classic extended family portraits | johns creek family photographer

January 11, 2016

This is an extended family session for the books. You may recognize some familiar faces as I've photographed my friend Amanda's family and extended family many times. Our session this morning was for her husband's family. We have been talking a while about getting together for portrait and, as you can imagine, it is SO hard to coordinate schedules for this many people! We ended up finding a morning that would work for all of us and met at a park with shade so the sun wouldn't be too harsh. As you can see, these images are classic and some that I hope they will cherish for a lifetime! Enjoy some of my favorites from our time together!<3

beautiful 3 year old girl with pony tail in black

parents and adult children in black and jeans

Contact me about your own extended family session:

gorgeous family of five | atlanta family photographer

November 19, 2015

Beautiful family, beautiful spirits, beautiful location. What more could we ask for?

Jen was referred to me by the t family, who's fall family photos I did a couple years back. When I met Jen I felt instantly connected to her on so many levels and I can't begin to describe how wonderful it is when that happens. To be brief, it's like photographing one of your lifelong friends. We have so much in common and I enjoyed learning about her family and desires for this photography session.

We met on a Sunday evening at the Big Creek Greenway and for the first time I met her gorgeous family. Beautiful. The kids were so sweet with each other, respectful, and fun. And Jen and Jon were amazing. Let's not forget Reese, the regal doggie, who was probably the most cooperative member of the session?? LOVE it.

Thank you, S family, for allowing me to capture images of your crew that will hopefully be cherished for a lifetime. Love, love, love you and wish many blessings on your family. <3

Project 365 | February 1-15, 2015 | Johns Creek, GA Family Lifestyle Photographer

February 23, 2015

February has started out wonderfully... such a magical time with our new tiny baby.

2.1.2015Big brother loves to help and insisted on wearing his "big brother" button every time he came to the hospital.

2.2.2015love these little boys — 2.2.2015
love these little boys

2.3.2015Jack's big brother gift and our last day in the hospital

2.5.2015First visit to Dr. Harbaugh! Jack got to be the big brother helper — 2.5.2015
First visit to Dr. Harbaugh! Jack got to be the big brother helper

2.6.2015Ryan's baby quilt from Gran and Poppy — 2.6.2015
Ryan's baby quilt from Gran and Poppy

2.8.2015Newborn session round 1 — 2.8.2015
Newborn session round 1

2.9.2015One of the rare awake moments of these early days — 2.9.2015
One of the rare awake moments of these early days

2.10.2015Faces of the day:Ryan's in between more newborn photosJack's as he prepares his Jake valentines for school — 2.10.2015
Faces of the day:
Ryan's in between more newborn photos
Jack's as he prepares his Jake valentines for school

2.11.2015A much better day for newborn photos

2.12.2015Valentine sweetheart lunch with my big boy. And his sweet answers about mommy:) — 2.12.2015
Valentine sweetheart lunch with my big boy. And his sweet answers about mommy:)

2.13.2015little assistant loving his camera — 2.13.2015
little assistant loving his camera

2.14.2015Happy Valentine's Day from our little loves — 2.14.2015
Happy Valentine's Day from our little loves

2.15.2015All the tiny details. — 2.15.2015
All the tiny details.

2.16.2015Yes, Jack rides his tricycle in the house:) But the best part is when he takes toys for a ride. On this day it was his "Elmo Friends." — 2.16.2015
Yes, Jack rides his tricycle in the house:) But the best part is when he takes toys for a ride. On this day it was his "Elmo Friends."

2.17.2015I just love how relaxed sleeping tiny babies are

2.18.2015Pre naptime snuggles. — 2.18.2015
Pre naptime snuggles.

2.19.2015sweet baby face — 2.19.2015
sweet baby face

2.20.2015It's so hard to make yourself get in front of the camera when you're the one making the pictures happen. When my mom was in town to help, I was determined to get some shots with my boys. As moms, we may not love how we look (especially afte… — 2.20.2015
It's so hard to make yourself get in front of the camera when you're the one making the pictures happen. When my mom was in town to help, I was determined to get some shots with my boys. As moms, we may not love how we look (especially after giving birth!) but I know when I look back on these, I will be so thankful that I got in the frame. This is already one of my favorite photos so far this year.

