. . . Last week I had the pleasure of photographing a wonderful family in Federal Hill. The park is beautiful and I will definitely be going back. This family, like so many of the folks that I photograph, were spirited, full of life, and even more, full of love. The difference with this family, is that they face challenges each day, far more difficult than the toddler tantrums, picky eating, and other issues that I hear mommies and daddies sometimes complain about. Last August, they were devastated to learn that their oldest son, Mac, had a debilitating, degenerative disease, called Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) for which there is no cure. You can read Mac’s story, and learn more about MLD by visiting his support website www.macsteam.org.

We had originally talked about our photo shoot back in the winter, but wanted to wait for spring weather to get outside and boy did we have a beautiful day! Sunny clear skies and a warm (ok, hot) day were such a treat and we all enjoyed the fresh air. I did my best to chase Mac’s little brother around (who wasn’t terribly interested in being photographed ), but I did manage to catch him for a few!

Here are just a few favorites for his wonderful Mom & Dad, while they wait for the rest of their gallery. I’m sure you can see that Mom is beautiful, and that the love that she has for her two boys, and husband is palpable. I am also sure that I don’t need to tell you that Dad is frequently mistaken for a certain multi-time champion of the Tour de France. One of my favorite parts of the day, was watching Mac on a swing with his Mom, just peacefully swaying in the sun – it was almost mesmerizing – and you could see that they were both at ease. I’m saving that pic for her, but, here are a few others from their session. I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to get to know this loving family, and to meet such a special little boy. This coming weekend, he’ll be crossing the finish line in front of his Mom as they complete a half marathon together (see Aimee, positive thoughts – I already have you crossing the finish line in my mind

What lengths parents go to, to get their children to laugh!

gotcha!

warm weather = happy toes!

two of Mom’s 3 boys!

hc

. . . Just one for now. . . . but MUCH more about little Mac to come.  Stay tuned.

How on earth could I keep this image from his Mommy?

(oh, and I have a new favorite session spot – Federal Hill in Baltimore – thanks to his Mom for the great site!)

hc 

. . . but it’s great to see everyone trying! I, like everyone else nearly fell over at the gas pump when I filled up this week, and the reality of needing to conserve our resources hit me (and my credit card) harder then it ever has before. Unfortunately, it may take great financial impact, to really bring folks to act, but whatever the impetus, it’s a good thing to do. Not intending to be preachy here, at all, but thought it was a good opportunity to mention things that I am doing, within my business, to be a little more green.

. . . No more paper client welcome packets. Most of my close friends know that I am completely, and totally paper obsessed. I LOVE fine stationery, fun fonts, great colors, you name it – take a beautiful piece of paper, add a monogram in one of my favorite colors along with a stripe or two and a few polka dots, and you had me at hello. (I seriously spent more time choosing the perfect invitations for our wedding than I did shopping for the dress.) I spent quite a bit of time working on some neat client “stuff” but looking at the paper, printing, shipping, etc. I have instead decided to take all of this “information” on line. I have gotten great feedback from the recent clients that have seen the results of this “green” effort, so that has made it all worthwhile. I am still happy, to mail this info, upon request.

. . . Combining orders . . . I’ll be doing my best to combine client’s orders when ordering from the lab. Reducing the number of boxes that I receive, by the lab shipping orders together in large boxes, saves on paper, packing material, and even transit costs for my vendors. Orders will still be delivered to clients in a timely manner, as promised, but this will force me to be a little more organized in planning orders, etc.

. . . Recycling all of the packaging, etc. that I receive when orders arrive. You can only imagine the packaging materials that it takes to get a 24 x 36 museum mounted portrait safely delivered from the lab to my front door, and I have been very mindful of recycling these materials. I can also tell you that the labs that I use, as well as my canvas vendor are really making an effort to pack well, but in the most environmentally friendly way.

. . . I have ordered this cool CUP to make my love of coffee a little more environmentally friendly. Ok, so there should be a little reward for working so hard at being green right? I saw this cup in the latest paper-source catalog I received (again, reference to the paper obsession) and I could not pass it up. I’m hoping that the addition of some artwork created by my 2 year old with some permanent markers will jazz it up and add some pep, since it’s solid white. I’ll let you know how that works out, and of course realize that there will most likely be more ink on her, than on said cup.

Would love to hear any “green” ideas that you have! Ways to work it in to your regular day – not that we shouldn’t all put for a little effort – but the things that make a difference but can quickly become a habit. Ok, back to work – in between sessions today and just had a few minutes on the computer…

HC

. . . Sitting Pretty is having a sale.  Everything in the store is at least 30% off through Sunday.  Ladies, get your shop on.  ‘Nuf said.

HC 

. . . this is the little fella whose sisters I posted last week. I am so sorry that I hadn’t posted these yet – I am I have been swamped! This little angel was such a dear, so wanting to go to sleep, and when he finally did we got some sweet shots. There is something about a newborn that tugs at my heart strings, and brings back a rush of memories from just 2 short years ago, when my own baby girl had a furry little back and spent so much time curled up in her own little ball.

Look at that little belly (or big belly)

I’m sorry, are we keeping you up?

I just love this little blanket!

I had a great time with this family and can’t wait for them to see their entire gallery (you all know I don’t post my favorites on the blog   I LOVE to surprise Mom & Dad with the best shots.  Quick scheduling update – I am almost entirely booked through May and I have a couple of June dates available at this time.  If you’re interested in booking something for the summer, drop me an email and I’d add you to the list of folks waiting for the remainder of my summer schedule to be posted.  I’m happy to give first dibs to those I hear from directly, and will email you the schedule prior to posting it on the website.

Happy Spring

 Heather

. . . it never fails. A sweet little newborn is having a photo shoot and an equally sweet sibling (or 2) finds their way into the picture. Sleeping baby was taking a little break for a feeding, so I spent a few minutes with these two and could not deprive Mom (and my readers) of that beautiful smile. Wow. MANY more from this session to post, but couldn’t resist just a quick one. My card is still downloading but I couldn’t resist grabbing this one to post. Hope it brings an equally big smile to the end of your day which it’s hard not to do when we’re having such a beautiful spring day!

Happy Wednesday

Heather Crowder

. . . I know this little fella is his momma’s little lamb! I photographed him recently during mini-sessions at Lil Lamb Shop and he was a doll! More photos to come, but wanted to get something posted from a fun day! We’ll be doing more sessions at Lil Lamb Shop in the future, so stay tuned for more details. And if you haven’t been – OH MY – it is such a fabulous little place. I can promise you won’t leave empty handed. For those of you new, or soon-to-be mommies, look no further for all of your nursery needs! They have everything under the sun, and such a beautiful store! Much more to come…

. . . breathing. My poor little blog has been so neglected but I will be posting soon – playing catch up from all sorts of stuff! And for those of you, like me who REALLY believe that spring is in the air, keep thinking happy warm thoughts! I have received a lot of emails from folks “waiting for warm weather” to schedule your session – well book now for your spring/early summer session because the calendar is filling up quickly! And because I don’t like a post without a photo, here’s a recent little snapshot of my little BIG girl! Wow. Where does the time go?

Heather

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