“You can start late, look different, be uncertain and still succeed” -Misty Copeland
1st African-American Female Principal Dancer w/ the American Ballet Theatre
After getting married and having my children quickly thereafter, I stopped shooting professionally. I would only photography my babies at home or in the park. I would create little backdrops and scenarios to capture those precious moments of little toes and tushies. Tiny dresses and floral headbands give me joy. Tiny baby suspenders and little sneakers are cuteness overload!
For a long time, I did not feel confident in my abilities to photograph for others. I kept my talents hidden and my desire to start my own business un-explored. I can only describe it as an irrational fear, or perhaps getting in my own way. Now that my girls are in school full-time, I have more free time and more courage. My husband has never stopped encouraging me to use my God given talent for others, and the voice inside grew loud enough to push me forward, to just get out there and do this for real! I read an Instagram quote once that said, “sometimes what you are most afraid of doing, is the very thing that will set you free.” To be honest, I do not remember what I was afraid of. Perhaps I was not ready back then… but I decided if not now when? And if I’m not ready now, I’ll have to get ready on the way to success!
There are so many things I hope to accomplish with “Lil Lovebug Photography.” One day there will be a storefront location where my kids will work alongside me, a company car for travelling to weddings and baby shoots, maybe even a franchise.
But for now the important part is that I continue taking pictures of children, especially toddlers! My two daughters Diana & Maxine are my favorite models and my “lil lovebugs”. I named my business with them in mind, and for the little cuties out there I have yet to meet and photograph. As a new mom, I wanted my girls to have a record of how much they are loved. Printed photo albums are important to me, and my closet is stocked to ceiling with them. I’m obsessed with hanging photo frames around my home - The photo frame aisle at Target is my kryptonite, and I have run out of space to display them.
As my lovebugs get older, I want them to see themselves through their mothers’ eyes. My gaze of unconditional love and happiness can be seen, even if I’m not in the photo.
I want that tender feeling with each child portrait I create. My goal during each session with your family is to capture those wonderful milestones, that make you say, “awh that’s my baby!” They are only little for such a short while, but a photo lasts a lifetime.