Newborn Photos

When Stephen was a week old, I did a little photo shoot with him. I've had a lot more practice with newborn photography since William was born so I was excited to use my improved skills and props with my own baby. He did a fantastic job of staying asleep for the most part which made it go pretty quickly for me.

Here are a few of my favorites. If interested in seeing the whole collection, click here.

The following week, we took a few family photos as well with the help of Chris's mom:

When Stephen was a week old, I did a little photo shoot with him. I've had a lot more practice with newborn photography since William was born so I was excited to use my improved skills and props with my own baby. He did a fantastic job of staying asleep for the most part which made it go pretty quickly for me.

Here are a few of my favorites. If interested in seeing the whole collection, click here.

The following week, we took a few family photos as well with the help of Chris's mom:

Our Growing Family

A good friend of mine took a few photos of our family of three just weeks before we became a family of four. I'm a little behind in getting them posted, but here are a few of my favorites!

A good friend of mine took a few photos of our family of three just weeks before we became a family of four. I'm a little behind in getting them posted, but here are a few of my favorites!

Photography Biz

I'm so excited to finally announce that my photography gallery/website is online! This year, I've had more opportunities to take photographs (thanks friends!) and with the encouragement from my husband, the courage to actually put my work online.

So, without further ado, here is Emily Babiak Photography!

I'm so excited to finally announce that my photography gallery/website is online! This year, I've had more opportunities to take photographs (thanks friends!) and with the encouragement from my husband, the courage to actually put my work online.

So, without further ado, here is Emily Babiak Photography!

Newborn Session

There has been a wave of newborns in our growing community. Unfortunately, many of them were born at the same time William was so I wasn't able to take their photos, but this little sweet pea was born three months after Baby Babiak and I just couldn't resist. She is growing fast but I was able to capture her newness just seven days after she was born.

I had a blast doing her session and getting to spend some good time with her mom. I loved getting back into my photography and hope to have more opportunities to actually start my business this year. Stay tuned!

There has been a wave of newborns in our growing community. Unfortunately, many of them were born at the same time William was so I wasn't able to take their photos, but this little sweet pea was born three months after Baby Babiak and I just couldn't resist. She is growing fast but I was able to capture her newness just seven days after she was born.

I had a blast doing her session and getting to spend some good time with her mom. I loved getting back into my photography and hope to have more opportunities to actually start my business this year. Stay tuned!

Family of Three

Photographs taken by: Emily & Chris Babiak and Connie Hagen

Photographs taken by: Emily & Chris Babiak and Connie Hagen

Meeting My Niece

My niece, Charlotte Elizabeth was born on July 12 to my sister Molly and her husband Quintin. She is my sister's first child, and the first grandbaby on my side of the family. She's kind of a big deal!

She made us wait for her arrival for a few additional weeks, so I didn't get to meet her during my surprise visit to Las Vegas earlier this month. But, I was able to take another week off of work and fly back there 10 days after Charlotte was born.

I don't know if I can describe what it was really like to meet her. We'd talked about her and planned for her throughout my sister's pregnancy and finally meeting her was just so exciting! She was so tiny. Not tiny for a newborn (she was just over 8 lbs) but a tiny person. A sweet baby girl that won't always be a baby. I just wanted to memorize everything about her when I held her. Her fingers were so long and skinny, as were her legs and toes. She didn't have much baby-fat at all. She had a lot more hair than I had imagined and it was darker than I thought it would be. (My sister was a red head when she was born.) She had the cutest mouth - also very tiny. And large eyes. I haven't seen photos of my brother-in-law as a baby, but I'm guessing Charlotte got the Hagen nose.

 

Seeing my sister be a mother was also a little bit surreal. This baby she was holding, feeding, and caring for would be her daughter forever. She'd be my niece forever! This wasn't playing "house" anymore! Molly was so calm and patient through those long nights on little sleep. She'll be a great mom.

 

One of my main tasks during my visit was to take photos of Baby Charlotte. We did several mini-sessions throughout the week. Above is a photo of her in my grandmother's baby hat! My mother saved it for us all these years and finally got to dig it out of storage. It was big snug but so beautiful.

 

When I wasn't taking photos, I was trying to keep things picked up around the house, making meals, shopping, and doing some laundry. I didn't do as much as I would have thought since my own baby is busy growing and keeping me from having too much energy. I babysat once while M & Q had to go to work for a few hours; I got to give Charlotte her very first bottle which she took without complaint!

