Allen Family| Maternity by Erin Kent Photography

I am 100% behind our military; no question about it. It does have a lot to do with my personal affiliation and my husband's being a Marine but is also has a whole lot to do with just my general patriotism. I love my country; therefore, I love those who protect my country.

One of the most unique aspects of my job is the opportunity to reflect the little pieces of military families. Their make up, if you will. Each one is as individual as the next and each have a specific nature that I love capturing in still frame. Many folks don't understand that the family behind that Soldier or Marine, are the glue. They give that man or woman something to fight for. They give them something to come home to. They give them something to smile about when they're sandy and dirty and longing for American soil.

If taking photos is my only contribution to the happiness of a military family, if it is the only payback I'm ever able to present to those families that I love so much; well, then, that's what I'll keep doing.

Because, it's about so much more than the money for a session, or the joy in art. It's about giving folks like these something to smile for. :)

And, with that little heart spill... :)

I'd like to introduce to you, the Allen family!

You may remember them from their session this past Summer. Not long after their session, good news came along and I learned that the Allens were expecting their second; a little girl. Yay for girls!

Of course, I jumped on the opportunity to capture another milestone in their lives! I'm absolutely in love with every photo from this session! (Do I say that often enough? Can you tell that I love what I do?) It was SUPER hard not to share every. single. one.

Enjoy!

 

 

I had the absolute most gorgeous light throughout the entire session. Creamy, hazy, afternoon light. The kind we photographers just swoon over. :)

 

 

 

I L.O.V.E. how the light is accenting her baby bump in this picture! <3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Their little unit is so sweet and I just know that Mr. G is going to be the BEST big brother. :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think it's safe to say that they've got this parenting things under control! ;)

 



Baby C| First Year by Erin Kent Photography

Miss Chasley is just too stinkin' sweet! I was finally able to meet her for the first time on my most recent visit home. She has the kindest little disposition; smiling ALL the time and I rarely heard her even whimper. Chasley's mama told me that throughout her pregnancy, she'd prayed for a happy, pleasant baby and I think it's safe to say that the Lord answered those prayers!

Oftentimes, when editing photographs, I'll enhance certain features, such as the eyes, especially when they're blue. I had absolutely no need to do this with baby C's photos, though! Those eyes reflected light all on their own, believe it or not! They're gorgeous!

Top off her breathtaking eyes with those chunky little cheeks and leg rolls and it's safe to say that she didn't have a prayer! I got LOTS of snuggles and kisses from her during our time together!

I hope you enjoy her three month photographs as much as I enjoyed taking them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hill Family| Maternity by Erin Kent Photography

Sessions are always a special time for me. Maternity sessions are extra special. Maternity sessions with families who I personally know and love are the best. :)

 

I've grown to know the Hills over the past few years, as my mother babysits their oldest, little girl. They are the most down to earth, friendly family you will ever meet. They are raising their princess in the best way; with lots of love and affection.

 

Speaking of their little princess; I can't quite put into words how much I adore little Miss Rylee. She's got a very distinct, silly personality and always finds a way to make me laugh. One of the great parts about my mom babysitting half of Onslow county is that I get to love on lots of precious little ones.

 

I am so excited for the Hill family, as they're expecting another little girl in March. I cannot wait to meet little Miss Reese and smooch on her just like I do with Rylee-roo. ;)

 

Thank you for letting me capture your maternity moments. <3 It meant so much to me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer| Maternity by Erin Kent Photography

I think I've just had my favorite session ever.

Jennifer is expecting a little girl and asked if I'd do her maternity session. She was very specific in the type of session she wanted which I love. It makes my job even easier when clients say, "Hey! I have a vision, woman!" Of course, I like to put my own EKP spin on everything. ;)

Jennifer and I had SO much in common which made the time even more special. :) We both share a love for antiques (I was lusting over some of her collection), we both love refurbishing furniture, we even share a knee surgery scar on the same knee! Ha! She's just so sweet and I thoroughly enjoyed my Saturday afternoon with her.

The most special aspect of this session and the sweetest quality of Jennifer is that she's carrying her precious little girl while daddy is serving our country. These women just inspire me. The silent ranks, those who go it alone; inspiring.

