Helen Joy’s Photographer Blog

Helen Joy George 11/2/15 Helen Joy George 11/2/15

welcoming sadie | an adoption story

Last year, Sadie Caroline was in Bulgaria waiting for her forever family, and a few weeks ago I photographed her with her forever family. . .3 brothers and a loving mama and daddy. She wore her baptism gown, lovingly sewed by her grandmother and even trimmed in her grandmother's wedding dress lace and was smothered in love the entire time I shot.

It was like she's been there all along.

www.helenjoy.com

Helen Joy George 10/30/15 Helen Joy George 10/30/15

my little darling | portraits of a curious soul

Born the baby of 5 girls, I will never forget the day I found out about you. We were all sat up on the bed in an Arizona motel like little stair steps and one by one our parents relayed how blessed they were by each of us, and then then finished and we all looked at the blank piece of bed and knew a new baby would be there soon. And we all cried bad tears. Oh but you were oh so very needed. You were born into a time of extreme turmoil and pain in our lives and you my darling sister could have very well been burnt up in the fire but you have instead come out a diamond.

Your sweetness and love for those around you is a beautiful thing to behold. You choose to smile even when things aren't worth smiling about. You are a scrappy little thing, always proving that you belong with the big sisters.

Senior portraits are always a little hokey to me. Awkward and forced and in limbo...just like that time of life is. But I knew it wouldn't be like that with you. Your curious little soul shone so bright and your eyes sparkled with a genuine, unforced love of life. Feminine but so very brave.

I love you.

My heart bursts with pride of you, my little darling.

www.helenjoy.com

Helen Joy George 10/13/15 Helen Joy George 10/13/15

the birth of uriah anthem

Uriah Anthem was born early in the morning on the first morning of September. He came into the world on his own terms a full 4 weeks early, pushing his mama to dig deep and find that place inside of herself to calm the chaos of a birth that wasn't in the plans yet. And boy did she ever. Mama delivered her baby fast and peacefully into her own hands, with Daddy by her side supporting her so bravely.

The big sisters awoke to the exciting news that their brother was already here! I am in love with all the shots of their sweet little helping hands and their faces full of glee.

Welcome to the world Uriah! You've got a pretty special family that needed you so very much!