Monthly Newsletter | January 2025
My hope with See Things Closer Photography is that it brings your family together through intentional connection and that my camera helps you see the things that mean the most to you closer and in a beautiful new light.
Hi friends and a happy 2025!
It feels so good to be writing to you all again and to be slowly making my way back after a beautiful yet, challenging, maternity leave after my husband, Aaron, and I welcomed my daughter, June Noelle, into the world on September 29. I hope you all had a great holiday season and have enjoyed the snowy start to the new year here in St. Louis. I sure missed capturing you this past year and especially this Fall, but, I am so excited to share my books are open for 2025! Read more on the blog about what this year holds and a huge update.
Every month, I love sharing with you what’s been catching my eye, and today, I’m excited to share two ideas for documenting your family. Being a photographer, documenting my family has always been a priority and that has gone through the roof now having our first child. For her baby book, I knew I would never document anything if I was responsible for printing the photos and putting together a physical book. It is just not in my wheelhouse. So, when “The Short Years” entered into my algorithm orbit, I was hooked. They are a free app that “once a week, our app will remind you to upload a photo and answer a couple of questions about your baby’s milestones and special moments. We’ll turn these into the beautiful pages of your baby book!”
Then, they will mail you the pages to put in your baby book. It has been absolutely perfection for my needs and I am able to work in the app while I’m nap trapped. The best part is not only can you upload photos, but, you can upload videos as well and it will create a QR code, insert that onto the page, and will store the video in their cloud for you to view for years to come.
The other idea I came across recently that I want to start doing once June has started talking is inspired by the Walker Family Goods post here. Kids really do say the funniest things and I loved the way you could incorporate that into a yearly family album!
As the colder months settled in during my maternity leave, I wanted to share a personal story that’s inspired me to embrace the beauty of winter this year. I found myself determined to stay active, even with a newborn and the temptation to hibernate. One video from Cecilia, one of my favorite YouTubers, stuck with me (specifically, the part starting at minute 12:00). I watched it last summer, before June was born, and it motivated me to prioritize outdoor time this winter as part of my postpartum recovery.
I took a deep dive and looked closer into the incredible benefits of being outside during winter, not just for me, but for June too! Winter outings can boost the immune system, enhance sleep, encourage sensory development, and even improve mood (for both parents and children!). Fresh air and natural light are magical—even in the cold—and help regulate sleep cycles and support overall well-being. Plus, experiencing the textures, sounds, and sights of winter creates a special connection to nature, fostering curiosity and joy.
This perspective has helped me see winter differently, and I hope it does the same for you. Whether it’s bundling up for a family walk or capturing cozy outdoor moments, winter offers so many opportunities to create memories and stay active together.
Let’s embrace the magic of this season and inspire each other to get outside. :) Tag me at @seethingscloser. And, if you’d like to capture your winter adventures, I’d love to help you freeze (see what I did there) some cherished outdoor memories for years to come.
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I never take it for granted that you choose me to document your family. Thank you for being here, supporting my small business, and allowing me to freeze a season of life for your family. Can’t wait to see you all this year!
M U C H 💌 L O V E , B R O O K E
