Shutterboo Photography is now Brooke Murphy Photography… and the new site can be found at brookemurphyphoto.com. (I’m squealing over here, people!!)

Come on over and visit the new site!  Hurry! Now! Do it!!!

(You can also visit me on Facebook!  And don’t forget to update the RSS!)

We had talked about doing a maternity session a couple of times, but with it being cold and getting dark early, nothing was really planned. Until Jessica emailed me one day and told me she wanted to do it, she wanted maternity photos – was there a chance to meet up that following weekend.  Her wish was my command. A time was set and then I started to worry.

I usually recommend expecting mothers to be about 8 months along (or anywhere between 28-34 weeks), but Jessica was sitting pretty at 38 weeks. I was concerned if she’d be uncomfortable, that she’d be worried about how she looked and so on. I have no idea why I worried though, because none of that was even a bother when I showed up at their home.  Jessica’s belly was as big as could be, perfectly round, she wore a big smile and was absolutely beautiful.

And with eyes like his, Jeremy wasn’t so bad either. ;)

Bump love.

Isn’t she just gorgeous?

Gracie and Zoe had to get a photo too. Crazy doggins.

Jessica’s vision: wide shot of the nursery. I just love how it turned out.

And I took advantage of her being stuck in that chair.

If you have ever met these two people, you’d know that they are hard to compare to. I’m so happy to call Jessica and Jeremy friends and always look forward to spending time with them as it usually includes lots of laughter. The only thing I would change is for them to tell me what the gender of the baby is.  Because baby is still not here!  I have no idea how they’ve stayed so patient… or why that baby isn’t budging… but I can’t wait to Baby Gray!

He was just three weeks old when I got to meet him. So small, so handsome and so loved by Joia and Andrew. Even their sheep dog, Toby, shares the love and has become Henry’s protector, telling mom and dad when the baby’s crying or trying to keep the photographer at bay. He’s the ideal Big Brother. :)

It never fails, but seeing friends become parents touches me in a new way. They may not always notice it, but they have it down pat already. Where to put their hands, how to cradle perfectly, how to give the lightest kisses so that baby doesn’t stir. It’s something special, that’s for sure.

Henry may have not been super happy during our session. There were a few breaks for the pacifier. A break for brunch. A break to have a side conversation with mom and dad. Once he quieted down and the session wrapped up, I held out my hands to hold the little guy. And he cried. Boo. But I still love this baby boy and can’t wait to see how tall he grows.

*my heart melts*

This was post brunch. Drunk on milk. Just look at the little smile. I love it!

My last few months have been filled with newborn sessions and I love it!  The good thing is that even more babies are coming in the coming months. :)  I have friends that are expecting, co-workers, former co-workers… and I’m just chomping at the bit to get those babies in front of my camera.  But it’s more than just taking the photos.  It’s the whole session that makes it worth while.

I love seeing parents, new or second timers or even third or fourth timers, with their newborns.  They seem to gather all the love they have in their bodies and hold it precisely where their new baby is – in their arms, on their chest, with warm kisses.  Mothers forget there’s anyone else in the room.  Fathers have a new found gentleness.  It’s always the same, but somehow always different.  There’s just something about seeing parents hold the most precious thing in the world.  And that’s why I photograph newborns with their parents.

Don’t get me wrong, I love looking at those adorable photos of little babes in cocoons and baskets or those small faces propped up by even smaller hands.  They are precious.  But my newborn sessions are not like that.  There’s something more touching, more serene when a child is with their parent.  I understand wanting to remember what you newborn looked like, but don’t you also want to remember yourself, your family, and experience those feelings over and over again?

I recommend all newborn sessions take place at home and that babies be between three to six weeks old.  Since I photograph the family together, I like mom and dad to get some time to settle in, feel refreshed and learn a schedule with their newborn.  Any time of day works as long as there’s daylight, and the session usually takes place in a room with great light.  We’ll open a door or blinds, turn off the overhead light and from there we work through a natural workflow, always making certain your baby is comfortable.  And when the going gets tough, breaks come in. :)

I truly believe the relationship is what makes beautiful photographs.  And having photos of you holding your child, or your spouse, your children or even your parent – there’s a connection that  ties you together and holds you still for just a moment.  As a photographer, that’s what I love – seeing couples fall even more in love all because of this one little person.  I’ll leave the baskets and doll poses to other photographers – I want to photograph your newborn with the people that love him or her most in the world.

