Julie Birdseye Photography Denton, Dallas newborn, baby, child, children, senior, and family photographer

Little Ears

I love meeting friends of friends. This family shared their pictures with some good friends of theirs who live in Colorado, Ernie & Branden. A couple times in the past year, Ernie has emailed me and asked questions about my photography since she is a photographer as well, outside of Denver. When they started planning their annual trip to Texas to visit their friends, she emailed to see if I could capture her family while they were in town. It worked out perfectly that we both had a morning free, so I finally got to meet my email friend, and her beautiful family!

Aren't their boys little stud muffins?! S was 2 years old, and E was 7 months old at the time.

It's always a little intimidating photographing another photographer and their family. It can feel like my skills are being critiqued! But the results of our session are some of my very favorites of my work, ever. I had so many favorites that I wanted to blog, as you will see once you finally get to the end of this post... miles and miles from now! 

Normally, the Dad in the family is typically just "there" for the session because he has to be. It's a bit of a grind for guys to get their pictures taken, I'm not sure why! But this Dad? He just played and played and played with his boys, resulting in natural, fun, AWESOME captures! (if I say so myself...) I'm sure he was just being his typical great-dad self who probably always plays with his boys at home! I'm so glad he did the same during our session! (the kids respond to that, too, and can feel more at ease with Dad being fun and playful!)

Isn't she beautiful? One of the main priorities of the session was to get Momma in the pictures! Being the photographer in her family, of course she is usually behind the camera, not out front! Her boys need some pictures of her with them so they can look back at these early days with their lovely Mom.

 

Dodge the leaves!

Peek a boo. I see you!

S is one lovey little guy! Sweet kisses for everyone.

Outfit change! I love when families bring a change of clothes. It just adds variety and gives a new spin to the session. And I've said this a million times here, but I'll say it again,  hats + small children = CUTENESS!

And what's even more special, Ernie made the boys' hats! I love love the little ears on top!

One of my faves. Brotherly love.

 

Big Baby Bow!

7 months is a long time to wait to get to play with this little beauty, but phew! The time finally came that we got to meet up this week, and the results.... well, take a peek for yourself!

It is a little running joke between K 's Momma and her friends as to what bow she will find next. The bigger the better!

  Her little hands are so sweet and dainty...

I can't wait to capture you again when you turn 1, little K !

Consistency Makes a Little Friend

She is walking! And of course "she" is none other than my most photographed little one, A ! We have captured her at 5 different stages in her first 18 months. You mommas know how much they change in those first two years, and it still blows me away, that I first met A when she looked like this.

But now, she is this oh-so-happy, running toddler!

And the beauty of having the same photographer for your child's every photo session, is that your little one gets to know your photographer, and she knows why I'm there: to play! (while holding a long, black box - my camera!)

Just something about those rolly, polly thighs is so stinkin' cute!

This session took place last fall when A had just turned 18 months old.

The other awesome thing about using the same photographer throughout childhood, is that you learn what not only makes your kids happy during photo sessions, but also what captures adorably: bubbles and a tutu!!!

And, my favorite part of this session, capturing A 's momma share the joy of the new baby growing inside!!! You know what that means?! We now not only get to continue watching A grow, but now also her new baby SISTER.  :)

I thought A was so cute with those chubby cheeks, taking a break with her sippy cup.

 

See you soon, little gal. I think baby sister is due any day now!

Oldie But Goodie!

I came across this session that was never blogged! This was the last session in baby W 's Chickadee Plan. (Since it's been so long, let me remind you what little W looked like when he was 7 months old. Yeah, forever ago - on the old blog!)

He had just turned one yr old before our time together at the Canals...

 

 

 Just starting to take those first precious steps!!!

Look at Mom's face...

I think that pride could have beamed across the world! Such joy!

Runway Moms

Time to finally share more from that uber small peek I gave y'all a while back!

Raise your hand if you think this mommy should stay pregnant full time, just so she can be a MATERNITY MODEL. (One of my fave shows is Runway Moms - (Expecting Models)

Oh, and, my hand is raised. (though I'm sure Momma is much happier now that her baby girl has arrived! But we'll get to see baby L 's photo debut in just a bit.)
:)

For now, enjoy this rockin' couple...

 

Her first two babies! Meet Cayenne and Cinnamon...

Beautiful couple, much!