Being around a newborn was a good eye-opener for me in what I can expect those first few weeks to look like. I just have a few months left myself.  It was also great to spend so much time with my sister (when she wasn't sleeping!), and talk through what her labor experience was like and how she's feeling as a new mom. I'm so glad we get to experience these things together.

It was also a great time to practice my photography skills! Nothing like getting a baby to play with for a whole week! Molly snuck my camera to take this one below. It's one of the few I actually have of me with the baby!

 

We had a great visit and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm so thankful I got to be there for my sister during her recovery time and be somewhat helpful. It's hard to live so far away sometimes. It's not like we thought it would be when we were kids and we dreamed of living close by and having our kids be best friends or being each others babysitters!

My niece, Charlotte Elizabeth was born on July 12 to my sister Molly and her husband Quintin. She is my sister's first child, and the first grandbaby on my side of the family. She's kind of a big deal!

She made us wait for her arrival for a few additional weeks, so I didn't get to meet her during my surprise visit to Las Vegas earlier this month. But, I was able to take another week off of work and fly back there 10 days after Charlotte was born.

I don't know if I can describe what it was really like to meet her. We'd talked about her and planned for her throughout my sister's pregnancy and finally meeting her was just so exciting! She was so tiny. Not tiny for a newborn (she was just over 8 lbs) but a tiny person. A sweet baby girl that won't always be a baby. I just wanted to memorize everything about her when I held her. Her fingers were so long and skinny, as were her legs and toes. She didn't have much baby-fat at all. She had a lot more hair than I had imagined and it was darker than I thought it would be. (My sister was a red head when she was born.) She had the cutest mouth - also very tiny. And large eyes. I haven't seen photos of my brother-in-law as a baby, but I'm guessing Charlotte got the Hagen nose.

 

Seeing my sister be a mother was also a little bit surreal. This baby she was holding, feeding, and caring for would be her daughter forever. She'd be my niece forever! This wasn't playing "house" anymore! Molly was so calm and patient through those long nights on little sleep. She'll be a great mom.

 

One of my main tasks during my visit was to take photos of Baby Charlotte. We did several mini-sessions throughout the week. Above is a photo of her in my grandmother's baby hat! My mother saved it for us all these years and finally got to dig it out of storage. It was big snug but so beautiful.

 

When I wasn't taking photos, I was trying to keep things picked up around the house, making meals, shopping, and doing some laundry. I didn't do as much as I would have thought since my own baby is busy growing and keeping me from having too much energy. I babysat once while M & Q had to go to work for a few hours; I got to give Charlotte her very first bottle which she took without complaint!

Being around a newborn was a good eye-opener for me in what I can expect those first few weeks to look like. I just have a few months left myself.  It was also great to spend so much time with my sister (when she wasn't sleeping!), and talk through what her labor experience was like and how she's feeling as a new mom. I'm so glad we get to experience these things together.

It was also a great time to practice my photography skills! Nothing like getting a baby to play with for a whole week! Molly snuck my camera to take this one below. It's one of the few I actually have of me with the baby!

 

We had a great visit and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm so thankful I got to be there for my sister during her recovery time and be somewhat helpful. It's hard to live so far away sometimes. It's not like we thought it would be when we were kids and we dreamed of living close by and having our kids be best friends or being each others babysitters!

Just 12 Days Old

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine had a baby boy and they were kind enough to let me take his picture when he was just twelve days old. {S} is the first baby I've been able to photograph that young and I was so grateful for the opportunity. There is just something about that newborn sleepy-eyed, cuddly age that is just so precious. And they don't stay that way for long!

I was a little nervous, but had watched and read some really great tips online that really put me at ease. And once I got set up and going, it felt like I was doing what I was born to do! I had the very best time. Here's a look at my favorites:

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine had a baby boy and they were kind enough to let me take his picture when he was just twelve days old. {S} is the first baby I've been able to photograph that young and I was so grateful for the opportunity. There is just something about that newborn sleepy-eyed, cuddly age that is just so precious. And they don't stay that way for long!