I was excited to meet Kelly and Scott and it was because of the anticipation that built up before Kelly’s delivery.  Being friends with Scott’s sister, Bethany, I got see pictures from baby showers, learn about their favorite baby names and then, the day before Christmas, I saw an update that she was an aunt.  Of a beautiful baby girl.

Definitely a lot of anticipation.  But it made it worth while.

Not only are Kelly and Scott a wonderful couple, but seeing them with their sweet little girl… ah, I was over the moon in love.  New parents with babies gets me every time, but this new family was something wonderful all it’s own.  I knew that they left the gender of the baby a surprise, but listening to Scott talk about how after he met her, he said the names they had fallen in love with for a girl just didn’t fit.  And so her name became Stella Marie.

Stella surprised me by keeping her eyes open the entire I visited with her.   Her eyes followed the camera.  She stretched out her neck and held up her head when we laid her on stomach.  She stayed so calm, so patient, didn’t even fuss until the very end.  I am Stella fan until the end.

Just look at those smiles.  How can you not fall in love with this family when they’re this happy.

*love*

My favorite of Kelly.  The look on her face.  The light.  Her hands wrapped tightly.  It melts my heart.

Oh Stella – you little heart breaker, you!

And that was a wrap. :)  So happy for the Yager family and for proud Aunt Bethany.  They have a lovely little lady to love on, kiss and bounce on their knees and I can’t wait to get updates from them all about how much more beautiful Stella becomes.

Unless you’ve done it before, it can a bit nerve-racking as you sit at the keyboard and take a deep breath before you close out your shopping cart. And that’s one of the reasons why I started offering products: to make it easier for you. But also because I want the best possible quality for the photos you decide to turn into art for your home.

Before the holidays, I hosted a client giveaway for an 11×14 canvas gallery wrap.  I myself had never ordered a canvas wrap and though I was familiar with the quality of this product from my print house, I still wanted to go through the process, analyze the product and then gift it to one amazing and completely deserving client in time for the holidays.  My dear friend from college, Juliane, was the winner and together we selected images from her November session and finally narrowed it down to this one:

It’s just as you’d expect a canvas gallery to be, it’s frameless (which I love frameless presentation) and the image is printed directly on the canvas.  It’s then wrapped, or stretched, around a 1.5″ wooden frame and finished with a clean back.  The canvas provides additional texture to the image that you wouldn’t normally see on a photograph or a floating wrap.

The corners are perfectly folded and didn’t feel loose at all.  And I love how the top and bottom of the images wrapped over the sides, which gave it more of a seamless look.  As if the trees continued on.

I also really liked the back of the gallery wrap.  Not only is the canvas backed with sturdy matting, but the industrial staples really hold it all in place.  It came ready to hang with a saw-toothed hanger already attached to the back and little rubber stoppers at the bottom corners to help your canvas hang parallel to the wall without hurting your paint.

The thing that make a canvas gallery wrap different from the other wrap I provide is that it’s more luxurious.  The canvas printing is something different all together and any size canvas gallery wrap would look beautiful alone or alongside other wall hangings.  It’s also deeper; with the 1.5″ wooden frame, it has a  more refined look to it and really feels like an art piece.  The quality isn’t better – the product is completely different by comparison and that is why both wrap products are available.  But not everyone likes canvas… or the cost of canvas… so that’s why both options are available.

No matter how you choose to display your images, whether you create a small floating wrap, a large canvas gallery wrap or prints in frames, I hope you’re able to share them with your family and friends.  Photographs help us remember a certain moment in time whether it’s our children at a certain age or how we felt about our spouse before we started a family.  Just know that I’m here to help  you find the perfect product for your needs.

To see view other product features:
Gallery + Prints
Mini Accordion Albums
Floating Wraps 

I’m in love with these kids.  All five of them.  Kim did a phenomenal job filling me on how they tick, pieces of their personalities before we met and just minutes into the session, I knew she hit the nail on the head.  Each child was so different but there was love between all of them, a sense of caring and knowing they belonged to each other.  Cousins have a way of effecting you without you knowing it.

