BAMBINO :: Newborn Session :: Baby John | Lara Parent Photography | West Michigan Photography

"Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy..."
John Lennon

Great Expectations | Belly Session:: Jessica and Bill | Lara Parent Photography | West Michigan Photography

This picture speaks volumes....another beautiful session~congratulations, Jessica and Bill~see you in a couple of days to meet the new arrival~



(Thanks to my S-I-L, Stacy SP for connecting us! xx :)L )

Jane:: I Am That Merry Wanderer...| Lara Parent Photography | West Michigan Photography

I love this girl.....she is not afraid to be who she is and that "who" is ever changing and evolving. She is that merry wanderer...just a couple more from our recent session. (Taking an editing break~)

Phoebe :: I Love Summer | Lara Parent Photography | West Michigan Photography

It has been such a wonderful past two *photo* weeks that I had to post again tonight.
This was a lovely concept fashion collaboration with Phoebes....what a lovely night...
Enjoy the seaside part....truly, ich liebe sommer und the lovely people I get to photograph....

Oh Baby! Sneak Peek:: Little D | Lara Parent Photography | West Michigan Photographer

Had to post this one. Quickly. Little D. Always happy. When he wakes up. When he goes to bed. I want to be this child.

Carly::From the Senior Session | Lara Parent Photography | West Michigan Photography

Sometimes when you pull the camera away from your face, you see natural moments. This first photo was inspired by the lovely Carly in a natural moment.

With all of this rain today, I was inspired to post two lush images from this recent session>>look for more images in the coming weeks.

I love photographing seniors: their confidence, their natural expressions and moments, waiting to capture them being themselves, their uncertainty in front of the camera at times (really this happens with everyone :) I'm sure you can relate. I know I can), and that lovely, lovely age where everything is in front of you and yet childhood is not too far behind.

Carly was full of grace, beauty, adventure, and laughter. It was such a wonderful session. Thank you to one of my dearest friends, Lotta, for connecting us and for tagging along with the fab Lily!

Enjoy~

Jane::Glimpse of Senior Session/Tribute to Robert Longo/Things I Wish I knew at 17 | Lara Parent Photography | West Michigan Photography

Sometime I'll get around to telling the whole story of how I met Jane and about our sessions...an amazing senior that made it so difficult for me to put down my camera (Thank you Jane!) As I was editing her images, this image struck me as both a homage to Robert Longo and as a connection to being 17 again.

All of this I'm sure is rooted in the recent reunions, conversations and re-connections I've had with old friends>>the ones who really, really know you: your history, your successes, all of the dumb stuff you did and still do and yet accept you unconditionally. Friends, who, even after years have gone by, time picks up where it has left off when you are together. (You lovely people know who you are and how much I adore you...)

It is always so easy to look back and say, "I wish I knew (insert lesson here) when I was (insert age here)...." But you didn't. You made decisions and choices, you had moments of happiness and maybe a few regrets. It is what it is. It was what it was. And, your choices are a part of who you are today. But....if I were 17 again, I would always know....

_To make sure that when you think you are thinking with your brain, that it is really not your heart.

_To take way more risks and to keep taking them.

_To be a little selfish when you need to.

_To listen to your parents. As I look back, they were 99.9% (and still are) right. I know it sounds crazy––and it is––but they know you and have your best interests at heart, despite what it seems.

_To realize that is a wonderful thing to know that you have stood up for what you knew was right: people, causes, situations.

_To tap into your own individuality and to never be afraid of being who you are at that moment. That what it's all about.

_To not worry about wearing ridiculous clothing and makeup (or lack thereof). When you are 17, you can get away with anything fashion-wise.

_To be relentless/persistent about your passions: like when you asked your parents to buy you a camera over and over and over again and it worked. That was a good choice.

_To put your own dreams in front of boys. There will always be another boy who will come along.

_To buy that round trip ticket around the world like your friend did. She was right and had an amazing year.

_To remember that being open to people has its risks and rewards, but typically it's worth it.

_To know that there is always time....for everything....even when you are (insert age here)...:)


But back to Jane.......

Family Session:: On the Farm: Buskirks | Lara Parent Photography | West Michigan Photographer

"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair."
~Kahlil Gibran

The evening I spent walking and riding and photographing through acres and acres of the lovely Buskirk's family farm was such a nice change of pace and such a lovely experience. Their farm has been in their family for generations; just hearing the stories and the connection to the past was fascinating. It was a perfect evening! Enjoy and thanks you guys!!

Here are a few highlights (they had an amazing collection and mix of furniture and art too! I adore this couch!)

Family Session: Sneak Peek::Buskirk | Lara Parent Photography | West Michigan Photographer

Just a quick image to share on a break from editing!
Enjoy!
:)L

SUMMER IS THE BEST | West Michigan Fine Art Photographer