and then there were three

I have had the pleasure of photographing the children in this family for the last three years and I've loved every single session. Mr. R and Mr. J have always hammed it up with me and given me gorgeous smiles. Well last year this family went from two little boys to adding one giggly girl, Ms. A. I was so excited to get my hands on her since she is so bubbly and full of grins every time I see her. During our session it was sibling shenanigans at their finest. From running around in circles, pulling hair, and wrestling, I think I saw it all-- thankfully everything was done with smiles and jokingly.

You can definitely see the love between the boys and this new little girl. I can only hope that if I have a daughter one day, that my son will embrace and love her just as much as these two love their baby sister!

The Littlest Hero

Every once in awhile I come across a family that truly emanates the meaning of love and perseverance. I had the honor of working with the Joines family to celebrate the life of a very special little boy, Caleb. The following information was given to me by Caleb's amazing mother. I want to thank her for letting me into such a private experience within her family. I am truly blessed for her trust and her willingness to educate me about the difficulties her son has faced so far in his short life.

"Caleb was born on July 7, 2009. We were honored to receive such a blessing. In the delivery room upon examination Caleb was immediately taken to NICU. We didn't know it yet but he was born with Esophageal Atresia. We were devastated. At less then a day old Caleb was taken to the OR for his first of many procedures. He received his g tube so that we would be able to receive nutrition while we waited for repair.

Caleb spent 9 weeks in the NICU in the Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters and in that time he endured many tests and stretching procedures to help the esophagus grow, however it became painfully obvious that we would not be able to have the necessary to fix him anytime soon so we refocused our attention on getting our beautiful boy home. I spent day in night by his bedside, by the time Caleb was a month old there was nothing I was not allowed to do (barring medical procedures), I did all his feedings and suctioning. We buged doctors everyday about releasing him, though reluctant at first they finally yielded and we set a release date which came and went as he later developed a UTI, which added an extra 10 days to our stay. Caleb finally came home with us on Sept 6, 2009.

When we got home we had nursing care 7 days a week 12 hours a day and it seemed like the appointments we endless. During this time I thought and thought and prayed and prayed and could not imagine waiting such a long time so I got on the computer and did not research and found the wonderfully, amazing Dr. John Foker who directed us to the equally amazing and fabulous Drs. Jennings and Linden.

On October 25, 2009 after a hospital stay due to respirtory distress and chronic aspiration we were flown to the Childrens Hospital Boston for treatment. On October 27 Caleb went down to the OR were his esophagus was placed in traction to induce growth. It would take 3 attempts at repair before Caleb was finally repaired on November 20, 2009. It was such a tight repair that he was remain heavily sedated and seated in a chair position to avoid damage.

In all this time I was unable to hold my baby but I was finally able to hold him on December 4, 2009! What a wonderful day it was.

All did not go as smoothly as we thought it would and Caleb developed a leak at his connection sight which meant he still need his chest tube and more waiting. It was then that we knew Caleb's first Christmas would be spent in the hospital in Boston.

Before Caleb would be released from the hospital the he would endure several infections and a battle to keep his esophagus from stricturing. He received two dilations before doctors realized they needed to try something else. Caleb had a stint placed in is esophagus on two occasions. Finally it stayed open though narrow. We were able to be released from the hospital on February 3, 2010.

We thought hour jouney was coming to an end but in March at our home hospital Caleb under went his routine esophagram. I knew something was wrong when the radiologist stopped the procedure in the middle of it. He got on the phone and called up stairs to our GI doctor. We went up for a meeting and received the news that Caleb now had a TEF. I burst into tears unable to control my emotions. We went home and once again made arrangements to go to Boston for treatment and once again right before we were to leave Caleb had a serious asthma attack and was hospitalized. Once again the doctors would not allow him to be taken to Boston by us so they arranged another med flight.

On April 22, 2010 Caleb went into the OR to repair his TEF. He did amazingly well and after a short stay was released from the hospital on May 8th, just in time for mothers day.

It was after this last procedure that we started to try and feed him by mouth again and it was this time the he would not receieve another g tube feeding. On October 19, we were directed to remove his g tube and on November 29th Caleb had is last trip to the OR to have his g tube site closed.

