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I have no words | Naples Beach Family Photographer

Terrilyn — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 23:10:01 +0000

I know, strange right? Me? Speechless?? It doesn’t happen often so I guess you’ll just have to enjoy it while it lasts. This family has been a part of the lifeXpressions family – MY FAMILY – since before Austin (their oldest) was born. Maternity and newborn sessions for each of their three children and holiday photos every year. I always knew they were wonderful parents and very special people. When Paxton came along my heart overflowed with joy for them and the new life coming in to the world. Unfortunately this was followed by grief and disbelief at the challenges they would soon have to overcome. Don’t feel badly for them though. Sure, Paxton and his family have had a long hard journey to get to where they are today but they are strong and such fighters. I am so very proud to be a part of their lives and hope to share many more memories with them for years to come!

I’ve told the story before so I’ll be brief in my explanation. For those who don’t know their story, you can read about Paxton’s birth here. Paxton was born with a very serious heart condition know as Hypoplastic left heart syndrome. But as you can see from the photos below, Paxton’s condition does not define the West family. Oh no, they are stronger, wackier, and have more love to share than ever before! Make no mistake, this family is blessed. Okay, time to share some of my favorite people with you all…Dave, you will not escape next time!! Ahh, the joys of little boys…

…Austin…

…Mason…

…Paxton…

Sneak Peek { Xander & Charlie } | Naples Family Portraits

Terrilyn — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:02:57 +0000

When I tell you that I am so lucky to have such wonderful clients to work with, I mean it with the utmost sincerity. I cherish the relationships we develop as the years pass, watching their children and families grow. Learning what’s special to them and being able to capture that vision and freeze precious moments in time. Each time they call to schedule that next session I admit it, I get excited to see them again. I wonder how much the children have grown, what they’re interested in now. As a parent AND a photographer I can see both sides of the coin if you will. Parents know how quickly their children grow and change but for me it’s like a giant fast-forward button has been pushed.

It seems like it was only yesterday when I first met Xander and his family on the beach in Naples. When I see the super cool dude he’s growing into I have to remind myself that it was actually way back in 2008 when I met them. You might remember Xander was the little guy taking flight over the Gulf of Mexico. The next year Mom called me to schedule a New Beginnings Session and of course I was thrilled to see them again. Mom is a knock-out, Dad is handsome as can be. What I love most of all, you can tell she is the queen of his universe. Every girl should be so lucky. And Xander, well, this little guy has personality to spare. Go ahead, take a peek at their maternity session and see for yourself. Then pop on over to this blog post to see their holiday session and see what a cutie Charlie has turned in to too. Clearly personality and good looks run in the family.

Fast forward to our most recent session when I met them at their Naples home to capture a few updated family portraits and celebrate the boys’ birthdays. Xander and I played with his Thomas the Train set while Charlie tried to charm me with his ‘shy face’. I’m told he does this when he likes someone. *smile* I won’t lie, chasing after these two energetic little guys wore me OUT. By the end of the session Xander was giving me high fives and little Charlie was snuggling in my arms melting my heart. So yeah, it was totally worth the effort. These are truly wonderful people. Great parents, loving, generous, beautiful people inside and out. When I photograph them I can see their love for each other in every.single.picture. After more than two years and five sessions together I’m proud just to be a small part of their lives and to call them my friends. Thank you Danielle and Gene, you are amazing and your children are amazing! ‘Till next time…xoxo

Ha-ha-ha We called this his “Baywatch Run”. Somebody was definitely hamming it up for the camera. *wink*

And in case you were wondering…these boys still love to fly!

A little Slice of Alexia’s Life | Naples Holiday Portrait Mini Sessions

Terrilyn — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:29:21 +0000

Oh yes, it is time! Our first round of Holiday Mini Sessions at the Naples Secret Garden was a smashing success! Thank you to all the wonderful families that came out to spend a little time with me! I can’t wait to share your session images with you, keep checking your email because they’ll be ready REAL soon!!

