Amanda | Portrait

Today’s post is all about the birthday girl Amanda 🙂

I met Amanda 3 years ago at a retreat for Pastors Kids (PK). There was a little “store” that the PK’s could purchase snacks & small little souvenirs that I was helping out at & Amanda had her eye on several of the little stuffed animals there. Little did I know that a little over a year later, she & her entire family would be moving to Bloomington-Normal & that her dad would become one of my boss’s while I worked at First Assembly.

I was really looking forward to spending one on one time with Amanda & taking pictures of her! We had a beautiful sunny Saturday, probably the first really warm one of the year & I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Amanda.

We walked around Uptown Normal & talked. Amanda was a good sport & laughed at all my corny jokes 😉 And I got to hear about all her plans for her birthday party she was planning & the art piece she was entering into a festival.

(I think she’s laughing at one of my silly jokes here 😉 )

Amanda | www.nomi-photography.com-11

If you know Amanda, you know she loves her Converse shoes!

She’s such a beautiful young lady.

Amanda also loves running. I asked her to show me how she looks right before it’s time to speed off 🙂

You’re a beautiful & talented young woman Amanda. I know the Lord has special plans for you. I hope you have a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY & that this year is full of fun, adventure & God surprises 🙂

Roberson | Anniversary Session

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She was just too cute.

I remember smiling ear to ear while Leah Roberson & I chatted for the first time. Her friend Elizabeth (thank you Elizabeth!!!!!!) had referred her to me & Leah excitedly told me during our phone date that her & her husband Jonathan were celebrating ONE YEAR of marriage!!! And they wanted me to spend time with them & do an anniversary photo session!!!

The more I talked to Leah, the more excited I became! I remember when Eric & I reached the one year mark. It was SO exciting! And wonderful to look to see what the Lord had done & brought us through together, as a married couple. I couldn’t wait to get Leah & Jonathan behind my camera & remember, if even for a brief amount of time, this milestone in their marriage.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Leah & looked forward to meeting her & Jonathan face to face. Leah & I share many things in common including being pastor kids, we’re both nanny’s & have curly hair 🙂 Leah & Jonathan requested that their session be at a favorite park of mine & I was totally thrilled when they wanted to incorporate their dog Murphy!

It was a SUPER cold evening, but that made all the more reason to have them cuddle & snuggle close which they had no problem doing 😉

Probably some of my favorite moments with Leah & Jonathan was just being able to watch them laugh & be goofy together.

Leah brought the cutest little chalkboard with a saying written on it. I believe this perfectly describes the season of life that they are in!

You’re so beautiful Leah.

And every time you laugh, I know he falls more in love with you.

Two pastor kids that met & fell in love at Bible college & now together they’re following the Lord & loving each other as husband & wife. I totally agree with your chosen phrase Leah, “One Year Down, a Lifetime to Go!” And I pray the Lord will bless you two with many, many more years!

Gulso | life&love Newborn Session

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Brittany & I have been friends, oh wow, 6 years now I believe? When I went over to her & Brian’s house for little Avery’s newborn session, we reflected on how we’ve been friends as she’s had all 3 of her beautiful girls. So thankful for treasured & long-term friendships like that. In those 6 years, Brittany & Brian have welcome 3 lovely ladies into their home. And the newest addition is precious Avery Grace.

The big sisters keeping an eye on baby sister 🙂

Gulso life&love Newborn Session | www.nomi-photography.com-4

All the yawns.

When I hold you in my arms, love
Something changes
It’s the strangest feeling
The things that used to matter
They don’t matter to me
– JJ Heller

Momma & her girls.

Gulso life&love Newborn Session | www.nomi-photography.com-26

THIS, is one of my favorite images EVER! Look at Carly’s face! It was the very FIRST time she’d ever held her new baby sister. And I had the privilege of capturing that moment. LOOK at her face! Look at how EXCITED SHE IS! Can barely handle the preciousness!!!

