I was encouraged to share some more portraits of my daughter. It amazes me how quickly time is slipping away. She has definitely lost the newborn look and is growing up so fast! Even though I haven’t always had the energy to do a full session as I’ve been recovering from a c-section, I’ve made myself pull out my camera and accomplish some of my visions before she’s *too old*.

Big thanks to my *professional assistant* (aka: my sister) for helping out with the beach portraits. I couldn’t have created these 1 month portraits without you.

Yes, this image is real…no crazy photoshopping here. We didn’t realize there was a storm coming in until we got down to the beach. Makes for a dramatic image and we managed to dodge most of the rain.

I like including family heirlooms in newborn portraits to show the passage of time. This blanket was Miss C’s great-great-great grandmothers.

Here she is at 5 weeks. So alert now.

Check out the crazy hair at 6 weeks.

This isn’t just any ole photography prop. This cradle was handmade by her great grandfather who passed just before she was born.

I guess I’ll start by saying I’ve been busy! I am currently on maternity leave and enjoying every single minute of it. I am in the process of trying to answer all emails and phone calls. This has been quite the task as I’ve been completely overwhelmed with requests for sessions. While I am honored that so many people are interested in my photography, there is no way I can possibly take on this many sessions. So I have decided that for the rest of 2009, I will only be accepting high school seniors and returning clients. I will also be working out of South Haven, MI and Angola, IN only. This saddens me as I love meeting new families and truly enjoy my work. But I also know how fast newborns grow up…you just can’t get that time back. So I’m sending out a big thank you to all of the people who have emailed and called for sessions and I hope you check back in next year when I have more flexibility in my schedule.

So yes, I am on maternity leave but I had a great reason to pick up my camera. My gorgeous niece was here for a visit from England! So we hit the beach for some portraits. (Click here to check our more of Miss A’s portraits on her blog.)

Love her little pose here.

Took a stroll around downtown South Haven.

Found some little flowery areas.

Captured some great expressions. Love her sparkly eyes!

She posed so well for the camera.

Fun was had by all!

They really do exist. You know how people always talk about *those* newborns who sleep well, eat well, and don’t cry very much. Well I always thought *those* newborns were kind of like UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, or husbands who pick up their dirty socks: a lot of talk but no proof. I finally have proof of my own! Born at 10lbs 1oz, this newborn had her first of many portrait sessions at just 5 days old.

We are loving the rolls and the chub!

I think her cheeks are even bigger and more kissable in person.

#3 almost makes #4 seem like a good idea…almost.

My daughter actually asked me to take her 4 year portraits. This coming from the girl who would rather play with worms and see how fast she can ride her bike before I tell her to put the brakes on. So I happily obliged even considering my *condition*.

We started preparing the night before with a bath, discussion of clothing, manicure, and tattoo removal. Then we continued the process in the morning with hair and putting our clothing plan into action which was harder said than done. And after several crying and screaming tantrums we made it out the door just in time to drop big brother off to preschool.

Then we were off for a stroll around downtown Angola, Indiana to search for unique little spots for portraits. I was delighted to find this little niche with the rusty orange and burgundy red colors.

We took a little time to smell the roses…um, dandelions.

And if you’ve seen me lately, you know why she’s laughing at me…mom’s never going to be able to get up from that position.

Another fun little pocket of color and texture here.

Ready for her closeup.

And with purple as her favorite color, we just couldn’t pass up this spot.

The portrait below wasn’t part of our Angola session today but I thought I’d include it anyway.

I traveled to Holland, Michigan over the weekend to photograph this adorably sweet newborn. Little Miss *L* cooperated beautifully for her first professional portraits and her new parents are doing an amazing job with her as well!

I just love the simplicity of this image.

I almost forgot to check out the master bedroom…so glad I didn’t miss the gorgeous color in there!

And who can resist a sleepy sweetie in a soft stocking cap? Awe…

I’m so glad this handsome guy made a trip to my studio today! He was such a bright (and busy) ray of sunshine on a dark and dreary day. His mom did an awesome job baby wrangling for me. Thank you! I was exhausted just watching Mr. Sunshine run around. And around. And around.

We did manage to catch him holding still…momentarily.

We even captured a few smiles.

And had lots of fun too!

So I’ve developed a serious case of cabin fever! I’m so ready for spring to make it’s arrival. It seems like it has been such a long winter. And the last few days have been torture. While it looks warm and sunny outside, it’s actually freezing!

To try to get rid of the winter blues I’ve tried a little retail therapy. Thank goodness for internet shopping. I might even share a few of my favorite finds as the packages start coming in. I’ve played Uno, Candyland, and Connect Four…but it’s just not that satisfying to win against the 4-5 year old crowd. And I’ve even tried a little spring cleaning…but who am I kidding? Cleaning just isn’t fun!

So until Spring makes her official debut, I guess I will just have look at these portraits to chase away those winter blues.

Seriously, who could resist this face???

There is something about the smell of strawberries…yummy.

Click. Can I eat it now? Not yet. Click. Can I eat it now? Just one more. Click. I’m eating it NOW!

I had the pleasure of photographing my sweet niece before she moved to England for a few years. I specifically asked her to learn to sit up before she left the states…(like you can rush such an important milestone!). But she did learn to sit. And very well, if I’m allowed to be a proud aunt for a moment. Funny thing, one of my favorite shots from the session is of her laying down!

Smile pretty!

I especially love how well stripes photograph.

This expression just melts my heart.

Now don’t be afraid to show Aunt Tonya how you really feel…

If you’d like to see Miss A’s latest adventures overseas, click here to visit her blog.

Yes, the blog has been neglected lately. I’ve had so many things going on personally and professionally I just haven’t had time to update.

Recently my husband had emergency surgery to remove his appendix. I had a problem with my eye that’s finally starting to heal…thanks Dr. Dunlap! My sister moved out of the country for two years. My mornings are full of chauffeuring kiddos to and from preschool and evenings consist of swimming, Tae Kwon Do, and gymnastics. Whew!

In addition to the never ending balancing act of motherhood, my business computer crashed and set me back a few weeks as I ordered a new system and recovered information. Taxes are almost wrapped up. The official website has been (semi) updated. And things are back on track as I look forward to seeing and photographing both new and existing clients in 2009.

New this year are Mini Sessions. Mini Sessions are designed exclusively for clients in (or willing to travel to) the Angola, Indiana area only and are priced at $75.  This includes a session up to 1 hour and an online gallery with 15 images to select from. It is perfect for 1-3 children.

I’ve also decided to continue offering Celebrating Adoption sessions.  These sessions have been such a pleasure in the past and I’ve met some amazing families through this program. I will be accepting 2 families a month and expect the dates to fill very quickly as we had so much interest in this last year.

This is also the time of year when I make it a point to pick up my camera and shoot for myself. My photography schedule tends to get so busy in the summer and fall that I just don’t make time to photograph my own kiddos.

A brief flash of sweetness.

And back to regular programing…

A traditional studio portrait

and a little fun with color and the snow.

This adorable little girl was 5 months old during her most recent portrait session with Tonya Marie Photography. She wasn’t quite sitting up yet on her own but that didn’t stop us from capturing some super sweet shots.

Who can resist a smile like this?

Wondering when her first tooth will make its debut.

Can you say happy?

Mommy, I like this view of the world…let’s go explore!

And always full of totally adorable expressions.