Heather Boyles' Photography Blog

09.30.11

I wanted to take some time and remember a sweet little boy who made a big difference in the lives of so many.

Sam Sparks passed away one month ago today from complications of seizures and respiratory illness. Sam had cerebral palsy along with many other conditions. At just a few months shy of five years old Sam gave up his fight and returned home be with his twin sister Sydney, who passed away after just six weeks of life.

Sam's life, although not typical of a young child, was a full one! His amazing parents never let Sam's condition hold him back from anything! He was able to experience all the great things that little kids should experience - and then some!

I have been fortunate enough to photograph Sam since just hours after he was born premature - and even before that when his mommy was expecting he and his sister! I suppose I didn't realize it at the time, but he was making a big difference in my life all along. As I photographed Sam's funeral service a few weeks ago I was reminded of the time I've spent with Sam through a beautiful video tribute of his life. There on the screen were photo after photo that I had taken of Sam for his parents to have and cherish forever. I sat alone in the balcony of the church sobbing and feeling an overwhelming thankfulness for the gift I have been able to give this family .... and the gift they gave me in return. Being a part of Sam's life has changed me forever and I cannot thank him enough for that gift.

So today I remember Sam's life .........and I hug my babies just a little tighter.

If you are interested (and have a box of tissues on hand) in watching the video tribute of Sam's life, here is the link:

Tribute to Samuel

Also, if you would like to learn more about cerebral palsy or Sam's journey, you can visit his website. Sam's parents have started an organization called "Sparks of Hope" that will continue to bless the lives of those touched by cerebral palsy.

Sam's Website

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Tiffany says:

What a tribute to such a sweet soul~

(10.06.11 @ 05:10 PM)

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Fun in the country!

08. 9.11

It's time to post a few sneak peeks! I'm a little behind here on the blog ..... so be prepared!

First up is sweet little Miss "B" who just turned three! We went out to the barn for a little country girl fun! Happy birthday sweetie!

Enjoy the sneak peek mom :-)

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Grandma & Grandpa Bailey says:

Cutest Little Cowgirl we Know! Love the boots.
Happy Birthday Sweetie

(08.09.11 @ 09:50 PM)

Auntie A says:

ahh so big! love the pics! cuteness def runs in the fam! ;)

(08.09.11 @ 10:02 PM)

Nicole says:

WOW...there amazing! I LOVE them!!! I'm going to have a hard time choosing which one i want blown up:-)

(08.09.11 @ 11:28 PM)

Grandma H says:

What great pictures! Really captured B's personality. Thanks again.

(08.10.11 @ 09:23 AM)

Great Aunt Della says:

Beautiful pictures of a beautiful little girl! Love You.......

(08.10.11 @ 09:59 AM)

Aunt Luanne says:

So cute! The camera loves her.

(08.20.11 @ 11:21 PM)

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SURPRISE!

10. 8.10

This afternoon's session is a HUGE SURPRISE for these two gorgeous kiddo's parents. It took a little help from some wonderful friends and

family to pull it off ... but we did it!

We were able to capture some beautiful portraits of the kids ... but we weren't about to pass up an opportunity to get a little silly too!

Since we weren't sure just how long these two would be able to keep today's activities under wraps, I wanted to get the blog post up right away!

Mom and Dad - you've got some pretty amazing kids! We hope you love your surprise! More photos coming soon......

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Erika Harnar says:

What a beautiful thing you have done for the family. These are such beautiful and wonderful kids what great pictures you have taken. Erika

(10.10.10 @ 07:51 PM)

Tiffany says:

Wow! Sounds like quite a story involved here :) These portraits are sure to be cherished! Nice work!

(10.14.10 @ 12:54 PM)

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Family Love .....

10. 5.10

I photographed this sweet little girl when she was just a few days old. It's hard to believe she is now up and walking, running, singing, dancing ..... and full of spunk!

When I set out for this session I was pretty nervous about the weather. As I drove, rain drops hit the windshield and I was just sure we would have to reschedule. As I got closer to my destination the clouds parted and we were blessed with the sweetest fall evening light!

I also have to give a HUGE shout out to sweet little "C's" auntie who came along on our session to keep the giggles comin'! She was amazing!

And while I'm giving props, I just want to mention what a wonderful job "S" did on clothing selection. I love the colors!

Enjoy the sneak peek "H" family!

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Tiffany says:

Beautiful light! I'm glad you guys didn't get rained on! What a cute family!

(10.06.10 @ 07:24 AM)

Justin says:

The photos turned out amazing. You were so patient and helpful with the little nugget. Thanks Heather!

(12.06.10 @ 09:14 PM)

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Personality Galore!

