6 month portraits | C Family | Denver Family Photographer

I've realized in the past few months that I need to write more about my First Year baby photo plans. I have been getting to see all my wonderful Denver newborn photography clients hitting their milestones, be it 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, their First birthday with smash cakes, or anywhere in between. When I built my website, I wanted it to be simple, but am now realizing I probably need to add a couple more galleries. That 3-9 month old window is one of my very very favorites, especially when we get to shoot on location in some of the beautiful Denver area parks and open spaces. Babies and their families in nature- just how Colorado families should be!

6 months... when they are just pleased as punch to be upright and love watching the world around them. Mommy and Daddy are the light of their lives, and if they happen to be mobile, it's still slow enough to easily catch them!  We call these "Sitter Sessions" because it is a big mile stone, turning 6 months. Half a year since they joined the world and made their parent's heart love like it has never loved before. Half a year of newness, and it shows in their eyes- absolutely everything is new. 

They radiate joy. Their parents radiate joy. It's the best to be around.

Family session in the Mountains | Evergreen, CO Family Photographer

One of my favorite things about living in the Denver Metro area, is we are only minutes from escaping to the mountains.  I always feel a little jealous of the families I photograph in Evergreen- you get mountains without being forever from a Target (haha- my priorities...) 

I shot little Mr. S's newborn photos, and was so honored that I got to shoot his milestone session. Newly sitting babies make me so happy. Their gentle wobble, arms out for balance, face full of pride at their accomplishment- it's one of my favorite moments to capture.  

10 years old.

I'm going to cry through this whole thing.  Just have to warn you now.  It's a side effect of being a sap.

10 years... How?  I'm so overwhelmed by how quickly you've grown Hailey. It both shatters my heart and fills me with pride in the same moment (weird mom thing... you'll understand someday)

You decided to make us into a family well before my "5 year plan", and while I cried in fear at the time, I don't think I could have fathomed the love and joy you would bring into our lives... into everyone's lives. Any time I question anything in my life- any "why me?" or trial- I just look at you, my sweet girl, and I am reminded how much good there is in our life.

You were the beginning of it all for us. You taught us how little sleep we could live on, how much crying we could actually tolerate (Your poor little colicky tummy), how little we knew about adulting, and how very little we knew about our capacity to love before you were in our arms.

Hailey, when they say someone can light up a room, they're talking about you.  You bring light and joy with you everywhere you go- it radiates from your soul. I pray every day that teenage years (that are approaching far too quickly for my comfort) don't try to rob you of that. 

Today, we say goodbye to single digits. I didn't imagine how hard it would be for me - to recognize we are coming to a place where our relationship is going to change, that we are coming to a place where our years of being with you every day are less than more. I just want to keep you!  Yet, in that same breath, the excitement I feel for you and the years ahead is just as overwhelming.  (Again, weird mom thing)  

I love watching your relationships with friends blossom. I love the crazy plans you make together (winter dog wash... no.) - but most of all I love the ease you have with each other.  You do you.  They do them- and none of you feel the need to be anything else. My hope for you is that your friendships can always stay this way, and that you never compromise yourself in an effort to "fit".  There will be people who love you and see the amazing that is you and won't ask you to change it.

Your love for volleyball inspires me.  You've worked through so many hard things- and even if you might have wanted to give up, you never said a word and kept going.  Your dedication through those moments is going to last a lifetime- and I am so crazy proud of you.  You achieve a goal and you keep on trucking to the next.  I want to be more like you. I am so glad you have that to share with your Daddy, and hopefully will also have to share with at least one of your siblings.  It's been so cool to watch your relationship with daddy grow this year.

