an independent eater

I've been struggling with keeping up 2 blogs - my personal blog and this photography blog - for quite some time.  So, every now and then, I will be posting some personal things on this blog... in an effort to share more of my life through pictures, and also to help my readers/clients get to know me better.

Among the all the busy things happening in my life as a mom to 4 boys, is that I am learning to "let go" of my control issues (never thought I had control issues until I became a parent!) when it comes to meal times with Aleksander.  He is nearly 16 months old, and so badly wants to be an independent feeder/eater.  He is starting to have very strong opinions about what foods he will and won't eat, as well as putting his foot down on who does the feeding -- NOT ME.  This means lots of big messes...squishing food between his fingers...sticky table...sticky floor...sticky hair...etc. etc. etc...

What's the big deal?

Exactly.

That's what I've finally settled on.

What. Is. The. Big. Deal?

Why am I not letting my little guy enjoy the experience of feeding himself?

So...I decided to document breakfast today...because seriously, he is just so darn adorable!  I want to remember him learning to feed himself and delighting in mess making.

It's the small things that matter most, friends...

At the request and smart suggestion of my friend Kristen over at Capturing the Joy (a super fun blog! go check it out!) I am attempting to get into more pics with my kiddos...even early in the morning, with bed head and no make-up.  This is real life!

If you're on Instagram, look me up:  @sharibeth78

I'd love to see what you're posting too!

Happy Thursday!

xo,  Shari

Aleksander | OC Baby Photographer

This time of year is generally a slow time for photography...and so I thought I'd post some cute images of my sweet baby Aleks. I wanted to show how much fun you can have capturing your own kiddos...and I'm thankful for a camera that has the capabilities to snap 3.9 frames per second...so I never miss those slight changes in his expression! That is one of the beauties of digital photography... I processed them very simply, by just adding a split-tone in ACR... Enjoy!

p.s. these were taken a month ago...he is already 6 months old now...and has a 3rd tooth!

my sweet pea + a pull back

Hi there...my little guy is 4 months old!  Wowza time is flying by!  I have been slacking in photographing his loveliness...and so today I took advantage of the great window light in my living room and rigged up a back drop using a blanket draped across our train table and hanging over two chairs...  It's easy to do...try it!  Practice with your kiddos...  Find good light, and GO FOR IT!  :)  Ok, enough babbling...here is my sweet Aleksander...

what's keeping me busy these days...

click HERE to take a peek at my personal blog to see what's been keeping me busy...

and p.s.:

if you're waiting for your finished photos...THANK YOU for your patience.  :)  i have the BEST clients!

i need music to edit

When I'm editing photos, I always listen to music.  I mostly listen to my playlist from my personal blog...but I also really enjoy all of the FREE dowloadable playlists from Urban Outfitters. 

Music helps energize me and also keeps my creative juices flowing...I think it can also break up the monotony of resizing proofs and uploading galleries. 

I'd love to find out what sort of music gets you moving!  And if you have a minute and are curious, go check out my playlist and the free ones from urbanoutfitters.com.