Reflecting on my trip to the National WW2 Museum - New Orleans

Dear readers,

In the wake of another beautiful anniversary of our country, I’d like to leave you with some thoughts and experiences that have opened my eyes just a little bit wider. My husband, a former Marine, and I spent the 4th of July weekend immersed in WWII history which left me a little bit sadder, a little more knowledgeable and a whole lot prouder to be an American.

We started our weekend by driving down to New Orleans to visit the National World War II museum which, as we found out while perusing its halls is located there because of Andrew Higgins, who according to general Dwight Eisenhower was “the man who won the war for us.”  A New Orleans ship builder, he designed the landing craft, the Higgins boat, that was used extensively in the numerous amphibious landings our military had to make throughout WWII.

If you’ve never visited the museum, do so. It will remind you of the industrious nature of this country, the bravery and patriotism of so many that fought to keep us free, and of the ultimate sacrifice too many had to make to ensure that we live in a country where prejudices will never turn us into exterminators and where we bend our knee only before God, and not before a human “God Emperor” who encouraged it’s civilians to commit suicide rather than be taken prisoner.

It struck me that two such incredibly destructive forces, Hitler and Hirohito, could rise to power at the same time on opposite sides of the world and so equally and unequivocally ignore the sanctity of human life. One would try (and even succeed to a horrifying degree) with the power of his oratorical skill to instill hatred towards, and systematically destroy those he viewed as an inferior race, the other elevated notions of honor, duty and pride above ANY human life, even one’s own.

Two forces, so unrelenting and so dedicated, threatened to choke the world of it’s very humanity.

We went in as a nation whose military ranked 17th in the world behind even tiny Romania’s, and came through as a manufacturing, industrial giant which now had the 3rd largest armed forces in the world. Unity, productivity and immeasurable bravery preserved our values and protected countless others from the rapid spread of two brutal regimes.

Let us never forget that we are good people, that we can turn the tide at any point, that valor, bravery and industriousness created and preserved this country, that we must listen to God first and a silver tongue later if at all, that NOTHING, no value system or misguided sense of honor trumps the God given sanctity of human life.

http://www.nationalww2museum.org/

Baton Rouge Elite Child Photography - Carter

We ventured out to Highland Park in Baton Rouge to do this little darling's 1st year photoshoot. I love the beautiful old trees throughout the park as well as the somewhat hilly landscape. It was a very hot and muggy day but that did not keep me from having a really good time. My favorite part was finding a big old tree by a small creek with a very vast root system. Carter seemed a little uncertain at first but once he settled he really got in the grove and was entranced by everything around him.

I love this first picture of him. It really exemplifies that childhood curiosity and the spirit of exploration children have at his age. Everything is wondrous to him.

Well of course we had to give him cake! It was his very first birthday! I love that his mother got orange cake for our shoot. Apparently it just so happened that this particular cake was the last one on the shelf at the grocery store. That's what I call a happy circumstance! If you've been following my blog you know that I love color and especially bright color accents. Any other cake would have failed to emphasize his BEAUTIFUL jet black eyes quite so brilliantly! The following is one of my favorite shots - ever.

And with this last one, just for laughs, I'd like to give you an idea of the messiness that happens when you let a baby eat cake and play in the dirt at the same time! Haha there were layers upon layers of orange cake and brown/gray dust. Thank goodness mom brought plenty of baby wipes otherwise we'd have had to dunk him in the creek! j.k.

Update

Thank you to everyone who commented on the post from April 27th! This family was so happy to receive their free gift which all of you contributed to: A gorgeous, painterly stylized copy of one of their images on a 10x10 vintage mate background, mounted on foam core for a sturdy and professional finish. Using a small desk easel it can be proudly displayed on any desk, table or mantle in the house :)

Baton Rouge Family Photographer - A day in the park

It was a brisk May morning when I met up with this gorgeous family on the grounds of the New State Capitol here in Baton Rouge. It must have been a little too early as far as the littlest one was concerned because he was quite suspicious of me and would not move more than a foot away from his mom... until we started playing on the low tree branches that is. And then there was no stopping him. He ran and laughed and played until I got every shot I wanted. :)

Baton Rouge Photographer - Family Session

About two weeks ago I had the great pleasure of photographing this gorgeous family. It was a beautiful spring day and we got some gorgeous afternoon light wondering around on LSU grounds. This baby is so adorable and he is absolutely adored by his parents. I could have probably stayed there all day photographing them. Here are a few of my faves: 

Baton Rouge Children's Photographer - Spring Fairy

These are probably my most favorite baby pictures I've ever done. Both the location and the model were absolutely perfect. Love her!

Softball Saturday

On the 26th I went to watch my niece and her teammates play Coach's Pitch. It was a gorgeous day to be at the ballpark and the little ladies really impressed me. They're still so young but they knew what they were doing and they made some great plays. They ended up winning 6 to 3. I was so excited for them. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Here are a few of the great shots I got.

For a limited time, see all the girls at bat. Click on the above tab entitled Softball.