Many years ago (not that many) I photographed a beautiful wedding in Sedona for a great couple, the Day’s.  I have been photographing their family ever since.  This time I get to show a little progression.  On kind of a last minute shoot, we went out and photographed Amaris’ maternity portraits, but since it she already has a little girl, it was more of a family portrait session.  Later, once the baby was born, I went back to photograph her.

Here are my favorite images from the two sessions.

Lola is the same age (within a week I think) of my daughter, who, although they have only played together once, claims Lola as her “best friend.”  Anyway, Lola is a fun little girl and full of expression.  She wasn’t angry in this shot, I think she was trying to strike a pose.  It makes me laugh.

Amaris is ready for the baby to arrive, and I think Lola is too.

Nathan’s truck is a tough lookin’ beast, and much to his wife’s amusement, we both agreed that the truck needed to be in a shot or two.  If I had a truck like that, it might be a part of my family as well.

I love this shot.  Just for the pure documentary nature of it.  I picture my daughter trying to get my attention to have some serious discussion with me.  There’s nothing better than a serious little child putting her tiny hand on your shoulder and having an adult conversation with words you can barely understand.

Yep.  Perfect little moment.

She’s so proud to be there with her daddy.  Not planned.  We were getting ready to photograph the baby and as I was putting my equipment together, Lola saw the camera and figured it was time for some snap shots and went to posing for them.  It made us all laugh.

Such a little ham.  She’s always ready for her closeup.

And there she is, the newest Day.

Isn’t this the constant state of life for a baby sibling.  Always clobbered by her sister with affection and love.

This is one of my very favorite images from the shoot.  The lighting is so perfect and so are the expressions.  This is the one I would have with me at all times.

I thought all the old items were quite beautiful in contrast with the new baby and the new flowers.  And of course, the light is wonderful.  This is the product of three Canon 600 EX RT Speedlites.  I can’t say enough good things about that flash system.  It works wonders.

Such a serious face.

She is beautiful.  Congratulations Nathan and Amaris on another beautiful daughter.  It is an honor to be there to document your family’s growth.

By the way, this is the coolest front porches ever.

Family Portrait by Jared Platt, Platt Photography

Slideshow Music by Kristen Andreassen, courtesy of TripleScoopMusic

Location: Gilbert, Arizona