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Sunday, February 7, 2010

Picture This

Photos Courtesy of Koru Photography.

When Nico was born, I was hell-bent on having a really nice, fancy schmancy studio shoot for him. I wanted to be able to "Ooh" and "Aah" over artistic pictures that would make my children look like little angels from an Anne Geddes calendar. As someone who is very familiar with "automatic mode," I am awed by those who know how to handle a camera.

A friend of mine had recently shot at a studio with her twin babies and her pictures were G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S. It helps that my friend Julia and her husband also happen to be gorgeous - this never hurts in a) making cute babies and b) not looking too troll-like in your pictures afterwards.

So I contacted one of the photographers who had done their shoot, Kristen Staples. She was friendly and sweet as I explained how I wanted an idyllic photo shoot that day. She listened as I described how I wanted lots of pictures of Nico doing a whole lot of nothing, but looking cute because he was too young to talk back to me (He was only 5 weeks old). And I also wanted some pictures of us holding our two year old, Shaila.

I mentioned to Kristen that Shaila was a little. Hmmm. Tempestuous?

Kristen assured me that the shoot was going to go off great. I tried to explain to her that Shaila was going to be with us, which would reduce the odds of success greatly, but she laughed my fears away and said all the right things to make me ready for this very intimidating endeavor.

The pictures from that day came out amazing. Despite the following:

  • Nico pooped on me multiple times. You can't tell, but I literally had poop in my hair. Two outfit changes and YUP. Poop. All Over.
  • Shaila screamed like a banshee the moment we walked in the door from the moment we left. No amount of candy appeased her. (Years from now, when she accuses me of not including her in family pictures, I'm going to look like a real jerk. Truth is, girlfriend would not sit down for two seconds.)

Looks so peaceful.

Like a mom holding her baby and saying, "Thank you, Son. Thank you, my Little Man."

And the son is saying "Thank you, Mom. This feels comfy. You look nice in black. I am dreaming about sleeping through the night."

But this is what we were really thinking:

Me: "Oh God, Nico! Please don't poop in my hair again. You look like you getting ready to launch. Please son, hold it in."

Nico: "Oh mom. Too late. Sorry."


Shaila is not in this picture because I think she was attempting to take down some of Kristen's equipment at this time. Fun little lady. Spirited, that's what she is.


We had to put a diaper back on my little man. I know its cute to have pictures of babies with their bare butt and all, but not when said butt is projectile shooting poop right up in my grill. Not today buddy. (or should I say, butty?) Shaila was trying to steal candy at this point and dismantle camera stands.


We did get this great one with her and John before she decided to run off to the corner and throw all of Nico's diapers out of his bag and strip down to her diaper.

She is soooo sweet. Really, just misunderstood.


We got a family photo together at the end. Shaila looked like Damion's twin Sister. Maybe just a little less bubbly.

And then in a moment of weakness for her, what could be my favorite picture of the day:


I think two second later after she let me kiss her, Nico pooped on me again and Shaila head butted me, so I was about ready to call it quits.

Throughout the shoot, Kristen and her photography partner, Donna, were fantastic and sweet and brushed away my countless apologies over Spaz #1 (Shaila) and Spaz #2 -(Mr. McPoopers) himself. At some point, I relaxed (as much as you can when your 2 year old wants to light a building on fire) and put myself in Kristen's capable hands.

The clincher for me is that each time Nico pooped on me - Kristen and Donna would get right in there with me and wipe him up and act like it was nothing. They were such professionals and beyond gracious, despite the torment I had heaved upon them. They laughed and played with Shaila and reassured us as they pulled out more wipes and helped me clean my son off without hesitation.

Kristen is now starting her own photography business in the Northern Virgina area called Koru Photography. You should check out some of what she does - she is amazing and documents families exactly as they are meant to be shot (maybe with less #2 on them than me) - and she knows what to do when all the "unexpected" happens at a shoot.

Basically, she carries a LOT of baby wipes.

Here are some of her favorite pictures from 2009. Basically if you live around DC and are looking for a good photographer, check her out and let her know you're a friend of mine. She is now my "Go To" person for family pictures after she was so great to us that day.











Trying to stay warm. 32" of snow hit the DC area! Yikes!!

XOXO,
Kiran

44 comments:

Allyson said...

