We've Moved- New Blog!

Hey you! Yes, you. You reading this right now. Yep. I really did mean you! :) I have a brand spankin' new blog and I don't want to lose you as a reader!

So, click right here: http://www.andrearobertsphotography.com/blog, and check out my new diggs! Be sure to add it to your bookmarks. (Y'all come back now- you hear!)



See you soon!

Sweet Miss June | Columbus Baby Photographer

I am fairly certain it is illegal in some states to be this cute. Miss June just turned one, and I could not get enough of her smile. I mean, look at her- are you kidding me?!







Even when she wasn't smiling, she still stole the show. Look at those gorgeous eyes!



We even let her lovey join in the fun!



I will be doing a session with Miss June's family in August and I can't wait!

Baby, You Can Drive My Car | Columbus Family Photographer

Mr. B took one look at me and started to cry. Apparently he had been having a rough day, and I was the last person he wanted to see. Luckily, I know the way to any man's heart from age 1-100 is a really sweet car. So I pulled out my wheels for him, and I think it is safe to say I won him over.



After a leisurely drive, we headed over to the playground for some swinging and playing. By the end of the night, I think Mr. B completely forgot that he was having a rough day.







N and J, I had so much fun hanging out with your family. Thank you for letting me capture you!



Aren't they beautiful?

Little Red Wagon | Columbus Family Photographer

We met in the morning when the sun had just started to warm up the day. The kids were ready for adventure, and thrilled to ride in the wagon that we brought along just for the day. As we strolled, we saw rabbits and birds, and even a toad. (Well, at least the pond where the toad should have been!)

Miss H danced in the gardens, and little C played peek-a-boo with me around the sculptures. Their parents recently celebrated their 5 year wedding anniversary, and are expecting their third child in about a month. I hope that these images will always remind them of the amazing things they have accomplished together.

Better Than Ice Cream | Columbus Family Photographer

The gentle breeze and the golden sun were perfect the evening of my family session with Amanda, Dan and Molly. Molly was a little timid at first, but we warmed her up with a scoop of strawberry ice cream!

She spent the rest of the evening jumping, twirling, and running around in the joyfully exuberant fashion that only a two year old can. Dan and Amanda, I hope you will never forget the way she wanted to look at every dog and truck that went by, or the way she imitated everything I was doing. I hope you can still hear her laughter and squeals every time you taste ice cream. There's nothing sweeter than your girl!

Introducing William Jacob | Columbus Newborn Photographer

I can't decide what I love more- his gorgeous hair or that sweet little smile? He was the perfect little model for me, and I couldn't get enough of the cooing noises he made as he drifted off to sleep. This little man has two gorgeous older sisters, but I think it is safe to say he will be able to shine in his own right. Congratulations, Natalie- thank you for letting me photograph your beautiful son!

What to Wear Wednesday- Leah Simmers Edition | Columbus Family Photographer

A little over a year ago I had the privilege of attending the Secret Workshop held by the lovely Cheryl Muhr in Phoenix, AZ. I met so many amazing photographers there, including the one and only Leah Simmers.

Even photographers can get stumped when it comes to dressing their own families, so I of course offered to help Leah out when she mentioned she had no idea what to dress her fam in for their upcoming session. I mean, who wouldn't want to pick clothes for her 3 adorable boys?

Leah, I hope you love these- I think the outfits are perfect for your fabulously fun family!



Leah's outfit and shoes, the boys' outfits, and the jeans for her husband are all from Boden USA. The other shoes are all found at Piperlime and her husband's shirt is from Gap.

Ten on Tuesday- Late Night Edition | Columbus Baby Photographer

1. That smile melts me. Especially when it is accompanied by his newly acquired skill of clapping for himself. Seeing his joy reminds me of what I love best about being a mom.

2. Wes has been officially crawling on his hands and knees for over a week now. He is using his prowess to get in to everything and climb and pull up on things. I am in for it!

3. My poor teething baby is getting 2 top teeth at the same time. He chews on everything and now willingly takes the tylenol he used to spit out.



4. Evan is now completely potty-trained. He declared one day about 2 weeks ago that he wanted to wear underwear, and we never looked back. Even overnight! I am so proud of my big boy! When he sets his mind to something there is no stopping him.

5. The best sound in the world is hearing Evan encourage his little brother. "You can do it Wes! Great job, Wes- I knew you could do it! Way to go little buddy!" It actually brings tears to my eyes to type that it makes me so proud.

6. Before his naps and before bed, Evan always asks what we will do when he wakes up, and what we will dream about. He always remembers too, so I have to be careful not to deviate from the plan.

7. Evan has been starting conversations with everyone lately. "So, what did you dream about Mommy?", "So, Daddy- how was your lunch today?", "So Omi, what are Grampa and Molly doing today?" I don't know where he gets this from... certainly not me...



8. See that picture? That is on Father's Day at North Star Cafe. Chris is telling Evan not to tell anyone that we just let him have a chocolate cookie for breakfast. (He had some sausage too, don't worry.) I love the way Chris and Evan interact.

