Mary Tullamora

Remember how careful and cautious you were with your first baby? You’ve had all this time to prepare and the nursery is just perfect and then comes baby #2 and everything changes! Your hands are now full with your toddler and suddenly you don’t have the time to worry quite as much as you did the first time around. You let your guard down just a bit because you know in your heart that everything will work out  just fine. I think this session beautifully captures some of that transition of having just 1 child and adding a second…many real and authentic moments of love and patience and play. Mary Tullamora is baby #2 and the first girl for the Diede family. It’s safe to say that everyone is in love with her, especially big brother, Harrison (2 ½)! Mary was 2 months at this session and was quite content watching her brother as he kept busy with playdough, snacks, Madagascar, and watering plants…you know, just regular stuff you do when your parents are in the middle of a photo shoot with your brand new baby sister. There may have been a few M + M’s involved with this session…just to keep us all happy and cooperating. :-)

Congratulations Diede family! Mary completes your family just perfectly!

See more of this sweet family here. 

Mommy & Me Sessions | YoungLives 2015

During a session, I always show a few of the images from the back of my camera to my client. And almost every time they smile. It’s almost as if they are seeing themselves in a different way. Some have even said, “wow, I didn’t think I could look that good”. This type of reaction makes my heart sing and at the very core is the reason why I love photography so very much. If I can help others see just how beautiful they truly are…well, then all is right with my photographer heart!

I think it’s probably safe to say that many of the teen moms that I have met through YoungLives have forgotten just how truly beautiful they are. A typical teen may be stressed about an upcoming test or worried about college applications, but teen moms are worried about how they are going to afford diapers and formula and if they have childcare in order to get to work or school the next day. They are often living in very stressful housing situations and may have little or no family support. I am guessing that life probably doesn’t feel all that beautiful anymore. They face struggles that so many of us can’t even imagine. I was asked to photograph the Mommy & Me portraits at all three of the YoungLives Clubs in our area and I am so glad that I was able to say YES! Taking these images was such an eye opening experience for me. My heart was softened and my perspective on beauty has grown. Even amongst so much hardship, these young moms and dads are incredibly beautiful and the way they fiercely love their babies is so inspiring. I don’t know if I have ever photographed a more thankful and appreciative group of people. These sessions touched 42 teen moms, 9 teen dads, 10 pregnant teens, and 47 babies and toddlers - each one of them is fighting for the best life possible and choosing to pursue friendships, mentors, and a relationship with God through the YoungLives community. I am grateful to be a tiny part of their journey.

It wasn't possible to blog all of the images (almost 300 in total), but I wanted to share a few of the highlights. These sessions took place over the course of three different nights and in three different locations.

Learn more about YoungLives here. Get involved with one of the local clubs here. The local clubs are always looking for volunteers.

Trepus Family

I asked Kerry when they last had professional pictures taken and her response was, "does our wedding count?" So, it was time to capture this family of 3! :-) And after having to rescheduled several times due to rainy March weather, we were blessed with a perfect April evening. Isla is 16 months and almost immediately introduced me to her best friend, "Minnie" (isn't that the cutest black and white Minnie?!) and performed all sorts of tricks during our session including all the hand motions to "head shoulders knees and toes" while Daddy was singing the words! This was such a fun session and ended with the sweetest of news...Kerry and Greg are expecting baby #2 this Fall!!!

Congratulations Trepus family! I am so excited for you! xo

Class of 2016 Senior Model Reps

Working with high school seniors is one of my favorite parts of being a photographer. Seniors are juggling so many activities, sports, games, friends, homework, events, and jobs!! The year is also filled with dreams, plans, and preparations for life after high school. I love that social media keeps me connected to these kids and I am able to see glimpses of their journey throughout the year. I am excited to kick off the start of senior season by announcing the Class of 2016 Senior Model Reps for Leaving A Mark Photography! Introducing...

Kate Grossmann | Mt. Spokane High School | Class of 2016

Kate is already concerned that her senior year will be over too soon (it hasn’t even started yet!!). I love that she values kindness, outreach, and the feeling of community at her high school. She is part of the varsity cheerleader and tennis teams as well as the National Honor Society and Key Club. She was recently selected for the role of Captain of the cheer team for her senior year. I have no doubt that she will make an excellent leader for the class of 2016!

Geena McNett | Mt. Spokane High School | Class of 2016

Geena is very involved with the DECA program and her favorite part about high school is working in the student store. Geena has been a gymnast since the age of 4 and started competing in middle school. I first meet Geena when she was just an elementary student; it’s truly a joy to be able to capture this final stage of childhood for her and her family.

I am so proud to have both of these beautiful and talented girls as part of my team!! I look forward to working with you and your families!

Click here for more information about senior sessions!

Contact Leaving A Mark Photography here.