The sweetest caboose // Orange County Newborn Lifestyle Photographer

"and

she loved

a

little boy

very, very much

-even more

than

-she loved

herself."

-- Shel Silverstein The Giving Tree

This sweet little guy is my friend's fifth boy!  He is perfect in every way, and doted on by his big brothers.  Photographing new babies is still one of my favorite types of sessions -- because I just love being able to be near them!  So fresh from heaven, so teeny-tiny and delicate, so adorable!  They change so fast, and it's so it's such a treat to capture them when they're brand new...  

Welcome Baby Kilikina | Orange County Newborn Lifestyle Photographer

"Babies are like little suns that, 
in a magical way, 
bring warmth, happiness and light 
into our lives."
~Kartini Diapari-Oengider

This little peanut was such a joy to photograph!  There really is NOTHING like a newborn baby fresh from heaven.  xoxo

Baby Maverick /// Orange County Newborn Photographer

Congratulations to Steve & Amanda on the arrival of their sweet new baby boy Maverick! 

Baby Bear | Orange County Newborn Photographer

I'm so pleased to introduce baby Baron, aka "Bear," my sweet cousin Kay's new baby.  He's so scrumptious, I just get all mushy inside looking at these!  I even got a little teary eyed as I was editing... there is just something so purely magical about newborn babies!

I have really enjoyed the few times I've been able to come shoot new babies while they are still in the hospital.  No, it's not the same as a birth story, but honestly, it's almost as good!  They are usually only a day or 2 old when I come and FRESH from heaven.  I can't say it enough, PURE MAGIC.  And I want to be completely honest...I didn't miss all the props and poses and blankets, etc that newborns shoots usually consist of!  Simple and natural - seriously those new babies are the most beautiful things on the planet and do not need any accessorizing to make them cuter.  Am I right?

Thank you Kay and Matt for letting me come photograph your sweet baby boy.  I love you guys!

If you're pregnant and considering having your birth story photographed, or if you're interested in some hospital photos like these, I'd love to hear from you!  (psssst...photography makes a great baby shower gift! I offer gift certificates in any amount!)

Lil Blue Boo | Product Testing

I recently had the opportunity to do some digital product testing for Lil Blue Boo, and although I don't normally use overlays like these, I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun I had with these!

This set is only $6.00!  Click on the above image to see it in their shop!

Here are a few examples of how you can use these overlays:

Lil Blue Boo has some darling products in their shop! 

Click HERE to go check it out!

Happy Weekend!

xo, Shari

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