9. At that same breakfast, Evan declared "Mom, I just peed in the urinal and it was AWESOME! I'm gonna ask Santa for a urinal for Christmas!" This got a few good laughs from the adjacent tables.

10. Speaking of urinals, I got to see the one at Target today after Evan refused to go to the bathroom in the ladies room. Bless the nice man who made sure the coast was clear for me. Oh, and if you wanted to know- it was surprisingly clean. I guess I always thought the men's room would be stinky!

Sun-kissed | Denver Family Photographer

Last time I was back in Colorado, I had the privilege to photograph this beautiful family. The weather tried to fool us, and rained up until our session began. Then the clouds broke and the beautiful Colorado sunshine made it's appearance. No wonder they were all smiles!

This one warms my heart-siblings are the best!


Isn't she beautiful?


I love the mischief hiding behind his smile!

Doctor, Doctor- give me the news | Columbus Child Photographer

"I gotta, bad case of loving you". Did I ever tell you that I am a human jukebox? It's true- just ask my husband. Or my parents- who got to listen to me sing every song on the radio on countless road trips.

Back to the matter at hand- Evan got the cutest Doctor costume from my sister for his birthday- and he gets very in to checking his patients. He gives them all shots- poor dears!




The stuffed animals got a clean bill of health, but Evan has been diagnosed with a not-so-mild case of PCS (Photographer's Child Syndrome)!

Wordless Wednesday | Columbus Child Photographer

***Stay tuned for a very special "What to Wear Wednesday" next week!***

In the meantime.... (I am totally cheating on this wordless thing!)

What to Wear Wednesday | Columbus Child Photographer

I missed last week's "What to Wear Wednesday" because I was busy celebrating my baby boy's third birthday. (How the heck did that happen?!)In honor of him, this weeks ensembles are just for boys!

Outfit number one comes from Chasing Fireflies, and is a great way to celebrate the milestone that is turning 3!

Outfit number two is from Mini Boden, and would be especially handsome on a little guy with blue eyes.

Outfit number three is my personal fave- I love the playful shirt by Sandbox Rebel found at Little Boy Chic. The jeans remind me a little bit of James Dean, and you can get them from J. Crew's kids line- Crew Cuts.

You probably notice that none of these outfits are overly stuffy, and they all look like you could run and jump and play in them. I find that kids photograph best when they are comfortable, but as you can see- you can still have plenty of style!

Ten on Tuesday- Travel Edition

On Saturday we flew to Colorado to visit family and enjoy a week in our hometown. Traveling with 2 kiddos is always an adventure, but I think we have it down to a science. Here are 10 tricks we have learned along the way. (Evan took his first flight when he was 5 weeks old!)

1. Check your carseat with the luggage. This frees up your hands for coralling kiddos, and makes going through security a little easier. If your child is over two, get on of these CARES harnesses for them to use on the plane.

2. Pack lots of snacks. Food is a great way to keep your little one occupied. If there is a special treat they don't normally get- the novalty will by you some extra silence.

3. Don't hate on DVD players. Before I had kids- I thought it was crazy to let your kids watch movies on the plane- I mean, I didn't do that and my parents survived. But let me tell you- if our parents had the option- they TOTALLY would have used it. A good movie usually equals a hassle-free flight.

4. Sit near the front of the plane. Your hands are full of diaper bags and squirming kids, and the closer you are to the door- the better.

5. If your child is too big too carry- use an umbrella stroller (I like Maclaren Volo) to get around the airport. If you can carry them- use a soft carrier, like a Babyhawk.

6. Nurse your baby or give them a bottle during take-off and landing to help their ears adjust to the pressure change. A pacifier also works. For older kids, a sippy cup, gum or even just eating a snack can do the trick.

7. If you won't have access to a washing machine, pack at least 2 outfits per day for each kid.

8. If you will have a car at your destination, pack enough diapers for 1 day, and then buy more diapers when you get there. This especially helps now that you pay per checked bag.

9. If at all possible- don't schedule a flight during naptime. I know this seems counter-intuitive, but especially with older toddlers, they are too excited to sleep on the plane, and just and end up over-tired and cranky. But, if you have no options, just remember...

10. Repeat after me: "I will never see any of these people ever again." Let's face it- you can prepare all you want, have perfect timing, and do everything in your power to make it a smooth trip, and you still might end up with a crying baby and a toddler having a meltdown. Just take a deep breath, do your best to calm everyone down, but remember in the end, you will get to your destination, crying or not. And anyone who is giving you the evil eye is not worth a second thought anyway.

Introducing Miss Reese | Columbus Newborn Photographer

Is she not just the cutest little thing ever? I could eat her up she is so stinking adorable. And you should see her mom- I would not even believe she gave birth two weeks ago if I hadn't seen her pregnant with my own two eyes! Heidi- she is just perfect- I hope these shots were worth the marathon feeding!

What to Wear Wednesday | Columbus Family Photographer

Great style doesn't have to break the bank. This weeks outfit selections all come from a store that not only has great value- but an awesome selection- Target! (Links coming soon!) If you know me- you know I am sort of addicted to good old Tar-jay. But with stuff like this, can you blame me?!