You’re an inspiring mother Brittany. You have three girls that have every personality under the sun. And there all yours. And you & Brian are raising them in such a God-fearing & loving way. I love you my friend. If I could, I would give you a “Best Momma Award” every day. When we start having children, I will be calling you 😉 LOTS.

You’re so beautiful Brittany.

And the whole family is together. And complete.

Welcome Avery Grace. You are very loved by many. Can’t wait to watch you grow up.

If you’d like more info about having an in-home life&love Newborn Session click HERE to find out more details.

Martinez | Family Session

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This time last year, I was working fulltime at Eric & I’s church, First Assembly of God in Normal as an administrative assistant. One of my roles as an admin was to to support the various ministries we had including our ever-growing Spanish Ministries. Pastor Jose & Melissa Martinez lead & maybe I should say RUN that ministry that is growing & changing lives. I truly admire this dynamic couple that I ADMIRE. I really don’t know HOW they get done all that they do. Seriously. It’s obviously the blessing & favor of the Lord’s on their lives.

But Jose, let’s just be real & honest & tell the truth, your wife is the amazingness behind your team isn’t she? 😉 She (& Jesus) of course is why everything gets done & happens 😉 I seriously want to be Melissa when I grow up.

I got a text one Friday night a couple weeks ago from Pastor Jose asking if by some chance I was available to come over to their home & have a family session the next day. He said that ALL of the kids were in town (& one daughter had traveled all the way from Florida!) & asked if it could possibly work out for me to come over. I said YES. Of course! Moments like this when family especially is spread all over, don’t just happen every day. The next day I headed to Jose & Melissa’s new home & entered in the door to be greeted by the loving & FUN Martinez Family!!!

Even though our session was primarily indoors, I grabbed each of the couples for some quick outdoor snow pictures on Jose & Melissa’s deck! It was cold but everyone was such good sports!!!!

And the sisters got their pic as well 😉

Oh Josue 🙂

Then we went inside! One thing that was really cool about this session was Jose & Melissa have only lived in their new home about a month when this session happened. What a SPECIAL memory they have now of pictures in their OWN home!!! And so many memories more to be made in their beautiful new dwelling.

Boys will be boys 😉

All the kids & one grandkid!!!

Speaking of grandkids, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this shot of Pastor Jose holding & singing to his grandson!

He makes her laugh 😀

Thank you Jose & Melissa for having me come over & spend time with your family. The Lord has blessed you with wonderful kids & a beautiful home filled with love & laughter. Can’t wait until next time! 🙂

View more at www.facebook.com/youweremadetosmile.

Mom & Me Mini Sessions!

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I do Mini Sessions because I believe in relationships. I believe in capturing the special relationships that are in our lives & mini sessions are the perfect way to do that!

Mom & Me Mini’s will be on Saturday, April 25 & these images will given to you in time for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10 on a USB flashdrive. This is a 20-minute interactive photo session for just mommies & their children (of all ages!) This was one of my most popular mini sessions last year, so email me soon to reserve your session! I always let my email subscribers have first dibs. I sent that email out earlier this week & slots went like crazy! There’s just a few spots left.

When you’re a mother, finding time to spend quality time with each child is HARD. And to be honest, sometimes it doesn’t get to happen. That’s what this session is for. Quality time with each of your littles or each of your “biggers’ 😉 I promise you, it will be a memorable time of laughing with your children & hopefully even a few snuggles & kisses as well 🙂

I can’t wait to spend time with you mommies & your children!!!!!!!!

Maternity+Newborn Special Package!

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Last year, I realized how I LOVE photographing newborn baby sessions in my clients homes. Bringing a baby home is no small item (pun not intended 😉 ). It’s a significant moment in a couples life. It’s the birth of a new season in a family. A brand-new life has joined your family & that moment, that time, that season that changes oh so quickly, needs to be remembered.

