‘Impressions‘ is a creative project by an eclectic group of female photographers from around the globe. We aim to share the inspiration behind what we do through our monthly posts.

On the 8th of each month, we will be sharing 8 images that tell the story of what inspired us in the previous weeks: our families, nature, weather, or maybe even work itself! We are free to explore the meaning of ‘impressions’, and it is likely to change month to month.

I often get asked what my favorite age to photograph is. I do love the squishy newness of the newborns. The tiny details, the rolls, the lanugo, all those perfect features. However, toddlers steal my heart. I love the true personalities. The pure innocence of their thoughts, expressions, and actions. They are full of life in the most rare and unfiltered form. They can be frustrating. Yes, it is annoying when it seems like it takes 10 minutes to wrestle on a pair of shoes. Or someone is licking the wall/floor/shopping cart etc. Yep, so so gross. The tantrums as they wade their way into newfound independence. Then I think of the snuggles and cuddles. The pure way they love. How vibrant and exciting everything becomes when viewed through their eyes. How perfect imperfection is. Every day is a sunshiny adventure. Someday soon they will be going to prom and I will be buying the shoes and not getting to be the one picking them out for my girls. Well, maybe if I’m lucky and they let me 😉 Life will be full of dances/proms/weddings/sports/events, their life will be full of things for THEM. So these very very precious toddler years are just a blip of time. They will not have these memories of sticky fingers and clumsy words. I will have these memories forever. They are mine. These are the mommy years, not just the toddler years. So I hold them close. That’s why I love capturing these few short magical years full of raw personality not just for myself but for the dear families I have the honor of photographing <3 I know these mom’s will look back fondly and remember the way their child had to have their favorite toy or lovie or how they twirled that one strand of hair or the favorite goofy face that either made mom and dad groan or giggle. These tiny snippets of unique and emerging personality that will be treasured forever <3

As my oldest is heading off to kindergarten and my youngest is turning three this week I am holding dear to my heart their bond of sisterhood as it is forming and these fleeting toddler moments.

Please go the gorgeous images from Natalie next!