I hope you all found peace throughout your photographic journeys this week.

I found peace in Eli. Eli is a very busy fellow. Always walking here and there, checking out what everyone is doing, sometimes playing but mostly making sure everyone in his family is behaving and not having fun without him. As I sat on my couch (A LOT), my camera happened to be handy and I actually captured a few moments of him sitting or playing peacefully.

This is a new toy we just bought for him. He likes it just fine. For about 30 seconds, seven times a day.

And this morning he was reading on the ottoman. Like I said, he’s very busy so stopping to read is tough at his age. (speaking of his age, Eli is seventeen months old. How did this happen? SOMEBODY TELL ME.)

Last Friday, I had a session with this little sweetheart. This was taken in the lot next to my client’s home. Between the perfect sunlight and the Queen Ann’s Lace and ruffly outfit, this photo feels very peaceful to me.

Now, it’s your turn to share! Just please read the following guidelines firsts!

PLEASE READ THIS GUIDELINES, especially, yes, especially if you have never linked up!
1. Anyone can join in on the challenge at anytime.
2. Please make sure the photos you use were taken for the challenge, meaning do not search your archives for an appropriate photo. The goal of You Capture is to get you out taking photos each week!
3. Use YOUR photos.
4. When linking up, only link to your You Capture blog post, not your main blog URL. (incorrect links will be deleted.)
5. You MUST link back to You Capture in your post.
6. I encourage you to visit other participants and leave comments. This is a great way to meet new friends!
{more You Capture info can be found here.}

My friend, Tiffany, emailed me a list of potential monthly photo topics. It’s an AWESOME list. If any of you have any ideas for photography topics, feel free to email me or leave suggestions in the comment sections. After all, You Capture is about US, not just me. So, I’d love to hear your ideas, too! Thanks for the list, Tiffany!

I’ve decided to give you your choice between two topics. You can do one or both, your choice:

Summer Sunsets or Back-to-School

Happy Capturing!

This is my brother, Dan with my Mom at one of our favorite restaurants. He’s a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army and was in Iraq (his fifth tour overseas) until this past March. This visit he was also able to meet Eli for the first time.

As some of you know, I have five brothers and sisters and love that I am able to photograph their families when they come to visit. (or I go to visit them.) Dan’s oldest son is entering his senior year in high school. Now, I’ve asked almost all of my nieces and nephews to please, please, please stop growing up and they all say “okay, Aunt Beth” or “okay, Aunt Ba,” as the younger ones call me.

But they never listen.

On our way back from the restaurant, we stopped very quickly at a cute little location to snap of few shots of Grant for his senior portraits. It was a lot of fun. Especially with Dan around. He always makes everything a little bit happier.

He was also good to have around to help Grant with his hair. (which was helpful because obviously Grant has a TON of hair.)

We managed to get a few good shots.

Here’s a pull back of the above shot:

After taking this photo, he said “no one will ever believe I was really batting. I’m not left-handed.“

And occasionally, I’d be taking a shot of Grant and I’d hear “Beth, take a picture!” and I’d turn and find this:

He reminded me how immobile I am, being in the middle of my seventh month of pregnancy. (jumping on box cars is most certainly not an option)

But, in his own way, he reminded me how important it is to lighten up and have fun.

He’s such a wise fellow.

Apparently, I really can’t do everything. Who knew?

So, before we head back home, how ’bout some photos from this weekend?

Here are the four older cousins!

Anna and I – my belly at 22 weeks.

And all of the kids. Can you believe they belong to us?!

And then we had a fun little naked bootie session. Can you believe how gigantic Eli and Trey are?

More to come.

Stop looking at Eli’s bootie.

It’s a very dark and stormy day outside today. I’m not a fan especially when I had a newborn session that I had to reschedule because of it.

BUT, I’m here with some flowers for you! I can’t wait to tell you the story about my session last Friday night and how it came to fruition because it’s was dreamy and perfect and it helps that Mom is a florist who does amazing work. (and I will be talking about her in greater detail soon because I need to share her talent and beauty with you.)

So, I’m just going to give you a glimpse of some of the flowers from that session for this week’s You Capture, K? K.

Now it’s your turn to share!

PLEASE READ THIS GUIDELINES, especially, yes, especially if you have never linked up!
1. Anyone can join in on the challenge at anytime.
2. Please make sure the photos you use were taken for the challenge, meaning do not search your archives for an appropriate photo. The goal of You Capture is to get you out taking photos each week!
3. Use YOUR photos.
4. When linking up, only link to your You Capture blog post, not your main blog URL. (incorrect links will be deleted.)
5. You MUST link back to You Capture in your post.
6. I encourage you to visit other participants and leave comments. This is a great way to meet new friends!
{more You Capture info can be found here.}

Bathrooms

Happy Capturing! (be creative!)

