An old favorite

I've spent part of this "slow season" catching up on cataloging and printing my family pictures, and came across this gem from a few years ago. (Although it seems like just yesterday!)

It was a nothing day, no occasion, no cute outfit or milestone to mark, just a random summer day when I had my camera along at my mom's house and attempted to take a picture of the baby with my father. I got about four frames off before she was done, pretty typical for the baby at this age, and to be honest... two years later she hasn't warmed up to the camera all that much! I really didn't think twice about the images after taking them.

Until, that is, I got home and pulled them up on the computer and saw the hidden surprise I had captured. When I was clicking away at the baby and her grandpa, I didn't even notice the reflection in the window that captured the paparazzi she was facing. Her perplexed expression makes so much more sense when you get the whole picture! And I got an image that I truly love... fun and silly, and oh so real-life! :)

Friday!

Hooray!

Here's hoping the sunshine sticks around and we can all enjoy our weekend with the ones we love!

Our Story: Madison & Lilly

Every kid has a story, too! My featured kids of the week have plenty to say... frequent web visitors may have seen these images as the featured session on my proofing website, but now we bring a little bit of the story behind the images.. the facts behind the faces!



1. Nickname: snuggle, because she is the most snuggly child ever

2. Favorite food: banana split



3. When i grow up i want to be: a pet store owner

4. Favorite subject in school: science



5. Something that's guaranteed to make me laugh: my sister, Lilly



1. Nickname: Lil the thrill



2. Favorite playtime activity: playing candyland, doing cartwheels



3. Last birthday party theme: 4th of July red, white & blue

4. If I'm in trouble it's probably because I was caught: "exaggerating"



5. Last thing I learned how to do: make a snowball

And just for good measure, let's throw in one of the whole family too. Hope you enjoyed getting to know these two little girls as much as I have!

Happy Day!

Am I the only one who was downright giddy with the sunshine this weekend? After two straight weeks of this gloomy rain... the warm glow felt so good!

This little guy certainly enjoyed it too... he was so happy the whole session, I don't know if it was the weather or his natural disposition, but you couldn't help but smile along with him!

Sneak peek for mom.. the rest are coming soon!

A Mother's Story

Every family has a story.

That's been my tag line for over two years, and I really do believe in the statement. Each family has their own dynamic, their own traditions, different things that make them tick and make them special, and each should be celebrated and remembered.

On the same line of thinking, every mother has a story. She has a unique relationship with her children; a way of kissing them goodnight, a way of making them laugh, a way of comforting their pain, that no person (even daddy!) can replace. She has her own ideas in her head, and her own wishes and dreams for her children that she wants to share with them, some sooner, some later.

But life can change on a dime, and sometimes later comes sooner than we'd like. For mothers battling cancer, finding a way to tell their story to their children, to preserve the memories of this little slice in time, becomes a huge, almost overwhelming priority. Add to that the incredible expense that comes with fighting a terminal illness, and the job seems almost impossible.

For that reason, I am proud to introduce A Mother's Story. This special program provides complimentary sessions for mothers with cancer; a way for them to create a lasting memory of this moment for their children to cherish for years to come. Included is a 2 hour session, done at the location of choice, and a custom storybook album featuring the images from the day. Moms can choose text from a selection of quotes and poems, choose a favorite song or prayer, or write their own verses to accompany the pictures. There is absolutely no obligation to purchase any prints; any additional orders are available at 50% off regular prices.

Obviously, sessions are limited by time constraints, so if you would like to nominate a mom to receive a session, please call or email promptly so we can begin scheduling. At the very least, the session (as most of my clients will hopefully tell you!) will be a fun afternoon for the family to forget about the stresses of daily life. But hopefully it lasts a little longer than just that day, and the moments and memories we capture can help everyone in the family gain the strength needed to fight the battle ahead.. and win!

Coming soon: Limited Edition Sessions!

New this year, a chance to get a photography session outside the ordinary, a fun & unique moment in time unlike any other. These limited edition sessions will take place on selected days a few times over the year, each with its own theme and bonus gift. There are only a few spaces available for each session, so please call or email as soon as possible to reserve your space!

And now to announce:
Tu-Tu Cute!
Limited Edition Session by Ann Beck Photography
March 17 & 18th, 2007



These skirts are only sold in high-end boutiques and have been seen on celebrity babies worldwide, but I have a few samples to share with my favorite little ballerina girls! The luxuriously soft petticoats are unlike any tutus you've seen before... this is dress up to the next level! These sessions will take place at a private location in central Arlington, complete with cobblestone paths, iron gates, blooming gardens, and everything else a twinkle toes needs. Bring a simple white camisole top for a soft, princess look, or find some crazy tights and cowboy boots for a hip, spunky attitude. The look is completely up to you.. either way these will be images she will cherish as much as you!

