Axel Birth and Homecoming | Denver Birth Photographer

Shannon and I had been emailing back and forth a lot since she was a few days over her EDD.  Her first two labors had both been 18 hours, the first ending in a c-section, the second in 3 hours of pushing.  We were preparing ourselves for another long birth, and hoping it would be soon!

I got "the call" at about 3 am that her water had broken. I was still groggy, so I forgot to ask if she was having contractions yet, and almost went back to sleep.  I am so glad I decided to get up and shower because less than 30 minutes later they were headed to the hospital. One of the nice things about where I am is it takes me less than 10 minutes to get to the hospital where she delivered.  Shannon was in the tub when I arrived.  Her strength through her intense contractions was incredible.  I am always moved by how amazing women in labor are. The nurses noticed that Shannon was starting to push a little and encouraged her out of the tub (which was getting a little chilly) so they could check her.

The nurses and midwife were so gentle and patient.  They didn't rush her and let her be in whatever position was most comfortable.  After only 2 hours, she was pushing- although a bit in shock because it was so fast!

At 5:30am, just a few short hours after her very first contraction, Axel was born.

His daddy happens to be a Respiratory Therapist in the NICU at the hospital where she delivered, and he pretty quickly noticed that their little man was struggling to get a good breath.  The nurses let Rob basically do his job- what a blessing to have the ability to still have a parent being the caregiver!  Axel's O2 saturation was really, really low every time he didn't have oxygen on, so they decided to transport him to the NICU.  It was discovered later that day that he had Pneumonia, so he had to stay for several days.  I went back that evening to take some photos of him with his mommy in the NICU.  It's part of his story, and I feel it is important that even if a birth doesn't go exactly as planned, that we capture all of it.

Since his big sister and big brother weren't allowed in the NICU, we planned to do a homecoming session.  My very favorite part of births (next to baby being born of course) is when the family meets for the very first time.  I arrived a few minutes before brother woke up from nap and sister came home from school.  What a precious way to meet your baby.  They both stared and just drank him in- and I was blessed enough to be there. Both of their eyes sparkled with wonder and love.

If a delivery doesn't go as planned- or if birth isn't what you would like captured, but instead these precious moments- please know that I offer this as an option.  Also know I may cry, because of all the love in the room.  Because it's a lot.  And it makes me happy cry. Have I mentioned how blessed I feel to get to capture these moments?!?

Thank you C family for trusting me to capture your family as it grows.  I have loved growing to know you all.

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.

Fox Family | Denver Family Photographer

One of my favorite parts of the year is getting to spend time with the Fox's.  I have been so lucky to be trusted with their family portraits year after year.  I always have fun getting the kids to goof around with me- even if they think I'm a little crazy.  I have been so bad about blogging sessions... I didn't even get 2011's sessions up- but here is 2012.  I am so looking forward to doing it again this fall!

Sam | Denver Baby and Family Photographer

I think Sarah and Jim are really good at choosing baby names.  Sam is such a fabulous name (I have a Sam too). I think little boys named Sam are some of the cutest babies in the world.  Not that I'm partial or anything ;) These are from when Sam was 2 months old. Below are some from his 8 month photos too!

The cradle was hand made for Sarah when she was a baby.  Isn't that an incredible heirloom?  I really love things like that.  They have their own story that is wrapped into what we are capturing.  I can't get enough of the suit either.  He looks like a little baby boss. It's awesome.

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.

Liam {5 Days New} | Golden Newborn Photographer

I think it is so neat when babies are given special handmade gifts.  This little man had an entire hockey outfit crocheted for him!  It was so fun to dress him up- I am certain that he is well grown out of it by now, but what a special keepsake- something that you can give to them when they have their own baby and say "I remember when"....

35 Weeks | Denver Maternity Photographer

These are from way back in  way back in October! We were just certain that after weeks of premature labor we had better make sure we got maternity photos done for Esther quickly, or little miss might make her entrance before we had a chance to.  Guess what that sweet little stinker did.  She hung out in there until 41 weeks!  Such a tease.  But so worth the wait.

I've decided Esther had probably the most adorable baby bump ever.  Chris is so in love with both of them.  They drove down to Stapleton area in Denver from Fort Collins for their Maternity session.

And of course we had to do a silly one.

{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.

{B Family} | Denver Family Photographer

Mini sessions went off without a hitch this last weekend!  I really enjoyed my time with the B family- their little one is a ray of sunshine and their dog was so wonderfully behaved!

I'm so glad we switched to an afternoon session for them- they have lived in Hawaii and the morning of the mini sessions was windy and cold- the afternoon was stunning.

Thank you again for coming out!  It was such a joy to meet you.

{M Family} | Denver Family Photographer

I found my little slice of heaven for photographing families. Tucked right up against the foothills, it's got the most breathtaking trails and open spaces.

