A little past the holidays, but I had to get in a blog for my amazing mini-session families! Many of which are either past clients or friends, making the sessions that much more enjoyable.  Although we had some pretty chilly days, they stuck it out! Thank you guys for coming out!

So excited to use blogstomp for the first time with none other than Evan's 9 month session! Although our day was a little chilly for November, Evan was such a trooper.  I must give credit to mom Erica's awesome fashion sense, not only does Evan always look dapper, but their family as a whole always looks the part! I'm so glad we got the fall foliage we were hoping for.  Can't wait to post Evan's Holiday mini-session! 

Two is an interesting age.  Full of laughs, silliness, and tantrums.  Also full of words I had no idea he knew how to say.  Every day I seem to laugh harder and see a little more steam come out of my head while having Colton.  Bedtimes are drawn out, escape plans are made to avoid dinner time, and the word No is obviously our favorite. None the less, it's been a blast watching him grow up during his second year! Here are some of my favorites <3

My how times have changed! The fun part of photographing Micaela this whole first year not only been watching her grow, but watching my photography grow as well.  Micaela has always beed the best model, gorgeous eyes and that wide open smile.  It was only fitting that we did Micaela's one year session at her own home (props to dad Mike on his awesome backyard!) Thank you Russini family for always letting me capture the fun moments of Micaela's first year! 

A few months ago, I was asked if I was interested in donating a session for a local fundraiser beef steak.  It only took a few minutes of hearing Julia's story, that I jumped at the opportunity to get involved.  Here's a link to Julia's page where you can donate and get updates! While at the benefit I heard a super cute family had won the session I had donated. But low and behold, Shannon was kind enough to donate half of her session to  Lori, who had also tried to win.  It seemed like the gift that kept on giving :) During our session I got to spend time with Cailtin and Jackson, who absolutely hammed it up for me.  One of the easiest sessions yet!  Thank you guys for spending some time with me on a beautiful late August day!

I've know Jenna for a few years since she started doing my hair.  Seeing her grow through her pregnancy, finding out she was having a girl, discussing names, and turning into a beautiful mother, has been such a joy.  I was thrilled when she asked if I could do a family session of her, Sean, and  Jocelyn.  We met on a great Sunday that had the perfect mix of sun and clouds.  Ms. Jocelyn was absolutely perfect, she was in the best mood!  Thank you guys so much for being so fun and sweet!

When I showed up to take portraits for Alexandra's Communion, I couldn't believe how gorgeous she looked, she was just like a mini-bride!  Even all dolled up, she was still an adorable, sweet, little girl who just loved being dressed up.  I loved spending the afternoon with Alexandra, her sisters, and parents.  They gave me such a great mix of formal and candid shots.  I also got some of my favorite detail shots to date.  I hope you enjoy!

Big thanks to the Tama family for having me over, I just loved capturing Alexandra's beautiful personality!

I was so excited when Erica asked if I could do Evan's 3 month session.  It's been amazing seeing Erica and Greg transform from the freshmen I met at Rowan many years ago, to an incredibly in-love couple who really treat marriage and parenting as a partnership.  We decided to have our session at Branch Brook Park which was at the tail-end of its Cherry Blossom season.  Luckily we found a bunch at the north end of the park and ended up with some great shots before the storm clouds moved in.  Thank you guys for letting me spend your Sunday afternoon with you!  I can't wait for the next one! 

If you're anything like me, you keep checking the weather flabbergasted at the thought of more frigid temps this week.  Where's the sunshine, warmth, and color??  I must say when I decided to launch this business in December, I wasn't really sure what I was getting into.  Not many people want to be out in the cold taking pictures (keep in mind this was before I even knew about the insane snow headed our way.)  I was absolutely blown away by the amount willing to put themselves out there.   I never knew just how much you could do with a dull gray sky and I really think the color and warmth of the people I photographed really spoke louder than any background.  On the eve of (hopefully) our last cold front, I decided to take the time to reflect on my favorite photos of this winter.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did :)  

I started at the end of November with what I considered one of my first "real" shoots.  Liz and Brian were going to cut down their Christmas tree so the fam tagged along.  It wasn't easy finding the perfect tree, but the adventure to do so was worth the wait.

Oh, and there were ring shots, and I just love a good ring shot.

I was able to get some of my favorite kid shots (including a few of my own) on two of the very rare warm days this season.

If you made it this far, you deserve a big THANK YOU! The support I've received the past few months has been so amazing.  I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for my amazing family, friends, and clients.  Big things are happening for Kristen Maus Photography in the next few months, and I can't wait to share it with all of you.  
Much love - Kristen

Love + Laughter + Food = A Happy Family.  At least that's how my family operates.  Once a year we get together on a  February day where we clear our calendars,  roll up our sleeves, and get a little flour on our clothes.  We may not be Emeril, Rachael Ray, or Giada, but we are a family that sticks together, and there is no truer story to tell. 

It all began with my great grandmother in the high-rises of NYC.  It later spread to my Nana's house where us kids spent most of the day chasing each other, playing games, and taking turns swatting each other with the rolling pin.  In fact, in my early years I guffawed at the idea of eating spinach and swiss cheese ravs and instead opted for "making my own" out of left over dry dough and meatball scraps.  

Ravioli day is so different than Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any other holiday.  There's no competition for the day.  When it's booked, you're there! It's also the optimal time to bring significant others to meet the family.  Just ask my sister-in-law whose first time was when she and Brian got engaged.  Or how about my own husband's first family encounter?  Nothing like meeting 15 great people all at once.  Ravioli day is about the breaks between the dough kneading where stories are told, the wine is flowing, and bonds are made.  

I think my favorite part has been watching my mom transform from "mom" to "nana."  She's still the same to me, but has become so much more to Brielle, Colton, and Gianni.  They hug her legs when she's at the sink, beg to help, jump at the chance to sit at her lap.  She's truly transformed before my eyes, from the crinkle in her knuckles when kneading the dough, to the cracking of the eggs, and the shouts of "darn it" when the dough just isn't right.  Here's to my mom and her continued devotion to keeping family traditions alive.  You rock mom, I know Nana's proud.