Sussurros pelos Olhos

So I've been using the lensbaby a bit more lately. I have some great ideas that I'd love to use for fashion portraits, especially with how the picture plane can be thrown out of focus. It's exciting to use and I've been having more success with each outing that I take the lensbaby with me.

Here are some photos that I've taken of Ophelia during attempts to perfect my technique with the lensbaby. I can't wait to shoot some more photos like these.

The last two are for another concept I want to pursue. It's similar to what JJ Abrams did while filming Star Trek, which you can read below:

I know what you're saying with the lens flares. It was one of those things... I wanted a visual system that felt unique... The flares weren't just happening from on-camera light sources, they were happening off camera, and that was really the key to it. I want [to create] the sense that, just off camera, something spectacular is happening.... There is something incredibly unpredictable and gorgeous about them.... It became an art....

So enjoy! Sussuros pelos olhos!

Patriotism Starts Best Young

I couldn't resist the opportunity today for another photo shoot with Ophelia. She is the cutest, calmest and most photogenic baby. If I had time to post all the pictures we've taken of her... I doubt there's space on the internet for all of them! The other day our neighbors stopped to visit and gave us a wonderful present -a patriotic outfit that our Baby Spoon happens to be wearing today. Today being the Fourth of July, I threw another quick little setup together to make the most of my free time before going out to celebrate the holiday with relatives. When you toss a happy baby, an oversized American flag, and a patient father together into a photo shoot... this is what you get. Enjoy! And have a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Ophelia's Rose

Today Natalie and I set up a fun newborn photography shoot with Ophelia. I've been wanting to do a few things with some of the roses from the bushes around the house, since Rose is the middle name of her aunt Nadia -my sister, who happens to share a birthday with Miss Opal. Here's the product of our afternoon effort. Enjoy!

This was one of our first attempts. Ophelia didn't seem to like the comfy blanket, so we switched to a black felt cloth instead. 
And with that small change, our little Baby Spoon was out like a light. She seems so peaceful...
Can you tell we started to get ambitious once we realized she was sound asleep?
Ophelia definitely will not lack for pictures being taken of her growing up. I believe we've shot something with her every day since she joined our lives. Ah, the perils of having photographers for parents...
My, my, how cute. Someone shows a little love for her Daddy on his birthday. How sweet!
Yes indeed, nothing better than having a fun little shoot with my fun little pumkin on my birthday. An afternoon well spent!

A Family Matter

I love being a Dad. It's the best because I get moments to shoot great photos like this one here.This past weekend we went to the Salish Lodge & Spa. It was a much-needed mini-vacation and we enjoyed ourselves. Now that we're home again, I'll be posting some images of the great waterfall that was right outside our room. So hang on to your pants, more vitamins for your optic nerves are on their way!

Aidan and family milestones

In the crazy rush of my own fatherhood, I forgot about an important milestone for one of my younger brother's. Aidan, my brother Matt's 1-year old son, took his first steps today! The last time that I saw the little guy was during my Eight-day a week trek from Miami to Seattle. My family had a celebration for his first birthday at a local park in Louisville, KY. Aidan is a very happy baby, and my family adores spending time with him. The little guy had quite the turn-out for his first birthday, plus an uncle photographer ready to shoot pics of the entire event. Here are some of the highlights from Aidan's special day:

You can easily see here how Aidan feels about paparazzi invading his space! Haha, it's actually Kat, his Mommy, angling for a good photo.
What everyone loves about Aidan is the little guy's personality. You can catch a glimpse of it here.

Although I don't have a good photo of Matt pushing Aidan on the swing, I do have this picture instead. Being in the swing was a highlight for Aidan's birthday party.

Here's a great shot of Kat pretending to be in the movie Up. 

Xander, one of my other nephews, teamed up with me for a few photos by the tree.
Here's Xander doing his best to get up into the tree. 

 One of my secret talents is finding four-leaf clovers. I found one for Aidan, but he tried to eat it. So I gave it to his Mommy for safekeeping.And this is one of the final shots I have of the birthday boy. He won't be needing this stroller for much longer now that he can walk! As excited as I am over my daughter's milestones in her new life, it's just as great to hear about those being reached by my nephews.

Our gem, Ophelia

Here are some of my favorite selected images of my new daughter Ophelia. She is a gem, completely adorable. Being Ophelia's father is the best experience that I could ever hope for. Most of these images were shot at the hospital. As new parents, Natalie and I had a great experience thanks to the wonderful hospital staff.

This shot is when the doctor brought Ophelia out of Natalie, via C-section. The surgery was a wise choice, as Ophelia was a 9.96 pound baby. The anesthesiologist's reaction was, "That's not a baby, that's a toddler!" 
Here I am, moments after becoming a happy and well-pleased Papa.
One of many bonding moments with my new daughter. She took every available opportunity to wrap me around her little finger too.
Ophelia's initials are O-P-A-L. Natalie and I named her this way on purpose to show exactly how precious she is to us.
Ophelia is an amazingly alert baby. It really surprises us what she is capable of and adds to our joy as her parents.
Here is the "Spoon family" finally leaving the hospital. After five days inside, we were ready to go home!
And a final shot of me smothering my daughter with a kiss. I love this pic, her facial expression is priceless. Ophelia is definitely her own little person. We're glad that she is what represents the best of us. Natalie and I couldn't possibly be any happier about that. 

Well, there always is the option for twins next time... :D

Sussurros perto da Agua

"Sussurros perto da Agua" is Portuguese for "whispers by the water." The phrase invokes an enigmatic feeling with me, as do the images that I am posting today.

Yet there is great news to share! My daughter was born last week, on the 18th. She is a new gem in my life and a beautiful, healthy baby. I have a wonderful fiancée who labored long and hard until we ultimately we chose a C-section (per doctor's recommendation) to prevent any complications. And we made the right choice. I couldn't be any more pleased than I am now. My daughter is lovely, strong and already working at wrapping me around her finger. My partner is a wonderful, brave and magnificent woman for enduring what she did to bring our daughter into the world. In light of such a fantastic milestone, I wanted one final chance to post some maternity photos that I shot of my fiancée out along the Ruston Way Waterfront. These images were at her 9th month of pregnancy. So enjoy! Vitamins for your optic nerves.