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. 

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.

{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.

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!!!

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!

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 | 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/

Mini sessions are here! | Denver Family Photographer

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

October 12th /13th Fort Collins

Saturday

8:00am

8:30am

9:00am

4:00pm

4:30pm

5:00pm

Sunday

8:00am

8:30am

9:00am

4:00pm

4:30pm

5:00pm

October 26th/27th Denver Metro Sessions

Saturday

8:00am

8:30am

9:00am

4:00pm

4:30pm

5:00pm

Sunday

8:00am

8:30am

9:00am

4:00pm

4:30pm

5:00pm

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 me (970)227.4927 to set your time.  Make sure you have a top 2-3 times, just in case the one you like is already taken.

Once you book, I'll send you a paypal invoice to reserve your space and an attachment  with all the little details of the day.  I can't wait to hear from you!

You are lovely | Denver photographer

I was discussing with another photographer recently how hard it is sometimes to get a new mom in front of the camera right after their baby was born. They are tired, perhaps anxious, and not feeling their prettiest. The fullness from the few weeks prior that made them glow so abundantly from within is now nestled in their arms, and they think the glow is gone. Some feel they never glowed to begin with. Believe me, I understand. I've been there 4 times.

When I was pregnant with our oldest daughter, I was told by a medical intern that I should eat a cheeseburger every day. I was 21 years old, and at 17 weeks along had gained a pound (eating healthy and staying active, not for any other reason than that).  Not knowing any better, I listened. I gained 54 pounds in 20 weeks.  I wouldn't let anyone take a single photo of me- I was embarrassed  by how much weight I had gained, the stretch marks that had exploded all over my body- I wanted to hold our daughter and forget becoming so large. Then, when I was 37 weeks, my lips started to tingle. I went to see my chiropractor and he assumed it was a pinched nerve. However, it got worse. i started to lose function in the left side of my face. I called the doctor's office, and the nurse told me to call 911, as she suspected that I had had a stroke. I called my dad instead. I just had a feeling it was something else. He gave me a ride to the ER where I continued to lose feeling and eventually the ability to blink.

After PET and CT scans, as well as a hospital stay for observation, I was diagnosed with Bells Palsy.  Fortunately, the paralyzation that comes with it is typically temporary.  I felt like I had lost a limb.  I grieved.  I cried because I drooled,  had to help my eye blink, and I had to tape my eye shut at night. I was terrified my baby wouldn't learn how to smile because when she was born, she wouldn't see joy- but instead a version of Quasimodo.  I didn't feel worthy of her even knowing I was there.  No pictures.

Needless to say, my precious girl has a beautiful smile.  By the time she was 3 months old I had recovered about 70% function.   I still shied from the camera. I was still big- gosh darn it- I was 21!  I was supposed to walk out of the hospital in my pre-pregnancy jeans (HAHAHA).  Chris wrangled me to have a portrait taken when she was about 7 weeks old.  I didn't look at the camera- I looked at her; my little piece of perfect.

(photo credit Unforgettable Images 2006)

I look back now, and I desperately regret it.  The image we had done at 7 weeks is a treasure to me, but unlike her siblings, there is no belly picture she will have to compare hers to when she has babies someday.  There are no newborn pictures beyond me staring solemnly into the camera at the hospital.  None to show her my elation with her presence in our life.  I promised myself to never do that again.  If Bells Palsy strikes again, I'm still having pictures done.  I wish I had known that there are photographers out there who could have hidden what I was so embarrassed and shameful of.  That they know how to choose angles that would have flattered my new, fuller shape.

I'm bigger than I want to be.  My belly is soft, my arms jiggle when I wave, I've got junk in my trunk, "muffins" in my hips.  It's a far cry from the nearly  6 pack I had 10 years ago, but I'm thankful for recognizing the importance of the images I'm in now.  I'm thankful I met a wonderful photographer before Noah was born who blessed me with gorgeous images of him in my belly.  We have pictures for Noah, Teagan, and Sam.  We hired professionals for their belly pictures and births.  We have wonderful glimpses into our family in each phase of growth.  It's worth it to me.   I wish we did it more.

(Photo Credit: Stacey Potter Photography)

I still relapse. I still hide from the camera.  I still delete pictures taken by my awesome husband.  I'm not always comfortable in photos, and more often than not, candid images make me feel horrendous about myself.  I don't believe the nice things people might say, and I'm far too critical of that double chin I see when I smile too hard.

Then I hear things like this:

"She's raising kids who's definition of beauty begins with the word "mom" because they see her heart and not her skin" -- Shane Koyczan.  So I try.

I want you to know you aren't alone feeling intimidated getting in front of the camera.  I want you to know that you aren't alone in feeling that you aren't pretty/thin/good enough for pictures.

The one thing I know for absolutely certain?

You. are. lovely.

Even if you can't see it, the rest of us can.  Let it be captured.  Hire a professional who will help you feel as beautiful as we see you are. You aren't going to look this way forever, and you can't come back to it.  Someone who loves you is going to treasure it.

If you are looking for a photographer in the Denver area, Contact me! I would love to meet you.

Spring Mini Sessions! (I'm so excited!!) | Denver Family Photographer

Date TBD!! These have NOT occurred yet- contact me soon to stay in the loop!

I don't normally offer spring mini sessions, or at least I've never offered them before.  This year, however, an idea hit me and I just had to make it happen.

There isn't much that says "Spring!" to me more than fruit trees in bloom.  And where better to find fruit trees in bloom, than an orchard?  So I went on a hunt for a local orchard. I found one, right in Golden.  Nelms Farm is an all natural, pick your own apple orchard.  Mr. Nelms has graciously allowed us to use this space for mini sessions this year when the trees blossom!