A photo session with your new arrival should not be stressful. It should not be rushed. It should be as wonderful of an experience as possible! That moment of holding your baby with all the newborn smell & softness of their skin filling your heart is something you’ll never forget. And I’m here to help make that memory stay. We’ll discuss your session in a phone conversation & choose just the perfect time of day that fits your little one’s schedule. Because this is such a memorable time, I have put together a wonderful package for momma’s for 2015! Any momma that schedules a Maternity Session AND a Newborn Session together will receive an $50.00 savings! (Complete price details are on my Investment pa). First, we will workout details to take in the time of your pregnancy, a time that comes only a few times in a woman’s life. And then we’ll work together as the weeks grow closer to the day of your baby’s arrival, for a newborn session.

Along with this new package, I’ve added a personal touch. Recently I was going through some boxes & found the baby announcement my parents used to share my arrival 🙂 I may be old fashioned but it got me thinking how I could incorporate something like that into my newborn sessions. After dreaming about it, I’m very happy to share that ANY newborn session will receive a complimentary birth announcement! I personally have designed this announcement & am in love with how simple & classic it is.

After having your Newborn Session, I will have the images edited with two weeks of your session. We’ll look over the images & you’ll choose which picture you want to use in the announcement, if you want it to be horizontal or vertical & then you’ll decide what color from the color palate you’d like it to be. I’ll use your choices & your baby’s arrival info to finalize the announcement design. The announcement will be a file you will receive that is the size set for a 4×6. It will be included in your images you’ll receive in the mail with your Nomi Photography client package. You’ll be able to print this 4×6 announcement anywhere you choose & give it to family & friends!

Having a baby’s first photo session in their own home, with the sounds & smells they are used to, is so wonderful. And if you’re worried about if your home will work to have a session in it, please, don’t worry! If your house has windows (which if it doesn’t, you should probably get a new house 😉 ) that’s all we need! If your home has windows, you are good to go for a special time of you & your family cuddling the newest member of your family while I happily snap away on my camera.

I’m REALLY excited about this package & the added birth announcement. Maternity Sessions & Newborn Sessions can still be scheduled separately, but I know there are so many momma’s who would like to do both & the $50.00 savings is something I’d like to offer. If you are interested in beginning the process to schedule a Maternity Session, a Newborn Session OR BOTH, contact me (naomi@nomi-photography.com) soon!!! I want to photograph ALL THE BABIES 😉

Siblings Mini Sessions!

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Did you know April 10 is National Sibling Day? Now you do!

Saturday, April 11 is the date of the Sibling Mini Sessions I will be having! The Mini Sessions will be in the afternoon starting at 1:00PM at an outdoor location in Bloomington-Normal. I’ll be keeping my eye on a couple locations as things start turning green & we start to see more color!!!! I also thought it’s a perfect time to have your children take pictures (if you wanted to) in their Easter outfits! My siblings always took a group picture on Easter Sunday And this isn’t just for the young ones! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get all your adult siblings together for some updated pictures?!

These will be a 20 minute interactive photo session for siblings of ALL ages! We’ll laugh, we’ll talk, we’ll play & capture the special relationship you have with your siblings. One of the key words of Nomi Photography is relational. I TRULY believe in capturing those special relationships in our lives and in an authentic way. Whether you’re 45 & you & your sister have not had pictures in a long time or you have 3 little ones- this mini session is just perfect! I’ve decided to only offer a select amount of slots so if you would like to schedule one, please contact me (naomi@nomi-photography.com) soon! (A full list of my 2015 Mini Sessions can be found here- https://nomi-photography.com/2015/02/mini-sessions-in-2015/).

Each session will be 20 minutes long. A total of 10-15 images on a flashdrive will be mailed within 3 weeks after the session. Full payment of $55.00 is due at the time of the session.

I can’t wait!!! Feel free to share & let your friends know!!!