 

I love these hilarious shirts! Momma has a sense of humor....

 

3rd Little Girl (if you're counting their pups)

Meet our newest Chickadee planners!
This beautiful couple is expecting their first little one very soon!

Daddy is already a proud papa & can't wait to meet his little girl, K.

I have a little surprise! I photographed their engagement pictures last fall and those were part of the group from last year that are still trickling in to the blog (ever so slowly)! So now, we get to step back and look at the Mr. & Mrs. before baby K became a part of their life. It's like watching a "This Is Your Life" segment!
:)

This little family already has 2 little girls at home. Meet Daisy and Dixie.

They are so sweet together, and so in love.

How blessed is baby K that she gets to come in to a home with parents counting down the days until her arrival.

I love that just because she is 8 months pregnant doesn't mean that she can't work a pair of sassy heels!

I'm thrilled that I get to watch this baby girl grow.

New Walker!

Little T has grown up before our eyes! We saw him last fall, and also one year ago as a newborn. This big boy is now one year old! (Well, technically, he is currently 16 months old, but we all know how far behind I am on the BP blog!)

The new walking skills are secured with Daddy in tow.

I love how gingerly T is stepping. Making sure his footing is solid. Those moments pass so quickly. I know he's now just zooming all over the place.

I love shooting on indoor furniture, outdoors! (This is their bar stool! How fun is that?!)

When I sent his mommy the pictures, I commented that the black & white image below looks like a Polo ad. Such a handsome little guy!

Yay! I'm one!

Frosting is an Accessory

Okay, so I wasn't quite honest.

I may have given the impression that A 's one year session ended there....
Could it be possible for the cuteness to continue?

Well, we went outside so as not to get the sticky-ness everywhere when we brought out her BIRTHDAY CAKE.

Oh yes we did.

What is cuter than a little girl in a tutu? A little girl in a tutu playing in cake!

So at first, we started with a small tea party.

A thought it would be fun to invite a couple of friends...

(What could she be saying to me here?! - Where's my cake!?)

When we put it down in front of her, she did go in to check it out, but she wasn't quite sure what to do with it!

She squished the frosting in her fingers a bit and even had her toes get acquainted with the cake, but more got on her than in her mouth!

I love this expression! As if.. 'what am I supposed to do with this?!'

Sugary toes...

And then I love this. In the end, even though she didn't enjoy the squishy texture, she still muddled through and carried on her tea party...chunk of cake on her chest and all...

A sweet girl to amuse us adults getting her all messy!

This Will Be His First 4th of July in Dallas...

... well his first 4th of July ever, actually.

Our newest Chickadee planner was just 5 days old for his first photo session. That is the *perfect* age for a newborn session. He was soooo good to us. He just let me mold him and squish him while he slept peacefully. Such a good baby boy.

Could Mommy & Daddy be any more proud? (Or have a cuter little man?! I love his expression on Mommy's shoulder.)

And I LOVE a newbie with some chub. Adorable!

So fresh.

A fleeting moment - this sweetie will never again be so tiny to fit in to a bowl. (So because of that, how much more precious does he look here!)

More of the little Rock Star

I posted a little teaser from this doll baby's session a couple weeks ago, but now for a real post to catch you up on how this baby girl has grown, now 7 months old.

In her cute nursery...

Needless to say, this baby girl is a girlie girl! You could just put her on top of a sundae, she's so sweet.

(Love her matching shoes!)



But soon her tootsies needed to be let free, and straight in to G 's mouth they went.


How lucky is G 's daddy? He definitely has two beautiful girls to come home to. (And Max...their pup!)

Roller Coaster

Another summer newborn from last year is now a big one-yr-old keeping me on my toes as I try to capture him!
My job description sure changes as the kiddos age. As H 's newborn photographer last year, I was in charge of putting him on shelves, in baskets, molding him in to a little ball, and resting him on his puppy chair. My job this year as his one-yr-old photographer was to sing and dance to help bring out the giggles, chase him as he crawled away, help him look for squirrels and birds and especially puppy dogs, bark like a puppy dog, play ball with him, and keep him away from stinky dumpsters.
I love that my job not only allows me to watch little ones grow, but it is also a roller coaster that turns and bends from week to week. I love roller coasters.
:)

This was one of my favorite family shots from last year. Look at how sweet and tiny H is!

And now this beautiful family today...