Well, I guess when I say “news” I don’t actually mean CNN, I just mean, “In my head.”

I wanted to come here and talk to you guys about the point of my pregnancy I’m in but time is not allowing me to do that right now. But I did want to stop in and tell you a few other important things.

First:

If you live in Northwest Indiana (or the surrounding area, of course) I am hosting Father’s Day Mini Sessions on June 4th. The idea is that I’m taking Mom (You!) from behind the camera and photographing you with your kids  as a special gift to your husband for Father’s Day.

I am only scheduling six 30 minute sessions, only four remain. Also, I updated the design of my BFP blog, so head over and check it out. It looks extra pretty!

Second:

Remember my cute photography project June Afternoons? Well, since we’ve met and exceeded our goal for Team James and Jake, I’ve decided to begin donating to the victims of the floods and tornadoes that have affected so many in the United States this spring. If you head over, you’ll see that all proceeds from the sales from this shop go directly to just that. I believe I have found an organization where I can purchase baby food, diapers, canned goods, etc and ship directly to this organization and they will distribute, as needed. (still investigating) Any remaining funds will be donated to the American Red Cross. Please keep in mind that I do not receive any profit from this project, it’s something I’m doing so I can help. (for the March of Dimes, I was able to donate over $700 from this shop. This after the cost of listing, shipping, supplies and printing.)

Also, I just listed these postcards. I have two sets, in stock, ready to ship. Last time I had a set, I posted them on twitter and they sold in four minutes. So, I’m sharing with all of you first. (because you’re my favorites)

And finally, I’ve decided to give away a print from June Afternoons.

This print is an 8×10, a beautiful photo taken by THE Lisa Leonard. Isn’t it gorgeous?

Just head over to the shop and tell me, in the comments of this post, which print is your favorite. That’s it! I’ll choose the winner, randomly, tomorrow evening. Comments close on Tuesday, May 17th and the print will ship on Wednesday!

Tweeting or Facebooking about this giveway will earn you extra entries! Just leave the link in a separate comment, in order for that entry to count!

Good luck and happy browsing!

(please don’t say “pick me,” saying that will earn you a time out.)

Something about me…I’m an expert omelet maker. Truly, I am. I just had a cheese omelet and it was to die for. I’m wondering if I should do an omelet tutorial for this here blog. Would that be fun and exciting or dull and dumb?

I have a few things to share with you, so bear with me:

1. I offer limited advertising space over there in my sidebar. Right now, if you’d like to have an ad placed here, I am donating 100% of the proceeds of the ad to Team James and Jake and the March of Dimes. The ad is 150×150 and is good from now through May 31st. You can email me (foldinglaundry (at) gmail dot com for rates. (they’re cheap. Promise.) (also, a post about all of these vendors who took advantage of this special!)

2. Clickin’ Moms is having a 40% off their lifetime memberships which is a gigantic discount! Enter GROUPBUY to receive the discount at checkout. TODAY, TODAY, TODAY is the final day for this offer. I love Clickin’ Moms.

3. Have you become a fan of the Vicks page? I’m not just saying this because they’ve paid me to write about them, I sincerely mean it when I say that they do a great job of interacting with the public. Also, I know spring is almost here but Anna just got over the worst sinus infection I have ever seen anyone have and without Vicks? She would not have slept. No doubt about it. So, you know, be prepared.

4. If you live in Northwest Indiana or know someone who does, I am running a really cool promotion with Beth Fletcher Photography. If you book a session (or buy a gift certificate for someone for a session … $150.00) the entire session fee amount will be donated to the March of Dimes. This offer is good through the end of this weekend, 4/17/11.

5. Finally, last but not least. I am working on a really fun and special project right now. I’m going to announce the details on Sunday, so please check back. I am so excited. (hint: photography. Anthropologie.)

Alright, friends. I have to run to Target, work and be sure to take a nap in this quiet, quiet house before the kids come home.

Thanks for all of your love and support this week! I wish you an amazing weekend!

Yesterday, I was in Nebraska with Eli and my Mom sitting in my sister’s living room, drinking coffee, Brian was home from work, Anna and Noah were both home from school because of sickness. In total, Noah missed six days of school and Anna missed two. Yesterday was so different; today so normal, almost ordinary.

The reality is, however, nothing really feels ordinary right now, no matter what motions I walk through today because my heart feels different.