I'm getting quite the blog friend network in the DC area!! You guys got freaking hammered and it makes our 1/2 inch on Saturday look like child's play. I hope you've at least found your car.

These pictures are AH-MAZING. I mean it helps that the 4 of you are Vogue-cover-beautiful (yes, even Shaila, when the red eyes die down a bit). And that makes you all look a LOT less troll-like in your photos! It is truly a professional photographer who can handle situations as they arise. That makes all the difference. Our wedding photographer? Simply fantastic. Our beach photographer last October? More craptastic. I'm glad you found one. Finding a go-to photographer is like finding your hairstylist. You will simply disintegrate if they ever move or die. I totally get it.

Lemon Gloria said...

Your pictures are fantastic and the accompanying story is even better! And I am going to take your recommendation - I have been thinking about getting professional photos done with our little man! Thank you!

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Beautiful, you will treasure these forever!

We got more snow last night, too. It is lovely outside with that nice white layer covering everything.

jessalyn said...

those pics are gorgeous- you would never have any idea all of that chaos was going on! i didn't even know babies pooped that often. i am so screwed when i finally have one.
you and your family are beautiful!

Shannon K. said...

Beautiful pictures, and no one even partially resembling a troll.

Macey said...

Stay warm!!
You guys really do look beautiful in those shots, I love that one with you all where Shaila looks like a grumpy lil munchking and Nico...I don't know what face he's making but he looks like a freakin' DOLL!! So cute, you all are gorgeous. Even with poop in your hair. It's nice to know that beautiful people have shitty days too. LOL! :)

Unknown said...

Gorgeous! I love pictures that look like that, all artsy and such.

Of course your naked baby pooped on you, because why wouldn't he when you were wearing all black and spending a fair amount of money to look fancy.

Unknown said...

Those are beautiful shots... acsolutely gorgeous

meredith said...

these pictures are beautiful, but the background behind them makes them hysterical. still, you managed to look elegant, gorgeous, and poised and i am not at all surprised.

mr. mcpoopers -- hahah. poor nico's gonna live with that for awhile. my little brother has a similar nickname and we STILL say it from time to time and the kid's 18!

Unknown said...

You are a beautiful family and I'm so glad you got some amazing shots! They did a wonderful job (despite all the projectile poop!)!

Geezees Custom Canvas Art said...

These pics are gorgeous!
You have a beautiful family.

Ams said...

Those pictures are awesome... and because they have such a poopy story behind them - it makes them even better!!!

Stay warm my friend... that's a lot of snow :)

foxy said...

Absolutely beautiful photos! My sis-in-law said the exact same thing about naked baby photos... lots of accidents. But - WOW - that last one made it all worthwhile. Incredible sweetness there.

Serenityville said...

gorgeous pics, tho not hard with such a beautiful family. Aren't you the one who refuses to put not-so-hot pics online? As if that's possible. Mostly love the one of you kissing Shaila, and where you and hubby are making lovey-dovey eyes and Nico is so happy to see his dad. Adorable! (and hilarious, as always)

Hutch said...

I LOVE the last one, so so cute!! You would never know what was going on between shots :)

Vodka Logic said...

Absolutely beautiful pictures. You and your family are gorgeous

Anonymous said...

Wow those photos are absolutely perfect. You would never know that you were covered in poop. I especially love the last one. Such a beautiful family, K!

When I have a little poop machine of my own, I think I'll have to give her a call. :)

I hope you guys are faring ok down there and I hope your friend that went into labor is ok! I would miss a million bachelorette parties before I would ever want to deal with that kind of drama. xo

Shell said...

Those pics are beautiful! Despite the chaos that was going on, you'd never know it unless you told us about it!

Amber Page Writes said...

Just goes to show that the test of a truly talented photographer is if he or she can create beauty in the midst of poop, tantrums and tears.

I so want some professional pics of my daughter when she turns a year...maybe if I show the hub these, he'll spring for it.

Shandal said...

Those pics are so beautiful! Couldn't see any poop anywhere, so score! LOL Dang you guys got a lot of snow!

Karls said...

