Capturing Aidan

Capturing Aidan

How becoming a mom made me a better photographer.

I love taking pictures of children, always have. But having my own has really changed how I photograph them.

When I started photographing families I would a lot of times wait for that moment. When everyone would smile and look at the camera. Of course I quickly realized that that moment is hard to get when you have little kids.

When I took the image above I realized that the moments between were almost as good if not better than the posed ones. For me at least. This still remains one of my favorite images that I have taken.

Even when I realized this I was still going for the cute posed images I assumed parents wanted. But of course with kids that doesn't always happen.

When I was pregnant with Aidan I had a Pinterest board filled with images that I was sure I was going to capture. And after he was born all of that changed. Because I was nervous and tense he of course wouldn't relax. It didn't help that he was very alert too and didn't sleep much when put down.

The only good images I got of him were at my moms house when she helped me. No matter what I tried I couldn't get him to do what I wanted on my own.

The newborn session I did after I had Aidan I approached completely different. Of course I was more comfortable handling a newborn but I was also more patient and let him run the session. He was cranky in the beginning and didn't want to do the shot we wanted to get so we moved on.  He was fed and did some pictures with his mom and sister. He fell asleep and we got the images we originally wanted and it was amazing!

I want my photography to be more than just images. I want them to be moments in time. Whether they are posed or not, I want them to capture the people as they are then. Children change so much. Aidan has changed so much.I've really realized how important those images I have of him are. It really the only proof I have of who he was then. His short hair, his tiny fingers and toes, his blue eyes that have now changed, and the many expressions he does. So many of my images are just for those hilarious expressions.

My favorite images of Aidan are the ones where he's silly or goofing around. The one's that really show his personality.

I feel like you can get beautiful images while really showing who your child is. 

Aidan has taught me so many things and I am a much better person now that he is in my life.

I cant really put in to words how amazing having a child is, but I'm pretty sure parents reading this are smiling and totally agree. Children are amazing!

Charleston, SC 2014

This past weekend Aidan, my husband, my mom and I went to Charleston for a short little vacation. It was so much fun and Aidan absolutely loved the ocean!
 We got to the KOA Campground late Friday night and stayed in a cabin (so much cheaper than a hotel). Saturday rained off and on, so we didn't stay at the ocean long after seeing the giant dark clouds coming towards us and hearing the thunder.
 We went back to the KOA that was about 30 minutes from the ocean, it was raining a little bit but nothing too bad so we swam in the pool. Later that day we went and did some site seeing and I saw a dolphin for the first time (other than on TV or pictures), only saw a fin but it was so cool watching it. Sunday the weather was so much better and we got to spend a lot of time at the ocean. Aidan loved swimming, splashing and playing in the sand. He was so cute!!

It was such an awesome time! It was also the first time my husband had ever swam in the ocean :)

 My mom took this one. I finally have a picture of Aidan and me that I love!

 Storm rolling in

 Hanging out by the pool :)

 Love that hair!

 Site seeing

 Totally risked my camera for this shot but it was totally worth it!!

 Love how Aidan's looking to see whats under it.

 Looking at a shell

He did that himself, Aidan loved being in the water!

I had so much fun going to Charleston with my family and I'm in love with the pictures I got while there. Cant wait until the next time :)

Prom Special

Prom Picture Special

$40 for 4 people (2 discs)

$10 for each additional person 

(averages to $10 per person)

Please book at least 2 weeks in advance

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allysonleaphotography@aol.com

2013

2013 was a huge year for me. I got pregnant and gave birth to the most amazing baby in the whole world. I got a new camera in the beginning of the year and got to photograph some amazing people. I got the chance to photograph two weddings and the opportunity to be a second shooter for one of my favorite photographers. Ive learned so much about photography and myself in 2013.

I'm looking forward to 2014 and all of the new people I hope to photograph along with capturing my baby's first year. I hope to learn even more and grow as a photographer and a mom. :)

Thank you to everyone who was a part of 2013, I hope to work with you again in the new year.

Here are just a few of my favorites from this past year.