Maya was kind of quiet, but definitely has the older sibling, take on things approach.  She stood up, took charge, led by example and just smiled away.  Her happiness shined through all her photos and seeing her with her youngest cousin was quite special.

Isaac, like most five year olds, are in the moment one second and then out of it the next.  I had to get him to warm up to me, but talking superheros totally worked.  Turned out he was going to be Superman for Halloween.

Hannah, the oldest of the bunch, is strong-willed and not afraid to voice her opinion.  She’s a matter-of-fact kind of kid who will probably be a no-nonsense kind of woman.   I love that.

Her little brother, Caleb, is a sweetheart.  I little more shy than the others, but playful and likes to turn everything into a game.  But so, so sweet.  He held my hand more than once, he gave me a hug, said he wanted to stand with me… a ladies man at four.

And Sidney.  This girl marches to the beat of her own two year old drum and I LOVE her for that!  She was go-go-go, always smiling and laughing, trying to keep up with the big kids and didn’t even bat a tear when she took a tumble.  She’s a wild woman.  At two. :)

Yep, I love ‘em.  I’ll keep ‘em.

I know I only spent a couple hours with these kids.  And I know it’s been months since I’ve seen them.  But I can say that I had the best time with them.  Playing in the leaves, rolling on the ground, laughing at their knock-knock jokes, learning more about Power Rangers, striking a serious pose… it was seriously THE BEST.  I hope they had a very happy holiday with their families.

And it was awesome.

After emailing with Kim a few times, she asked about including her sisters and their families into our session.  After a few more emails and logistical planning, we made it happen.  So on an October evening when the weather was a bit warm but leaves were starting to turn, we all came together to take some pictures, some secret pictures, for some very deserving grandparents.

All three families were fun, laid back and a wonderful bunch of people to spend time with.  And their kids – I’m head over heels for these short people.  So while I was excited to meet Kim’s family, I was completely honored to meet all three Hamilton sisters and these fantastic people they get to call family.  And now you do too.

The sisters.  Kim, Stephanie and Jennifer.  Lovely ladies.

Stephanie’s family…

This girl.  That face.  I’m a Sidney fan to the core.

Kim’s family…

I totally lurve this photo of Maya and Isaac.

Jennifer’s family…

It doesn’t get any cuter, people!

Again, such a pleasure to spend time with these families.  And I have my fingers crossed I’ll get to again another day.  But these kids… these kids won me over.  You’ll have to check out the blog again tomorrow because the kiddos got their own post. :)

My favorites have usually been the photos that stir my feelings and send a little excitement throughout my body.  And I still get that.  But this year I’ve noticed that it’s not just the image itself, but the moment around the image.  How I felt when I was with the people in the photo – it’s hard for me to explain, but there’s more than just a “that photo captured the mood.”  These may not be my “best work” or your favorites, but they help me relive a fantastic memory, a wonderful time spent with the people and things I love.  And that makes them rise to the top.

January: My Girls

I had a lot of great photos to choose from in January.  But this one my Mel and her little lady is my favorite.  I spent the day with Melanie’s family as they celebrated Allie’s first birthday.  There were a lot of shots to love from that day (including her crawling around in those sweet little legwarmers with those chubby legs), but this one steals my heart every time I look at it.  Love them both to bits.

February: Birthday Self-Portrait

It’s funny that my favorite from last February was also a birthday portrait.  But I had SUCH AN AMAZING BIRTHDAY WEEKEND.  I turned 30 this year and there were surprises all weekend and I just had the best time ever.  I’ve never felt more special or loved than that weekend.  I have the best friends ever.

March: Heather+Robby

This session is by far one of my favorites.  Heather and Robby enjoy life to its fullest and are so easy to photograph.  And when I say easy, I mean EASY!  We just walked around downtown Louisville and shot what sounded like fun.  And I love how each photo turned out.  Yes, my absolute favorite session.  This session will be hard to beat.

April: Chicago with Irene and Michael

I set a goal for 2012 and that was to attend a photography workshop.  The opportunity revealed itself early in the year and in April, I found myself in Chicago, sitting among some very talented women in Christy Tyler‘s home.  I learned more than I realized [as I still find myself remembering things we covered and testing them].  But it was a great weekend – good people, great stories, great mentoring, warm hearts and great modeling.  Irene and Michael were our workshop models and they brought it even though it was so chilly.  If you ever get to spend time with Christy and James, do it.  They’re fantastic.

