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! 

When Jen contacted me about setting up a session, I couldn't wait to hear all about her family .  And then she told me about the kids - 4 year old Finn, 2 year old Addie, and 8 week old twins Fiona and Artie.  My jaw hit the floor.  Not because I had no idea how I was going to pull it off (totally true) but because I couldn't believe how Jen pulled it off.  I figured she must be supermom.  

When I showed up to their home last Sunday, it all made sense as soon as I walked in.  She wasn't supermom, she was just mom.  Super laid back, go with the flow, up for anything, whatever we could get, she was happy with mom.  And it was so refreshing!  It was great having the extra hands of dad Art and Aunt Laura, especially when it came to the singing, dancing, tricks, and of course bribery :) 

Kids are just that, kids.  They are unpredictable, fun, silly, sweet, and did I mention unpredictable?  I went into this session hoping for the best, and what I got was more.  No it is not all smiles, perfect chins up, and sleeping babies.  But it's real, and a reflection of their daily lives.  I don't think there's any better session out there.

Thank you Bryne Family for letting me spend your Sunday afternoon with you.  I loved every minute!

Much love,
Kristen

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.