PS If you’re still not quite sure what a Mini Session is, here’s a brief description- it’s a shorter photography session (usually 20-30 minutes), a smaller amount of images then a full session, & all for a lower cost then a full photography session at a set location. They’re on a set day & I schedule sessions with different families & individuals back to back with small 10 minute windows between each Mini Session.

Who’s Currently Inspiring Me

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As time goes on & I continue this journey as a photographer, there are several amazing photographers that I look up too. I thought it’d be fun to give you a little peak at these ladies (they all actually happen to be ladies!) & show who is currently inspiring me.

I have a HUGE passion for families. I am planning some things I’ll be unveiling soon that will make family sessions even MORE special but for now, here is a look at the women I look to for inspiration when it comes to capturing families & couples:

Amy Paulson

Amy is my VERY favorite for MANY reasons. The Lord has gifted her in an incredible way that I’ve never seen with any other photographer. She’s my fav. Hands down. No questions asked. I want to be her when I grow up. And I hope to introduce you to her in the coming months 😉

Website: http://www.amy-paulson.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amypaulsonphotography

Gina Zeidler

I have never met Gina & who knows if I ever will! (I’d love it if it happened!) But her style of how she works with light & uses her humor to share about people is just fantastic. Her classic style is impeccable.

Website: http://ginazeidler.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gina-Zeidler/110445215669272

I also enjoy checking out the blog “Let the Kids Dress Themselves”. They are constantly highlighting a photographer that captures families & children in a special way. Maybe someday I’ll be on there! One can dream right? 😉

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letthekids

Even though I don’t photograph weddings, I have a secret love for following wedding photographers. I have many fav’s & actually a few of them have stepped into capturing more of families & children as well! I REALLY love the look of film. I try to imitate that look with my photography with photography sessions I have outdoor. I have a lot of clients who tell me they really like the pictures I take outdoors with the “blurry backgrounds”. That is actually called “bokeh” & is something that’s used in film a ton. And it’s funny that 2 out of 3 of the photographers I’m about to list are primarily film photographers 🙂 Here’s my top three in the Weddings/Couples/Families category 😉

Nancy Ray

Website: http://nancyrayphotography.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancyrayphotography

Nancy is also a very wise lady! I follow her on Instagram & just love reading her blog! Especially since her & her husband are expecting their first baby soon!

Emily March

Website: http://emilymarchphotography.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilymarchphotography

I found Emily March by following one of my fav’s Lara Casey (http://laracasey.com/). I love how Emily has captured so many things including weddings, families & even small group meetings!

Laura L

Website: http://capturedinhisimage.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capturedinhisimage

Laura photographs another favorite of mine, Emily Ley (http://www.emilyley.com/) I ADORE her planners). I’m slightly jealous of Laura since she gets to photography her family 😉

I also have a desire to someday tap into product photography (we’ll see if that happens!). My only favorite in that category is Shay Cochrane! Website: http://shaycochrane.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shay-Cochrane-Photography/111291499876

Well there you are! Hope that was interesting for you & that it shed some light into the look & passion I desire for Nomi Photography 🙂

Mary & Richard | Couples Session

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When I married my husband, I not only married into a new family, I married into a family where some of those family members have become very dear friends. My mother-in-law has three other siblings & I truly enjoy our family gatherings. Everyone lives in the area so family events are usually full & fun 🙂

I grew up not ever being very close in miles to extended family. I truly appreciate being so close to both of Eric’s sides so I can get to know them & make up for the 26 years before we got married that I didn’t know them 😉 Mary is one of Eric’s cousins on his mom’s side & she is one of three sisters that yes, I would not only call them family, but friends. Mary & her sisters Rachel & Sarah welcomed me into the family right away & I’ve always felt like I belonged.

About a year ago, Eric & I were making some big decisions when it came to officially launching Nomi Photography. I actually wasn’t planning on having a website. I liked the idea of having a blog, but figured it was too much work at the beginning. I figured facebook would be enough 😉 Mary convinced me otherwise & I’m SO glad she did!

