Flowers, Family And a Slug... {Utah Family Photographer}

It was by chance that on the day of this shoot, 2 years ago, I was shooting this happy couple's wedding. Fast forward to today, and we celebrate one happy family.  And a fine lookin' one at that if I might say so myself. :-)  Oh yeah, and we found a visitor along the way. He was pretty photogenic too, I think.

Cute ain't he?

Then & Now and Chocolate Cake

One year ago, I captured this:

That's six week old baby Gage.  And I had the honor of doing it again.  But this time we bagged little cuddles, blankets and baskets and traded it up for a lil' blue chair, 'If your happy and you know it...' and some chocolate cake!  Oh yeah, and stunning blue eyes!!






A big thanks to Cakes by April for Gage's smash cake! It was so cute, and very yummy! (I may have helped Gage out....just a bit).



Just in case you missed it, check out his face 3rd row down, 1st column. Ha! It kinda reminds me of the movie 'The Great Outdoors' Anyone with me?! Love it!

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

Over 2 years ago, I came across an amazing organization called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.  It is an organization of photographers all over the nation that donate their time and talent to families who have suffered the loss of their newborn child.  It touched my heart in a way that few things do, and I told myself, "Someday, I am going to do that."

Throughout my photographic journey, NILMDTS has always been in my mind.  It has been a goal to be able to give back in such a powerful way.  Today, I got the news that I have been accepted as a photographer for NILMDTS. I am honored and humbled that I can now give something so special and revered as moments like these.

Getting a call from NILMDTS is not one a photographer looks forward too. It is not a shoot someone is excited to do.  It is a devastating event that has happened to a family, and in speaking with other affiliated photographers, it is very emotional and difficult to photograph.   

So why would I want to do this?  I have asked myself the same question.  Heaven forbid, if I were ever to be in the same situation, the only thing I would want more than being able to have my baby back, is to have pictures of those last moments of saying goodbye.  Reading about families who have suffered so a great and traumatic loss have often spoken about the healing that has followed by having sacred and special images of their special 'angel' babies in their homes.  If you would like to learn more, or know of someone who may benefit from this organization, I invite you to visit their website.  Please know, that I have yet to be able to visit this site without the tears streaming, so you may want to grab a box of Kleenexes.

I Heart Faces Photowalk--Salt Lake City!

I had the opportunity of joining 40 something other photographers for a walk around the beautiful Salt Lake City. It. Was. Awesome!  It was so great being surrounded by so many talented and wonderful photographers who share the same passion for an incredible image as I did.  We were quite the sight! 50 photographers walking down a stretch of road.  I had to laugh that if someone was daring enough to mug us all, they'd probably get away with a good amount of money in equiptment. A huge thank you to our *beautiful* models, Kelly, CJ and Kendall.

Beautiful Annie--one year later {Utah Children's Photographer}

Remember this beautiful girl?  She's back for more!

One year later I had the privilege of taking Annie's pictures again.  If there ever were a perfect model, she'd be it.  Easy going and totally comfortable in front of the camera. And there is, of course, those amazing eyes (a perfect combo of her parents) and that perfect dimple.

PrOmOtIOnS & cOnTeStS!!!

Update: **Contest has ended. Winner has been chosen! Please click "Home" to refresh my blog**

June is finally here! FINALLY! Okay, I hear ya, this isn't much the June that anyone was expecting, but hey it does mean SUMMER is finally here!! Ohhhh how long I have awaited this special time of year. And just because I love summer so much, I'm offering a wicked awesome promotion and a really cool contest!

The contest is for a FREE SITTING and a FREE
8x10 print (valued at $90)*

But wait, there's more! Mention Freebies 2 deals during the session and get a free 5x10 mounted desktop collage.  If you haven't heard of freebies2deals, your missing out! Check it out at freebies2deals.com

Entering to win is Easy! TRIPLE your chances of winning! Here's how! 

1. Leave a comment here on my blog telling me your favorite things to do in the summer! Give me some good ideas to spread the love in this, my favorite season!

2. 'Like' my facebook fanpage.  Then, leave another comment letting me know you joined! If you are already a fan, just notate that in the comments! To go to my fanpage, click here!
3. Subscribe to my blog.  There is a place for you to enter your email address in at the top left corner of my blog.  This will keep you updated on other great giveaways! And don't forget to comment that you subscribed!

Each comment will enter you into a drawing.  Make sure you leave your name & email address with each comment.  (I promise not to use your email for anything other than this contest, but if you still feel uncomfortable, you may leave out your email provider (i.e. hayleys.photography@.com))  The drawing will end at midnight on Friday JUNE 5. Winners will be posted on Saturday, so make sure you check back then!

Now for the promotion!  

ANY Sesssion booked within in June will get $25.00 off the session fee! That is only $50.00 for a session! That's a killer deal guys! Don't miss out.  And remember, any session done with me throughout the 2010 year can always be used for Holiday cards for later in the year (just a bonus thought for ya!!)

Good luck to ya'll!

*Certain restrictions apply. Free session must be redeemed within 6 months from winning date. Free session can not be applied to weddings. Contact for additional information.