2.21.2015Learning to take the paci. We had these elephant wubbanubs with jack, so had to stock up on some new one for Ryan. — 2.21.2015
Learning to take the paci. We had these elephant wubbanubs with jack, so had to stock up on some new one for Ryan.

2.23.2015Had to capture our favorite newborn outfit of Ryan's before this big boy outgrows it! — 2.23.2015
Had to capture our favorite newborn outfit of Ryan's before this big boy outgrows it!

2.24.2015Goofy face before school on an almost snow day. — 2.24.2015
Goofy face before school on an almost snow day.

2.25.2015Ryan's first "snow." I guess we should call it his first snowfall since nothing ended up sticking over here. — 2.25.2015
Ryan's first "snow." I guess we should call it his first snowfall since nothing ended up sticking over here.

Project 365 | Week 4 | January 22-31, 2015 | Johns Creek, GA Lifestyle Family Photographer

February 16, 2015

Such an exciting and what felt like an incredibly loooooooong week! The days leading up to the birth of Ryan and our first couple days with him. My c section was originally scheduled for the 26th but our dr (who we love!), ended up traveling to see his first grand baby so we postponed until he got back. Baby and I held out but it really made this feel like the longest week ever.

22|365Jack's preschool celebrates summer birthdays as half birthdays so Jack got to have a 1/2 birthday party on this day:) He was so excited and cute about getting to have a "party" and cupcakes. My friend Collette at Shaddy Cakes ma… — 22|365
Jack's preschool celebrates summer birthdays as half birthdays so Jack got to have a 1/2 birthday party on this day:) He was so excited and cute about getting to have a "party" and cupcakes. My friend Collette at Shaddy Cakes made the cupcakes with a cake flavor of cookies n cream. So yummy, everyone wanted more! And almost a month later, Jack is still talking about this day.

23|365We gave jack this umbrella for Christmas and it is arguably his favorite present ever. He has also always been all about his rain boots and coat so on this rainy day I decided to take him to a local park for some puddle jumping. He only made i… — 23|365
We gave jack this umbrella for Christmas and it is arguably his favorite present ever. He has also always been all about his rain boots and coat so on this rainy day I decided to take him to a local park for some puddle jumping. He only made it through this one jump and then was too upset that his pants and socks got wet. We'll have to do this more often!

24|365Jack asks to read about baby brother every night. This Berenstein Bears book is one of his favorites! — 24|365
Jack asks to read about baby brother every night. This Berenstein Bears book is one of his favorites!

25|365On the lookout for Captain Hook! — 25|365
On the lookout for Captain Hook!

26|365"Double Tickles" Part of the "night night go go daddy" routine that's been going on for almost 2 years on John's nights to put jack down. They have a long list of made up games that they play on our bed on these nights that produce l… — 26|365
"Double Tickles"
Part of the "night night go go daddy" routine that's been going on for almost 2 years on John's nights to put jack down. They have a long list of made up games that they play on our bed on these nights that produce lots of squeals and giggles!

27|365One of Jack's frequent requests is to visit Whole Foods...its all about that cart and shopping for his foods. — 27|365
One of Jack's frequent requests is to visit Whole Foods...its all about that cart and shopping for his foods.

28|365Jack's big boy room! — 28|365
Jack's big boy room!

29|365The finished half of baby's native american themed nursery. Bedding made by my mom and teepees made with the help of Jack. We'll show the other half before too long! — 29|365
The finished half of baby's native american themed nursery. Bedding made by my mom and teepees made with the help of Jack. We'll show the other half before too long!

30|3651:36pm: our hearts and family grew to welcome this little love. Ryan Lee Orton 9lbs 3oz | 20.5 in — 30|365
1:36pm: our hearts and family grew to welcome this little love.
Ryan Lee Orton
9lbs 3oz | 20.5 in

31|365More love every day. — 31|365
More love every day.

Project 365 | Week 3 | January 15-21, 2015 | Johns Creek, GA Family Photographer

January 22, 2015

Week three of project 365!
Some everyday adventures, some out of the ordinary. But a fun week to capture!