With that said, I have set a tentative date for our mini sessions.  If they aren't showing signs of being blossomed by 2 days before the sessions, we will move them to the next weekend.  Same time spots, same days.

There will be stunning trees, apple crates, a quilt, perhaps some vintage chairs- lots of options. Oh, and cookies!  I'll definitely bring cookies!

These sessions are a perfect way to check out custom photography.  Bring your baby bumps, your boyfriends, bring your babies.  I can't wait to see you!

These kinds of portraits don't happen very often on this side of the mountains in Colorado. I can hardly contain myself.  I've done so many happy dances- I hope you're excited too!  I am so thrilled to be able to offer them!

Saturday

7:30am

8:00am

8:30am

9:00am

9:30am

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

The fine print:

$50 session fee is due at booking to reserve your time.

Paypal, credit card over phone and check are accepted.

Session is for up to 6 people.  $10 per additional person

Barring a blizzard or monsoon, sessions will be held at these dates and times.

Carter is TWO! | Denver Family Photographer

I feel like I just did Carter's newborn photos- and here he is turning TWO and about to be a big brother!  *sigh* it passes too quickly.

{9 days new} | Denver Newborn Photographer

It is so fun to watch an older sibling who is still little themselves discover their new baby.  My kids are all two years apart, and one of my favorite things is capturing the wonder of someone smaller than themselves. It makes for it's own special challenges when it comes to pictures, but that is what makes it all the more fun and special.  It was such a joy to capture this family!

{M Family} | Denver Family Photographer

My yearly visits with this family are treasures to me.  They are just amazing.  They love each other so very much, and it shows. Will and I got to talk about Angry Birds.  At almost 3 he is already mastering the game!  Thank you guys for driving to Denver to do a Family session at Bear Creek Lake Park.

{S Family} | Denver Family Photographer

I think when parents come to a session, they envision all other families children behaving perfectly through a session (I know I STILL do that with my kids!)  Doesn't happen.  With ANY family.  We are having fun, so kids are prone to extra silliness, maybe a little defiance, and sometimes we have random spurts of stinky attitudes.  But we still have fun.  And we still get amazing moments of every family. No matter how many times I try to capture my own kiddos, I struggle to remember this with them.  With other kids, I take a pretty laid back approach, and let them get their sillies out, because this isn't just about taking pictures, it's about making fun memories too.  I'm not above bribery and ridiculous amounts of making a fool of myself to achieve it either!

I've known the S family for over 5 years.  And through a small world, they have known my extended family even longer.  It's always special doing portraits of friends.  I love their family, and really enjoyed playing with them and getting a chance to capture their real personalities.  My heart swells while I'm editing these.  Bear Creek Lake Park was stunning. Silly faces and laughter, love and joy.  Thanks for letting spend some time with you S family.  I love you guys!

B Family | Denver Family Portrait Photographer

So very often we forget to take advantage of the moments when our families are together.  You never know if it may be the last visit where you are all gathered.  I am so thankful that I was chosen to capture this visit.

A gorgeous home in the mountains, extended family, and keeping our eyes peeled for a bear- it was a neat afternoon.  I felt right at home.

B Family, I am so glad I got to meet all of you.

2012 Fall Mini Sessions | Denver Family Photographer

Can you believe it's already time to start planning for Christmas/Hanukkah?

Get those Holiday portraits taken care of while having fun this fall.  I take care of the cards, the pictures, and all you have to do it come and love on your family!

This year we have some special items that are going to be offered only for these sessions- including the option of Lux holiday cards!

(not my images)

And GORGEOUS custom frames from Organic Bloom (and they're ornament size!)

Exciting right?  They are way too cute for words- and they make the perfect gift, because they are wonderful for the tree, but just as cute on your wall or hanging in your office.

I have 2 dates open for these super-fun Mini sessions.

October 13th

8:00am

8:30am

9:00am

4:00pm

4:30pm

5:00pm

October 20th

8:00am

8:30am

9:00am

4:00pm

4:30pm

5:00pm

Depending on requests, one date 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 me (970)227.4927 to set your time.  Make sure you have a top 2-3 times, just in case the one you like is already taken.

Once you book, I'll send you a paypal invoice to reserve your space and a little goodie envelope with all the little details of the day.  I can't wait to hear from you!

The S Family | Cherry Hills Village Family Photographer

I'll just say... we laughed a lot at this session.  We always have a great time with these guys- they have 5 kids, we want 4 or 5 kids, they homeschool, we homeschool, they like wine, we like wine....  Like I said, we have a great time together.   Plus I just adore them.  And they are one of the most gorgeous families ever.

^ That's my favorite one^

Heeheehee... They are so much fun.

Fall Mini Sessions | Denver Family Photographer

It's that time of year again!  This year we have some special items that are going to be offered only for these sessions- including the option of Lux holiday cards!

(not my images)

And GORGEOUS custom frames from Organic Bloom (and they're ornament size!)

Exciting right?

I have 2 dates open for these super-fun Mini sessions.

October 15th

8:00am

8:30am

9:00am

4:00pm

4:30pm

5:00pm

October 22nd

8:00am

8:30am

9:00am

4:00pm

4:30pm

5:00pm

Please email me at Kim@brinkstreetphotography.com or call me (970)227.4927 to set your time.  Make sure you have a top 2-3 times, just in case the one you like is already taken.

Once you book, I'll send you a little goodie envelope with all the little details of the day.  I can't wait to hear from you!