5 (plus 2) must-captures for the holidays!

The holidays are always a busy time for everybody but they are also some of the most memorable.   If in doubt, just ask your kids what their favorite part of Christmas is.  Although it might start with one answer, it is bound to turn into a long conversation about memories and traditions.   Everyone always remembers the classic family in front of the fireplace picture and the kids in front of the tree on Christmas morning but don't forget the details.  Don't forget the memories you made getting to these moments.
Below are a list of my 5 things (plus 2) that every parent should capture this Christmas.

1.  Decorating the Christmas tree.   For these pictures, try a new perspective.  Instead of standing behind the kids while they hang the ornaments, try to move to the side, above or even below.  Capture the full scene as well as those tiny details.  *Bonus points if you cut down your own tree too.   Be sure to capture the cutting, and the loading.  Great memories for the kids!   Be sure to capture their expressions as it is happening even if they aren't helping with the actual even itself.  Red, runny noses?  Who cares!  These aren't going to be your canvas shots but they are the memories that will stay with your kids. 

I'm a little late posting my decorating pictures but here they are.

2.  The finished tree.   Always a favorite and this one is a fun way for me to see year to year how much they have grown.  There is someone always sweet and angelic about those silhouettes in front of the glow of the lights.

Always one of my favorite shots.   It's just a little different each year but it is so fun to see how they change.  Straight out of the camera...no editing.  See settings below.  Now go try your own!!

f2.8 | 1/30 sec | ISO 3200

3.  Making Christmas cookies.  Always a favorite of ours.   Capture from start to finish including the mess!  Let them have fun!  Again, don't forget those details and capture those little hands while they work.  They won't be little forever!

4.  Snuggling reading a book.  Whether you snuggle up by the fire, on your favorite chair under blanket or even in bed,  be sure to capture those sweet snuggly moments.  If you kids are too old to be read to, try and catch them readying.   If you still think that isn't going to happen,  have a family movie night and get everybody snuggled in with pillows and blankets.   Those are still memories worth capturing. 

5.  Christmas morning.  I know, I know.  This one you won't forget but this year try something new.   Get some different perspective and try some new angles.    Lay on the ground, shoot from above....anything to mix things up.  You never know what you may end up loving.  Instead of having them pose with what they just opened, take a picture of them using it or trying it on.  Those expressions always beat the "are you done yet, Mom?" face.  Also, I'm going to sound like a broken record but DON'T FORGET THE DETAILS!

6.  Playing in the Snow.   Nobody likes it so you might as well capture some of it's beauty.   Make sure to take some pictures building snowmen, having a snowball fight and sledding.

7.  Elf on the Shelf.  If you have a mischievous elf in your house, capture a few pics of him.  The kids will love to look back and talk about their elf and his adventures.  

"Buddy" was channeling Miley Cyrus the other night.

I will be posting my family's memories along with some pointers as I go through this season as well.   Don't forget about those little moments but also just as important, remember also to put down those cameras and phones for the majority of the time and just live in the moment!!!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

What I'm Thankful For {Day 3 & 4}

Day 3 & 4:  I am combining these two days together because for 1) I forgot to post Wednesday (whoops) and 2) This is such a big one, it should count for two. 

I am thankful for each and every one of my clients! Yes, each and every one of you!    I am thankful for you for so many reasons.  This industry is saturated with new photographers every year and I am honored that you continue to chose me to capture these moments in your family's lives.  I am also thankful that you entrust me to be creative and to plan your sessions.   I love to personalize your sessions and to create something perfect just for you!  You and your little ones continue to inspire me every day.   Thank you for allowing me to live out my dream and helping my business continue to grow!

What I'm Thankful For {Day 2}

Day 2:  The second thing I am thankful for this week are all of my newborns!!!  Of course, I am thankful for my 3, but I am referring to my client newborns. 
Newborn sessions are my joy and my passion.  Those sweet brand new little angles are my muse. Photographing them makes my day and I take special care to make each and every newborn session personal and unique just for you.  I get excited for each and every session and thoroughly enjoy each and every one!  I appreciate you all entrusting me to capture these priceless moments in your lives. 