15|365My new assistant. We were picking out paint colors for baby's room at Home Depot and Jack insisted on "helping" me take a picture. Now he does this almost every day! — 15|365
My new assistant. We were picking out paint colors for baby's room at Home Depot and Jack insisted on "helping" me take a picture. Now he does this almost every day!

16|365"Look Mommy, I in there!" Putting final touches on the big boy room. — 16|365
"Look Mommy, I in there!"
Putting final touches on the big boy room.

17|365So many good photos from the birthday party at INK today, I had such a hard time choosing... but finally settled on these because: 1. It was Millie's bday at ink2. Our friend, Joel, makes the 365 pic3. Michael covering Madeleine… — 17|365
So many good photos from the birthday party at INK today, I had such a hard time choosing... but finally settled on these because:
1. It was Millie's bday at ink
2. Our friend, Joel, makes the 365 pic
3. Michael covering Madeleine's mouth as she was trying to help blow out Millie's candle...lol
4. Jack and Millie's cousin are "helping" her blow the candle
5. (Pic #2) Jack stuffing his face with birthday cake- something we recently discovered that he loves!

18|365Hopefully our last grocery trip before baby! — 18|365
Hopefully our last grocery trip before baby!

19|36538 weeks. Comparing bellies. — 19|365
38 weeks. Comparing bellies.

20|365My little assistant loves trips to the post office to mail photo orders.Jack has been loving trips to the post office for about a year and a half now. He loves to put packages in the big door and knows the process of weighing and stamping firs… — 20|365
My little assistant loves trips to the post office to mail photo orders.
Jack has been loving trips to the post office for about a year and a half now. He loves to put packages in the big door and knows the process of weighing and stamping first. I had to capture this moment of one of his favorite things.

21|365A day in the life of a little superman... flying, preschool, napping...These velcro cape tshirts are the cutest invention ever! I have been getting them in every size from Gap since started walking. He obviously loves them! — 21|365
A day in the life of a little superman... flying, preschool, napping...
These velcro cape tshirts are the cutest invention ever! I have been getting them in every size from Gap since started walking. He obviously loves them!

Project 365 | Week 2 | January 7-14, 2015 | Johns Creek, Alpharetta, GA Family Photographer

January 16, 2015

8|365 Home Depot visit to pick out paint for baby brother's room

10|365 Contemplating mischief for the day

11|365 "The Monster at the End of This Book" is not so scary

12|365 One last mommy and Jackie outing...visiting the aquarium on Monday morning!

13|365 Garbage day is still so thrilling! But if they don't notice Jack watching and fail to honk at him, he gets very offended:/ This was a good day though, honks and waves all around!

If you missed week 1, check it out here: Project 365 | Week 1

Project 365 | Week 1 - January 1-7, 2015 | Johns Creek, Alpharetta, GA Family Photographer

January 8, 2015

This year I have decided to embark on a Project 365... a photo a day for an entire year. I have been wanting to complete one of these personal projects for a couple years now, but finally felt the true motivation and desire to do it in 2015! With our new addition of baby brother at the end of this month, I know I'll have lots of great subject matter.

I hope to mostly capture each day with my d800 as a way of refining and expanding my photography skills but there may be some iPhone shots sprinkled throughout. So please excuse the quality of those few! Day 2 and Day 7 of this first week are iPhone captures - day 2 because I left my memory cards at home and day 7 because the moment happened and I only had my phone:)

Follow me on instagram and my personal Facebook to see daily shares. Search #ortonproject365 on instagram for the full project in progress. And follow me on my photography Facebook page where I'll link to my weekly blog posts!

2|365 - Dinner at Ruth's Chris - "mommy, come take my picture!"

3|365 - Gran and Poppy were in town - Jack and Poppy wore match pjs!

6|365 - Construction site viewing on the way home from preschool

7|365 - "Baby brother, are you in there growing bigger, bigger, bigger??"

family of five fall photos | Johns Creek Family Photographer

December 12, 2014

Meet the Doldo's! My beautiful friend, Faith, and all her handsome boys! Their oldest son and my Jack are big buddies so I knew what an adorable personality the little man had and the twins couldn't be cuter if they tried!

