3 Years Old! | Utah Children Photographer

Somebody else is having a birthday in our home too! I know you've had an overload of my Lulu lately, but I took her out for a little session for her third birthday. One of the driving forces behind me learning photography, besides the fact that I've always wanted to, was that I wanted to be able to capture my kids as they are, through each vital stage of life. Sophie Lu is in one of those right now. She's leaving toddler-hood and entering little-girl-hood (okay, so it's not a technical name, but you'll just have to bear with me on this one!). I can see it when I look at her, and I don't want to forget...
Joanna Taylor Photography can help you capture those important stages. You'll never regret being able to look back and see your little ones.

Gloria | Utah Portrait Photographer

Gloria celebrated her birthday this weekend. We had a great BBQ with family. The kids ran around and played in the water while the adults talked about life and caught up with one another. Gloria is my mother-in-law and she is one amazing lady. We are grateful to have her living with us. I know my kids love getting to go visit their Grandma Gloria's apartment and tell her good night, and to get to participate in all the fun that Grandma provides, and sometimes when I just need a break, Gloria is so great to just let the kids come down and have a glass of chocolate milk or watch a movie with them.
I am grateful to this woman for the example that she provides me and my children, and for the way she raised her kids, but especially for the way she raised my husband, who is such a blessing in my life. I am grateful for the conversations we have, and to get to see another point of view in life. I am grateful that she is here to be an example to my kids too.
Happy birthday Gloria! We love you!

Old Man Geo | Utah Baby Photographer

I cannot believe he is already 4 weeks old!

Life | Utah Photographer

As happy as I am, sometimes life just happens, and it leaves you scratching your head and wondering what comes next. I tend to deal with stress in a pretty reasonable manner, but sometimes it gets to me. I am human, after all. Some days get to be a bit much and I just have to get outside, out of my rut. Yesterday was one of those days. By dinner-time I'd just had it (and I hadn't even made dinner yet). The baby hasn't been feeling well, potty-training has completely gotten lost in Lulu's transition to the new baby, the boys were running around like absolute maniacs, and we're dealing with a few other big things at home right now that are a bit of a challenge as well. I think we ALL needed a break. So while the boys got busy together, I took Lulu outside and we ate popsicles together. And we giggled and played. And I felt better after taking the breather. It's amazing what just taking a little time out can do!

Vintage | Utah Children Photographer

A mother can never get enough of her children. It's amazing to me how drawn I am to mine. But since I've got some time off right now, you're going to see some more of them as well.

There is something about a timeless photograph. My aunt shares old photographs of my grandparents on her blog often and I love to look at them; to search them for a sign of myself and my own children, a sign of the grandparents I knew and loved. Something about those old photos just makes me feel good.

I normally don't play with my post-processing too much, but today I was in a vintage mood and I thought this photo called for it. I muted the colors and added a touch of grain, and didn't sharpen for web. What do you think?

TC

When I was growing up, one of my best friend's nick-names was T.C. Her dad always said it stood for 'Trouble Coming' and I think I might have to adapt that to my daughter.

It's amazing what she can do in a matter of minutes.

Really.

Just now I walked in on her playing with an Exact-O knife (cutting up the kitchen table to be precise) and chewing on box tops points for education (don't ask--her "eating habits" are a whole other story)...She just leaves me scratching my head sometimes. How she finds these things and doesn't hurt herself is beyond me.

It only takes minutes!!! But because I cannot resist her, here are a few more of her playing in the curtains.

Curtains

This typifies my Sophia. One of her favorite things to do is to play in the curtains, the other is to suck on her hair. I love photographing kids doing what they do, being who they are. Those moments go by so quickly and they are the ones you want to remember, but seem to forget too easily.

My Baby!!

Our sweet little Geoffrey was born May 29 via c-section, and we are so in love with him! I haven't been able to get many pics of him because I've been healing up, but I attempted a few yesterday. Thanks to all of you for your well wishes!!