I had such a nice time with this lovely family.  As many of you know, we homeschool, but we have the added benefit of an amazing enrichment program called Options that allows our kids to go and spend the day with other homeschool students and take classes with some amazing teachers.  That beautiful lady down there is one of the wonderful teachers.  She has given Hailey a new found love of science- it's pretty awesome.

The boys were fantastic for this session, and I got to test out my mad Star Wars knowledge! There are upsides to being a total geek!  Thank you again M family for choosing to have a Family Session with me.

{E Family} | Castle Rock Family Photographer

I have to admit, I'm kind of thankful that we got rained out the night before.  It meant we got to try a new location, which was beautiful!  I'm also glad we didn't try to brave that cold rain... Sometimes a do-over is well worth it.

This is another amazing teacher from Options (Whom I am also glad to call friend).  We couldn't be luckier to be involved in a program with such amazing parents and staff.  Aren't they a beautiful family?

{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!

The Birth of Trinity | Denver Birth Photographer

I've known Ashley since middle school.  I don't think either of us imagined ourselves with 4 children when we were growing up.  Funny how God can shake things up like that.  I would consider us particularly blessed mommies.

When Ashley asked me to photograph the birth of their fourth (their first girl!) I about cried.  It's an honor to photograph any birth, but an extra special honor when it is someone you have known for the better portion of your life.

I woke up the morning Trinity was born with a text on my phone that they were headed to the hospital.  I somehow had missed it a few hours earlier and was just certain that I had missed her birth.  Fortunately when I called Jeremy he reassured me that I hadn't missed anything- but that the little princess had slowed things down a bit.  So off I went to be at the hospital with them, praying the whole way that she would wait for me.  I arrived around 11 in the morning, with nothing much happening.  Ashley was having some inconsistent contractions and had been sitting at 5cm for a couple of hours.  So we walked.  We talked.  She was quiet and beautifully focused through the contractions she did have.

1pm rolled around, and the nurse suggested that they monitor the little one for a little while before Ashley walk around some more.  They decided to check her.  Still 5cm.  A few minutes passed, and a hardcore contraction hit her.  Another a few minutes later.  At 1:12 she had another and told her husband she wanted drugs.  Get the epidural.  He left the room and told the nurse.  As he was walking in at 1:15 she told him she had pressure to push- he pushed the page button and she shouted at the nurse that her body was pushing.  The nurse came in with a mild smirk on her face... pushing... ha- she was 5cm 15 minutes ago.  Checks and there is a baby crowning!  Hits a red button- "I need everyone NOW!  We are having a baby!"  3-5 people came flying into the room, all while Ashley isn't pushing but Trinity has decided she is making her entrance.  At 1:22 the doctor came in just in time to see her feet be born, and Ashley had her precious baby girl in her arms.

I shook so hard for a good hour after that 22 minutes.  5 contractions.  FIVE.

And then pure joy.  Tears from meeting the princess they had awaited so anxiously. Bursts of laughter, and studying her newness.

Welcome to the world princess T.  Your mommy and daddy and 3 brothers have waited a long time to meet you.  I am so honored to know you both Jeremy and Ashley.  Thank you for allowing me to share the story of this special, special day.

Trinity Parr Birth from Kimberly Rodgers on Vimeo.

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!

{Ilias, 1 year old} | Stapleton Baby and Family Photographer

Another planner turning one.... Sigh.  Remember his Newborns?   His 4 month? His 9 month?  And now he's one.  It's killing me that these sweet kids I've gotten to watch grow over the last year have already reached this milestone.

Ilias was a hoot.  He asked "what's that?!?" to just about everything we passed during his session.  Bikes, City busses, flowers, dogs... everything.  He is SO smart!

{Christopher, 1 year} | Stapleton Baby and Family Photographer

Do you remember Christopher's birth from last year?  Again, can't believe he just turned one.  It makes me excited and sad at the same time.

Christopher had a sock monkey birthday party- so of course we had to take sock monkey pictures!  Is he not one of the cutest little guys ever???

{Sarene} |Denver Child Photographer

Again... This year has gone too fast!  Do you remember this little sweet pea's newborn photos??  That was over a year ago!  WOW!  She is the cutest little princess- and we had so much fun doing her cake smash.

{Stevie, 4 days new} | Highlands Ranch Newborn Photographer

Watching families fall in love is the best part about my job.  If you have had kids, you know the feeling of having your first baby come home with you.  Your family is redefined.  You know real, true, intensely protective love for the first time.  It's beautiful to witness.

Meet Princess Stevie and her stunning family.

Her mommy owns and teaches at Pure Barre Greenwood Village.  If you haven't heard of Pure Barre or even if you have- check it out!  I am so excited for taking classes there to get back into shape once our little one arrives.