Mother's Day is always in May, once a year...yep, just one day each year.  Let's compare this to morning sickness-anyone who knows, knows.  Morning sickness isn't just in the morning-it can hit all day everyday!  So, forget celebrating Mother's Day once a year in May...we took a chance & ran a model call for moms in September, on any given day because #momlife is all day everyday, isn't it?

We talked to 3 different moms about #momlife & designed photoshoots to portray their current state of #momlife.  Let me tell you, each mom had a hard time narrowing down what to include in the photos!

#hotmess #shitshow #overworkedunderpaid #myhousewascleanyesterday #dirtyfloorshappykids #momlife #boymom #furmama #dancemom  All of these fun hashtags are sooooooo true!  Moms are crazy busy & always deserve a little recognition for all they do.  

Balance

It can be incredibly difficult to balance a healthy life style while parenting little ones...for those of you who have mastered eating healthy & working out -  good job!!!  It truly takes self-discipline to stick with it!  Fresh vegetables, H2O & an active lifestyle doesn't just happen overnight, it takes commitment.  Our children pickup on our daily habits, especially positive habits.

Our #momlife models created picture perfect portraits of real life moms!  Jetts is a strong business woman while balancing a healthy lifestyle & being a girl mom.  Mandy is a proud veteran, working mom who keeps up with Noel's activities like soccer & tea parties.  Our 3rd mom, Melissa, is a crazy busy mom of 3 & business woman-did I mention mom of 3?!

Stefanie Sobinovsky, owner of Cru - A Fashion Agency & myself loved our #momlife model call & appreciate everyone who participated!  Stefanie & I enjoy creating fun empowering experiences for local women.  Our next experience is coming soon! 

Why I Love Me...

Our 'Why I Love Me' Confidence Photo Shoot was a success!  Our ladies were all different, unique & beautiful!  This experience happened in one short day, but the pictures will remind each of us what makes us feel good about ourselves for years to come!

Personal side note....I have been offering model calls & photoshoots for a few years now...this was the first time I decided to have my hair & makeup done & jump in front of my camera...guess what?!  I really enjoyed it!  I felt relaxed & comfortable while having my hair teased & my makeup applied!  There was no pressure of having myself pampered for a wedding or big event-it was for a styled photo shoot right in my studio!  I also wanted to join in the positive 'why I love me' campaign!  Like many women, I have a long list of things I do not like about myself, but this experience was designed to focus on the GOOD things I like about myself!  So, this experience was a win win for me!  Hopefully everyone involved feels the same!

Always smile & feel pride within yourself!  xoxo Shyla & Stef

Special thank you to Stefanie Sobinovsky, owner of Cru and Kim Strawbridge Foerster, owner of Royal Glow Spray Tan.

Watch for our next photo shoot experience, details coming soon!

Did you know I worked at the Post Office?  Yep, I delivered mail for 12 years in & around Warren, Ohio!  I was a sub for regular carriers, so I worked many different routes & delivered in several local communities including Lordstown, Cortland, Fowler, Diamond & North Jackson.  During my 12 years at the Post Office I graduated college (Kent Trumbull) with my associates degree in Justice Studies, I worked at The Trumbull Country Club as a waitress & I helped my Dad with his auctions.  Photography was a hobby of mine, not a career during these years.

About 10 years ago I decided to quit my job at the post office so I could stay home full time with my babies...I am so incredibly glad I did!  My husband & I watched what we spent & made it work.  We created childhood memories in our backyard with our boys.  I knew once my youngest started kindergarten I wanted to work again...when that day came I took a chance & began charging for my photography (this is the simple short version of me becoming a photographer)!  My youngest is in 5th grade already...time flies!

The TRUTH behind my career is YOU!

I'm able to be a photographer because so many people fall in love, get married, graduate, start families, celebrate milestone anniversaries & run their own businesses...I have years of hands-on experience with capturing posed pictures, candid photos, product images and meaningful portraits.  Each new client and returning client contributes to my career.  Thank you so very much, I enjoy being a busy working mama now (now that my babies are a little older)!

Please, give me a call or shoot me an email the next time you need a photographer...I love my photography career & would love to share it with YOU!

Happy New Year!