We are so proud of our little miracle, he amazes us every day. Developmentally he is right on target, he loves to talk and run. He loves playing with his daddy on the computer and helping mommy "cook" in the kitchen. He likes to keep clean and "asks" to wash his hands and brush his teeth.

Though our journey continues as we go from test to test and from doctors visit to doctors visit one thing is for sure: I wouldn't change any of it! My son was made especially for me!"



22 months have gone by. Caleb is thriving. He is energetic, happy and loving. During our session he easily took my hand and led me into the field to go play. Listening to him laugh over and over again brought smiles to all of our faces--and there was no denying the love present on his mother and father's faces.

I am proud to be a part of The Littlest Heroes Project to provide such wonderful keepsakes to the families of little ones who truly are the littlest heroes to overcome the odds.

Creative artistry knows no age............

This past Friday I got to spend the afternoon socializing and working with two of the most amazing teenagers ever. Maddy and Steven definitely had chemistry in front of the camera lens as well as each other. Their personalities came through loud and clear throughout our session and every time I suggested something new for them to try they were ready and waiting!

Maddy is beyond gorgeous with her long blonde locks and eclectic fashion sense. She was able to bring Hollywood glam into urban grunge and for that I love her.




Steven meshes emo and rockabilly into his own style and on his own terms. I loved that he wants to learn the art of tattooing. He came to the session with his own designs decorating his arms and hands. Watching him cruise through downtown Hampton on his gravity board holding his guitar without a care in the world made me wish I would have had that type of confidence and happiness growing up.




Working with these two separately as well as together truly made my day. I couldn't have asked for better moments than the ones I caught with them. Not only do they tune out the world around them, they fall easily into a comfortable place with each other.






I can only hope that these two continue to pursue their art and interests. They are both severely talented and just all around good kids. I truly can't wait to go out with them again!

2010 Year in Review by Erin Colleen Photography; Hampton Roads, VA Photographer

This year has brought so many changes and unexpected gifts to Erin Colleen Photography. Not only did ECP change it's status from part time to full time, ECP also launched it's intimate side, "Gypsy Boudoir!"

Looking back on the past year I feel like I've been on an amazing roller coaster ride. I've experienced the highs, the lows, the unexpected twists and turns, and the like. This past half year since going full time has been one of the most fun, inspiring and challenging times I've had.

For those of you that have been on this journey with me from the very beginning, thank you for sticking with me so long! Some of you might just be reading this blog for the first time, I promise to keep writing, and adding to it. I ask that you give me time to prove that I wil make this blog a success. Part of the beauty of my job is that it's never ending and will always {hopefully} inspire other people.


Yes, it's a glamorous job sometimes, but it's also a lot of hard work, dedication, long and odd hours, and constant creativity. This job isn't for everyone--to be honest, sometimes I get scared about keeping up-- but in my heart I know it's the perfect job for me--I just have to stay diligent. I'm not sure why I'm calling it a "job" because I love what I do and haven't been this happy in a long time. When people love what they do it's not really a job at all, it's something they look forward to each and every day. I wish everyone actually did what they love to do. Imagine what the world would be like...


Speaking of next year, I have even bigger goals for ECP. Why? Because I'm the girl that cannot sit still. I get anxious when I have nothing to do. I'm never satisfied with my work--I am constantly seeking to improve, but I think that's the way all great artists live. Without goals, we wouldn't have a purpose for doing what we do. For that, I am grateful. Grateful that I have a loving and supportive husband who pushes me to set and reach my goals--Friends and family who encourage, critique, and support me as well--and clients who come back time and time again to work with me.

Thank you to ALL who have supported me on this journey. You constantly remind me why I do what I do :)

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Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

Many times I hear "youre so much more expensive than ~insert chain store here~!" I know that my prices are a bit higher than those stores, but I hope that by contacting me; you, as the client, recognize that the experience and product are much better than at that chain store. I take the time to counsel my clients before and after the session if needed. We talk about what products they are interested in, what would look good in their home, or even what to wear beforehand. I work very hard to make sure everyone is attentive and looking toward the camera. I work to build a relationship with the children and families that I photograph. I know that I am only skimming the surface as to why there is a significant difference in value between my business and chain retailers---Please take a moment to visit the Professional Child Photographer blog---they have provided a wonderful educational page to explain why custom photography really is that much more valued and in turn, why it does cost a little bit more.


Why Does Custom Photography Cost More?