In the mean time, here’s a little slice of Alexia’s lifeXpressions mini session. I’ve been photographing Alexia since before she was born and let me tell ya, she has always been super cute! Her newborn portraits remain some of my all time favorites! She’s on the move now, at warp speed no less! Momma’s going to need to buy you some super cute track shoes before too long Missy. You may be fast but I’m pretty fast too! haha

Featured Session { Aria } | Naples Newborn Photographer

Terrilyn — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:55:52 +0000

It wasn’t long ago I had the honor of meeting this lovely family for their maternity session at the Naples Secret Garden – and not a minute too soon because Aria was born less than a week later so we loaded up our gear and headed on over to photograph the new family at their home in Naples. Isn’t she precious??? Yep, we think so too! Look at her little lips, and chubby little cheeks, tiny toes, and baby wrinkles – LOVE! The precious little necklace was a gift from family overseas – so beautiful and sentimental. I can already imagine her passing this piece on to her own daughter, or granddaughter someday and it makes me *smile*.

Sneak Peek { Olivia } | Estero Child Portraits

Terrilyn — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:13:10 +0000

I know, I know, I was a bad blog updater last week. In my defense I was super busy being a photographer. When I wasn’t photographing I was brainstorming some exciting new additions to the lifeXpressions family. Of course you’ll just have to stay tuned to the blog to learn more on that. I promise, once all my little duckies are lined up I’ll be sure to share here first!

In the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy this sneak peek from a recent child session at Koreshan State Park in Estero. Olivia is 18 months old and such a little lady, Mom picked the perfect classic clothes for her session in addition to bringing along some of Olivia’s favorite things to be included with her in a few photos – LOVE THAT! Speaking of clothes, kudos to Mom and Dad for coming to the session in coordinating clothing. Toddlers are unpredictable when it comes to introducing new people and sometimes it takes them a little while to warm up. While they’re adjusting and getting to know me I may have Mom and Dad step into the shots to play with their child and take a little bit of the “performance anxiety” away. Keep this in mind when you schedule a session for your child so you can be photo ready too….just in case!

Sneak Peek { Judson & Paisley } | Naples Family Beach Portraits

Terrilyn — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 14:00:12 +0000

You’ll probably recognize these little cuties from numerous blog posts over the years. Paisley was one of my very first JOY babies and when little Judson came along I was completely thrilled to have the opportunity to capture his first year as well. We decided a family session on the beach would be the perfect way to celebrate Judson’s first birthday. Little did we know there would be so many cold snaps in South Florida this year. Thankfully, our patience paid off with the reward of sunny skies and beautiful family memories captured.

Happy belated birthday to you sweet Judson!! I can’t believe it’s been one year already. What a cutie you’ve grown into too! Thank you Mom and Dad for inviting me to share these precious memories with your family. I look forward to seeing you all again real soon!!

Sneak Peek { Paxton } | Naples Baby Portraits

Terrilyn — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:50:16 +0000

Anyone remember these little guys? Maybe from Austin’s newborn session? Or Mason’s newborn session? Or maybe it was their session last year? Okay, my memory gets bad sometimes too but I’m willing to bet you remember the post I made showcasing their family titled: Prayers for a very special family. It wasn’t more than a few days after their Maternity session last September that their whole world was turned upside down when they learned their unborn child had only half of a heart.

To learn more about their incredible journey and the amazing little man I’m about to share with you, you’ll have to hop over to their family blog, The Wild, Wild, Wests. There’s simply no way I can do justice to their story but I will tell you this, having known this family for about four years now I know, without a doubt, that if anyone has the faith, strength, love, and devotion to weather the storm and end up on top it is them!

Without further ado, allow me to introduce Paxton David West…

Keep fighting Paxton, we’re praying for you and your family. <3

Sneak Peek { Great Expectations } | Artistic Estero Maternity Portraits

Terrilyn — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:03:31 +0000

I first met this wonderful family for portraits on the beach in Naples last year. Not only was Xander one of the most adorable one year old’s I’ve ever photographed but dang, that little dude could FLY! To this day the image of Xander’s Daddy tossing him way up in the sky remains one of my all time favorites.

Needless to say, when Mom called me this year to let me know they were expecting baby number two and wondered if I’d be able to add them to the schedule for maternity and newborn portraits I think I hesitated for about .02 seconds before I said YES!! Now I happen to know that Mom has been waiting patiently for this sneak peek so first allow me to apologize, I would’ve had it on the blog sooner but gosh, I was really having a hard time deciding which images to share! Seriously, they are such dream clients to work with; beautiful, playful, loving and open to any of the crazy ideas that pop in to my head.