H got to play inside of an old train! The nice museum-keeper came out when he heard us outside and asked if we wanted to shoot inside of the train. Yes please!

LOVE this metal "H" that his mommy brought! It looked great outdoors! (I love bringing things from your home in to your outdoor session. Not only is it fun to add personal items to your images, but I love the look of bringing things outside that are meant for the inside.)

And don't think that poor Teddy Bear had to suffer any emotional heartache as he laid there on the ground....it didn't take long for H to spot his friend in need of some lovin'...

Newborn + 6 Months Ago + Now

Remember newborn S?

Look at this big girl now who just turned 1!

I also got to play with this sweetie when she was 6 months old last fall, but that session had yet to make it to the blog! It's worked out though, because now you can see how she's changed so much in one post!

Those sweet, bright eyes...

Last November, she was just getting her bearings as a newly sitting up gal.

But look at her now! One year old, and she's keeping her momma on the go!

Little Texas baby...

This was so fun! Her momma thought of everything and brought her (super cute) swim suit! This water baby loved it and splashed all over. What a perfect end to a summer session.

Oh yeah, and talk about a fast learner, she has been walking since 11 months! She was scooting all over the place for us. So neat to remember how she was just barely sitting up the last time I saw her, and now she's a walking pro!

I'm A Rock Star

If this doesn't make you want a baby girl... I don't know what will....

Clemmy + Kitty = best buds

Does this blog still have a pulse you might be wondering? YES! ---> (I'll just get it out there and go ahead and answer my own rhetorical question...takes the awkward pressure off of you.) The past 2 weeks have been crazy with family sessions, taking a local pre-school's pictures, (editing!) and also... planning something big for little 'ole BP. We are soon going to change things up with how you view your session and place your order.... I'll reveal pictures when the project is complete. (so exciting!)

So, most importantly, thank you to my clients who understand that when things start to get frenzied around here, in order to keep on top of editing, the first thing that has to be put on hold is the dear blog, so the sneak peeks have not been happening. This sweet family that I am about to share has already viewed their gallery, but that doesn't mean that you all do not want to still see a peek at their session, right?

Can you believe this little cutie is A, who we first saw as a little bitty 6-month-old?! (and then I had to share a few more from that fun session later.) Last summer was the most recent time we had the chance to play, right after her 1st birthday.

To complete her Chickadee Plan, Mom & Dad took her to my favorite location for urban sessions, the Denton downtown square.

Now, this 20-month-old gal is running all over the place!

I love how you can feel the energy in this image. It feels alive to me. She is on the go!

The human nature to nurture. Dear kitty is a good pal to her, and when sweet A needed some lovin', kitty did not let her down.

Such a funny expression! I think A might have been confused why her Clemmy & Kitty were dancing!

After a quick out fit change, we got to play with princess A in her adorable tulle skirt!

But of course what girlie girl doesn't need to help the city of Denton collect sticks off the courthouse lawn? In the first image, the stick is taller than she is!

A, it has been a joy to watch you grow. Seeing your funny and outgoing personality come out as you've gotten bigger is so amazing, remembering that first time I met you as such a tiny little muffin. And man, you sure do have some dance moves! You are a beautiful, happy little girl. I can't wait to see you again soon.

Will Quack for Jelly Beans

It's been 6 months since we've seen this gorgeous family. (Well, one of their pictures is in my blog header above, that you see everyday!)
But now, you might notice a new little man that decided to join their party and make them a family of 4!

M was born just a couple weeks after his mommy's maternity session. When we recently met, he was 6 months old, and just as smiley as could be!

His big brother's awesome jumping skills provided quite the entertainment for the little guy.

2-yr.-old M and his Papa have such a beautiful, unabashed adoration for each other. (And as sweet as this image is with them nuzzling, it's also endearingly funny remembering a similar shot 6 months ago! I think it's now safe to say that M has a cute ear fetish.)

This glance melts my heart. Such a sweetie!

Super Baby flies! (Isn't his head full of long peach fuzz the cutest?!)

This was so funny, M trying to "feed" the duck jelly beans.
(And you know I rarely do the editing with a spot of color in a black/white image, but I wanted to keep the jelly bean green in this shot, to be sure you could see it and how comical it was in that bronze duck's mouth!)
:)

Little M, and your sweet baby lips, the next time I'll see you, it will no longer be sitting that is your new milestone, but closer to walking!
(But for now, stay just this precious, dependent size, okay?)