I called her up one day & we started talking & brainstorming about what could possibly happen regarding a website AND blog for Nomi Photography. Mary is a genius. She knows all the terminology, how to work with WordPress, how to make my site look pretty, how to tell me what doesn’t look “me”, how to even tell me it doesn’t look “me”! She was & STILL is a HUGE Godsend for me!!!! We exchanged several, several emails & phone calls over the course of January 2014-May 2014. I’m so thankful for all she did. And is still doing. We’ve just recently finished a small facelift of my website including a way to signup for my e-newsletter right on my site (just look to the right of this post!)

I was able to spend some time with Mary & her husband, Richard at Funks Grove one fall afternoon this past year & have a little photo session.

Fun fact, Mary & Richard just announced they’re EXPECTING!!! Yes! SO excited for them!!!

I’m excited to watch them become parents & can’t wait to hold their little one!!!

Mary & Richard | Couples Session-4

Aunt Sheila & Uncle Lynn (Mary’s parents) came along as well & I snapped a few pictures of these two love birds 😉

They’re going to make wonderful grandparents aren’t they Mary & Richard? 😉

Mary, again, from the bottom & side & top of my heart, THANK YOU for everything you’ve done to help make Nomi Photography succeed. I couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you also for being my friend! I love you! And I can’t wait to watch your journey as you walk into motherhood <3

Brooke & Nic | Anniversary Session

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See that smile? That smile belongs to my friend Brooke. About 9ish years ago we meet in the loud kitchen of Cracker Barrel as fellow servers. Well, let me re-phrase that, she was a server, I was brand-new to CB, a newbie. She actually trained me one night. She taught me everything I knew right Brooke? 😉 We formed this work sort of friendship. You can actually get pretty close with someone when you’re serving a ton of people on a busy Friday night. We started to hangout, Kaldi Coffee dates & chats became more frequent over the year I lived in Columbia, Missouri. And then I moved. But because Brooke is a true friend, she is one of the few that I have stayed in close contact with since I left.

I have two favorite phone call memories with Brooke since we became long distance friends. The first was around Easter one year & she told me about her decision to put Jesus Christ first in life & follow Him wholeheartedly. There was much joy & tears in the conversation.

The second fav phone conversation was when we talked about her & her husband’s anniversary session that she had asked me to do. I had gotten a request to do a session in St. Charles, MO with another close family from Columbia & so it just all worked out perfectly to meet with Brooke & Nic!

I tell you St. Charles was cray cray that weekend! (I’d love to go back & visit sometime when it was a little quieter though 😉 ) But we did manage to find some quiet spots & have a few moments with just the three of us.

Brooke & Nic have a unique, wonderful love story like every couple who puts Christ first in their relationship. I hadn’t been around Nic too many times so our time in St. Charles was fun getting to know him & seeing how he loves Brooke.

One of the ways I see Nic love Brooke is through his eyes. He looks at her with such love, admiration & a sense of “knowing”. He knows Brooke. He knows her little quirks, her passions, desires, hopes & dreams. And he loves her. Very much. And can I just add that Nic had NO problem kissing Brooke during their session 😉

Brooke & Nic use a candle each year & take a picture with it to symbolize how many years they’ve been married. This past December 1 was the big “2”. And I know without a doubt there will be many more anniversaries to come.

Sweetness.

When Brooke & I talked on the phone before their session, she communicated to me how important having pictures taken of her & Nic is so important to her. She wants to remember who they were at that time & to look back as the years go on & be thankful for what the Lord has done & how they’ve grown as a couple. If I could have recorded that part of our phone conversation & typed out her words for a blog post I would have!!! My heart is just so full when others see the significance of taking photo’s, not just at your wedding but onnnnn through the years.

You two have a strong foundation in Christ. Never forget that. Or that there are tons of people cheering you on. Me included. You two are a dynamo duo. Let the love story the Lord is writing for you continue, with many blessings, surprises & adventures along the way. Love you both.