Happy "Birthday" Lucas!!! Newport News, VA Birth Photographer

I know its been awhile since I've updated the blog with any new work, but let me tell you---I've been busy! Please check back because I will be overloading the blog with session sneak peaks and revelations of the past couple of months of sessions.

One session in particular that I want to share happened this past Tuesday. Lucas Scott decided he was ready to make his way into the world---4 weeks early! Considering Starla and I had JUST finished her maternity session two days prior, to say I was shocked is an understatement!

Of all of the situations for capturing memories, births are by far my favorite. Being with a family during such a special time ---knowing that I am seeing emotions and capturing moments that happen in an instant--- is such a gratifying experience for me. Seeing the pain, happiness, and a myriad of other emotions flit across the face of mothers and fathers from beginning to birth makes me truly love my job.

Starla and Scott are such an amazing couple---they, along with their daughter Alayna welcomed Baby Lucas into the world and I was honored to be invited to document this amazing experience for them. What do you do when you know you tear up looking at images from a session???= You wrap yourself in a smile knowing that you have forever captured the most perfect of moments for friends, because that is what this family is to me; they are friends that will forever remember the birth of their son.

Welcome to the world Lucas---we've been waiting to meet you.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

*Sarah* Erin Colleen Photography, Newport News Maternity Photographer

Finally! A momma-to -be that was willing to let me move her, bend her, and put her into any position I needed her to be in! Sarah is about ready to pop with her first son, and she was up for almost anything. We tried a little bit of in studio and some out and around town. The whole time I kept trying to get her to spill the beans on her little one's name but nothing doing. She was keeping those lips tighter than Fort Knox! I cannot wait for little Baby Boy to get here, and hopefully will be there to document his birth and first few moments of life. It is these times, where I get to spend a few moments with a woman as she prepares to begin her journey into motherhood that I really feel that I am being allowed to glimpse private emotions and silent bonds between mommy and baby that are so rarely noticed by the general eye. Thank you Sarah for inviting me to be a part of such an important start to the journey you are about to begin!

Little Miss Sassypants ~Alayna~ Erin Colleen Photography, Newport News Child Photographer

Meet Little Miss Sassypants, also known as Alayna! She came out to strut her stuff last weekend, and let me tell you- the morning was anything but dull! Mom and dad both came out to offer support, and Alayna just adored the attention! This little chick-a-dee is looking to get into child modeling, and with those curls and big blue eyes, I have no doubt she'll do well. She has more facial expressions than I could even imagine catching through the lens. I had a blast Sunday working with her, and can't wait to do it again!

Where are my bright fall colors!?!? ---Erin Colleen Photography Newport News Holiday Photogarpher

Where oh where are my gorgeous fall colors? We are into our first week of October and I am barely noticing a change in the foliage at all!!! I am so sad by this. The weather has already changed from humid and warm to crisp and cool. My family and I have already visited the pumpkin patch and found our carvers! My son is gearing himself up for sweets and tricks. He is even learning the familiar adage "Trick or Treat, Smell my feet, Give me something good to eat!" I'm planning on cutting him some slack, he is only 3 after all!!!

But I digress, I want my kaleidoscope of colors! Crimson, magenta, yellow and orange--the colors that let me know that Turkey is near and Christmas is nearer! When oh when are you planning on arriving?

Because of the delay in our color scheme, holiday mini sessions are going to be pushed back to the beginning of November. I will be offering the same specials, but the dates will be changing to November 7th and 8th between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. Remember each session lasts for 30 minutes where you will have the opportunity to have family portraits as well as individual portraits taken. You will then be given a secure online gallery of 3-5 images to choose from for your package.

If you would like to book your holiday mini session, the cost is $35 to secure your date and time. Your final payment will be due at the time of ordering. Don't delay, because once the leaves start changing, the holidays will be too quick to join them.

Please contact me today to secure your spot for gorgeous holiday portraits!!

Holiday Session Dates, Yorktown Family Photographer

Erin Colleen is pleased to announce her 2009 Holiday Mini Session details! Many of you have been asking when I will be offering holiday minis to help prepare you for a busy holiday season. Having your holiday images done sooner rather than later ensures you will have your images and holiday items back on time and ready to go into the mail before the rush! Spaces are limited so please book early. In the case of multiple requests, a waiting list will be created in case of cancellations. If needed, additional dates will be added.

Rain! Rain! GO AWAY!!!

Thats what the Patel family was saying as we approached our session this afternoon!! As we parked the cars and got out, we had our umbrellas in hand and looked at each other questioning whether we thought it was a good idea to do it. After much deliberation the younger men (Ghavin and Ghaelin) decided they didn't care and they wanted to go ahead today and get-r-done! Sasha on the other hand.....not so much! Well 2 against 1 always wins so off we went!

I think the eldest Patel male had some initial hesitation to having a photo shoot, but he was soon chuckling at my jokes and seemed to be having a good time! It was so great of them to brave the rain, bugs, humidity, and jellyfish on the beach to have our session.

We did end up cutting it a bit short but will be heading out again to finish up our session once the rainy weather settles down. For now though, I had a great time photographing an amazingly gorgeous family. I can't wait to take them out again!

The Noble Family, Newport News Family Photographer

Yesterday I got to meet two of the most handsome men under 4 feet tall I have ever met---Jordan and Ryan! Joanna contacted me about family pictures earlier this summer and despite the ever present heat, we managed a great session! Thing One and Thing Two as they are nicknamed did not disappoint me either! Not only did they show off some of their best smiles, they showed some of their funniest faces as well! I got muscles, crossed eyes, tongues out, you name it! This family was so easy going, I can see why mom loves them so much! We popped over to a couple of different locations, all of which provided gorgeous back drops and generous landscapes for our shots. I am very happy I was given the opportunity to work with them! Now my biggest problem is going to be deciding between color or black and white because these kids look great in both!