 2010 - 9:02 am

kim donohue - Laura. These are beautiful. Great job and beautiful mom to be!January 31, 2010 - 7:34 pm

Nichole - Absolutely beautiful, love em`January 30, 2010 - 9:13 pm

jacey cosner - I can see why you love the first, so sensual, wonderful images love them!January 30, 2010 - 8:43 pm

tara k - WOW, laura! i am blown away by the creativity and beauty of these. and that first one? MAGNIFICENT! really beautiful work. :)January 30, 2010 - 2:43 pm

april - STUNNING... mama-to-be is just glowing and gorgeous! Love the fifth photo!! Wonderful job laura!!January 30, 2010 - 11:33 am

Stacie Gibson - All these photographs are so beautiful because of you and your gift! Thank you for opening your home to us, taking your time with us and making that day so special! You are so very talented and those who have you to capture times in their life are lucky. Anyone can take a picture but your photos are raw, they are rich with feeling and emotion. They are timeless!January 30, 2010 - 10:37 am

John A. - These turned out exceptional!! I absolutely love the silhouette shot at top and #5, the one of the couple together with their hands touching. Very nice compositions. Nice lighting too! I bet the couple was thrilled with the results.January 30, 2010 - 10:15 am

Eleni - Love these pics - can't wait to see the newborn pics.January 29, 2010 - 9:46 pm

Cassie - Absolutely gorgeous! You did a great job of capturing this special time!January 29, 2010 - 9:43 pm

Karen - Gorgeous!!What a lucky mama to have such wonderful images to capture this amazing time!January 29, 2010 - 6:32 pm

Susan Keller - WOW!!! Pregnancy looks really REALLY good on this Mama-to-be!! And Laura, you captured her and her husband beautifully.January 29, 2010 - 5:35 pm

mistyjones91@hotmail.com - These are great Laura!January 29, 2010 - 4:27 pm

Andrea - Absolutely stunning!! You did a fantastic job with this session. I just adore the first one, of course they are all great though :)January 29, 2010 - 3:39 pm

gina - amazing work, the lighting is just beautiful. this mom will be so pleased!!January 29, 2010 - 3:33 pm

Kathi - Laura, these are simply gorgeous maternity photographs! They are not only beautiful, but thoughtful and playful. Great job!January 29, 2010 - 3:23 pm

Julie - These are so gorgeous! I love all of them! Best wishes to a safe delivery for these precious babies!January 29, 2010 - 3:13 pm

Dawn D - These are truly beautiful, Laura. I love the holey jeans and their sense of style. You really captured their love and excitement. Amazing!January 29, 2010 - 2:55 pm

christy - Laura!! Thease are amazing! That first one is superb....I just can't stop looking at it! Love #6 as well...great side lighting. This couple must be thrilled. You really have a beautiful eye, and I cannot wait to see more of your materntiy work.January 29, 2010 - 11:23 am

My Puppers Pete

Playing around yesterday before my first ever maternity session, pictures to come, I snapped a few of our family dog. He’s my third child and I love him. Even though he still pees in the house.

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We ArE FaMiLy-I HeArT FaCeS

This was one of my most favorite family sessions to date. Totally themselves, absolutely real, not to mention STYLISHOUS! When I received the e-mail about this weeks contest on www.iheartfaces.com, I had to submit something from this day. It was really hard to choose because there were so many great moments. So I had Rylee decide, this one was her favorite. Don’t care if I win, just had to share since families are something I love.

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Megan Northrop - Oh I can so relate - Natalie got one for Christmas too - took me 3 days to get the right bulb! Great photos!January 30, 2010 - 11:25 am

serline - That's a great capture. So fun!January 20, 2010 - 9:59 am

Nicole Denise - unique perspective. love it!January 19, 2010 - 4:20 pm

Lindsay - Very cute...love the little girl peeping in on her parents!January 19, 2010 - 3:13 pm

Phatchik {jamielauren} - Beautiful photo. Love the tones, the genuine smiles, the composition, everything!January 19, 2010 - 10:19 am

jen - This photo made me chuckle..great!January 18, 2010 - 8:02 pm

amanda heath - You can almost hear the laughter by looking at this photo. great capture!January 18, 2010 - 6:50 pm

Kristen Johnson - What a fun photo. Love it!January 18, 2010 - 4:32 pm

elle - absolutely precious!January 18, 2010 - 4:20 pm

amanda thiessen photography - beautiful!January 18, 2010 - 1:57 pm

Elizabeth - love it...lots of fun!!January 18, 2010 - 1:49 pm

Candy Howard - I seriously love this!!!January 18, 2010 - 12:07 pm

Marla - So fun. Loving this pic.January 18, 2010 - 11:45 am

EaSy BaKe OvEn [Louisville Kentucky Lifestyle Photographer]

Papaw gave one to Rylee one for Christmas, so yesterday we broke the box open for the maiden voyage. At times it was stressful. Having to read the book of directions, insert a 100 watt, (not soft light or long life bulb), get everything on the list in a pile and take pictures of it all.  “Easy” enough.

Rylee had a fun I hope.  Having me document it for her and my online class probably took the fun out of it, but I needed an “event” to shoot. It turned out to be more of an “event” than I had anticipated. Not “Easy” to shoot and bake at the same time.

The SYSTEM. We put everything together, then had to WAIT for it to warm up. Twelve minutes to a five year old=one whole day.

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UGH, is it hot enough yet? Pure torture.

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Finally…..

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Going in!!

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More waiting……

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Yippee it’s ready!~!

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But Mom forgot to spray the pan, =(

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Oh who cares. It’ll work for me and go down just fine.

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Tonight it’s sugar cookies!! No camera, just me, Ry, and Easy.