Faith's husband, Neil, works as the fitness director at the Atlanta Athletic Club, so when Faith mentioned that location as an option, I knew we HAD to go for it. Nothing like a private photo session for your family of five on the golf course! Their perfectly coordinated outfits totally made the session. I had so much fun photographing your family, Faith and Neil, and hope you will enjoy the images for many years to come!

gender reveal - spring baby, pink or blue? | Johns Creek Maternity Photographer

December 1, 2014

My beautiful friend, Sarah, contacted me after finding out the gender of her baby and wanted to do a special photo shoot for Van, Sarah and Chad's son. I was instantly excited about this idea and knew how sweet Van has been about his mommy being pregnant and wanting to know if his sibling would be a boy or a girl. I couldn't wait to witness the big reveal!

It's a girl!!!! Van was adorable and giddy with excitement over his soon to be baby sister! I couldn't be more thrilled for my sweet friend and her family. This baby girl is so blessed to have a big brother like Van and such awesome parents, too:) Thank you, Chad and Sarah, for letting me be part of the big reveal!

one year old boy photos | Atlanta Family Photographer

November 29, 2014

This little boy couldn't have been more adorable for his one year photos! I've met his momma through a mutual friend and have gotten to know her a little bit through social events. I was thrilled when she contacted me about a session for Jackson and the rest of the family.

We met on a perfectly sunny afternoon and little guy was in a great mood and a joy to photograph. The rest of his family was so much fun and you can really see through these images that Jackson is one loved little boy.

C family, I hope these images captured your little love exactly how you want to remember him at this cute stage in his life. He is one lucky boy to have the love of so many wonderful people!

2014 Fall Mini Sessions | Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Roswell, GA Family Photographer

September 23, 2014

2014 Fall Mini Sessions are here!

Sunday evening, October 12th

Times available:

4:00pm

4:30pm

5:00pm

5:30pm

6:00pm

6:30pm

precious baby boy | Roswell Newborn Photographer

April 28, 2014

I was thrilled when Danyella and Wes contacted me about a newborn session for their new precious boy, Lucas. I can't ever say enough about how the specialness of newborn sessions. It's such a sweet and fleeting time in a family's life and I'm always so honored to be asked to capture the makeup of a new family.

We had such a wonderful afternoon together, baby Lucas was as sweet as he could be and I loved getting to chat with his mom and dad during our breaks. I've known Danyella and her family for several years and they are such great people. I've met Wes a couple times so enjoyed this chance to get to know him and Danyella as a couple. They are already such great parents, Lucas is so lucky to have them!

Thank you so much, M family, for inviting me to photograph your beautiful newborn baby boy and new family of three:) I wish you nights full of sleep and days full of joy! You have so many fun times ahead of you with sweet Lucas.

adorable brother and sister | Johns Creek Child Photographer

April 4, 2014

How cute are these two kiddos?? They belong to some good friends of ours and I had so much fun capturing their busy and fun personalities on this sunny evening in March. Michael is 100% boy and loved throwing money in the water fountains, growling like a dinosaur/monster, and running & jumping all over the place! Miss Madeleine is absolutely adorable as you can see, with her piggie tails, cute little walk, and "so big" expressions.

Thank you for asking me to capture your beautiful kids this spring, G family! I had so much fun playing with Michael and Madeleine and capturing their little selves and big personalities. I hope you will enjoy these images for many years to come!

beautiful new addition | Johns Creek Baby Photographer

March 21, 2014

I can't say enough great things about this session and the beautiful family that you'll see here. I just love newborn sessions and this one was so much fun. And you will not believe how amazing this momma looks, just 8 days after giving birth! I'm so impressed.

Chelsey was a sorority sister of mine at Samford and she and her husband recently moved to Atlanta and to open their own location of Iron Tribe Fitness. I loved catching up with her, meeting her husband Chaz, hearing about their new business and of course, photographing their beautiful new addition Nora! Such a special family.

Nora was an absolute angel during our session. She slept, let us pose her sweetly, and took snuggle and eating breaks with mommy and daddy and then was ready to get back to work! I just love how the images turned out from our session.