I was a little nervous, but had watched and read some really great tips online that really put me at ease. And once I got set up and going, it felt like I was doing what I was born to do! I had the very best time. Here's a look at my favorites:

Photography Lessons Continue

I have had three more opportunities to practice my photography skills with children over the past several months, I guess it's about time I write about it. This is the area where I really want to improve and perhaps even start a small business. It's a little scary (ok a lot) because there is so much involved, but with a few more practice sessions and some courage to take a few more steps, I think I'll be ready to go!

My hope it is to create a "traveling studio" where I could come into someone's home and set up a small background and use their own toys, blankets, etc for "props." I like working with natural light best.

This is {C}, he's 8 months old:

{R} was 6 months old when I got to take these:

And {A} was only 8 weeks when these were taken:

If you know someone in the Bay Area who may be interested in a maternity, newborn, or family session, let me know! I'm always looking for volunteers!

I have had three more opportunities to practice my photography skills with children over the past several months, I guess it's about time I write about it. This is the area where I really want to improve and perhaps even start a small business. It's a little scary (ok a lot) because there is so much involved, but with a few more practice sessions and some courage to take a few more steps, I think I'll be ready to go!

My hope it is to create a "traveling studio" where I could come into someone's home and set up a small background and use their own toys, blankets, etc for "props." I like working with natural light best.

This is {C}, he's 8 months old:

{R} was 6 months old when I got to take these:

And {A} was only 8 weeks when these were taken:

If you know someone in the Bay Area who may be interested in a maternity, newborn, or family session, let me know! I'm always looking for volunteers!

Another opportunity to practice my dream

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to take maternity photographs of another friend of mine with her husband. I was really excited because not only are they such a beautiful and seemingly carefree couple and I love them dearly, but they just moved into a part of town I don't get to see very much. And it is a neighborhood perfect for photos! Red brick, abandoned buildings, boarded up windows . . . basically a photographer's dream. There was just so much texture and character to use! The weather was perfect in their neighborhood (it was cloudy in mine); it really was just the perfect day. There were so many fun places to go and they were so cute and fun to work with that I just couldn't stop! I took way too many photos of this couple, but what can I say, I need the practice!

Here are a few of my favorites:

 

 

Thanks for letting me take your photographs friends! I cannot wait to meet your little one soon!

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to take maternity photographs of another friend of mine with her husband. I was really excited because not only are they such a beautiful and seemingly carefree couple and I love them dearly, but they just moved into a part of town I don't get to see very much. And it is a neighborhood perfect for photos! Red brick, abandoned buildings, boarded up windows . . . basically a photographer's dream. There was just so much texture and character to use! The weather was perfect in their neighborhood (it was cloudy in mine); it really was just the perfect day. There were so many fun places to go and they were so cute and fun to work with that I just couldn't stop! I took way too many photos of this couple, but what can I say, I need the practice!

Here are a few of my favorites:

 

 

Thanks for letting me take your photographs friends! I cannot wait to meet your little one soon!

Camping Among the Trees

In addition to having a date night to celebrate our anniversary we took a three day camping trip in Northern California at the Redwood State Park. Chris and I have only been camping one other time together and that was in a large group. This was just the two of us!

We've lived in California for over two years and rarely get out and explore. A few months back I was getting restless and told Chris we needed to do something or go somewhere. Little did we know that most camp sites are booked solid all summer long (well in advance). So, we altered our plans and instead of going to Yosemite National Park as we had talked about, we drove north to the Redwoods. Chris had driven through them years ago and had always wanted to go back, so this worked out great.

We got to our campsite Friday late afternoon. Driving into our campsite was just the beginning of the beauty we would experience in the days ahead. Once we got our tent set up we set out to explore a near by trail.

The trees were so tall and the colors so beautiful, it was hard to stop taking pictures! For dinner that night we had sausages and hobo-potatoes (which take forever btw). On Saturday we got a fairly early start and drove to a few highlighted spots the ranger told us about.

But first we had to get gas . . . at the only station within 20 miles. Check this out! They had one pump and charged an arm and a leg and only took cash. But what other choice did we have? 

Fern Canyon is exactly what it sounds like, a canyon covered in ferns. It was so green! The trail was fun too. At points there were planks to walk across since there was a bit of a creek running through the canyon. And at other points you had to walk across small rocks and try your best not to get wet (this really tested my balance). 

There were two trees the ranger told us to stop and look at.  The first is called "Corkscrew" and is three trees that wrapped around each other twisting all the way up. It was huge and really neat. I was even a little adventurous and climbed up in it! Chris took a vertical panorama shot of it since you couldn't see the whole tree in one photo.