Thank you for being so amazing. I know there will be times in your life that you might make choices that aren't super, and that's okay.  We will be here for you.  It's part of growing up!  Thank you for loving your siblings so much.  I know they make you crazy sometimes, but I also know you love them dearly.  Thank you for always having a heart for service.  Sometimes when I tell you not to help, it's because I want you to savor being a kid.  It's okay not to grow up too fast.  You'll look back and wish you were 10 again someday. Thank you for loving us despite being the oldest (a.k.a. tester child) as we navigate the craziness that is parenting all you little personalities.  Thank you for conversations, and always wanting to fill me in on every part of your day.  Thank you for giggles and our silly jokes.  Thank you for still holding my hand in the car, and for only rolling your eyes at me when I'm being EXTRA nerdy.  

10... a whole decade.  I am so proud of you Hailey.  I love you. 

Today, Noah is 8.

Today, my precious Noah is 8.  He's got a tender heart, and an intense sense of justice for all things. He is a fast (yet stubborn) learner.  He loves animals & Pokemon, Minecraft & music.  His favorite song this week is Fireflies by Owl City.  He just got his own pinboard on my pinterest and has been pinning up a storm!  You can check it out here. (Can I just say, it is SO neat to see them start doing this kind of stuff?)

Noah is an avid animal lover- so much so that he never really took an interest in cars/planes/trains.  He would just sit and line his toy animals up 2 by 2... heehee- I'm kidding. For Christmas, he asked for a baby lion.  So, my parents "adopted" a lion cub in his name from The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, CO.  He has a certificate, a photo, and can visit any time. To say he is over the moon is an understatement (added bonus, telling your friends you got a REAL lion for Christmas... AND your mom backing you up- score.)  He is currently dreaming up ways he can save up to buy things Leonardo the Lion needs when he gets to go visit. *side note- this is an awesome program to donate to if you are ever looking for a great cause to give to*

His reading is really starting to gain speed, and he is always asking what signs mean when they say __________.  I am so excited this reluctant reader is starting to see that reading can, indeed, be fun.

We play pokemon together (only recently with cards), and on the nights that he is struggling to fall asleep, I ask if we can meet in our dreams to have a battle.  It works almost every time to help him sleep, and the next morning I get a full detailing of what he dreamt of.

I constantly wonder what kinds of adults our kids will be.  This has been particularly on my mind as our oldest 2 are quickly approaching being tweens- and, as most of us do, I worry if I've entirely screwed them up, or if they will at least turn out okay.  Then, things happen that remind me that they are resilient and incredible.

We played Risk for the first time with Hailey and Noah on New Years Eve.  We played and everyone laughed hard as Mommy (me) got SO angry at Daddy for beating me so handily.  Midnight came and went, and since I am a big wuss when it comes to staying up late, we decided to finish up another night.  Sunday evening, we pulled the game back out, set up the pieces according to the photos we took of the word, and got back to playing.  I was out within 5 minutes (thanks for wiping out my last 5 men Chris... HUMPH) Hailey was out shortly after, and it was down to the 2 guys.  Noah did a great job bolstering his countries, but he started to get overly excited and cocky.  "You're gonna get it!" "BOOM!" etc.  It was fun to see the excitement, but a lesson in getting overly confident (and a little nasty about it) too early was about to happen.  Chris's turn was up, and once he turned in cards, counted up countries, and added bonuses, he got to add a whopping 54 armies to the board.  Roll by roll, Noah's army dwindled, and soon he realized he was going to lose.  Do you know what he did then?  He kept rolling.  Tears were silently falling, but only once, at the end, did he say "I don't want to roll"- but he did anyhow, and with that, Daddy won the game.  Instead of stomping away or having a "fit", he crumbled into Chris's arms and cried for a few minutes.  "That was really hard>" was mumbled into Chris's shoulder- Yes, it was.  Most of us would call it before it was official defeat and walk away without truly finishing.  I asked him to shake his dad's hand and say "good game"- and then I asked him to say "I played well" (which he really didn't want to do, but I'm a meanie and make them say these things out loud and clearly so they can hear themselves)  These kinds of moments give me the most hope for their futures.  Facing the hard stuff and seeing it through.  I am so SO proud of him- heart burstingly proud.