May: Nashvegas Wedding

Nothing is better than spending a weekend in Nashville.  Add in the fact that one of your longtime friends is getting married and it makes it better.  Mix in several of your favorite people from high school and college and you have a howling good time!  It was a wonderful time and my friend, Kevin, asked me to catch a shot of him and his new bride leaving the hotel after the reception.  I love this photo of them so much.

June: BDD Montage

Our Big Deaf Dog lurves the water hose.  LURVES IT!  And I got it in my head that I wanted to photograph her while she went nuts on it.  It paid off.  And this post happens to be my “lift your spirits” post when I’m having a bad day.

July: The One That Can Hear

It’s not a secret that I love dogs.  And I love my doggins through and through.  They are sweet, great to cuddle with and hilarious.  But Chase, the one the that can hear, is my heart doggin.  She’s my girl and keeps me company even when I think I don’t want any.  She also hates the camera, so I love this “happy” photo of her.

August: The Nose Print

Now.  I absolutely love catching photos with my dSLR but we know that sometimes you don’t always have it.  For me… it’s more often than I like.  So my favorite shot from August is actually an Instagram.  I know – I know.  But I do love it.  Because the BDD’s nose was so wet she left a perfect nose print on the couch.  And I can’t help but smile when I see it.  (We’ve tried recreating but she’s so uncooperative.)

September: My Grandma

We celebrated my granny’s birthday this year with a small surprise (in her backyard) and it was so great.  Being with family makes me happy – I love all the stories I’ve heard hundreds of times over the years.  But what I love most is that my granny is still on this Earth for me to hug. And she’s a heckuva hugger.

October: Atlanta

October was a crazy month for me.  I met soooo many new people, wonderful people… but my favorite thing that happened that month was my weekender to Atlanta.  Meeting my friend Katie for the first time in the flesh was perfect and I’m head over heels for her little man Camden.  I second shot a wedding with her… experienced a smash and grab with her… and I have yet to revisit any of the photos I took at the wedding.  I think the bad taste that came with my bag getting jacked still lurks, but it’s on the to do list.  Believe me.

LOVE this lady!

November: Birthday Boy

Birthday Boy.  Tater tot.  Connor.  Whatever you like to call him.  I just LOVE TO PHOTOGRAPH HIM!  This little guy made my Thanksgiving weekend so much sweeter (and it wasn’t because there was cake involved).  He’s the cutest – from the new hair to the bluest eyes to those kissy little lips – I’m a Connor fan to the core.  And I loved this cupcake smash session!

December: THE SUGAR BOWL

OK.  So I really didn’t take many photos in December.  And I wasn’t sure what I could say was a favorite when I take more pics with my phone of doggins in my lap than anything else.  But… we went to New Orleans late last week… because our alma mater was playing in a big bowl game… and I had my phone… and Instagram… AND MY CARDS FRICKING WON!!!  The trip to NOLA, the game, the title – everything about was perfect and THAT is the best thing about December [and beginning of January, but we're going to overlook that fact and just bask in the glory of Louisville beating Florida]!!!!

In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out.  It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.
We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. 
-Albert Schweitzer

So you can only imagine my excitement when Laura, Connor’s mom, told me she wanted to do some holiday photos.  I couldn’t WAIT to see Connor!  And boy had he grown.  That little tater tot got taller, had a little boy’s haircut and just looked so different since this summer.  But Laura had an idea of her sleeve to celebrate Connor’s upcoming birthday.  A cake smash. :)

I showed up that morning ready for holiday family photos.  And holiday family photos we got.  But getting down in the floor with Connor, watching his reactions to a big blue cupcake and laughing at mom and dad?  That was the icing on the cake.  I loved every minute of it – and was so happy to celebrate a mini-cake smash with the Daugherty family.

The Birthday Boy.  How sweet is that face?  And that belly button?

*I melt*

I hope Connor had a great birthday party with family and that everyone loved his birthday portraits.  He’s such a sweet little man, loved by many, but I know Laura and Stephan are over the moon for him.  As they should be.  Because he’s spectactular.

Happy first birthday, Connor.

How she is the perfect mix of her mom and dad.  That’s the one that always pulls at my heart strings.

