Happy New Year

Well, looks like I'm too late to say Merry Christmas, but I hope you had a great one anyway! I've had a very busy Holiday season, and I wanted to thank all of you who have welcomed me into your lives to hang out with you and your family. And to take some photos too! I've had an exhiliarting experience doing what I love and I hope that the new year brings more of that.

I will be on vacation from now until January 5th, so if you are interested in a session with me, please contact me soon. January dates are filling up rather quickly. I would also like to announce a price increase for 2008 effective April 1st, so book today to lock in those 2007 prices.

Hope you all have a safe and blessed New Year!

If You Give Your Kid a Camera...

Ever read those books by Laura Numeroff--"If You Give a Pig a Pancake," or "a Mouse a Cookie?" The characters ask for more and more and get into so much trouble and mess. It's the same way if you give your toddler a camera.

We got one of those indestructible kid digital cameras from Fisher Price for my daughter's 3-year birthday. Of course she loves it. She always wants to mess with my camera and equipment so she was so thrilled to get something of her own. I highly recommend it for those of you who take lots of photos and has a kid who wants to do the same. They really are indestructible if you drop them, and they also withstand countless hours of chewing and drool from the baby. The flash is a little bright, but it's still pretty cool. Plus, it's never to early to encourage a young photographer's eye.

It's so weird how she gets really creative with it. Seems she's into shooting abstract, art-type things. I'm so proud! (sniffle.) See for yourself.

Her feet in the car.

Her feet at home.

Love this one...What art! The baby gate. ;)

And my all-time favorite...portrait of big sister in pajamas with lovey blankie by her side. (Those are the 3-year-old's blankies, not the teenager's.)

I also recommend the Barbie Baby Photographer doll for girls. Wow! They think of everything. It has so much detail, it's crazy. A surefire hit from Santa. Now what are you waiting for? Go out and get you one!

Back for More

I first met Julia at 9 days old and she was a beauty. Totally alert and almost posing for the camera. It was really uncanny. I came back again at about 8 weeks for more photos and she was huge! And even more beautiful. But the interesting thing is how alert and responsive she is already! I told her Mom that she may be in for it sooner than expected. Ha ha. We'll see. ;)

It's amazing how much they change in that short amount of time. So if you're expecting, let me know. It's never too early. You blink and they're grown.

"Bye-bye."

Sparkle and Shine

Have I ever mentioned how much I love my job? The truth is, I work with the most beautiful people, inside and out. This family welcomed me into their home for a newborn session a while ago (hmmm, I should post that one) and I had the best time working with their beautiful daughters. Celia has such a bright personality (and the most beautiful face). And now it seems little Mira's is coming out too. They must get it from their parents; the nicest bunch of people you'll ever meet. Hope you guys love this sneak preview...super hard to choose images to share! Happy Holidays!

Ready for Baby Sister

I was so excited to be able to photograph Julian and his family again. I shot his Mom while she was pregnant with him and now again while she is pregnant with a baby girl. They are a gorgeous family and so easy to work with. Julian was having a blast jumping around on the bed. He was dancing up a storm. I know he will be such a good big brother. Can't wait to meet the new baby!

Cousins

I had the pleasure of hanging out with some friends and shooting their holiday family portraits. I love these kids! They were so much fun to work with. I think I laughed more than they did. I'm excited for the two new little boys on the way. They will be here soon, so look out for some newborn photos! Can't wait! Happy Holidays guys!

Cinnamon Rolls

That's what I think of when I look at this little guy. Not just sweet, but his little arms and legs were so full of rolls...you just want to take a big bite. Chunky babies are my favorite. He is a total pleasure to work with as usual. Always knows how to work the camera with his smile. And the weird thing is he looks like such a little man...kind of like a baby version of Russell Crowe. Check out the last image...total celeb look alike. :)

This is what he thought of that Santa hat. Couldn't keep it on his head for very long.

Public Service Announcement

The holidays have arrived and it has already been a crazy season here at jMaltbie Photography. I am sure you are likely feeling the crunch too.

I must announce that I am no longer booking any Holiday Sessions for 2007. My schedule filled up rather quickly this year and time constraints will not allow for any further sessions needing Christmas delivery.

If you are interested in booking a session for regular delivery, I still have a select number of sessions available for delivery after the holidays.

In other news, if you take lots of pictures please back up your images. Put them on a disk, print them out. Do whatever you need to do. Just a friendly reminder. You never know what can happen to a computer. You should never trust that your cherished images will be safe forever in your "My Pictures" folder. And that's all I have to say about that.

The Littlest Tiger

I have never seen a cuter Tiger than little Braden! His folks are LSU alma mater and are grooming him for collegiate success already! Its never too late to start right? I had a great time at this session. Trying to get 3 month old Braden's attention while standing atop an igloo cooler was downright dangerous (we didn't have a step ladder), but we survived. I don't think the cooler did though. Oh the things I do for that perfect shot. What a gorgeous family and a beautiful outdoor setting. Hope you guys like these!

'Tis the Season

Holiday cards are finally here! Yay! Come see what's new for 2007 Holiday Cards. 18 new designs to kick off the season. Images and text are all customizable, of course. Choose from modern or a more traditional look, there is something for everyone. Cards are available on one-sided photo paper, or traditional greeting card stock. Click here for the full selection. If that doesn't float your boat, there are always last year's cards. Hurry and order yours now!

Pretty Little Kitty Kat

What can I say about Kat? This little girl is one of my favorites to photograph. I've been watching her grow and have seen her personality blossom too. You will usually find her smiling and laughing, but sometimes you catch her in a pensive mood. But watch out when she gets mad...she gets that fiesty side from Mom. ;) I love Kat's chunkiness, too. Nothing better than a chunky baby. They are just so perfect. Here she is at 7 months old.

Above is my favorite one. "Shhh Mommy; be quiet."

Sleep Like a Rock

While some little piggies go to market, Preston's little piggies had to be tickled in order to wake him up. Much like my own daughters, this little guy slept so well as a newborn, that he didn't even want to eat.

Here he is at 6 days old...sleeping as solid as a rock. And when he finally awoke, I was so mesmerized by those deep blue eyes, I couldn't help myself. What a beautiful boy. What a beautiful family too. Though I must repeat myself and say when diapers are off, it is guaranteed excitement! Welcome to the world Preston Cash!

2 Weeks of Life

When I think about newborns and how long they've been around, it floors me. Can you imagine what it must be like to be so new to the world? What a crazy experience.

Though Luke was only a day shy of 2 weeks old, he sure knew that he didn't like the baby paparazzi. For sure. You should see how many shots I have of him putting his hand in front of his face. Such a little celebrity already. He was absolutely gorgeous. And he already knew how to smile for the camera.