The next one is called "Big Tree"as it used to be the tallest tree in the park until 8 feet of the top broke off. Now it is the second tallest tree. It's 302 feet tall and 21 feet wide. This is also a panorama shot of about five photos put together.

Then came the longer hike we had planned. It was just over 3 miles and made a loop cover three different trails. It was gorgeous. The first half of the hike was really fun (and mostly flat); I did make one bad move and ended up on the ground but thankfully was not injured. . . falling down just feels wrong . . . and totally embarrassing. Like it should not happen after you learn to walk, you know!

The second half of the trail was a bit harder, more inclines and narrower paths. It seemed like it would go on forever . . . and about one mile from the finish line, I started complaining and getting tired. But, then it was over and it felt good to push myself and finish (that really wasn't a choice!).

After finding a place to have a picnic lunch (found a place with a view of the ocean . . . foggy, just like the city) we drove to the north end of the park and found new favorite spot. This grove was absolutely gorgeous. And the drive to get there was pretty amazing too with trees on either side of you, curving roads and beauty all around.

And then we stumbled on to a beach! There was sun and warmth and rest to be had! We stayed much longer that we had planned but still made it back to the tent in plenty of time to make dinner. We had hamburgers and roasted corn on the cob. It was so good!

Sunday we packed up camp after breakfast (banana-nut oatmeal and eggs) and headed home. Chris wanted me to get some more practice driving his standard truck so I took the wheel for about 30 minutes before my legs started getting sore (whimpy, I know). It was good to get another go at driving stick. . . it had been three years since my last attempt!

It was a short weekend getaway, but it was great!

In addition to having a date night to celebrate our anniversary we took a three day camping trip in Northern California at the Redwood State Park. Chris and I have only been camping one other time together and that was in a large group. This was just the two of us!

We've lived in California for over two years and rarely get out and explore. A few months back I was getting restless and told Chris we needed to do something or go somewhere. Little did we know that most camp sites are booked solid all summer long (well in advance). So, we altered our plans and instead of going to Yosemite National Park as we had talked about, we drove north to the Redwoods. Chris had driven through them years ago and had always wanted to go back, so this worked out great.

We got to our campsite Friday late afternoon. Driving into our campsite was just the beginning of the beauty we would experience in the days ahead. Once we got our tent set up we set out to explore a near by trail.

The trees were so tall and the colors so beautiful, it was hard to stop taking pictures! For dinner that night we had sausages and hobo-potatoes (which take forever btw). On Saturday we got a fairly early start and drove to a few highlighted spots the ranger told us about.

But first we had to get gas . . . at the only station within 20 miles. Check this out! They had one pump and charged an arm and a leg and only took cash. But what other choice did we have? 

Fern Canyon is exactly what it sounds like, a canyon covered in ferns. It was so green! The trail was fun too. At points there were planks to walk across since there was a bit of a creek running through the canyon. And at other points you had to walk across small rocks and try your best not to get wet (this really tested my balance). 

There were two trees the ranger told us to stop and look at.  The first is called "Corkscrew" and is three trees that wrapped around each other twisting all the way up. It was huge and really neat. I was even a little adventurous and climbed up in it! Chris took a vertical panorama shot of it since you couldn't see the whole tree in one photo.

The next one is called "Big Tree"as it used to be the tallest tree in the park until 8 feet of the top broke off. Now it is the second tallest tree. It's 302 feet tall and 21 feet wide. This is also a panorama shot of about five photos put together.

Then came the longer hike we had planned. It was just over 3 miles and made a loop cover three different trails. It was gorgeous. The first half of the hike was really fun (and mostly flat); I did make one bad move and ended up on the ground but thankfully was not injured. . . falling down just feels wrong . . . and totally embarrassing. Like it should not happen after you learn to walk, you know!

The second half of the trail was a bit harder, more inclines and narrower paths. It seemed like it would go on forever . . . and about one mile from the finish line, I started complaining and getting tired. But, then it was over and it felt good to push myself and finish (that really wasn't a choice!).

After finding a place to have a picnic lunch (found a place with a view of the ocean . . . foggy, just like the city) we drove to the north end of the park and found new favorite spot. This grove was absolutely gorgeous. And the drive to get there was pretty amazing too with trees on either side of you, curving roads and beauty all around.

