. . .Hard to believe, but the “boys” just celebrated their first birthday.  If you’ve been following the blog then you know the image that I took of them, when they were just days old and 5+ pounds is featured in the soon-to-be-released “M.I.L.K. Friendship, Family, Love and Laughter” coffee table book, and for those who haven’t, that picture from my first shoot with them is here along with an image from our recent session.  No need to say that there is a LOT more chasing of the twin toddlers than there was a year ago!

hc | annapolis children’s photographer

. . . yes you do.

a picture IS worth a thousand words.  and then some.

WE are ALL thrilled to pieces.

happy tears at this session – right Gigi?  xoxox to the entire family

hc | annapolis newborn photographer

. . . need I say more?  How cute are they

still trying to catch up on blogging!

hc | bay ridge photographer

. . . “I swim like a little fish” – direct quote from the wee person pictured below.  Our girl LOVES the water so we decided this summer to take the plunge (pardon the pun) and enroll her in swim lessons so that we wouldn’t be pulling her off of the bottom when she jumps into the abyss without a thought so she could better enjoy the pool.  It goes without saying that swimming is a life skill, particularly in a water town like ours. When the topic of swimming lessons came up, the decision was a no-brainer.  There is one person who’s name is synonymous with learning to swim in this town (and you local mommies know exactly what I am going to say)…”Miss Brooke.”  YEARS ago, Brooke and I “shared” the pool on Sunday mornings – she had her tiny little proteges on the surface of the water, and I was teaching my students under the water in the deep end.  At the time, I really couldn’t appreciate just what she accomplished . . . I was much younger, childless, and had no idea what went into those little people getting from one side of the pool to the other on their own.  Fast forward a few summers, ok, 15 summers, and now I see that what she does is quite remarkable.

After the first couple of classes I was a little unsure because I couldn’t tell if she was ‘really getting it’ but by mid-August, barely 6 weeks later, she was jumping off of the diving board and swimming to the side of the pool with NO flotation.  I still don’t quite believe my eyes when I see her do it.

Hard to believe we’re now in September, the leaves are starting to change and the temperature is sadly dropping. . . we won’t be swimming for much longer.  But, come January, “my little fish” (Caroline’s self-description) will be one of the tadpoles spending Sunday mornings with Brooke and we’re really looking forward to it!  This year (which I believe is Brooke’s 24th season teaching swimming) will be the best Sunday Swim Program EVER because she has tapped into her long history of swimming connections to create the Dream Team of Swimming Instructors   Yay.  I checked in with her about space available, and a handful of spots remain.  Whether your little peanut is timid in the water, or already an enthusiastic swimmer, we hope to see you for some Sunday swim fun…to think that my wee girl is going to be working on ALL 4 STROKES is just hard to imagine!

Thanks for indulging me with the personal post…I’ve got lots of client stuff to catch up on blogging, but couldn’t resist the shots that I took at class a few days ago.

Here’s Brooke’s website if you want to grab one of the few spots remaining in the Sunday program!  www.brookemooreaquatics.com I hope we see you!

hc | annapolis photographer

. . . no, it’s not a cute baby contest … these two are getting an early start on this year’s Army – Navy football rivalry!  I am excited and proud to introduce a wonderful new line of REALLY CUTE hats from KONJONO!   The brainchild of my dear friend Deb and her business partner Anne, these fleece hats, adorned with a variety of fantastic grosgrain ribbons come in a rainbow of colors as well as YOUR favorite team’s colors to show your spirit this football season!

To celebrate the return of the college gridiron, Konjono is offering 20% off of their School Spirit line, through September 13 – use coupon code FOOTBALL-9-12.  Whether you’re a fan in Berkeley or Buffalo, or any team in between, you’ll find a hat that represents your team’s colors!  I for one, will be ordering the “college park” for my wee girl!

Be sure to visit their website at www.konjono.com – I have no doubt you’ll have more than a few favorites!  Here are a few more shots I love from our shoot…

hc | commercial photographer

. . . I love these two   If your first thought is “WOW, those children are beautifully dressed!” blame it on their Mom!  As owner of Crocodile Kids children’s boutique in Severna Park, you’d expect that her kids would make the best dressed list, right?  There are some GORGEOUS things in the store right now, so there is no better place to shop for your children for fall.  For those with fall portrait sessions booked, they will be happy to help you put together a perfect ensemble!  Some of my favorite lines are Vineyard Vines, Deux par Deux, Lilly (of course) and something new to the store – Little Joule (if I can get CG to cooperate I will post a pic of her in her new Little Joule sweatshirt that I could not live without.)

We spent an evening wandering around downtown and I captured them in some of my favorite spots.  One such spot was already “in use” by another photographer, so it appears that great minds think alike   I would like to apologize to those two nice girls for being subjected to my rendition of the Wonder Pets theme song.

with their beautiful momma…

sweet as a cupcake…

For those of you who are Crocodile Kids fans, they have a fun contest on their facebook fan page so POST a photo of your children in their fabulous clothing and you could win a $25 gift certificate!  Contest ends September 12 so go do it. right. now.

Speaking of fans, become a fan of Heather Crowder Photography and receive advance notice on special offers, promotions, and happenings!

And lastly (I promise I will stop talking soon) – a couple of updates:

Short & Sweet sessions are SOLD OUT – but we do have a waiting list should space become available so please let us know if you’d like to be added

Signature Sessions – Just a couple of spots remain for fall sessions with holiday delivery so contact me asap if you’d like to book!

hc | annapolis maryland photographer

. . . two more gorgeous boys . . . and I bet they are both angels . . . just ask their mom   From another gorgeous evening in Annapolis

hc | children’s photographer

. . . finally catching up on some blogging!  I spent the morning with this little girl just about 10 days after her arrival!  I was glad that she was both asleep, and awake during our time together because of shots like THIS that make me it difficult for me to stop staring into those beautiful blue eyes!

hc | maryland newborn photographer

. . . this charming young woman sent me a heartfelt email about how she wanted to surprise her mom with portraits of the two of them before she left for school.  The last one to leave the nest, she wanted her mom to have a memorable birthday and surprised her with a great dinner and then our just because session in downtown Annapolis.  We had a great time and it was fun for me to see both the connection between them, and the independence and confidence of someone about to leave home and head off for college.  I have no doubt she’ll make her mark at school, and with a smile that can seriously light up a room (and a couple of city blocks), she’ll stand out in the crowd!

hc | family photographer

. . . they may giggle at the mention of girls now, but there mom won’t be giggling when their phone is ringing off of the hook in a couple of years!  Both models in the making – look at that hair – the eyes – the megawatt smiles – both as cute (and mischievous) as can be!  I had a great time with them and their mom and can’t wait to hear of their success!

hc | child model photographer