Dearest Noah, I am so excited to find out what this year has for you.  Thank you for choosing us as your family. Thank you for being my buddy, even when you think moms are totally gross and embarrassing.  Thank you for retorting my taunts (like, "you're a NERD!" with "I got it from YOU MOM!"), and for always saying "I love you more! There's at least 1 possibility".  Thank you for being so enthusiastic about Minecraft and Pokemon, always making it highly interactive for us all.  I love that you love comfy clothes and soft things.  I love that you scream when you're excited and that you can't contain yourself sometimes (okay, it makes me a little crazy too), and I love that you cry when something touches your heart.  I love you more than I can express, bug.  I am so glad to be your mommy.  Happy, happy birthday.

The year to write it all down. | Denver Lifestyle Newborn Photography

We recently decided that Harper would be our last baby.  This is the first time I've actually written it down, so forgive me as I wipe away some tears...

See, I would have a dozen babies if we had the means.  I adore being a mom to many, and Chris loves being a dad- we simply recognized we probably shouldn't go on having babies forever.  We are allowing our family to grow in new ways.

This has been particularly hard for me as my oldest 2 turn 8 & 10 this week.  It goes SO painfully fast.  That old adage "The days are long but the years are fast" has never felt more true.  My days of nursing are in the near future, going to draw to a close.  The newborns I cuddle will go back to the arms of their mommies.  My babies are quickly becoming kids and tweens.

In reflecting on all of this, I decided I need to write it all down before I forget.  That means lots more personal posts this year.  I'm planning on writing down as much as I can recall, the good, the not so glorious, the beautiful, and the not.  I'm going to do my best to do bits and pieces, photos included of course.  It is really mostly for me, but I hope it will also be for my kids, and maybe there will be something helpful in there for you too.

Impressions from November & December : a personal project

I'm breaking the rules and posting more than 8 images... But it was a fun couple months!  I didn't take very many pictures on my camera this holiday season.  I kind of promised myself I would drink in more of the days together and worry less about photographing it all. In December Teagan turned 5- which is a big birthday in our house.  The girls get jewelry boxes on their 5th birthday that are heirloom quality.  It's pretty special.  We had a great time shooting pictures for holiday cards (which isn't standard... usually they are rushed and filled with crying!  haha!) - It was a good couple of months. When you've looked around here, head over and visit Antonia to see her lovely work!

‘Impressions‘ is a creative project by an eclectic group of female photographers from around the globe. We aim to share the inspiration behind what we do through our bi-monthly posts.

Every other month, we will be sharing 8 images that tell the story of what inspired us in the previous weeks: our families, nature, weather, or maybe even work itself! We are free to explore the meaning of ‘impressions’, and it is likely to change month to month.

{6 days new} | Denver Newborn Photographer | Posed + Lifestyle Photography session

Happy 2015!  I hope your holidays were amazing.

Combo Newborn sessions are my favorites I think. We start with beautifully posed images of baby, and then move into lifestyle portraits, and I get the chance to capture families just loving each other.   It's a great alternative for mommies who might not feel up for posed images of themselves.  I encourage parents to be in pictures (even if no one else sees them), as these precious moments with new baby are fleeting, and I promise you- children treasure them when they are adults.

2014 Fall Mini Sessions Part 2 | Denver Family Photographer

I hold Mini Sessions twice a year, and my fall sessions are always a big hit.  It's a great way to get your holiday pictures (and cards!) taken care of in one fell swoop.  It's a huge gift to me too, seeing all these wonderful families.  This year we shot at Cherry Creek Reservoir. It was stunning- and we couldn't have BEGGED for better weather.

2014 Fall Mini Sessions | Denver Family Photographer

I loved so many images from mini sessions this year... so get ready... this is a 2 part post!  Thank you to all of my families who trust me with their precious images- you honor me. New families, and those I have watched grow for years, thank you for coming to see me this year.