Alright, on to the portraits – Clearly Xander is just so eager to meet the newest member of the family that he can barely contain his excitement.

Seriously – how cute is he? He even stops to give the babe a kiss before going to ride his trike. Of course once we had Xander entertained it was time to give Mommy her turn in the spotlight to showcase what a beautiful woman she is, which, let’s face it, is sometimes easy to forget when you’re 7 months pregnant and chasing after a very busy two year old.

*whew* Okay, that was a lotta sneak peeking. Hang in there Mom, the best is yet to come!

Sneak Peek { Judson & Paisley } | Fort Myers Baby and Toddler Portraits

Terrilyn — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:09:27 +0000

I know, I know, how unfair of me to post and only share one! I’m sorry but I just started editing this session and the instant I saw this portrait of sweet Paisley I simply had to come to the blog and share it with you all. I’ve been photographing this little lady since she was just a few days old and yes, she has always been a truly beautiful child, inside and out but doesn’t this image just knock your socks off?! She reminds me of a movie star… Shirley Temple maybe? No, Paisley has those big beautiful blue eyes. I can’t put my finger on it yet but she definitely has those classic 1950′s style good looks. Wonder if Mom is considering getting this little one into child modeling? She’s a natural!

Okay, back to editing I go! I promise to come back and share more from my session with Paisley (and her baby brother!!) very soon!

..:: UPDATED BELOW ::..

……….

As promised, I’m back to share some of Paisley’s adorable baby brother, Judson, after all this was his JOY session. Being a lifeXpressions JOY baby means that I get to visit every few months to document all of those exciting things going on during his first year. (Hint: If you give a little click right here you’ll see just how much Judson’s grown since his newborn session.) Judson is such a HAPPY baby which is evident in the photographs I captured during our session. I think the only challenge in photographing him is keeping him off the photographer’s lap! haha Such a little sweetie! Enjoy your sneak peek Mom, it’s just the beginning!

One way, or another, I’m gonna find ya….I’m gonna getchya, getchya, getchya! *grin*…and what kind of photographer would I be if I didn’t share one of the two of them…

Sneak Peek { Prayers for a Very Special Family } | Lifestyle Portraits in Naples

Terrilyn — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 01:03:36 +0000

Lifestyle portraits, yes, I think that would be an appropriate term for this session. I have been photographing this wonderful family since before baby number one {Austin, 3 yrs old} was born. Almost exactly one year later I was called to help them celebrate the arrival of number two {Mason, 2 years old}. Then, our session last fall, marked my fifth time working with this family and I have to admit, they just get cuter every year! Needless to say, when Mom called me announcing the impending arrival of baby #3 I was beyond thrilled!

I knew the session would be a challenge given the ages of the boys and the lack of duct tape in my camera bag. Luckily this Mom & Dad are two of the most wonderfully patient, calm, take-it-as-it-comes type of parents I have ever met. They don’t need, or necessarily want, some unattainable “perfect” family portrait. You know the kind where everyone sits like little angels and smiles for the camera on cue. That’s fiction! Life with two toddlers (soon to be three) is messy! They’re loud, they don’t stay in one place for more than a millisecond, and dare I say it, they’re sometimes whiny. But oh gosh are they ever cute and if you take a deep breath, let them be who they are and let me capture that for you – you might just find yourself with a true portrait of a family in love. I’d like to dedicate the first two shots I’m sharing to wonderfully patient Mommy and those of you who email me thinking I just walk in the room and everything magically comes to order and the scene practically sets itself. Trust me, it ain’t always easy – but it sure is funny!

Mom and Dad seem to understand that with love, laughter and occasionally suffering through The Doodlebops together, they can survive all things.

It was just one week after our session together this family was dealt one of life’s most difficult hands. Their unborn child has been diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a very rare type of congenital heart disease which will require several surgeries throughout his young life, the first of which he will undergo at just one week old. Now that you’ve learned a little about this very special family, please take a moment to stop by their blog to offer your prayers and support as they make their way through this very difficult time.