What Valentine's Day Is All About

All too often, we tend to get caught up in the more commercialized aspect of Valentine's Day. The meaning of love tends to get watered down to physical objects (cards, candy, etc.), as opposed to really showing our loved ones how much we care and appreciate them.

This weekend, I had an opportunity to take some photos of two little girls, ages 3 and 1. During the shoot, their daddy, who is in the military, came home.

From that point forward, it was all about capturing the moments that were taking place in front of me. The love that this family has for each other was palpable, and it was amazing to be in their presence. There was no longer any posing required, and the smiles came completely naturally. IT.WAS.AWESOME!

Valentine's Day is not about presents; it is about love. Kids tend to show this love naturally, with no conditions required or needed. Anyone who spends time with children know this feeling of unconditional love, and many are blessed to be receivers of it.

Although Valentine's Day is now over for this year, I wanted to post these photos to make you smile. This, folks, is what life is all about!

More Maternity!

Recently, I joined the MOMS Club of League City in order to meet some new friends.  As I was signing up, I mentioned to the New Member Coordinator that I am a photographer and was looking for some maternity models, and she knew of just the right person to send my way!

A couple of days later, I got a phone call from "D," who was very excited to have some maternity shots done.  From almost the very first sentence, she and I hit it off.  As it turns out, we have a lot of funny things in common- our firstborns are two years and one day apart, and our second borns were (and ARE, for "D") due on March 14th.  My second born was born on her due date, and it would be more than funny if "D's" ends up being born on that day, too.

We are also both military spouses who moved to League City this past December, and we are both excited to meet new friends here. 

During the shoot, I really felt as if I had been friends with "D" forever.  She was a lot of fun to talk to, and she was really open to any of the ideas that I had along the way.  As mentioned earlier, this is her second baby, and one of the most amazing aspects of what I learned about her that day is that she is WAITING TO FIND OUT WHAT THE BABY IS!  Personally, I think this is incredible...especially since my husband and I want to find out the gender of our babies pretty much as soon as we find out that we are expecting. 

As you will see in these photos, "D" is one of those women who absolutely glows during her pregnancy.  "D," I wish you only the best for the remainder of your pregnancy and for all of your mommy years.  I look forward to getting to know you better during our time here in Texas, and I am thankful that you gave me the opportunity to capture some special moments during your pregnancy.

Thai, My First Texas Maternity Model

It was a cold and drizzly morning in Clear Lake, Texas.  I had asked Thai to meet me at Clear Lake Park at 9 a.m.  It was supposed to be sunny out; but the Gulf Coast weather held out. 

There are definite "pros" and "cons" to taking pictures in this kind of weather.  On the "pro" side, there is usually very little sqinting by the client, and shadows stay to a minium.  The soft light tends to be flattering on most everyone, and you can almost go through the whole shoot without having to readjust your camera's settings.

On the "con" side, it's RAINY.  And cloudy.  You can't use a lot of the park's benches, etc., because they are wet.  Ugh. 

I was hoping for a model who would serve as a stark contrast against this weather; and boy, did I get one!  When Thai stepped out of her car, I was amazed at how great she looked for being almost nine months pregnant.  Her yellow dress served as a bright beacon against the gloomy skies, almost as if to say "I don't CARE what the weather is like, I am a mommy, and am proud to be!"  Thai's personality was a direct compliment to her wardrobe, and I was so grateful to be working with someone who was so happy and sweet. 

My favorite shot came toward the end of our session.  As we were walking back toward our cars, I happened to look over at some placid puddles in the middle of the playground.  I looked at Thai and said "Hmm...would you mind letting me get some pictures of you over the puddles?"  Thai happily obliged, and soon I was elated with the results. 

If anyone knows of any more maternity models I you can send my way, please feel free to send them my e-mail address at info@reflectionsbyrosie.com or reflectionsbyrosie@hotmail.com.  I don't plan on using models past February; so if you know of anyone, please hurry and send them my way! ;)

"Newborn K"

Since I launched my business last week, I have been on the lookout for newborn models (up to 3 weeks old) and maternity models.  Luckily, due to a great reference from a good friend here in League City, I was able to set up a newborn shoot just days after I put the word out!

(By the way, this offer still stands 'till mid-February.  If anyone in League City or the immediate area knows of brand-new babies or soon-to-be mommas who are 27 to 36 weeks pregnant, please let them know about me!)

"Baby K" was just outside of my 3-week window, but I wanted to give it a try.  I am so glad I did!  "Baby K" was so beautiful and peaceful and DEFINITELY had some of the cutest newborn smiles I've ever seen. 

She was in the "unfolding" process that newborns go through, so I could not get some of the "curled up, hands under the chin" poses, but she was much more interactive and just, well, sweet! I could not get over how cute her little sounds were as she was settling into the props. 

Thank you, "Baby K", for letting me take some photos of this cuddly, grunty, and just plain sweet time in your life.  As your momma knows, this time goes by so fast!

"Baby J"

Smiles and grunts.  Trains and puppy dogs.  Crawling and exploring.  These are the things that make a nine-month old special.

Last week, I was asked to take some photos of my friends' son, "Baby J" for his 9-month birthday.  I met "Baby J" and his parents days after we moved to Texas, and I was thrilled to be asked to document this fun time in his life.  From the very beginning, "Baby J" has reminded me of my own son, who is 11 months old, in his general demeanor and happy outlook on life. 

Plus, I love how he has cut the same teeth...in the same ORDER!...as my baby boy. 

At 9 months, babies are a blast.  Many of them crawl and love to explore, but are not quite to the point of walking and having to understand the meaning of the word "No."  Their giggles are instantly contagious, and they are right in the thick of loving every moment spent with their parents.  They love us back with as much fervor as we love them, and they look at us with a sense of wonder and amazement every time we introduce them to a new toy or concept. 

I sometimes wish that babies could stay this way forever.

I digress! 

I met "Baby J" and his parents at Helen's Gardens in League City to grab a couple of shots.  It was chilly, so we had to keep him bundled up, but he was such a good sport.  The challenge came when we tried to pose him by the fountains...and yeah, in true 9-month old fashion, he wanted to go toward the water, and not pose in front of it. 

So, we decided to change locations and went across the street to a very cool old-town location next to League City Park.  There, "Baby J" was able to stretch his legs out a bit, and we were able to enjoy our time and his sheer cuteness as I snapped away.

"Baby J,"  I hope that you keep your sweet spirit and contagious smile forever and ever.

Welcome to my Blog!

My name is Rosie Suerdieck, and I am the Owner/Photographer for Reflections by Rosie Photography in League City, Texas.  I serve the young family (newborn/maternity/baby/family) photographic needs of this area. 

Thanks for visiting my Blog.  The purpose of this site is to tell the stories behind the photos I take so that you can love my clients as much as I do.  Each client comes to me with a unique story, background, and life that sticks with me forever.   As a mother of three young children (and soon to be four!), I love hearing what makes people "tick," and how their life story has led to them asking me to take their photos. 

Sit back and enjoy!  If you have any questions, please contact me.  I will never disclose the full identities of my clients in order to protect their identities; however, I will document each session in a way that makes your heart smile as much as it did mine.