Thank you, Tillman family, for allowing me to capture Nora during these precious, early days of her life! You have such a sweet and beautiful girl and she is so blessed to have you as parents! I wish you all the best during this magical time:)

one year old cake smash | Atlanta Baby Photographer

February 22, 2014

Happy 1st Birthday Millie!

This precious girl is the cutest ball of joy. Always cheerful and grinning, she was a great model! Big sister Claire is one of my son Jack's friends- he loves her and talks about her almost daily. Sweet kids.

Millie's session took place at her home and we made sure to get some sweet shots of the birthday girl, big sis, and the two of them together. It was a super fun morning. We ended the session with a cake smash where cake ended up everywhere! Even between Millie's toes:) I'd say it was a success!

Thank you, P family, for hiring me to capture Millie on her 1st birthday! Your girls are so sweet and I'm so thankful to have you all as friends!

two year old lifestyle photos | Johns Creek Family Photographer

February 11, 2014

I just wrapped up an amazing course over at Clickin Moms- Mastering Natural Light Indoors. This is one that I have continually heard about and has been on my wishlist of courses since joining CM. The timing of this course was perfect, especially one in which I could work on indoor shooting while it's cold outside!

This class did not disappoint. It challenged me and in the process grew my understanding of light, how it behaves, and how to utilize different types of light and light sources in my images. I'm excited about continuing to use all that I've learned in my indoor photography of both Jack and my clients.

Here is my overshare of images I took during the course!

Be sure to check out the February posts from these ladies in my blog circle:

one year old little guy | Atlanta Baby Photographer

January 31, 2014

Joseph, how in the world are you ONE?? Wasn't it just yesterday that we did your newborn session? Crazy how fast time flies.

I have absolutely LOVED being able to photograph this little guy during his first year of life. We did sessions when he was a newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and now one year. It has been a pleasure to watch him grow and see what new things he's doing at each stage. Joseph is such a precious and beautiful baby and his mom and dad are so loving and attentive, he's lucky to have them.

Thank you so much, Alicia and Josh, for hiring me to be Joseph's first year photographer. I can't begin to describe how much fun I've had at our sessions, how I've enjoyed getting to know you all, and how much I've loved seeing Joseph grow!

The Koehnke Family | Atlanta, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, GA Extended Family Photographer

January 18, 2014

Another awesome extended family session for the books! I met this family at their home in early January. We were hoping for pictures by the lake in their neighborhood, but the weather betrayed us and it was freezing outside! So we moved the session to their home which was beautiful and if we had to do it indoors, their house was perfect for it.

All of their family members had come into town for the occasion of this family's son's baptism. It's rare that they are all in the same city- usually only once per year- so they contacted me to update their family portraits.

I had a wonderful time with all of them and can really tell that they enjoy each other's company and were so glad to be together for such a special event.

Thank you, Koehnke Family, for inviting me to your home to capture all of your family members together. Your home served as a beautiful backdrop and I enjoyed helping you make memories of this time in your lives!

sweet little siblings | Alpharetta Family Photographer

December 29, 2013

I was so excited about this session for my friends the Gersters and hoped that we would get lucky and have a warm December session. Not so much, it was freezing!!!

We got some really sweet shots in the short time we were together but will be finishing this session on a warmer day. So look for more of this beautiful family soon!

beautiful sisters ~ family of 4 | Atlanta Family Photographer

December 14, 2013

Really love this sweet family. I first met the Bakers when their daughter, Abigail, was 3 and started taking preschool ballet with me. That was a little over 3 years ago! I can't believe how much she's grown and continues to get more and more beautiful.

Now, I have the pleasure of teaching ballet to little sister, Kiersten. She is just so full of life and energy and is constantly making me laugh. Not to mention that she is another beautiful daughter they've added to the family.

All that to say, I was thrilled when Cheryl called me to book their session. We had to get together quickly because Abigail was going to lose one or both of her front teeth any minute! We worked out the session, had perfect weather, and Abbey lost her tooth 3 days later! Talk about perfect timing.

I had so much fun with your beautiful family, Bakers, and I thank you for inviting me to your home to photograph your family and create memories for you all. XOXO.