 

I hope you enjoy this small glimpse into Jennifer's lifestyle maternity session.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer, I can't wait for you to receive your package and I absolutely cannot wait to meet your angel! 

What's In the Bag?

So, the blog slipped on a little something more comfy. How d'ya like it? I'm loving the new change!

 

I was racking my brains trying to figure out what the first, official blog post would be and I was

inspired by Emily over at Greene Label Photography! She featured a "What's In My Camera Bag," post on her blog just a couple of weeks ago. You can find her post here!

 

I hopped right on my post this morning! :) So, without further ado here's the tour of my little pretty!

 

First things first, I sport an Epiphanie bag thanks to an AWESOME gift from my best friend. :) I had been lusting over "Ginger" for quite some time but just couldn't let myself make the jump. So, I carried around one of the plain ole black utility camera bags. Hey! It works and did me just fine for quite a while.

However, I'd found myself toting both a purse (because I can't give up my Coach or my Jessica Simpson for JUST the plain, black bag) AND the camera bag. NOT fun. Especially when on a trip. I was left with sore shoulders and the inconvenience of switching from bag to bag to retrieve items when I needed them. That, or the hubby ended up toting one or the other. Let's not even go into the massive eye roll I'd get every time I asked for THAT favor! ;) He's such a good sport!

 

 

 

Don't you just l.o.v.e. the cute little camera charm each Epiphanie comes with? Adorable!

The "Ginger" came in several colors but I settled on "bisque" simply because I figured it would be most functional. Black or brown; either way I'd be fashionable. ;)

This bag is so stinking functional. It houses padded separators that have Velcro lining so that you can change the bag up to fit exactly the items you need to place inside. I totally forgot to snap a picture of the inside!

 

 

 

 

Overall, I've been super pleased and I'm looking forward to purchasing a "Lola" in a bright, fun color in the near future. You can never have too many bags, right?!

 

 

 

I totally meant to space the items in my bag out a little more for more number room but... you know, I wasn't thinking.

The items pictured below are just a basic idea of what I may have in my bag at any given point in time. It honestly varies, depending on the session and there are certain items that go with me to every session that aren't pictured because they don't go in the bag! :)

 

 

 

 

1} My wallet!

 

2} My kit lens and my go-to zoom. I ALWAYS have my kit lens with me for those times where I need/want to shoot JPEG and "Auto" away from sessions. (Gasp!!) Yes, when I'm not "working" I sometimes put that puppy on "Auto" and roll with it. ;)

 

3} Sun glasses. Don't leave home without 'em!

 

 

4} My planner! I seriously LIVE by this thing. If I didn't have it, I'd show up to sessions a COMPLETE mess! It's where I note your suggestions, keep track of times and dates when I'm away from my office calendar and where I jot in your contact info! I need it to live!

 

5-7} My wireless remote, battery charger and tripod connector. The wireless is used in low light situation when I have to slow down the shutter speed. The other two are pretty self explanatory. ;)

 

8} Makeup. Duh! :)

 

9} Car keys.

 

10} Business cards! You never know when you get the opportunity to spread the word! These are always right in the front pocket of my Ginger.

 

 

11} A spare memory card and a lens cleaner! Smudges are inevitable and memory cards aren't always reliable! It's always good to have these items on hand!

 

12} My phone. :)

Not pictured are: my tripod (used in low light situations), a snack (cause I'm a fatty), client folders (with all of your information and releases for signing) and my go-to nifty fifty (because it was on my camera taking the pictures for this post!) :)

These items are my staples! Like I said, there are those things that I bring just for special situations. A lot of times, I'll bring goodies for mini sessions or lollipops for the kiddos. It all depends!

So, there you have it! That's muh bag! :) What's in yours?

Big thanks to Emily for letting me hi-jack her idea! Be sure to stop into her Facebook page and show her some love here! She currently services the Jacksonville, NC area (right where I'm from)!

If you haven't already, be sure to "follow" the blog and "like" the Facebook page to stay up to date on all things Erin Kent Photography!