B Family | Union Station | Denver Family Photographer

 

Mini sessions were a hit this year! We started out downtown Denver at Union Station.  I really really like the new building.  I also really really like this family.  5 of the most beautiful, respectful, wonderful boys in the world.  Their parents are doing an amazing job.

Blue or Pink | Gender Reveal | Denver Maternity Photographer

I have been blessed to know Chloe since my freshmen year in high school.  She has always been the epitome of grace and kindness to me, and she has been even more so through her pregnancies.

We had so much fun creating this announcement!  Big brother Noah was in charge of letting you all know... Is he getting a baby sister?  Or is he getting a baby brother??

A BROTHER!!!!  Congratulations Ryan, Chloe, and Noah!!!

Impressions Blog Circle | July & August edition | Denver Portrait Photographer

It's Impression blog circle time!  When you're done here, please visit Natalie to see what the last 2 months have brought her.

I've (as usual) been rather lack-luster about blogging.  So here we are in September, and I still haven't blogged about our newest addition, Harper!  She arrived in July and absolutely lights up our life.  I was hoping this post would be her birth story, but that will come soon.  We had quite the adventure for her coming earthside.  I can't wait to share it with you along with the images and video my dear friend Sarah captured for us.  Prepare yourself for a bit of photo overload... I had a hard time narrowing it down!  Here are a few of our first 2 months together  (she's going to be 2 months tomorrow!!  Holy moly!) If you want to see more of our day, follow me on Instagram @brinkstreet

Newborns look so wise to me.  I believe they know something we don't when they are that fresh.  She is so deeply loved.  Her brothers studied her for hours.  Also, am I the only baby foot junky?  The deep wrinkles just make me swoon.

Some of the newborn images I took of her and her siblings.  Sam had photos with her when our wonderful friend Cristine came to take photos!  (Another blog post for sharing!)

Then suddenly, she was a month old.  Teagan is insane about her. She isn't sure how she feels about Teagan ;)

Here she is at 7 weeks.  Hopefully it won't take me 2 months to share more for you!

Denver Colorado Fall Mini Sessions

I have 4 dates open for these super-fun Mini sessions.

Ready to book??  Here’s what you need to do!

1. Look through the dates and times below.  If it isn’t crossed out, that means it’s either available or the deposit hasn’t been received for that time

2. Pick your top 3 times (just in case!)

3. Email me kim@brinkstreetphotography.com or call me 970-227-4927 to request your spot!

4. Put $25 down to save your space (Paypal, check, cash, and credit cards are all options)

October 4th /5th Fort Collins

Saturday

4:00pm

4:45pm

5:30pm

Sunday

8:00am

8:45am

9:30am

4:00pm

4:45pm

5:30pm

October 18th/19th Denver Metro Sessions

Saturday

8:00am

8:45am

9:30am

4:00pm

4:45pm

5:30pm

Sunday

8:00am

8:45am

9:30am

4:00pm

4:45pm

5:30pm

One weekend will take place in the Denver Metro area, and the other in the Loveland/Fort Collins area.

Please email me at Kim@brinkstreetphotography.com or call/text me (970)227.4927 to set your time.  Make sure you have a top 2 times, just in case the one you like is already taken.

A $25 deposit is required to hold your time.

Once you book, I’ll send you an invoice for  to reserve your space.  I can’t wait to hear from you!

Impressions Blog Circle | May & June edition | Denver Portrait Photographer

May and June were busy, busy months for us!  Noah graduated from Kindergarten, Sam had his first "beach" experience (a reservoir is about as beach as you get in Colorado), we went to birthday parties and saw family!  It's been a wonderful start to our summer and a fantastic way to wait for our newest addition who will be here any day now!

After you spend some time here, head over to Vinita's blog to see what they were up to this May and June!

{The S Family} | Denver Family Photographer

This weekend was my last weekend of shooting before our newest addition arrives- and I have to tell you- I couldn't have asked for more beautiful, wonderful families to start this maternity leave.  Isn't this family stunning?  We had SO much fun at Daniels Park outside of Denver, and these beautiful girls kept us on our toes!  Thank you S family for choosing me for your pictures.  I am truly honored.