Ten on Tuesday - Baby Mine Edition | Columbus Baby Photographer

It is still hard for me to believe that Wes is 8 months old already. The time has flown by. So, what should you know about my littlest man?

1. His favorite song is "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley. It always calms him down. If you try to sing anything else- he cries.

2. He just got his first two teeth last week. I will miss his gummy smile.

3. He is just discovering the joys of being mobile and I will often catch him army-crawling as fast as he can towards any object he is not supposed to have.

4. His hair is sort of blond- especially in the sunlight. I am not sure where that came from, but I love my blond-haired blue-eyed boy.
'
5. When I hold him on my hip, he pat-pat-pats his little hand on my chest. It makes me melt.



6. He has slept in my arms every night since he was born, and I wouldn't have it any other way. There is nothing better than waking up to your sweet baby in your arms.

7. Sometimes he laughs in his sleep. It makes me wonder what he is dreaming about.

8. He is not crazy about food- but he loves to drink water from a sippy-cup.

9. When he gets excited- he lifts up his arms by his head and shakes them. It is like he can't contain the glee!

10. He is such a calm, laid-back baby. It is impossible to be around him and not feel at-ease. In a family full of high-strung first borns- he is a welcome edition!

Weekend Magic | Columbus Child Photographer

There is just something special about the weekend. Even Evan knows it. On Friday as I put him down for his nap, he said "Mommy, is tomorrow when Daddy stays home with us ALL day long?". I told him it was, and he got the biggest smile on his face and said "I is so excited!" He knows what the good things in life are.

We spent Friday evening at a park and then went out for hot dogs and ice cream. On Saturday, we went to "Day Out with Thomas", and Evan got to ride on his hero- Thomas the Tank Engine. As far as weekends go- this one was pretty magical. Especially if you are almost 3.

It is wonderful to have children because they remind you of the magic of everyday. Of those little moments you don't want to forget. The sound of their laugh, the way the sun shines off their hair. The smell of fresh grass, and the feel of sand between your toes that somehow snuck it's way in there at the playground. If I could bottle it up and save it somehow- I would.

I know someday I will look back on these pictures and smile. I hope years from now, Evan will still find this much joy in his daily life. If I had one wish for him- it would be to never lose the magic in his heart.

Flashback Friday | Columbus Family Photographer

I was digging through some old files and ran accross these pictures from April 2007. Evan wasn't even a year old yet. Now my baby is almost 3. It goes so fast, and I don't have nearly enough pictures of the two of us together when he was small. I always thought I was too fat, or looked too tired, or my outfit wasn't right. Now I just wish I had the picture- because those things don't really matter. This year I have been working on a project: 52 Weeks- My Kids and Me, so I will never have another year that goes by where I am in so few pictures.

My kids mean the world to me, and they are the biggest part of my life. I want to have the pictures that show that. And you know, looking at those pictures, and the ones above- I don't see the bags under my eyes, or the baby weight I haven't lost yet. I see how happy I am, and how beautiful my children make me.

Take it from me- get in the frame. You'll never regret it.

What to Wear Wednesday | Columbus Family Photographer | Andrea Roberts

So you have your family photography session scheduled. It is a given that the kids will look adorable, but what should you wear to get maximum impact from your portraits? The mere thought of having to coordinate more that 1 outfit might have you running for the white shirts and khakis (Stop! Don't do it!), but I am here to help. Each Wednesday I will put together a fabulous ensemble for a family, child or maternity session, and even tell you where you can get them for yourself! Bonus- be the first to purchase the outfits for your family and tell me about it, and you win a free session and a free 8 x 10 print!

Without further ado, here is this weeks look. Bright, fresh and fun- perfect for a playful family session!



Mom's outfit can be found at Boden (sweater,jeans,shirt,shoes.)The adorable dress can be found at Hanna Andersson. Baby's outfit is from mini Boden. You can get Dad's rocking jeans at Gap, and his polo at Land's End.

Ten on Tuesday- Kids Say the Darndest Things Edition | Columbus Family Photographer

Some recent little gems from Evan:

1. "I just have nipples, right Mommy? Not boobies?"

2. "I think the mommy duck and the baby ducks are eating sandwiches and broccoli because those are their favorite."

3."That water really quenches my thirst, Mommy." (I kid you not.)

4. "I love you so much, Mommy. I am really proud of you for listening to Daddy's words." (Hold on son- I wear the pants around here. Don't I?)

5. "Oh no, Mommy. Daddy can just do that." (After I told him I needed to go work to earn money for the family.)

6. "Boys have penises and cars. Girls have parties." (Obviously the age appropriate birds and bees talk we gave him didn't quite translate.)

7. "I just want some peace and quiet now, Mommy." (After he turned off my Taylor Swift cd.)

8. "No mom, I don't think that would be perfect."

9. "I like making shenanigans, Daddy!"


And this one, oh, he will kill me for this someday, but it is too good not to share.

10. "Oh no! Oh no! Oh no! There is something in my pants!" *frantically strips off pants and diaper* "Oh- it was just my penis."