Good Golly Miss Molly!! Erin Colleen Photography, Yorktown VA Senior Photographer

Good Golly Miss Molly! This gorgeous girl will be graduating this year and all I can say is look out world! Not only does she maintain excellent grades, she races dirt bikes and four wheelers too! She is the epitome of sophistication and class meets tom-boy! This girl knows how to clean up and get down in the dirt and I love her for it!

This session was actually from earlier in the year, but I am only now getting around to really sharing anything from the start of 2010. All I can hope for is a set of just as adventurous and fabulous seniors to help me start 2011 with a bang!

Congratulations Molly C/O 2010!!!!

Cyber Monday means Great Deals on Gift Cards at Erin Colleen Photography

If you are struggling to find the perfect gift for friends and family why not consider a gift card from Erin Colleen Photography! Gift cards are the perfect gift because you can redeem them at a later date AND with my Cyber Monday deal you will get 2 for 1 cards with ever $50 you spend!! That's right, spend $50 and get $100 to use toward prints, boutique products or digital negatives.

There is no limit to how many gift cards you can purchase. Contact Erin by email at info.erincolleen@gmail.com or by phone 904-251-5146 to purchase yours today!

Desperate Housewives of Hampton Roads Boudoir Black Friday Special from Erin Colleen Photography

Hey Ladies!!!! How desperate are you for the perfect gift? Has your guy
been nice enough to deserve something naughty? Forget the golf balls and
ties, and join us for a desperate housewives boudoir session!

These sessions are going to fill up quick! 2 photographers for the price of one!! Book now to reserve your spot! Contact info.erincolleen@gmail.com for more details!

click the image to enlarge it!

Grins and Giggles--Erin Colleen Photography Yorktown Newborn Family Photographer

Happy Birthday Baby P! 5.5 lbs of grins, giggles and perfection. Mommy and Daddy are sure to be glowing with pride as they enjoy waking up to this gorgeous little man each and every day. I remember Audrey contacting me a few weeks before P. was scheduled to arrive. Even then, I could sense her excitement through our phone calls and emails--it was infectious. I found myself waiting for the notice that he had arrived and they were ready to introduce me. Finally that day came--I was driving on I-64 when the phone rang. Luckily a girlfriend was with me and able to answer my phone. When she repeated who the caller was I couldn't stop grinning to myself knowing that I would be heading home to set up the studio space to welcome a brand new miracle.

I couldn't have asked for a better baby either! P. was such a sleepy little one who didn't mind when I moved him, picked him up, or curled him around. Even when he opened his sleepy little eyes, he simply looked, took a breath and fell back into an easy sleep. Such a gorgeous little baby boy for two amazingly gorgeous parents.

Congratulations again Audrey and Chip---your little boy is a precious miracle.

Stop Neglecting your pets!!!!

Is your pet the photographically neglected family member?? Have you wanted to include them in your family portrait only to be told by your studio or photographer that for whatever reason you cannot bring them? Well I am glad you stumbled across this blog! I love working with pets. Animals bring security and unconditional love to a family. They are the silent comforter when things go wrong, or the jubilant and energetic counterpart when something exciting happens. Let's celebrate our pets and show everyone how important they are to us! Contact Erin either by phone 904-251-5146 or email at info.erincolleen@gmail.com to book your date!!

What a whirlwind past few months for Erin Colleen Photography!!

Well well well... Time sure does fly when you're having fun. In my case though, it flies when I hope from state to state visiting family and enjoying a bit of time off from the day to day norm.

These past few months have met me with quite a bit of travel between Texas, Tennessee, Florida, and within Virginia. I have been lucky enough to visit family, friends, and even make a few new friends along the way. My family was unfortunate though to lose an amazing member during our travels---our Ganny. While we are saddened by our loss, we are moving forward like she would have wanted and finding acceptance in the fact that she is no longer with us.

As the summer months have come to a close, Erin Colleen Photography has drastically picked up the pace with session bookings and contact. During the beginning of September, ECP officially launched into full time status!! It has been a long journey, and not one that I ever thought would happen, but I am happy to say is finally here. Family, friends, and clients-past and present- have been more than supportive, and for that I want to say a big THANK YOU!

I am hoping to start blogging again to help you all stay in contact with whats going on in the world of ECP, but also to catch up and show off all of the gorgeous families, babies, couples, maternity sessions, and even weddings that I have been privileged enough to work with.