What I'm Thankful For {Day 1}

On this week of Thanksgiving, I think it is important to reflect on what is important and what I'm thankful for not only personally but professionally as well.

Day 1: The first thing that I am thankful for is my family, but mainly my husband.   He is always very supportive of my business and steps up to help out at home during the crazy Fall/Holiday season.  He makes it possible for me to be gone long days and work even longer nights.  He handles meals for the kids, homework, bedtime and any other activities that I cannot be at.

I know there are a lot of husbands that would complain about this but I am very blessed with his support and help.  Instead of complaining about the extra work he has to put in at home, he sends me sweet texts telling me that he misses me when I'm gone extra long days.

Thank you, Matt!  I love you!  We have made it through another year and the end is in sight.   I cannot wait to spend an evening at home with the family in front of the fire, watching a movie!
Without your love and support, my business would not be able to be the success that it is.

Birth Annoucement Videos in 2016

I am so excited to provide all of my 2016 newborn clients with a video birth announcement to share with their friends and family.

Introducing Easton Jeffrey!

Baby Olivia | 5 days new

In-home Newborn Session

Olivia {5 days new}

It is always a privilege to photograph this beautiful family!  I started photographing big brother when he was a newborn.  He is such a ball of energy! I just love watching families grow! 
This family chose a "combo" in-home session which means we were combining some lifestyle family shots with more posted studio-style newborn pictures.   Little Olivia was PERFECT!!!   Mom and Dad followed my suggestions and she was well fed, sleepy and the house was 81 degrees.  All the perfect setup for a perfect session.   She is just delicious!!  Thank you all for allowing me into your home. 

Big changes for Fall in 2016

As Halloween came and went this year without carving pumpkins, going to an apple orchard with my family or helping at all with my kids' costumes, I realized that I need to make some major changes in 2016.
I have sat behind the lens for 98 sessions between September and October.  98 SESSIONS!!!!  Yep, I am completely nuts!  I truly was trying to fit as many people in as I could for my clients.  I didn't want to have to turn anyone away and I didn't want to upset anyone.  I even had such loyal clients that I had over 20 families on a wait list.  I was able to accommodate some but not all and I, of course, feel bad about that too. 
So here I sit and edit, at 11pm and still hours away from being able to sleep, I am thinking about my clients.  You all rock and are always so patient waiting for your images but I don't feel like I am giving you the customer service that you all deserve because I have just overbooked myself this season.  It is just too much to work sunrise to sunset every Saturday and Sunday.  It doesn't leave me time with my family and it doesn't give me time to edit.

So here is my plan:
Next year, I am only going to be working one day each weekend.  Yep, that's it.  I have told my family and now I'm telling you so I am going to stick to it!   I am going to enjoy some days with my family doing the classic Fall activities that I am capturing for my clients.   Time goes so fast and I'm missing out on too many memories.
I will still be able to fit in a lot of sessions but there won't be anywhere near as many as this year. 

So as you look ahead to 2016, maybe consider booking your family pictures at a different time of year.  This way you won't be so stressed trying to get a session and also you will have flexibility with time and location.   I highly suggest summer!   Nothing beats a summer sunset session with wild flowers.

If you want to try something different next year, contact me to discuss your options. 

I cannot say enough how much you all mean to me!   I thank you all for your support!

Now bring on the Christmas sessions!!!

Welcome to Alicia Wehby Photography

It has been a while since I have blogged.  I have thought about it from time to time but often wonder what it is that I would use the blog for.  Recently, I feel like I am exploding with things to say so boom, the blog is back on!  
This blog will not only be some insight behind the scenes of my sessions but it will also be a little taste into my personal life, thoughts about photography as well as tips for capturing those special moments at home. 
I hope you check back often and enjoy my posts.   Feel free to contact me with any questions at all!