Gone are the days where I could tickle my toddler and get a picture perfect photo. My three children have entered the stage of pinching/poking/prodding every time I line them up for a group shot. They can't keep their hands to themselves, even when bribed with candy.

 

"She's pinching me, Mama."

"Who me? I'm not!"

"She pinched me again."

Photo credit: Sarah Sloboda

 

Do you know how embarrassing it is to line up your pinching/poking/prodding clan in front of a professional photographer? My husband and I were ready to flee the country in total defeat and with utter embarrassment. Luckily Sarah had more patience for our rambunctious kids. She managed to capture my children in a natural setting, letting their personalities shine. Something no one-hour portrait studio could ever do.

 

My loving, thoughtful and incredible son.

 

 

My energetic, ambitious and head strong daughter.

 

 

My mischievous, independent and confident baby.

 

 

All perfectly captured by Sarah Sloboda. I have to be honest. After seeing how misbehaved my children were at the photo shoot I wasn't expecting anything great. I was expecting a lot of pinching/poking/prodding photos of my children because that's what I observed. But I was wrong, which is why you should always trust the professionals. Check out the family portrait she took of us on my "About Me" page - that's really us - the loving, energetic and mischievous family of five.

 

If you are in the Cleveland area, Sarah is hosting an awesome workshop called "Creating Heirlooms: Photo Workshop for Parents" that will go over things like technical proficiency, composition and camera settings.

 

Disclosure: Although Sarah took photos of our family for free, she never requested online exposure. I just really enjoyed her and her photos. More so, I hope these photos brighten up my MIL's hospital room. She needs smiles right about now.