It’s bigger, fuller, swollen, near explosion. This weekend as I attend my photography workshop, there was a lot of downtime which left me time to reflect on my life.

I thought about how I was able to attend the workshop, all of the people who surrounded me with support to make sure it happened, people to watch Eli while I was at the workshop, people to watch Anna and Noah while I was away, a husband to take care of them and clean the entire house and do laundry so I could come home and not play catch-up. A husband who not only financially supported this workshop but a husband who nudged me to go, who calmed by fears of not being good enough. My sister, who so willingly offered us her home to stay, who is so hilarious and such a bright light in this universe. My Mom who makes me believe I can do anything, who taught that to me very early on, one who helps out so much with Eli and well, with life. I have friends who offer me amazing support, those who never doubt my talents, those that encourage me to continue my quest to be among the best.

I’m simply in awe. Even by all of you. For years you have watched me with this, watch me ponder and make the decision, jump in and learn everything I could get my hands on. And right now, today, I feel launched. (I can’t find a better word to describe it.) Like, I’ve been propelled, even higher than I ever dreamed I’d be on this first day of March in 2011.

These people who surround me and love me, the family, my friends, my readers and me. It’s like we have come together and created this puzzle.

This beautiful, blessed, one-of-a-kind puzzle.

I’m just feeling so grateful for all of this.

This is just one of the many photos taken this weekend. (the props do not belong to me.)

First, here are some of the Anthropologie goodies I bought for my birthday. Brian and I headed into Chicago on February 5, BY OURSELVES, we went to Victoria Secret where I was fitted for REAL BRAS that actually lift. Wow, what a difference. (Of course, I still mostly wear my nursing bras because of Sir-Nurse-A-Lot but still, these new bras mean that 7% of the time, my boobs go upward and not down. It’s amazing, really. Then we hit Anthropologie on Chicago Ave, just off of Michigan. Twas beautiful.

my finds.

I believe my eye was leaning towards blue that day.

…we had dinner at The Italian Village and then headed to the Anthro on State Street. Twas amazing. I can’t get over how spoiled I was. Brian even insisted on carrying every single shopping bag the entire trip. He mentioned making this my birthday tradition and I was like “oh, geeze, no way, nuh-uh.”

yeah, right! I was too shocked and excited to respond, I think. Our final stop was at Panera to pick up goodies for the next morning.

Yesterday, Brian surprised me with an Anthropologie box with the rest of the coffee mugs to that set for Valentine’s day. (and maybe, JUST MAYBE a VS goodie but shhhh…my Mom reads this blog.)

Eli’s surgery was yesterday. I can’t believe I’m throwing this into a post about random things because there is so much detail that it may be just too much. I want to just focus on the fact that it’s done and this morning he was so happy. Oh and maybe that he and I had the best sleep last night that we’ve had EVER. The night before Brian and I hardly slept at all, like, literally. We had a perfect hotel room and Eli went to sleep like a perfect little baby, I laid down at 8:30 my time, maybe closer to 9 and woke up every hour or more. Then Brian got paged for work and did not go to bed until after one when we had to be up at three. ugh.

But Eli? He’s a champion and yes, we had some definite difficult moments yesterday but also some super sweet ones, too. We are so thankful to have this done. The surgery went perfectly, it was a bit more invasive than I thought it would be but that’s okay. He should be back to normal in 3-4 weeks. (I’m sorry I’m not sharing the details, I just want to protect the privacy of my little one!)

Here are some sweet photos of our brave guy:

I mentioned last week that I’ll be heading to a photography class next week in another part of the country. This is something that I registered for last August with very limited availability. The fact that A.) I am able to go and B.) that I got in and that C.) my husband is just as excited as I am, are all wonderful, amazing things. I will not be linking to this workshop because I’m finding that maybe some people don’t quite appreciate originality and authenticity as much as I do, or as much as they should, especially when starting a photography business and because this is a huge investment for us, I just want it to be something that I discovered and something is part of ME and Beth Fletcher Photography. (sorry for the longest sentence ever.) I just think it would be best to keep it within my walls. In other words, I’m finding others doing exactly what I’m doing with their photography business that live very close to me and that makes me uncomfortable and probably sad, so I must protect this business of mine and keep it me and keep others from becoming me, too. (does that make sense?)

This doesn’t mean I won’t be sharing with you guys, oh, please! How could I not? It’s just that some things, have to be mine. You know? (I’m totally cringing as I write this, I don’t want to come across as a jerk or as someone who thinks she’s better than she is because I do not, it’s just disappointing to see what I’ve seen lately because I’ve been so forthcoming and it scares me, I think.)

