Jessica Riehl Photography

It's All About Priorities

So this morning, this email below popped up in my inbox. I just have to say, life is about priorities and I am glad I am one of them!  It's wonderful to be valued so much and to know that amazing photographs are so important in your life. 

L...I can't wait to photograph your new arrival! Stop checking your email and get back to having that baby!

Good luck at the hospital!

Cheers,
Jessica

Hi Jess,

I hope that you had a good trip.  I wanted to let you know that I am in the hospital getting ready to have the baby.  They induced me this morning and I just wanted to see when you might be interested in doing our next photo session.  Probably won't be online again for a while, but shoot me an email when you have a chance.

~L

Beautiful, Beautiful Baby

Jenise is here! She's arrived! She's beautiful, and healthy with a great pair of lungs and an awesome appetite!  This weekend I flew up to Rhode Island to photograph her. It was a cold gray day there, but little Jenise lit up the house with her newness.

Jenise's name is very special...it is a combination of her parent's names...Dennis and Jennifer. The "e" is just for her. Jennifer grew up in Mayalasia, so I learned all sorts of cool Chinese baby traditions. My favorite is when someone passes down clothing it is considered good luck, because the wearer inherits the good fortune of the former wearer.  In this case, Jenise will be sharing in the good luck and health of Ms. Sofia (who by the way is doing great).

Dennis and Jennifer...it was such a pleasure to photograph you. Thank you for brining me up and letting me share in this very special time of your life.  I wish you and Jenise all the best in entire world. See you soon!

Love,
Jessica

Tears

Sully has flown to the angels. He barely had one full week on this earth before his little body gave out.

I photographed Sully as a part of the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep charitable foundation when he was only three days old. He was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 in November and last week his family welcomed me into their home to capture this very precious little life.  It was a very tender experience to walk into such a loving home bright with the newness of life, to know that it would only last for a few fleeting moments.  My heart goes out to his family with the hope that their photographs will ease the pain of his passing in whatever small way they may.

This is the very essence of why I am a photographer. To allow myself a way to remember those things I never want to forget and to help you never forget as well.

If you are interested in learning more about Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, please go to their website or contact me. 

Six Months and Yelling Up A Storm ;)

Miss Emma has no problem telling you what she thinks about...everything!  She's trying to tell you to focus...on her. Don't look away, don't walk away, don't start chatting, just focus. Focus. Focusing is a good thing for a photographer.

Emma was a blast to photograph, I had so much fun. I think her mom and I spent half the session laughing as we watched all her expressions and as we tried to keep her from tipping over. She can sit up for several minutes if you get her positioned just right. But if not...over she goes.

Her big brother, Jack, is also a cutie and fun to photograph. Just for the record, he doesn't like clothes.  He was  so happy when we stripped him down to the diapers. His little ole belly just sticking out there.

Have a wonderful Monday!

Cheers,
Jessica

The Best Gifts Come In Small Packages...

Welcome to gorgeous, bright-eyed little Lora! Lora was born on January 2, 2008 and starred in her first photo shoot when she was only 8 days old. I think she did just beautifully. What do you think? I had hoped she might be sleepy, but no, she wanted to know exactly what was going on around her.

Newborn sessions such as these are not without risks and dangers...Lora did her fair share of pooping and peeing without her diaper on! No worries...everything is washable. And, it is completely worth it!

This quote came to me as I was watching Lora through my lens:

"What is the little one thinking about? Very wonderful things no doubt." ~J.G. Holland

Cheers,
Jessica

Just One More...

Well, I am off on vacation tomorrow, but before I leave, I had there was one more special delivery this past week that just needed my attention.

Gabriella arrived on Saturday via stork for her big sister, Isabella.  Isabella was very quiet while we were photographing Gabriella, just kind of watching and doing her own thing. She did indulge her parents are I and laid down for a quiet moment with Gabriella. I love watching toddlers trying to be gentle and be good with their new little sibling close to them. Isabella was great.

Isabella's dad plays the piano and treated me to a little impromptu concert.  It was amazing and I love taking a moment to enjoy the talents of my clients and friends.  A baker, scrap booker, guitarist, pianist, naturalist...thank you for enriching my life!

Cheers,
Jess

Payton

Kisses for Payton...this was the motto of this session with newborn Payton. Her big sister, Ryleigh, just couldn't give her enough kisses. Hopefully, as they grow up that won't change!  You met Ryleigh back in July...click here to see.  Payton was a wee bit fussy with me...I was interrupting her routine of eating, processing food and sleeping! I'll be better next time.

Cheers,
Jessica

Isabella

Isabella likes to stick her lower lip out...a lot.  This session was full of laughter as her parents and I reveled in that lower lip. Every time we  moved her, she just stuck it out.  I guess she was trying to give us a hint. Good thing we didn't take it!

We even laughed as Dad changed those diapers and I heard about Ms. Isabella's little accidents here and there. The 3am story is the best!  She's going to be so proud when she grows up! I won't tell her I know ;)

Welcome Isabella, you've have great parents who love you so much!

Cheers,
Jessica

Isabel!

Gorgeous little Isabel who just won't take a nap! I didn't get any sleeping baby photos with Ms. Isabel because she was just too interested in what was going on. The click, click of the shutter must have been mesmerizing!  I am sure as soon as I left, she fell right asleep into a deep slumber of baby bliss and her parents were right behind her. Those 3am diaper changes and feedings can take a toll!

Welcome Ms. Isabel and you were born into a wonderful family! You'll be much loved!

Cheers,
Jess

PS - Watch out for the cats, I hear Ranger is a wee bit jealous of all the attention you have been commanding. He and I bonded pretty well while you were nursing and he's says that while you are cute and all...he's been with the family longer.

Hello Gorgeous!

Meet Ms. Alyssa! Isn't she gorgeous? She's barely 9 days old in these photographs. Just a wee little baby. Ah, her parents are so smitten with her,  I think they are falling in love all over again.   

She behaved beautifully through out our session, sleeping when she needed to, waking up from time to time and most importantly...not going to the bathroom while her dad was holding her without the diapers on. 

I hope all is going well and you are having a wonderful first month!!

Cheers,
Jess