— abby’s first year : album design —

This might be my most favorite album ever. No really. EVER.

And here’s the thing – I REALLY like album designs. Because I’m always aiming to capture not just images, but an actual story. That sounds cliche, I’m sure. I mean, how many times have we all visited a photographer’s website and checked the “about” or “bio” section to read that same phrase? Wait. Hold on. Let me check something…

*crickets*

Phew! Ok. Had to check my own “about” section there for a second. I don’t say that phrase right now, but I know I have before. I’m definitely not blameless. But to be fair, it is true. I’m not usually primarily concerned with getting that everybody-looking-into-the-lens-with-their-best-smile shot (did you hear that sound? That was your Grandma gasping in horror…). I’m focused, first, on capturing moments that are real. And second, moments that all add up to show a real snapshot of life at that time. The story not only of a wedding day, but of a relationship between two beautiful, loving people. Not just cute photos of everyone in red and green for the holidays, but tidbits, little stories of the personality of each person and child. Pieces of time that show them at that moment, at that age, in that season. I love capturing images that you can look back on in future decades and say “oh man! That was so ______ at that age!”. I want people to say “I remember that.”

So yeah. I’m sucked in to the story. And an album, a book, just seems like such an ideal way to tell and show that story. And when my album designer extraordinaire (Sandra is seriously a genius) gets a hold of it, she has an innate understanding of the story and a strong desire to show it just like I do. And she’s better at it than I am.

So why is this one so awesome? Because of the story it tells. Because this story, the story of Abigail Jenifer, born June of 2010 at just 1 lb 8 oz, 12″ long and only 24 weeks gestation, utterly transformed me, my purpose, and my life. THIS story is so special, so unique, that I find myself telling people her story all the time. It’s taken hold of me.

So here’s a few sneak peek page spreads from the book, but you really should experience the whole thing. To see the full design, *click here* or type the following into your web browser’s address bar: www.briennemichelle.com/abbyalbum

The images were taken at newborn, 1 month, 3 months (homecoming), 4 months (original due date), 6 months (first Christmas), 9 months, and 1 year. I hope you enjoy this beautiful little girl’s amazing story.