#9

T was 7 months old when we met for his mid-year Chickadee session last fall. The perfect age for that 'I'm cute, getting some meat on me, can sit up on my own, and grab my toes, too!' stage of babyhood.

(Remember him as a bundle of newborn sweetness last spring?)
 

A "Deere" Newborn

Well, the time has come. I've officially hit the marker of being a "family" photographer. For the first time, a newborn that I've photographed is now the older sibling!
16.5 months ago, I photographed this family's first child, and last week, I was invited back to capture the first days of their second little guy. (I can't believe R is already old enough to be a big brother!)
I am blessed to get to see this family grow. They are so sweet and genuine, and just good people. (said in my best Texas twang.)

Baby N was all of 10 days old when I met him, and just snuggled right up for me.

Oh! How this image speaks "a thousand words"! What is going through R 's mind back there, staring at his new baby brother?
This new little thing that makes him share the attention of mommy, and cries and squirms... is he staying around?

(Don't worry, R. You'll thank your parents one day for giving you the gift of a lifelong best friend.)

Mommy had the great idea to re-create, (but face the opposite way so the images can face each other once hung), the image that took the hearts of many as it made the cover of the Denton Connection.
(I love the soul of this image. How N is staring right at me.)

I wonder if it's because R lives out in the country that he loves the outdoors so much, or if it's just a good thing that he lives out in the country because he loves the outdoors so much?!

He is now a big boy. He is walking and on the go. I love how this speaks of his age, because not long ago, he was the same size as his new baby brother....

....tiny and precious.

And I had to share this image, just to show how cute his John Deere nursery is!

Thank you C & M for allowing me to come in to your home as a fresh family of four and capture these precious days for you. I loved getting to see R as a sweet, new babe, and now your little N lived up to the same standard his big brother set for your beautiful family.  

#8

Last fall, 4-week-old G came in to this family through the beautiful bond of adoption.

Her Mommy & Daddy couldn't love and adore her any more than they do. She is the beautiful joy that fills their hearts.

Could this family be any more gorgeous?!

Little G, I will see you soon for your 7 month session!

#7

Another Chickadee girl is growing up on us!

(Could these rolls be any more delicious?!)

A was just 6 months old last fall when we had her mid-year session of her Chickadee Plan. (We'll be seeing her in just a couple weeks when she turns 1 YEAR! So hard to wrap my mind around this little thing turning one!) *If you are tuning in to this series of blog posts from last fall and are confused with why you are seeing babies from, oh, 6 months ago?! Read this post here. I figure I should bring that up/remind folks now since we are literally, one third the way through with sprinkling in last fall's sessions - not to mention trying to keep up with current session blog postings, which we have five waiting from this week alone!*

I just love this image. I don't know. I realize that silhouette shots are commonplace, but something about holding Mommy & Daddy's hands, it's almost symbolic. Like they've come this far with their baby girl - from a helpless squirming newborn, to a 6-month-old who can sit up and stand - but yet years of childhood are yet to come.

YUMMY SQUISHY BABY CHEEKS! 

I'm sure this gaping smile conveys the fact that she is just a joy to play with.

Sound Asleep

M was just 10 days old when she visited our home studio. She was a good, sleepy girl for us. When I photograph my newborns it goes pretty much like: get baby to sleep, mold baby, photograph. Re-pose baby on new blanket, get baby to sleep, re-mold, photograph. Repeat.
These new little lives that let me squish them and play with them are really quite tolerant, when you think about it. I know if I was lulled to sleep, just to be readjusted minutes later, I might not be so agreeable.

(But then again, I'm positive I'm not this cute when I'm sleeping, either!)

Who Wants to Play?

So, with the gorgeous spring weather we're having, it's inspired me to have some change, and growth. Well, not me, but this blog! Evidently, the cool thing to do these days is...... have a contest! The thought of that sounds like fun, and so to take a page from a little lady you may have heard of (who just won "Weblog of the Year"!!!) Pioneer Woman - what better contest do I have to offer than "Name That Picture"?!
Not only so that you guys get the chance to win some cute goodies, but also for you lurkers to show your face, er ah.. your typing capabilities! I hope this is the beginning of starting some conversation around here, so that this relationship we have, you, & me, through our Internet wave lengths, hopefully it will be less one-sided, because I know that God gave me the gift of speaking visually, with my images, but with words? I'm sure you guys would like to hear from others than just piddly me every now and then! (On that note - a random comment - if you guys, readers, or photographers - ever have any questions about my settings, or how I captured any image, or just about anything that I may have an answer for, feel free to leave your questions in the comments section, and I'll do my best to answer them!) 

