Michelle Bellofatto Photography

Malachi's Birth | At Home

As I sit here and edit the images from Malachi's birth, I am weeping with joy.  What an amazing blessing it was to be present for such a monumental occasion.

My dear friend chose to deliver her 4th child in the comfort of her own home surrounded by her family. 

I think I may have been the most nervous person in the room.

Being a woman, I so admire the strength and determination of my friend.  She is truly an amazing woman in every way. 

For you photography enthusiasts, here is the technical side- Nikon D700 50mm 1.4 1/20th ISO 2000-3200.  The only available light came from the bathroom behind me.  I used the birthing pool or a wall to stabalized myself to prevent blur.

Here is Malachi's birth story in the form of images.

LOVE...Oldest son holding his hands to his mouth in awe, mom reaching out her hand to touch her newborn and dad holding her arm.

Now her youngest is a big brother!

Her boys made her eggs right after delivery!

2nd born getting ready to cut the cord.

Congratulations Faulkner Family!!  xo 

Zoey :: 1 Years Old

The last time I photographed this adorable one year old she was just 11 days old.  And wow, what a difference a year makes.  Now Zoey is full of life and smiles.  She even gets a little noisy at times when she wants something.  I found myself yelling along with her a few times.  Hehe.

Is anyone else jealous of Zoey's perfect toddler perm?  I mean really.  How many 1 year olds do you know with hair like hers.  Those curls look like they were perfected in the salon. 

This was my 4th photo shoot with the Harmon family.  I photographed them as newlywed's then came the maternity shoot then of course Zoey's newborn pix and now the celebration of Zoey's 1st birthday. 

Zoey's mom and dad love being parents so much that they are planning to have a BIG family.  It's easy to see they make beautiful babies!

Happy 1st birthday sweet Zoey!!  I will be coming to babysit you very soon.  I can't wait to pinch your chubby cheeks and thighs and give you lots of kisses.  xo

Zoey Then: 11 Days Old

 

Zoey Now

 

Family Time at the Park | A Spring Mini Shoot

I first met this fab family when the little guy was just 10 days old.  He was a captivating baby.  So alert and the eyes on that child were just amazing.  Still are.  Sparkly blue like his mom's. 

Thought it would be fun to post this mini sneak peek on Mother's Day.  This is for you Karen!  Happy Mother's Day.  xo

Karen's mom used to read this book to her when she was a little girl.  I love that she brought it with her.

Wyatt's Happy Place

This post reminds me of how quickly a year can pass by.  The last time I met up with the Couch family, baby Wyatt was just a wee small boy.  Newborn to be more specific.  I was so excited to get to see him again, I could hardly contain myself.  What a personality he has.  Sparkly blue eyes, pinchable cheeks, and the little man just got his legs!  I mean, he just started walking. 

We couldn't have been blessed with a more beautiful day if we had made it ourselves. 

This is Wyatt's happy place.  When he got a bit fussy, which rarely happened, dad would hold him upside down and viola, he was happy again.

 

Faulkner Family Photos

Happy Thanksgiving!  Just stopping by inbetween bites of turkey and stuffing.  ;-)

A few days ago I met up with the Faulkner family to take a few shots for their 2010 Christmas card.  We were going for an urban look so we tried out a new location.  Actually, it's technically a very old location, but new to me.  Grape Day Park in Escondido was established in the 1930's.  It's the oldest park in Escondido and a very cool place.  Love it.

Love you guys!  xo  Gobble, Gobble...

 

Zoey :: 11 Days Old | At Home

The day came and we were getting excited for Zoey's debut.  The camera was ready, lots of texting back and forth to see how the progress was going and I got a little chill every time I spoke about the opportunity to photograph Zoey's first time meeting her parents.  It was all very exciting.

Well... I never got my chance to take Zoey's pictures on her "birthday."  Things just didn't work out as planned.  But--11 days later I arrived and there she was.... a beautiful, fluffy-haired, chubby-cheeked, pouty-liped baby girl.  This was to be my very 1st "girl" newborn shoot.  I had been dreaming about this for awhile.

I love photographing newborn's in the comfort of their own home.  The images can't get more natural and real than this.

Congratulations Kevin and Breanna!  I'm so happy for the two of you.  Love you both.  xo

Scroll down a bit to see Kevin & Breanna's maternity shoot.

 

The Faulkner Eight

I think it's safe to say that over the past few years I've managed to document the important and sometimes life-changing moments in the Faulkner Family's life. 

My dear friend Heidi is now a mother of three handsome boys.  I still don't know how she manages from day to day.  Add in homeschooling, ministry work, wife, friend and a myriad of other duties and that equals a busy life.  A full life.  She often adds my son Mason into the mix and without batting an eye joyfully cares for him when I'm working.  She is a great friend and a wonderful blessing.  

These images were taken in July when Grandma, Grandpa and Brooke Faulkner were visiting.  Baby "I" turned one so of course we had to document that too. 

Amazingly, Heidi even manages to keep ongoing scrapbooks for all of her children so these images will undoubtedly be enjoyed for years to come.

Love you all!  Thank you for all you do.  xo

Seaside with the Gomez family

This time it was meant to be.  It took us awhile before we got together for this shoot.  With three little ones, two of them unexpectedly trimming their own bangs and a few other obstacles, we had some delays, but I think it was all worth it. 

When we met up at the beach on this summer evening, it seemed everyone in Oceanside came out to play.  It was crowded indeed. 

Mom and dad were two of the most relaxed parents I've ever seen on a photo shoot.  The oldest was swimming in the ocean moments after we hit the beach, little boy twin was making a b-line for the water every chance he got and of course there were a zillion people to work around.

All in all, the Gomez family shoot was a success. 

I had fun with all of you!  You have a beautiful family.  xoxo

Up close with little "B"

Such a handsome little man.  I love his cheerful personality and distinct smile.  And boy was he curious. 

This little guy's mom let me know that she recently discovered she had many more pictures of her older son than she did of little "B."  So, we decided to fix that problem and do a quickie shoot at the park. 

Kim- I hope you like your sneak peek!  Your proofs will be ready in a few days.  Hugs OOO.

Siblings at home in Darien, Connecticut

This past June I visited the home of these four beautiful siblings.  Their mom, Kerry had me photograph the whole family a few years back on one of my east coast trips.  It was fun to see how much they've gown and changed since then.  And... there was a new addition to the family.

I'm sure I overdid my stay this time.  The family yard was amazing!  It was a bit like a forest and Kerry mentioned that they even have deer who occasionally graze on their lawn.  How cool is that?!

Kerry, thanks again for inviting me over.  I love how the images of your children turned out.  I should have your online proofs ready in a few days.