sweet dreams, luchador | newborn images by benandbeccalee

If there was one word we'd use to describe this sweet little guy (with that beautiful head of hair!), there's no question what it would be. Luchador. Such a funny word for such an adorable baby. Luchador. It means fighter. Luchador. It's what and who he's been long before he was born. Luchador. It's exactly what he is now and what he will be – what he'll have to be – to guard himself from his three, adoring big sisters.

Luchador. Fighter. Can't you tell?

Baby V | Day 4 | Newborn Photography by BenandBeccalee

Oh my gosh, what a sweet baby! This little guy fell fast asleep in a familiar position – coiled up in a teeny ball right in his mama's lap.

Look at those little fingers!

this baby's a big deal | newborn photography

Tough call here, partner... Is this the cutest darn kid you've ever done seen? You bet your britches, he is!

flash that smile | nick @ eighteen months

Little Kid Photo Tip #819: When you think a shoot has wrapped, give it at least one more minute. Breathe. Breathe again. Maybe start to pack up. But leave the camera on and the lens cap off. Keep that finger on the shutter ... You never know when the best smiles will come.

expecting | an indoor maternity portrait: december 2013

We already know the answer to this simple question, but we'll ask it anyway: Is there anything more beautiful than an expectant mother? 

happy thirdmonthday | o'fallon, mo

It might seem we've been on a posting hiatus of sorts – but it's really only because we've been sharing images on our Instagram of late instead. But these photos of Baby L were just too darn cute for the Instagram square!

look at that bundle of joy | august 2013

We quickly found out that Baby K does not like to be swaddled. So, she may look like she's fast asleep, but be not fooled. She's just a good actress! #illposeallcuteifyoupromisethisisthelastone

smile for the camera, baby k

Awwwwwwwww. (Pretty sure no other word can describe it when Baby Kinley sleeps with a smile in Mom's arms.)

hand-off & hold tight | baby cam

As we prepared for this sweet sleeping baby photo, Eric and Ola got their little newborn all nice and tired, warm and relaxed. Two quick frames, and Cam's arms and legs popped right up. Going through the images after the shoot was done, his tiny little feet poking up ended up better than the photo with them gently tucked into Mom's hands.

You just never know. Ready, Fire, Aim...

the newest member of our family

Extending a nice, warm, quiet welcome into the world to our youngest nephew, Colton Michael. Born at 6:07 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012: 7 lbs. 7 oz. Sleep tight, little one. Don't grow up too fast.

seuss style

Carter's "Grandma Bea" is super talented: she's the artist behind C's Dr. Seuss stocking cap and Micky ears.

... And a whole bunch of other knitted gear donned in Carter's debut session.

the smile says it all

We. Love. Baby Photos. Congrats, Victoria and Adam, proud, new parents of Baby C -- born on Aug. 29 (Ben's birthday!) and photographed today. One of the best perks about newborn photography? Being among the first outside the hospital to see the baby. Never gets old.

n.m.s. II: safe in mother's arms

n.m.s.

Ahhh Baby Nick... We've waited a long time for you to show your cute face. Making your debut this week at a mere 41 (!!) weeks, on 7-23-12, at 8 lbs. 8 oz and 22 inches. You are the sweetest thing, especially rockin' the authentic firefighter duds (a fitting tribute to your Grandpa Turner!)... Nice work Spencer and Susan!

tech specs: cardinal baby

100mm, f/4, 1/20 sec.

on a more positive note...

It's been six short years since the Youngs set up shop in St. Louis and in that time, we've watched their kids grow, watched their family grow, and they've even watched our sweet Khloe grow -- taking care of our mischievous little pup when she was much, much (young)er. But now, we say goodbye, as Sam, Jennie and the gang are packing up to move out West this week. Sunday at church was rather emotional as friends hugged and said their farewells and made plans to help the Youngs get ready to roll. No one likes goodbyes -- so on a more positive note, we were happy when we got the chance to hit their home last night and capture these:


We'll miss you, guys. Enjoy the images, and good luck in your next endeavor!

Eric and Ola + One

Tonight was a good night. We were among the first in the world to meet Baby Max, son of Eric and Ola, born on 11/10/11. And while he was awake and alert for a good portion of the shoot (yeah, he must have been excited to meet Becca), you'd never know it by looking at the images below with Mom and Dad.


Later, on our way home, we found out our awesome sister-in-law had checked into an L.A.-area hospital, ready to give birth to our second nephew and their third child. To our surprise, it wasn't but a few hours later that we received a few texts and video proof that our cross-country addition had arrived! Ahhh... We feel so, so blessed.
Now sleep well, sweet boys. You've got a lot of growing up to do.

Hailey Rae

This has been a week of firsts. And by firsts, we mean first birthdays. First it was Nora, then Gage, our very own Peyton was next, and now it's Hailey Rae's turn. A year later, it's still hard to believe that four friends, including Ben's sister, had babies in four consecutive days last September. But it happened. Sept 20th-23rd.

Handsome 'lil L.C.H.

This sweet guy is celebrating his six-month birthday today. We just couldn't let this happy milestone pass without posting a couple pics from this past weekend! You might remember this beautiful boy from here or here. Happy Birthday Mister H!

flashback

Was looking through some old files for another image and came across this oldie-but-goodie maternity silhouette.