So, here's how it's gonna go down. I'm going to post a picture, for now, we'll say once a month...we'll see... and the duty of you, my faithful readers, all 13 of you, is to name that picture. The picture will be from one of my sessions, most likely an outtake that made me giggle. (Wouldn't you know it, working with toddlers certainly creates some outtakes!!!)
The way you name that picture, is by thinking of a title for that picture, or a caption, or what that picture should be called if it gets famous one day and people fight over the rights to print it. (I'm dreaming here.) Then write your name for it in the comments section of this very post. Since this is the first of this series, feel free to leave as many witty, harmless, makes-you-giggle titles as you can think of. (Later on down the road, we may limit it to one per commenter, but for now, let's just see if I'm going to end up playing this contest all by myself first.)

The winning comment is up to..... yep! Me! Again, maybe down the road I'll pick my top 5 and then have a poll for you guys to choose the winner, but for now, the judge is gonna be the one who snapped the pic.

I am going to allow comments on this image through Friday. Then on Monday, I'll post the winning title and contact the winner to send you your goodies. (So, be sure to leave an email address that you check regularly when you post your comment!)

Okay, so what goodies, might you ask, are you playing for?!!!?

 

Just the cutest little girl accessories ever! There are these two sets of barrettes, and this one precious passy clip. Now you mommies of little men, I realize this is a little cornered here in the girl dept., but of course these would make adorable gifts for your niece, or the little sweetie of a friend. (And of course I'll have boy gifts in the future!)

And now.............the contest picture in question!!!!
Ready? This image has had me smiling since his session last fall. Yes, I have current outtakes I could post, but this one? I just feel that something this cute, and so unpredictable of a toddler, this had to be the first picture for our little contest.



Okay, let the contest begin!

#6

More cuties to share from last fall!

You can see the JOY in this family. They are full of love, kindness, and sugary lumps of adoration for their children.

I was 2 during our session, and baby C was all of 6 months. (That tongue! Oh my yummy-baby-goodness!)

I is in gymnastics, so she had little fear of the cityscape as we wandered around downtown.

I 's smirk in this image! The one word that comes to mind - cheeky.
:)

Can you clear something up for me? I can't tell if these kiddos are happy?...

Rockstar-ette

Last Friday, I met 10-month-old G. With her sparkly blue eyes, and 4 precious front teeth, she was an easy model for my camera to love on. (Not to mention the CUH-UTE outfits her trendy momma brought for her!)

i HEART this image. with large quantities of hearts.

As if she's exclaiming - Why, hello there!

 

Her daddy sure has two beautiful women in his life.

 

G has many fun jam sessions in her future. Her daddy is a rockstar! He plays for the Mark McKinney band. How cool is that?!

(So of course that makes G a rockstar-ette!)

 

And what rockstar-ette doesn't need to have their picture made in their guitar case, I ask you?! (Especially when you're as happy a girl as this little one!)

 

Sweet baby toes!

 

 

Oh, beautiful girl. Thank you for letting me come play. I'll see you again soon when you turn the big 0-1!

#4

Remember this adorable guy that I just saw for his 10 month session? Well travel back in time with me, if you would, to his fall session when he was just 7 months old. (It's weird to see the "after" pictures before the "before" pictures!.... if that makes sense...)

For his family holiday session, we ventured to the Arboretum. The land was filled with pumpkins, and many, many families there for the same reason we were. (It's worth fighting the crowds, though, because there is just no where like it around.) That was where his mommy & daddy took their engagement pictures, so it was special for them to return as a family of 3.

Hasn't A changed so much since then?! He has such baby-like features here that have seemed to fade in just 3 short months. (Sorry, K ! Don't mean to point out how your little guy is growing up!)

I love his silly personality coming out here...

Something about those toes keep little guys going back to them. I suppose for mom and dad, it's a toy that is always on hand. (Or should I say 'on foot'? ha!)

You can't beat a gaping smile like this to brighten your day.

Little man, I'll be seeing you in about a month for your 1 year session!!!