Impressions Blog Circle | March edition | Denver Portrait Photographer

March was full of births, bellies and babies, which left me picking up the big camera at home less than I would have liked.  We had a fabulous playdate with the kid's cousins, welcomed a new family member, and in general were very very busy!

When you finish looking around here, go visit Natalie at her blog to see what she's been up to!

2014 Spring Mini Sessions | Denver Family Photographer

It's time for Spring mini's again! We had so much fun last year, despite having to reschedule because of snow. This year I've scheduled them in May in hopes of avoiding any big storms, as well as it being green. Our location this year will have an option of shooting on the beach as well as a field, and as always, there will be cookies and lemonade.

Ready to book??  Here's what you need to do!

1. Look through the dates and times below.  If it isn't crossed out, that means it's either available or the deposit hasn't been received for that time

2. Pick your top 3 times (just in case!)

3. Email me kim@brinkstreetphotography.com or call me 970-227-4927 to request your spot!

4. Put $50 down to save your space (Paypal, check, cash, and credit cards are all options)

5. Get ready for fun!

May 17th & 18th

Saturday

7:30am

8:00am

8:30am

9:00am

9:30am

10:00am

5:00pm

5:30pm

6:00pm

6:30pm

7:00pm

Sunday

7:30am

8:00am

8:30am

9:00am

9:30am

5:00pm

5:30pm

6:00pm

6:30pm

7:00pm

$50 is due at the time of booking, with the balance due the day of your session. Spots are already booking, so please contact me quickly to grab your spot.

Location and session information will be sent via email 2 weeks before mini sessions take place.

Have questions?  Email me at Kim@brinkstreetphotography.com  there are never too many or any silly questions- so don't hesitate!

Impressions Blog Circle | January Edition | Denver Family Photographer

January was a busy and fun month for us.  We had 2 birthdays- Hailey turned 8 and Noah turned 6.  Poor things were sick on their birthdays but we made the best of it and had a blast.  We also had fun telling a version of the little Monkeys jumping on the bed (without the whole falling off and head breaking....)

Coming in July.... We are so excited!

Now head over to Natalie's blog to see what she's been up to this month.

Impressions Blog Circle | December Edition | Denver Family Photographer

December was a very busy month. So busy that 99% of my personal pictures are still sitting on a card in my office. I'm 3 short, bt here's a little tiny bit of our month. We had a beautiful Christmas, including our youngest upgrading to a toddler bed (that's been an adventure!). Then on the 26th, my February birth clients called to tell me her water broke. 6 weeks early, but 5 pounds, 6 ounces, and breathing room air- he was ready to meet the world! He has a few weeks in the NICU ahead of him as he learns how to eat, but I feel so blessed to have spent the end of the year getting to know him and his family.

Go visit Lena to see what she captured this month!

Impressions Blog Circle | October Edition | Denver Family Photographer

'Impressions' is a creative project by an eclectic group of female photographers from around the globe. We aim to share the inspiration behind what we do through our monthly posts. On the 8th of each month, we will be sharing 8 images that tell the story of what inspired us in the previous weeks: our families, nature, weather, or maybe even work itself!

We all know I've been a horrible blogger, so to help change that, and to help all of you get too know my and my crew, I joined a circle of incredibly talented women to share a little bit of  "us" every month.  Make sure you click through all of the links.  These women are amazing!!

Here is a little bit of our October.  It was filled with mini sessions and lots of other business- it was so hard to choose only 8!

I had 4 very full days of mini sessions last month (blog posts to come!), but here are a few of my personal favorites.

Halloween is our opportunity to go over the top with dress up.  Wigs, hand made costumes- candy is low on the totem pole compared to the characters they get to play.  Sam wasn't feeling the individual pictures, but I love how how looks like a little stuffed horse.

 Head over to Antonia's blog to see what inspired her last month.

http://www.mamzenko.com/impressions-october-personal-project/