To my family---I love you. Your support and encouragement means more than I could ever express!

To my friends--Thank you for being there to listen to my complain, to encourage me to continue, and for the proverbial kick in the pants when I needed it!

To my clients--You are the reason that I do what I do. Without you, there would be no business. From each session I take away an important lesson whether it have to do with the technical aspect to photography, or a life lesson on learning from and loving your family.

Even as 2010 starts to draw to a close--the weather turns cooler, the leaves fall and eventually winter will descend, I hope that everyone will continue to push and encourage me while I continue to work at making this business a success!

Sisters Forever, Erin Colleen Photography Newport News family photographer

A, B, and E are three gorgeous sisters! They play well together and seem like they adore one another. Don't get me wrong---today I did see the normal "Mooooom, she pushed me!" and "I don't wanna go stand near her", but aside from that you could tell that all three of the girls cared very much about each other.

Now, A is a bit camera shy---that's okay. She is a gorgeous girl and hopefully after today she'll realize it! B and E are super crazy sassy ladies. Between "Ooh la la's" and hands on hips, I had no problems sparking the inner "model" from these two!

All in all, it was a fun session and I would gladly do it again. As a matter of fact I hope to shoot them more once mom brings out some new designs for her Sew Much Fun Boutique here in Hampton Roads.

The Pratt Family, Newport News Family Photographer

Let me introduce you to the fabulously wonderful Pratt Family. What makes them so fabulously wonderful you might ask? Well, let me explain. This family used to live in Newport News. Unfortunately about a year or so ago, Mr. Pratt was transferred with his work to New York. That being said, this family is SO faithful to Erin Colleen Photography that they travel 10 hours by car twice a year to come have their pictures taken. I mean, sure, they enjoy spending time with family and friends in the area as well but their MAIN reason is to come see me for family and child portraits. :)

I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am to clients like this. Seeing and hearing their comments about how they love their images not only brightens my day, but it encourages me to want to keep doing this for more families. Thank you Katie and Travis for letting me help document so many times in your families life over the past two years. It really has made me feel not only as your photographer, but as your friend.

Hey Photogs! Want to win a Marketing Set??

My friend Sarah Petty, a small business marketing guru at The Joy of Marketing and a successful studio owner, knows what it takes to keep a business successful during tough economic times! She wants to share her knowledge and has generously offered to give a Deluxe recording of The Free Small Business Marketing Joysummit, a 10+ hour online marketing education event, to one lucky Moms With Cameras Blog reader. That’s a $124 value!

This online event is jam-packed with awesome stuff to get your business rocking. It will cover topics like how to sell to women, marketing plans made easy, putting SEO to work for you, how to fix a leaky boat website and more. For those of you who don’t win the recording, you can still learn. Register for the FREE one day only Joysummit by clicking here. You can listen at your leisure on Monday, June 28, 2010 between 12:01 am CST and 11:59 pm CST. All the marketing hot buttons are covered in this FREE online event. If you decide you want to order the recordings and transcripts, that is available so you can reference this education anytime your business needs a boost! (Or do what I do and listen to the files on your iPod and listen while you do all things momma . . . drive kiddos around town, clean the house or run on the treadmill!)

How to win this amazing giveaway?

Make sure you “like” Moms With Cameras and The Joy of Marketing on facebook.

Tweet, post as your status, blog or write on the forums this line, exactly as written: The Joy of Marketing is giving away a Deluxe recording of The Free Small Business Marketing Joysummit on www.moms-with-cameras.com!

Come back here and leave a comment for each place you spread the news. (Don’t worry if you don’t see your comment immediately . . . we have to approve each one individually and only check comments a couple of times a day. I promise they all comments entered by Thursday at 9am CST will be entered!) We’ll randomly select a winner on Thursday June 24th!

Good luck everyone!!!

Around the Garden--Newport News Nature Photographer

Puttering around the botanical gardens in Norfolk I found myself completely surrounded by amazing photography opportunities. The wildlife and plant life out there are overwhelming and beautiful. Just taking the time to meander around the grounds and enjoy a few quiet hours to explore were enough to wet my appetite to want to come back. Here is a small sampling of my short visit----rest assured I will be going back again soon!

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.

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*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.