And then we stumbled on to a beach! There was sun and warmth and rest to be had! We stayed much longer that we had planned but still made it back to the tent in plenty of time to make dinner. We had hamburgers and roasted corn on the cob. It was so good!

Sunday we packed up camp after breakfast (banana-nut oatmeal and eggs) and headed home. Chris wanted me to get some more practice driving his standard truck so I took the wheel for about 30 minutes before my legs started getting sore (whimpy, I know). It was good to get another go at driving stick. . . it had been three years since my last attempt!

It was a short weekend getaway, but it was great!

A Dream Takes Shape

Last week, I got to do something I have always wanted to do. Something I have been thinking about doing for a long time, but never had the opportunity or the courage to do. It's easy for me to say, "I'm not good enough, talented enough, or creative enough to actually do that." And yet, the desire was always there. Pinterest encouraged it a little bit. But my friends and husband encouraged me more. And so, I did it! Just once. And I'll need a lot more practice. But I did it, and it went just fine!

What did I do, you ask?

I took maternity photographs of a couple. Our friends are expecting their baby within the next three weeks and they let me take their photographs.

Big deal, right?

Well, maybe not. But, it was a start. I have been thinking about taking family photographs, specifically infant and maternity photographs for a long time. Like years. But I never had the guts to try it. I've seen so many really wonderful photographs that I can't beat so I just kept putting it off.  Scared to try.

I've always loved photography. I've taken my cousin's engagement photographs, later I shot another cousin's wedding, and I did my sister's reception last summer. I have a little experience, but it has always been with family. I loved doing all of it.

 I think I'd like to have a little side business someday, and it kind of felt like doing this session last week was a way to get started. I totally enjoyed the session. (I think the couple did, too!) It felt like I was doing something right - something I was perhaps made for. Does that even make sense? 

This opportunity came about in an interesting way too. I was having coffee with a bunch of girlfriends a few weekends back and I asked my expecting friend if she was going to have photos taken before the baby was born and then you know, infant photos. She hadn't really thought about it but said she could ask one of her friends who is a photographer. Another friend across the table said, "Or, Emily could do it!" I'm not sure how much any of my friends here know how much I love photography, so the comment caught me off guard. And the topic sort of settled after that. I followed up with my soon-to-be-a-mother friend just confirming my interest in doing it for her. And a few weeks later - it happened!

Here are a few photos from the session with my friends. Hopefully, there will be more opportunities to come!

Last week, I got to do something I have always wanted to do. Something I have been thinking about doing for a long time, but never had the opportunity or the courage to do. It's easy for me to say, "I'm not good enough, talented enough, or creative enough to actually do that." And yet, the desire was always there. Pinterest encouraged it a little bit. But my friends and husband encouraged me more. And so, I did it! Just once. And I'll need a lot more practice. But I did it, and it went just fine!

What did I do, you ask?

I took maternity photographs of a couple. Our friends are expecting their baby within the next three weeks and they let me take their photographs.

Big deal, right?

Well, maybe not. But, it was a start. I have been thinking about taking family photographs, specifically infant and maternity photographs for a long time. Like years. But I never had the guts to try it. I've seen so many really wonderful photographs that I can't beat so I just kept putting it off.  Scared to try.

I've always loved photography. I've taken my cousin's engagement photographs, later I shot another cousin's wedding, and I did my sister's reception last summer. I have a little experience, but it has always been with family. I loved doing all of it.

 I think I'd like to have a little side business someday, and it kind of felt like doing this session last week was a way to get started. I totally enjoyed the session. (I think the couple did, too!) It felt like I was doing something right - something I was perhaps made for. Does that even make sense? 

This opportunity came about in an interesting way too. I was having coffee with a bunch of girlfriends a few weekends back and I asked my expecting friend if she was going to have photos taken before the baby was born and then you know, infant photos. She hadn't really thought about it but said she could ask one of her friends who is a photographer. Another friend across the table said, "Or, Emily could do it!" I'm not sure how much any of my friends here know how much I love photography, so the comment caught me off guard. And the topic sort of settled after that. I followed up with my soon-to-be-a-mother friend just confirming my interest in doing it for her. And a few weeks later - it happened!

Here are a few photos from the session with my friends. Hopefully, there will be more opportunities to come!