I am now offering mentoring sessions to photographers looking to improve in the area of newborn photography. Please click here for details about these unique sessions.

I had a mentoring session with Sara Bell of Sara Bell Photography this Monday. We had a ton of fun, and our baby model slept just like a dream!

Check out Sara’s images here. This was her first “newborn session” with a baby under a month old. She did FANTASTIC! Go check out her images and leave her some facebook love!

Here are some of my favorites from the morning.

and here is one of Sara doing her thing! Love the behind the scenes shots!

For more info on mentoring sessions, e-mail me at info@valerieackermanphotography.com

My sweet  Kingston will be ONE this September. Where did this year go? I took him out for photos, along with his cousin Kennedy this week.

Kingston and Kennedy are wearing clothes from Tattle Tails in Claremont. I just love love love their stuff. They are so affordable and have the most unique, good quality clothing. I encourage anybody with little ones to check out their chic apparel.
Now on to the pictures!

I love this family. I first met Jacob at his maternity session, then his newborn session, and I photographed their family last year for Christmas. They are wonderful clients and feel like old friends now.

Yesterday we met up for Jacob’s one year pictures. He wasn’t all about my camera at all. He pretty much wanted nothing to do with me. We had to opportunity to shoot at an amazing new location, and I am so grateful to the owner for welcoming me onto her property.

Stay tuned this weekend for part 2 of Jacob’s session!

xo,

V

This is how our session started…

smiles or not, he is adorable!

I met sweet baby S this past Friday, and Sunday, for her newborn portraits. Six weeks is not really considered a “newborn” anymore to any photographer, and I didn’t expect her to fall asleep at all. She proved me wrong and slept for a little bit. I couldn’t believe her amazing head control and eye contact for her age. She was able to follow objects with her eyes too, so grown up! I cannot wait to watch her grow over the next year.

Enjoy your sneak peek A family!

XO,

Val

I met with Natalie today for her maternity session. She is so anxiously awaiting the arrival of little miss S and I cannot wait to meet this little anticipated arrival in just a few short weeks. I love that Natalie told me she loves being pregnant and wanted to document this special time in her life.

N, it was so nice meeting you today. Enjoy your sneak peek!

xo,

V

Doesn’t M look fabulous? I could hardly believe this was her fourth baby! I had so much fun with this family and their 3 gorgeous daughters roaming the streets of Claremont.

Here is a sneak peek from our evening.

xo,

V

I met up with Wendy and Manny yesterday at Crystal Cove in Laguna Beach for their maternity session. Wendy is almost 35 weeks and looks just stunning. She was completely trusting of my ideas and totally up for anything I suggested. Thank you Wendy and Manny for such a fun session yesterday. I hope you two aren’t too sore from the little hike we had, I know I am!

Enjoy your sneak peek!

Val

This may be my new favorite maternity image ever.

I met with Molly and her family yesterday. Molly was the winner of my Facebook baby contest I held last month. I did her newborn pictures last April and haven’t seen her since. I couldn’t believe how much she has grown.  She was quite the little explorer. Her big sister, Finnley, was as adorable as ever and was more than willing to pose for my camera.
Here’s a sneak peek of our evening yesterday!

xo,
Val

Melissa and Chad contacted me back in November of last year. Hearing her describe their wedding to me, I just knew I wanted to photograph it. Melissa and Chad are a dynamic couple and their love for each other is very apparent.

Melissa was the most calm and collected bride on her wedding day. The day was flawless and flowed so smoothly.

Congratulations Melissa and Chad! Thank you for letting me be a part of your special day.

xo,

Val

Rules and Regulations:

1. E-mail me (info@valerieackermanphotography.com) a picture of your baby (must be under 24 months as of May 26th, 2010). Professional pictures do not count. Entries must be submitted by June 1st, 2010 at  11.59 PST. In the e-mail, include your full name, baby’s name and birthday, you address, and best phone number to contact you at.

2. I will upload all entries to my facebook fan page. Get your family and friends to “like” Valerie Ackerman Photography on facebook and THEN leave a comment on your baby’s photo. “Likes” do not count as votes on the photo. You must leave a comment.

3. The contest will close on June 9th at 11:59 p.m. The entry with the most comments wins the contest!

4. Only one vote per person.

5. The winner must be willing to travel within a 25 mile radius of zip code 92335.

6. Session must take place by July 31st, 2010.

7. Complimentary 8×10 for all other entries may not be combined with any other offer.

8. One submission per family.

9. If you choose to do a family session, 4 people are included. There will be an additional charge for extra persons.