Sneak Peak - Katie {Atlanta Baby Photographer}

Today I got to photograph little Miss Katie, who is now 7 weeks old, but born 8 weeks premature. (You do the math!) She spent her first few weeks in the NICU but is now home and doing well. She was absolutely adorable and very easy on the photographer. More to come, but here's a preview.

Bird-tacular

There are some new tenants sharing space with me these days. Luckily, they're quite small and prefer the balcony.

Less than a week after placing some flower boxes outside with some potted plants, I went outside to water them and noticed some debris in the center box. It took a moment to realize that it wasn't leaves or pine needles blown in by the recent storm, but the beginnings of a nest. My suspicions were confirmed when I went back inside and watched: before long a bird perched on the edge of the balcony, twig in beak, and added to the structure.




















At first, it was relatively small, not protruding too much from the planter.


















During the next few days I kept an eye on the balcony as two birds made trips back and forth, gradually building their nest. It morphed from a loose pile of dirt and scrubby bits off stuff to a compact and dense structure. I was amazed. But I was also concerned: as I periodically went outside to water the flowers, would they become uncomfortable with my proximity?


















Eventually, I couldn't stand it: the plants HAD to be watered, and I HAD to get an up close look at this nest. It's amazing.


















So then I started feeling REALLY bad: what if they abandoned it, after spending all that time building? What if they built their little love nest and then got spooked by the flower-watering, photo-taking human? I didn't have long to wait.

Got eggs?!


















I think Daddy Bird likes to keep watch (below)--there was definitely a showdown in the parking lot the other day: lots of flying around in tight formations and squawking at one another. Seemed to me one of the bird parents was laying claim to some territory. Hopefully my resident feathered friends will stay content until the eggs hatch....I want to see some baby birds!

Outtakes

Through the years as my family has tolerated endured enjoyed being the constant inspiration and subjects of my camera, certain habits and practices have developed. They KNOW that I will arrive with camera bag, and often tripods, reflectors, and other various trappings. Occasionally I will shout out "Stop" or "wait" or "give Grammy another kiss" if I miss a key moment. All in all, they take it in good humor. My nephews, however, have become somewhat more challenging as they've grown out of their baby and toddler years and become more self-aware little people. They now make faces. They pose. In short, they refuse to cooperate. Thus was born the habit of cajoling them into some sort of agreement by way of allowing a "goofy" picture.

As a result, during the recent sittings on Easter Sunday, I got WAY more shots like these below than the "keepers." Such is my life.

Even the adults could not be counted upon for dignity. *sigh*

(I think Dad was calling for backup from the boys at this point!)

That's fine....it's all good. Aunt Nina can roll with it. Remember: Mother's Day is coming up soon, people, and the camera will be BACK!

Trying new things...

So I've been wanting to try a storyboard for a while. The fabulous Bonnie on Flickr posted some basic instructions on how to build a template, and voila! Here it is...



This was NOT that difficult at all, and I can't wait to play around with it some more!