(and it’s not to say that I don’t get ideas from other photographers, in fact, I do! My favorite thing about the internet is that I can sit down and get a huge dose of inspiration from people sharing the creativity and their art, but it does just that, it inspires me to craft my own art.)

(and also, if you’ve emailed me with questions, asking for advice, etc. I am not talking about you. In fact, YOU are the real deal to me. I love that you are seeking help in a private forum and I am completely honored that you’ve come to me. I believe in mentoring and hope to some day be a very devoted mentor to others, when I feel good enough to be one, of course.)

(oh man, maybe this should have been a separate post.)

(sorry for all of the parenthesis.)

Anyway, Eli will be traveling with me, I think he’s super excited for his first plane ride. or would be if he knew what a plane was, of course.

Oh and I believe I promised you some newborn photos, yes? Here you go!

Can you even handle these cheeks?

A few years ago, I joined Clickin’ Moms. I found the link on someone’s blog, clicked through and was slightly chagrined to see that it was something I had to pay for, I like free, I like free, a lot. The front page of the site held beautiful photos that I wanted to take someday and I just wanted to get in and scour and see so I could be a great photographer right that very second.

I trusted my instinct and joined. I entered my username and password and literally stepped into this world of photographic information, more information than I could handle. I was nearly overwhelmed. I searched around a bit, my heart raced…I thought “I’m going to come back when I have time, this is incredible.”

I rarely did. (so dumb)

Finally, last Spring, I received an email from Clickin’ Moms about a workshop they were offering called “Rock Your Camera 101.” I called Brian and told him that it costs $300 and he nearly had a heart attack. He couldn’t see why I should pay for a workshop online when I have countless books on photography sitting on my bookshelf collecting dust.

I knew this was the thing I had to do, he knew this was my dream, so finally, we made it work (no, we do not have $300, just lying around anywhere, believe me, I’ve looked.) I started RYC 101 and it was amazing. Within four weeks, I was shooting in manual, a little shaky but with each photo and each lighting situation I became more confident.

(this was one of my first assignments from that class – SOOC.)

Long story short. I have taken 3 workshops and not only can I believe how far I’ve come, my husband can’t believe it. This journey of learning the technical side of photography was not only totally imperative for me to fulfill my dreams of being a professional photographer but made my husband believe in me, which was worth it’s weight in gold. Now? He’s my biggest supporter, my IT director, my business manager, my bookkeeper and my most trusted advisor.

(an assignment from RYC 201, SOOC.)

If you want to learn the fundamentals of photography, join Clickin’ Moms and yes, take the workshops, MYGOD, you’ll never, ever, ever regret it in a million years. (I can not say enough about the instructors and the lesson plans, simply the best.)

If you want to find about props, tips on posing, advice on starting a business, glimpses into the world of editing, getting critiqued, yep, Clickin’ Moms is the way to go.

I wish I had a sure-fire, free, overnight-sensation way for you to become a photographer, but I don’t. I have countless books, I’ve taken multiple classes at a local university (and never learned a dang thing) and I tried doing it by just using “luck” and well, that didn’t work.

But Clickin’ Moms did.

So, there you have it. There’s my secret, I’m sharing it with the world today. I have a 20% coupon code for you, just use “FRIEND” when checking out. (coupon code for new members until January 31st) Also, if you click my links, it’s an affiliate link, so I get credit which I appreciate so much. (the money I make will go towards important things like diapers, laundry detergent and uh…a new laptop in like ten years.) (Regarding affiliate links, if you become a member, you’ll have affiliate links, too.)

Questions? Ask and I’ll answer in the comments!

This morning, I had a newborn shoot. I’ve been doing lots of practice, studying, research and basically had a perfect baby today. The parents did everything I asked and it went amazingly well.

I love shooting images of all kinds, holding my camera fuels me like nothing I’ve ever experienced before, but newborns? Well, I’d like to make newborns my specialty. Next month I’m attending a workshop out of state, it’s a dream come true workshop for me and it’s focus is strictly newborns. I love that I have everything in place before hand. (a strong grasp in understanding good natural light, I’ve mastered manual, etc.) I’m hoping that upon leaving the workshop, my A Game will begin.

I’ve been offering free newborn sessions since about August, it’s important for me to not only build my portfolio but to also practice. With each session, I have learned so much.

So, this morning, when I should have been writing Friday Morning Coffee, I was with this baby, doing this:

It was probably a little better than coffee.

But I missed you, either way.

(hats knit by Stephanie.)