That is very cute! We have a portrait of me and my bro - we were a little older (perhaps 4 & 3). My bro has red eyes from all the screaming he did... he was Mr Destrcuto and even tore the backdrop and pushed over anything he could touch. Mum felt sooooo guilty! Poor photographer! I'd want to punch my bro if it were at my studio!

SurferWife said...

Obvs, the pictures do not disappoint. But here is the big question burning at the epicenter of everyone's minds:

Whos Karma is Shaila paying back? In other words, who was the hellian on wheels, you or John?

Unknown said...

Love the pictures!

SaraPlaysHouse.com said...

I'm pretty sure it's illegal to have such a gorgeous family. Even if they do poop alot and wreak havoc.
It's BEAUTIFUL poop and BEAUTIFUL havoc.
Amen.

Lyndsay Wells said...

Poop or no poop your kids are so BEAUTIFUL - your whole family is. I really loved this, and loved your favourite picture both kids look priceless.

Tara Gibson said...

thank you for your sweet comment! you have a gorgeous family!!!

Sadia said...

Those are gorgeous!

A good photographer is worth their weight in gold! I've had a couple of portrait sessions where the best photos are the ones taken when we've given up are trying to entertain my daughters with books or snacks or allowing them to rearrange the set furniture.

Mrs Montoya said...

The photos are fabulous and I love the commentary that goes with it. This is a great post and your family is to die for gorgeous. It IS such a treasure that you'll always have these photos of Nico and Damian's sister. I mean, Shayla :)

Mrs Montoya said...

I'm so sorry - I spelled Shaila's name wrong. Pet peeve for me. Sorry, sorry, sorry . . .

Allyson said...

Come over to my blog and get what you're due. ;D

alessandra said...

You are so beautiful!

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

These are BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for the back-story. We have NO good family pics (or wedding pics). I just don't think I have the stamina.

French said...

Great pics and loved the story. We did similar thing when Drew was born. He only peed on me, so I should count my blessing =). The pic at the top of our blog is right before Sir Whiz-a-lot he took aim at me.

Amy said...

You have a beautiful family!! Seriously, all of you are just gorgeous!

Love the picture of you and Shaila kissing! All it takes is one good shot to make the chaos of the day worth it.

We had family pics taken last August. It was about 200 degrees outside, (where we were shooting!) Jackson was melting down left and right, and mosquitoes were eating us alive. Seriously, our photographer had to photoshop some of those nasty little suckers out. But we got some amazing shots! All worth it:)

Heather said...

Well, your family is beautiful to begin with, so how could the pictures be bad? They are all absolutely gorgeous!

Sarah at The Stroller Ballet said...

I've noticed these beautiful pictures on your blog...I love hearing the story behind them! By the way, you look amazing to have just just given birth recently. 5 weeks after Peanut was born I feel like I looked like a bloated mess!

Unknown said...

I love love LOVE them! And there's no visible poop! You have a truly beautiful family.

Anonymous said...

We just got dumped on some moree!

Kate Coveny Hood said...

Your entire family is gorgeous! We don't have even one picture of all five of us. I have maybe one or two mediocre pictures of all three of my kids together - but that's it. So hard to get everyone to pose. I don't have the courage to try a real studio shoot - but when that changes, I'll definitely remember Koru.

Love the poop in the hair! That made me laugh.

Unknown said...

HOW CUTE! your family is stunning lil nico reminds me of little man wish they would stay that small sometimes you know when they're climbin up on everything and gettin into everything lol anyways you have an award over at my blog if you have a chance check it out heres the direct link http://growingupblackxican.blogspot.com/2010/02/valentine-tree-awards.html

Dee at Pedestrian Palate said...

Hearing the back story really shows how talented that photographer is. It's so amazing when they capture a moment of beauty amidst the chaos. They are beautiful pictures.

mypixieblog said...

What beautiful pictures! And you can't even tell you have poop in your hair ;) But I love the "behind-the-scenes" description. As someone else said: you will certainly treasure these photos forever.

Iva Messy said...

these are so gorgeous!! such a beautiful family!!! you will always have beautiful memories with these pictures!!

Amanda @ It's Blogworthy said...

i know this comment is WAY after the fact but girl -- you have a BEAUTIFUL family! I love the commentary you imagined between you and your little guy. See? pictures like this (without video of the hellishness that was the pooping/screaming) makes me want some ASAP.

 

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