Whew.
Mission accomplished.
I’ve been trying to get new pictures of the Popstar for the last few weeks.
Only, she hasn’t really been in the mood on the occasions I’ve taken her out for pictures. And when Poppy isn’t in the mood for pictures, you may as well forget it.
Tonight though, my perseverance paid off. She was slow to start out – just barely hanging in there for the promise of a lollipop.
And soon, she was all smiles.
So why the need for new pictures?
Well, for a very important reason. A milestone. A celebration.
Poppy has been home for one year.
One magical, glorious year.
I just don’t have the words to express how this last year has changed her.
And, how she has changed us.
Let’s just say, Poppy has come a wonderfully long way from those first few very difficult weeks.
And I’m so very glad she has much of that initial heartbreak behind her.
Feeling outrageously blessed to be the one she calls mama.
Happy one year home, my precious Poppy G.
I took these with my Nikon D90, 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. My settings for the first one were ISO 640, 45mm, f/2.8 and 1/40. I probably should have upped my ISO instead of dropping my shutter speed, but alas, I am a lazy photographer. Thankfully she’s not the kind of kid that moves all the time.
I edited them in CS6 with Florabella Classic Rich, 1968 and some other minor tweaks.
When you’re ready to play along with your Sunday Snapshot, here are the deets.
1. Snapshot posts should have the photo to be considered at the TOP of their post, and should include the Sunday Snapshot button as well as a link back here to encourage others to play along.
2. Photos entered must belong to entrant.
3. Share any photography tips and/or settings on your posts for others (like me!) who are learning – this is encouraged but certainly not required.
4. I’ll review each Snapshot entry and then select a favorite to be announced on Wednesday.
5. The winning Snapshot will be selected based on composition, color, emotion, creativity and post-processing.
6. Weekly winners will be featured in a monthly Sunday Snapshot post which will be judged by y’all, the readers.
7. The winner of the monthly Sunday Snapshot will receive a photography related goody. This month I’ll be giving away a copy of my favorite photography book: Photographically Speaking. It’s goooood.
8. Rules subject to change, as necessary, to keep this fun and fruitful for everyone.
To link up this week with your Sunday Snapshot, just copy the code under the Snapshot button and paste it into the body of your post where youβd like the button to be displayed.
When you hit βpublishβ it should show up just fine. Then add your link below.
Happy almost Sunday, y’all.
Deborah says
That first photo is absolutely gorgeous, as is your model. Glad that first year is behind you and she’s doing so well. She’s a doll baby. Your pix never disappoint. (Wish I could say that about mine…but, I’m improving, so won’t complain too loudly.) π
Ruthie says
She looks so old in that last picture! Where has time gone?!
tish says
oh, i remember those first few weeks…that sweet, solemn face. love seeing those smiles now!
Allie says
Oh that poppy is breathtaking! She has come SO FAR. It has also been exactly one year since I started following your blog! π So happy 1-year to me as well. Haha. I remember reading about Miss Poppy being so stubborn, and hidden from y’all. Not showing her smile but once to that woman on the shaiman islands π
But just look at her now!! She won’t stop cranking out those smiles!! Happy one year miss poppy! (make sure to bother mama some more π
Amy Meeker says
Poppy is stunning!
Kim says
Popstar is right! How we readers love us some Poppy! Happy Homecoming Anniversary!
Tiaras & Tantrums says
look how gorgeous your photos turned out! So glad she was in a good mood for you! Lollipops will do that!
Mona says
I so love these pictures β₯ β₯ I’m so happy you got to capture her. My yongest is NEVER on the mood π And whenever I get a pic of her It’s a huge celebration π Reluctant toddlers are my favorite subject π
Trish says
We love you Poppy! Stef, we keep following your blog, always grateful to get a peek at how Poppy is doing. Aubrey and Summer ask about her and frequently ask me to check your blog. They remember meeting Poppy in China. It left such an impression on them and to be able to follow her growth has been so good for them. Each time I see a new photo of her it takes my breath away. Not only because of her beauty, but because of the light in her eyes, her strength shining through and the amazing story behind and ahead of her. Trish C
Jaymi says
I love this portrait session! I can’t believe its been a year already!
Seeing Each Day says
Can I just say, as I’ve said on previous occasions, but it’s worth repeating, YOU ARE A WONDERFUL PHOTOGRAPHER. My goodness, how you find the time no.1 from raising all your little ones. No.2 – you have amazing composition skills. And no.3 your editing is so classy and accurate. Thanks.
kate says
I simply adore the one of Poppy and the brick wall. It shows her quiet personality perfectly!!! But the whole set is gorgeous! Congratulations on one year home!!!