Limited Edition Session fee is $500, 50% due at time of booking to reserve space. Session fee includes the 30 minute session and $300 print credit towards your purchase. Because of the time constraints, each session is limited to no more than three children at a time. LE session clients will also receive 10% off the entire print order, including and beyond the $300 credit.

As a special bonus, each Limited Edition Session fee also includes a one-of-a-kind wristlet purse featuring the image of your choice from the session. These are a $100 value and not available for purchase at any other time during the year. They are the hottest style of accessory and make great gifts too!

As I said, there are only a few spaces available, so book soon to reserve your spot! Be sure and call or email if you have any additional questions... and get your little dancer ready for the spotlight! :)

Snow Day part 2

We did it! Had to scrape every ounce of snow off the yard (notice the pool of mud around him?) but we managed to create the perfect little snowman daddy & baby! He may be short lived but it was worth it! :)

Snow Day... Seriously???

So I posted before about a snow day, which was, admittedly, an ice dusting. But we were all completely suprised--giddy, even--to wake up this morning to actual SNOW in our yard. Not a ton, but enough to really call it a SNOW day.. enough to cancel school (again!) and warrant dragging boots and jackets out of the garage (and dig through dress up clothes to find enough hats, gloves & scarves for everyone) and spend some time in the snow.

Of course the thickest, most pure collection of snow we found was on the trampoline, which made for some bouncy, slippery, WET fun. We're all drying off inside now, but the girls are determined to make a snowman this afternoon (once our clothes get out of the dryer!) so I'll be sure to add that if it happens.

Hope you're somewhere warm and cozy!

Brrrrrrrrrr!

Baby, it's cold outside! These pictures were taken on a very cold day. Ironically, it was not this past weekend during our "arctic blast" as the weathermen liked to hype it... but rather during a cold snap in December. It was a day I normally would have declared too cold for pictures, but this little guy was only in town for a few days and being the *super cute* little one that he was, I couldn't resist. Such a trooper, he lasted almost 45 minutes... long enough to get some truly priceless shots!

Enjoy!

Introducing... Kajsa

For the first *official* post of the new year I'm rolling out a new regular feature on the blog.. featured kid of the week! (Still looking for a catchy name for it, so if anyone has an idea let me know!) Each week you can expect more adorable faces, and this time with some fun background info to go with it (completed by mom and dad of course!) so you get to know the little person behind the smile!

We're starting with this little one, who comes from one of my very favorite families.. and could not be any cuter!

1. Name and origin:
Kajsa, which is Swedish and [mom's] best friend from the college days was Kajsa

2. Age:
6 months (will turn 7 months on the 15th of Jan!)

3. Favorite color:
pink I suppose...until I'm old enough to voice my opinion otherwise!


4. When I grow up I want to be...
a professional food critic (I always give my honest opinions!)

5. Something that's guaranteed to make me laugh:
my brother Asher's silly faces or outrageous dance moves


6. Current favorite activity:
rollin', rollin', rollin'...ALL over the floor to keep up with my big brother or grab toys out of reach.


7. The last time I cried was because...
my mommy left the room (I'm starting the stranger anxiety business!)


8. My parents are proud of me because:
I'm one laid back, happy baby girl (not to mention a good eater!)

We girls can do anything!

Right, Barbie? That was the jingle of my barbie-playing days, and for as much heat as she gets, I have to admit Barbie did a great job of inspiring little girls to reach for thier dreams. If only this one had been out when I was five, I might have started this career a little sooner!



I try to avoid posting pictures not taken by myself, but this one was too cute to pass up. Now to search ebay for one of my own! :)

Happy New Year!

Another year.. another chance to start fresh! New resolutions, new plans, new goals... who doesn't love the start of a new year?

I am still hard at work getting ready for next year, with some fun new products and some sanity-saving reorganization behind the scenes, but couldn't pass up the chance to wish all my wonderful friends the best wishes for the new year... and how else could I start the new year than with a newborn baby... as full of life, promise and inspiration as the changing of the calendar!

Enjoy the sneak peek, mom.. and may everyone else enjoy the first precious days of 2007... here's to hoping it's the best yet!