Amelia is over a year and half old now.  She’s as mobile as ever and definitely kept me moving at our session.  But I do hope that she had fun at the park, exploring new sites and keeping her parents on their toes.  That my beautiful friends Mandy and Josh love their family photos.  (I know I loved seeing them on their holiday card.)

Because before we know it, she’ll be two.  Then three.  I just can’t get over how fast time flies with these kiddos.

LOVE that smile of Amelia’s!

I’m not sure how long Amelia’s been doing it, but she kept folding her hands, pulling them to her chest.  It was so darling and she did it so many times.

I never grew tire of it.

I think this one is my favorite.  Of Mandy with her little girl.  For some reason, while I was editing their photos, I kept pausing at these.

Every time I look at it, I see Mandy as a mom instead of the little 18 year old girl I befriended all those years ago.  Beautiful woman.

Warm wishes to my friends, the Hillmans.  I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with family and ring in the New Year with hugs and kisses.

I did hang out with Reece while the ladies were finishing with their blush and headbands.  He showed me his room, his new big bed, he sang the black bird song and I just ate it all up.  So I made sure to take some photos of Reece as well.  Because two-year-olds love to see the pictures you take – and I was happy to show them to him. ;)

Look at those eyes.  Malana’s eyes through and through.

Meeting Baby Reagan… whoa.  I knew when I met Reece he was six weeks and was large.  Reagan, in these photos, is three weeks old.  THREE WEEKS OLD!  Her parents made her a super healthy baby and she’s got some size to those three-week old thighs… but she’s completely darling and alert and just so precious.

And since momma loves those chunky legs…

*gah*

I absolutely love these in the chair.  The light was perfect and just painted a completely different picture.  And with Reece jumping up next to Malana… well, her smile says it all.  I hope Malana and Neil have a wonderful holiday with their families near and far.  And that everyone gets to hear Reece sing and hold that chunky monkey Reagan.  I send my love.

Ah.  Time flies way too fast, people.

But I love Stacia and Wyatt’s kiddos.  Cali reminds me so much of Stacia – her mannerisms, the way she talks, the way she looks – she’s even a basketballer like mom.  And Jonah is so, so sweet.  He tries so hard to smile for the camera and when confronted to choose to cheer for UofL or UK he just says, “I like them both.”  Jonah’s a little lover, keeps the peace… I luz him.

At five and three they are so much fun, Cali and Jonah.  Playful, still kind of timid but goofy and just cute as can be.  I don’t know what Stacia and Wyatt to have made these two little people so fun and polite, but they have wonderful children… and I’d play with them in their backyard any day of the week. :)

I asked Cali if we should take a picture of mom and dad and she agreed.  I love sucking Stacia into these situations because she’s the sweetest.

*my fave*

Love these kids, love this family, love my dear and beautiful friend.  I wish them nothing but happiness this holiday season and can’t wait to get another hug.  Much love, Cox Family.

No more waiting.  Whew.

It’s time to blow off the lid and tell the world about Baby Clark.

First, let me tell you a little about this family.  The Weisenbargers are for realsies one of the nicest families ever.  They’re polite, thoughtful, consider the details, very happy and know how to have a good time.  All those things, and more, bundled up into this one perfect little family.  Every time I visit with Amy (who is a fabulous former co-worker), I leave with a smile on my face.  I kid you not – her happiness is contagious and I love it!

Big Sister Anna fits the Weisenbarger bill and is so so so cute. I don’t know how she does it, but she has me wrapped around her little finger.  And to see her with her new baby brother?  In a single word: gah.

Baby Clark was born in October and he is so hard not to fall in love with.  I think I visited Amy three times in eight weeks… to visit Clark.  At least the last time include some family photos and newborn photos – I had a legitimate reason to pull in their driveway and let myself in. :)  I think Amy summed up our session best: no crying, no accidents and no spit up… awesome.  As I was editing, I fell in love with the black and white photos from their session.  They just presented an entirely different feeling than the color images.  So I decided to blog in black and white.

Meet the Weisenbargers and their newest family member, Baby Clark.

This little man is loved by many and I know that he will grow up strong and just as entertaining and fabulous as Big Sister Anna.  Thank you again, Amy and Seth, for letting me a part of your lives and letting me love on Baby Clark as much as I have.  Much love to you guys.  I’ll be over this evening to get more snuggles in.  ;)