Grace

Grace just turned two a couple of days ago. She is my daughter's BFF,and I just love watching the two of them grow together. Grace so sweet and smart. And FUNNY! She kept me laughing the whole time. I love two year olds because they are such little comedians. This first picture might be my new favorite ever. Right after I took it, I told Grace's mom, this is THE shot!

Ben and Jessica's wedding

The adorable and talented Lisette Price let me second shoot with her at Ben and Jessica's wedding last month. It was my first wedding and I was a ball of nerves and excitement, but I couldn't have had a better time. It was the best experience - Lisette was so sweet and put me at ease, Ben and Jessica were totally in love, not to mention GORGEOUS, the weather was perfect, the chapel was so pretty... I could go on, but I will just say it could not have been a better day and I can't wait to do more weddings in the future. Please note Jessica's beautiful perma-smile and the way it lights up the room (as if you could miss it!).






























Thanks for letting me join you, Lisette! I learned so so much.

See Lisette's pictures from Jessica and Ben's wedding on her blog.

Birmingham sessions

I wanna do some mini-sessions in downtown Birmingham the first Saturday in October. These would be $40 45-minute sessions with at least 20 pictures in an online gallery, plus a couple of Christmas card samples. I'm really excited about this because I love downtown Birmingham - that old cobblestone street. Should make for some great Christmas card pictures. So let me know if anyone's interested!! Email me at juliecphotography@gmail.com

Ella Clare

Oh, I love one-year-olds. Talk about a fun, easy afternoon. The weather was perfect, and Ella Clare couldn't have been more adorable. She was such a joy to be around. She attracted many strangers, waving and blowing kisses the whole time - and she loved every minute of it!





...if these don't put a smile on your face, nothing will! ;)

My Hannah Bear

We took some spring pictures yesterday. We were really just happy to get outside after four days of rain. At almost 20 months, my girl is NEVER still. I do a lot of pointing, shooting, and praying. ;) I yearn for the days I can tell her, "okay stand there and smile." Those days are coming, right? Right?!

KCC, part 2

I had a great time at the sale this morning! Despite the dreary weather, there was a great turnout. People were lined up outside with their umbrellas and rain jackets waiting for the doors to open. I met some really nice people, saw some really cute kids, and even made a couple of appointments! I decorated my table on a very small budget, but I still think it turned out nice (ignore the ugly paint-striped wall I had to set up in front of). I would've liked to have displayed larger pictures... maybe next time. If you didn't enter to win a free spring photography session, go back and drop your name and e-mail address into the basket! The consignment sale runs all week.

Kids Clothes Connection

I set up my booth this week at the Kids Clothes Connection, a big consignment sale that comes to town twice a year. This is the first real advertising I've done, so I'm anxious to see how things go. The sale starts tomorrow, and I'm totally excited to meet some new people, and hopefully get a few cute faces in front of my camera! ;)

I'm doing spring sessions for $40. This includes up to an hour and a half of photography for up to four people, and at least 25-30 pictures in an online photo gallery. Print prices are very reasonable, starting at $.75 for a 4x6.

I've been brainstorming about ideas for mini-sessions. I'd love to pick a Saturday and offer $20 30-minute sessions, which would give you at least 10-15 pictures in your online gallery. To do this, I'd ideally like to have at least four people interested, so send me an email or leave a message here if this sounds like something you'd like.

Look forward to seeing you at the Clothes Connection! I'll be there tomorrow (Saturday) when it opens until about lunchtime, and I'll be dropping in at other times throughout the week.

Email me at juliecphotography@gmail.com, and check out my website http://juliecottrellphoto.com/.

Elliott

Wow, this little guy is adorable. I can't get over that beautiful blonde hair! I really loved meeting Elliott and his sweet mom.

Leah

...and here she is all grown up! Leah was full of smiles in her cute orange top. She's the picture of spring.

New design

Yes, this is my third design on my blog and website. My husband has been making fun of me because I've been a little obsessed lately trying to get everything put together, and make some kind of logo and banner that I won't get sick of. I think I'll stick with this one. I scoured the internet for fonts, and I like the two that I've chosen. The orange and white color scheme makes me happy. And the dandelion reminds me of being a kid - it is one of those quintessential simple childhood pleasures. Finding a dandelion, making a wish, and blowing until all the white fuzzies have scattered. What could be more perfect? I also like that though the dandelion is considered a weed (and weeds are such nuisances!), it is quite beautiful. When I'm not photographing people, my favorite thing about photography is being able to find something that others might consider "ugly", and capture its beauty in my picture. I love finding beauty in everything, particularly in things that are old and forgotten.

Anyway, if anyone's out there reading, leave me a note and let me know what you think!

Ellie

There's nothing I like better than photographing babies. Three-month-old Ellie was a great model. Isn't she just beautiful??

Chris and Meredith

Took just a few shots of Chris and Meredith yesterday. Meredith is the rare breed of woman whose beautiful exterior perfectly matches her beautiful interior. Chris seems perfect for her, a really great guy. Can't wait for the wedding.