Nancy @ ARJ says
What a challenge it must have been and still continues to be to draw out these smiles — you are doing it well. xo
Sharon says
Just beautiful! Every. SIngle. One.
Reach Beyond Limits says
She is very pretty, and one lucky, blessed girl too, to have a mama like you!
Lish says
What a sweetheart!!! Great captures π
Lisa says
She is so sweet!!!! What a beautiful series of your girl!! That lollipop trick works every time, doesn’t it?
I have had to mix things up a bit and have used, Skittles, M&M’s, and last night was Ice cream:))
Reagan makes me work for it~
Hope you have a fabulous Sunday Stephanie~
xo,
Lisa
Gina says
A whole year!!!! What a wonderful milestone for her & you. Great way to commemorate the day- these are beautiful!.
Sarah says
Love theses!! They are gorgeous!!
Lianna says
Just found your blog, and I must say that I LOVE your photos! What a precious little one you have. Thanks for the amazing inspiration! =)
Melanie says
Aw! She is one beautiful blessed little pop star, for sure! These shots are A-mazing, you captured so much character! Love these, AND love your blog! I kept seeing this link up on my friends blogs… so glad I came to join too!
Diana says
This is a fabulous set Stef!!! She is precious!!!!! Amazing what can happen in one year!!!
Happy Anniversary Miss Poppy!!!!
Love,
Diana
Wanda (At Last...) says
What a precious, sweet girl. I love the joy in her eyes. Happy one year home to you all. I know exactly what you mean when you say – so much has changed. We just passed our 3 years with our littliest – Milana and I’m amazed at all that has passed.
I love the softness of these pictures Stefanie.
Have a great week! And thanks for hosting this great challenge. I don’t always have time to join but am always happy when I do.
xoxo
Wanda
Erin says
I have been quietly reading your blog since Poppy came home and have so enjoyed following all your adventures and seeing your amazing pictures. These are just STUNNING, she could not be any cuter! Happy One together to you all!
Jill says
Gosh, you just reminded me of those first few weeks in China, I remember her little soulful eyes. Yes, she has come a long way and she is beautiful, because of your love.
It’s an incredible picture of how our beauty shines, through the love of our Heavenly Father.
Your pictures are stunning, as always.
Jill
Sharon Long says
She is such a gorgeous little girl! It has been a delight to follow her journey this past year! Happy One Year home Poppy!
Ruthie says
Happy 1 year home! We just celebrated our one year with our sweet little girl last week! Love the pictures!!! She is so sweet!
Susi says
Such wonderful pictures. I’m new to photography and am reading and learning along the way. I’m working on a new photography blog… I hope to be playing along soon. Congrats on your very wonderful milestone.
Jenn says
She’s GORGEOUS !!! Hands down, gorgeous. π
Lisa Mallette says
These photos are adorable. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the one on the railroad tracks! I must get me some RR tracks…..
~Lisa
Campbell says
I remember so clearly one of your posts from China saying “She is just SO scared…”. And oh my she WAS. She was grieving and confused and so very afraid. Yet we saw her come out, little by little. One breath at a time…and THEN, the SMILE. Oh that sweet little smile at a shop keeper. The spark of joy was in there and we all got to see it. I was rejoicing along with you, tissues by the handful as I looked at that smile and prayed for her little heart to open wide.
What a difference a year makes! She has grown and blossomed and I love to see her brilliant smile beam at her mama. The mama she LOVES and knows LOVES HER right back. It is a blessing to be able to share in the joy of your very special family! Thank you for giving us that privilege!
Happy One Year Home Poppy! You are SO LOVED and so very prayed for!! xoxo
DITA says
Pretty darned impossible not to fall in love with this child every time I see her picture.
Love this set…her expressions show every fiber of her personality…she is a force to be reckoned with and how blessed you are, indeed, to be share and grow with her every.single.day. No greater gift!
xoxo
Dita
Megann says
Your pictures are stunning. I just stumbled upon your blog and I love it!
NatureFootstep Photo says
great shots and a beautiful girl. But personally I have objections to the shots on the train rails. It is not a place for children.
Amy says
Love these beautiful pictures.
Kristy Life n Reflection says
Wow, remember when you brought her home. Congratulations!
Colleen says
She is so beautiful!!! I love how you captured her in such a fun way…Congratulations on one fabulous year home with your baby girl!!!! I love the railroad picture and DOF…Fab!!!!
Gail says
Congrats on 1 year with your beauty!!! Her personality shows in each and every image, Stefanie…beautiful!!!
Love that smile in the first one.
Chrissa Brown says
Congrats on reaching the 1 year milestone! Gorgeous pictures too π