09.26.10

This special little girl is overflowing with personality! She cracked me up throughout our entire session! She is so well spoken with such great manors (keep in mind she's TWO folks). She's got the most amazing smile that lights up SO BRIGHT when she's thrilled and she fakes the BEST pout I've ever seen. This photo of her pouting is one of my faves ever! You had to be there to fully appreciate the moment but she was sort of fighting to keep a straight face while trying to convince us that she was really unhappy. Her parents and I couldn't help but laugh.

Like I said, personality galore!

Speaking of "A's" parents, I went to college with "A's" mommy. We got through Anatomy and Physiology together....and actually managed to make it enjoyable for each other! Such great memories!

Once again, I'm so happy to create photographs for wonderful people in my life!

Enjoy the sneak peek!

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SaraBeth Levesh says:

Um, I will be ordering a LARGE of the pout. Can't wait to see the rest! They are beautiful!!!!

(10.04.10 @ 11:36 PM)

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Don't mind me......

09.24.10

....... just posting a few photos of the cutest kids EVER!

Have a great weekend everyone!

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Dad says:

I agree..... these are a couple of REALLY CUTE kids!!! But then I'm their proud "Papa" You can see that they are very comfortable in front of the lens, but then they have had a lot of practice. Thanks for sharing!!

(10.01.10 @ 12:00 AM)

Tiffany says:

You take the BEST photos of these two!!!!

(10.14.10 @ 12:55 PM)

Auntie Bev says:

Wow - These shots are so great! Those two are growing so fast and really showing their handsome heritage! No wonder Papa & Nana are so proud!

(10.22.10 @ 11:11 AM)

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Vintage Beauty

09.19.10

This little beauty is all decked out in some very special dresses that were worn by her mommy when she was little. I love that we were able to capture some images of her wearing them as a special keepsake for her family.

This first shot is my favorite from the session - it has such a serene feel to it. Of course we captured some fun giggly shots too!

Enjoy the sneak peek!

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Melissa says:

Okay - I am always drawn to your color work - but this black and white is amazing. It is so angelic and timeless! Simply beautiful Heather!

(09.19.10 @ 04:31 PM)

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A new baby brother!

09. 6.10

This sweet little 6 week old baby boy had the best 'squishy lips' I've ever had the joy of photographing! Just look at how juicy they are! I always recommend that parents have me photograph their newborns within the first week (no more than two weeks) of life....but I have to admit that I did love the uber-chubby-ness of this little guy at 6 weeks! He was so good for me too!

While baby brother was enjoying a little snack, his big sister and I went outside for a few photos of just her. "J" showed me all kinds of fun things on her farm! We even tried to catch a few butterflies :-)

A very special thank you to this great family for inviting me into their home to document this special time in their life.

Enjoy the sneak peek!

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Stunning Siblings

08. 6.09

Check out these ADORABLE kiddos!

"J, J & G" joined me for a little photo-fun at the park yesterday evening. Oh, how I LOVE a summer evening ... and the beautiful light it gives me!

Enjoy the sneak peek!

Nikki Q Fam Blog 2.jpg

Nikki Q Fam Blog 1.jpg

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Jane Eaton Hamilton says:

Just love the sibs shot where the little dude is covering his face. That would make me smile every time I saw it, were I Mom.

(08.07.09 @ 11:59 PM)

Melissa says:

Without even knowing them, you can see a bit of each ones personality! Nicely done. And yes the summer evening light is fantastic in these photos.

(08.08.09 @ 10:36 AM)

Allison says:

Hey Heather - it's Minnesota (really NY). I love your work!! These images are gorgeous!! The light is beautiful.

(08.15.09 @ 05:17 AM)

Tiffany says:

Seriously, how CUTE are these kiddos? I love how their clothes pop against the background and how their personalities seem to come right through the photos! Fav. is the group shot with little guy covering eyes :-)

(08.26.09 @ 11:16 AM)

Therese Marie says:

The last one is just so funny, these are great, love the light on them. Too cute.

(08.26.09 @ 07:12 PM)

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Wiggles & Giggles

08. 3.09

"M and J" are two of the silliest, giggliest, wiggliest little men I've every had the pleasure of photographing! I just adored their energetic and outgoing personalities! They had me cracking up during our entire time together.

Just check out a small handfull of the fun expressions we captured!

Enjoy the sneak peek mom and dad! I hope these images of your beautiful boys make you smile :-)

Beitler Boys Blog.jpg

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Eva Bareis says:

You caught their personalities beautifully!

(08.04.09 @ 06:50 AM)

meghan poort says:

Too cute!!!

(08.04.09 @ 09:50 AM)

Kelly Dunning says:

Wow, looks like a fun session. I love that toothless grin!

(08.04.09 @ 01:47 PM)

Tiffany Taylor says:

These are fantastic! It looks like each boy was having a blast and you captured their liveliness so well! I also like how you were able to capture each boy being "serious" too! The family will love these!

(08.05.09 @ 12:21 PM)

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