carson | the first year {every single moment}

As soon as our Chloe was born, literally the first few minutes into her life we started documenting. Her smiles, her crazy hair, every giggle, all the moments that are so fleeting and so easily forgotten. THIS is what photography means to us, looking back at a photo and being able to remember what you felt, what BEING in that moment was like. Last year we had the pleasure of being able to capture all of these little moments for the Schluck Family…

We first met Mike and Ashley when they found out Carson was on the way. These two were so happy to be parents and it was so noticeable on the other side of our lenses. We headed up to Centennial, WY to capture that gorgeous baby bump and we all left wondering about what their precious little one would be like. Would he be tall like his daddy? Would he have an infectious laugh like his mommy? Would he love the Yankees? Ok so loving the Yankees is mandatory to live in the Schluck household right guys?

When Carson was born we got to spend the day with them again. We took countless pictures of his nautical themed nursery and spent our time capturing their new little family. 10 fingers, 10 toes and the most adorable Mohawk. You could feel how already Carson was the most important thing in both Ashley & Mike’s lives. We cherished getting to photograph them as they were, right there in their living room.

Time passed and Carson turned 3 months old. Suddenly the world was brand new to this curious little one. He could hold his head up, look around on his tummy and make little noises that made us all giggle. On a chilly fall day we headed outside with this wonderful family to capture photos that would help them to remember these new stages. His cute little stare, how tiny he was in their arms, how he wouldn’t stay little like this forever…

3 more months came and went and by the time his 6 month portraits came up he had learned a few new things. How to sit up, a love for baseball and surprise surprise he DID get his mommy’s infectious laugh! Cold and wintery outside we photographed this sweet family inside a historic train depot. By this time we knew Ashley, Mike & Carson very well and really enjoyed every time we got to spend time photographing their lives!

Who knew 9 months could go SO fast. For this session we met the Schluck Family in Fort Collins. We played at City Park, ate leaves (well Carson did lol) and fed the ducks. All of a sudden that tiny little baby boy we photographed in his living room was learning to stand, communicate and make his place in this world!

Photographing Carson’s one year birthday was a blast. Ashley & Mike designed the cutest golf themed party and invited all of their family and friends. We spent the afternoon  photographing the kiddos playing, cake smashing and Carson absolutely loving it all. Ashley and Mike were able to focus on BEING in the moment, knowing we were there to capture everything on film for them.

We went rustic to celebrate Carson being ONE YEAR old. Incorporating a rustic lodge and old barn into his session. Looking at these photos still blows my mind. That little boy that was too little for his lion costume JUST last Halloween was wearing big kid clothes. He smiled and posed, completely used to having his picture taken.

Ashley & Mike, thank you for letting us into your world. Seeing our photos on the walls of your home is an honor and so humbling. Getting to see Carson grow big, strong and happy from the other side of our lenses was a privilege. Cannot wait to see you guys again soon for family pictures!