Preview of Braden.

Am I a little behind on previews? Um... perhaps. They are a coming... but don't forget... you can check out mini previews from the sessions each day over on facebook! Become a fan today!

For now, meet eight day old Braden.







Melt. My. Heart. Sibling love....

Awaiting Baby H.

In the last two weeks, almost every one of my sessions has been maternity sessions... beautiful, blooming bellies... and all these bellies can only mean one thing: LOTS of newborn sessions coming up!!! This momma's belly was no exception... absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to meet baby H!! Enjoy your preview....

Meet This Pretty.

Oh, do I have an amazing (and affordable) online boutique for you.

Welcome to our newest sponsor, This Pretty. This Pretty has the most sophisticated gifts for babies, toddlers and adults, including today's trendiest styles for onesies and shirts!

Introducing the tie shirt. Quite possibly the most adorable (and perfect) shirt for the big day of love.



This Pretty was founded by Mandy, a school nurse and a mother of two, in September of 2010. Mandy states, "I have always loved making things and being creative...This Pretty comes from something I used to say to my husband 'I want this pretty and this pretty and this pretty...' My first tie shirt was for my son, who is 3 1/2. He wanted to wear a tie like his daddy wears every day. But he is more of a rough and tumble 3 year old, and not one to wear fancy clothes for more than a minute. I cut up his crib sheet and made him his first tie shirt."



Crafting her ties to look as real as possible, Mandy designs all of her onesies and shirts to be completely kid friendly...no silk ties or real pearls for the little ones!



And for the little ladies? You must check out her Sweet Pink Necklace Onesie and the Embellished Baby Onesise in Pink Chartreuse. I get asked all the time what to dress the little ones in for the photo shoots.... This Pretty provides an excellent option for the little ones... from your new little peanuts to your toddlers.



Be sure to become a fan of This Pretty on Facebook!! And to purchase This Pretty onesies and shirts for your little (or bigger) ones, go here.

Preview of Lucy.

Meet twelve day old Lucy. I traveled all the way up to Chicago to meet this little beauty and she is extra special because she is our new niece. Even at twelve days old, she slept as soundly as a five or six day old. Welcome to the world, Miss Lucy Katherine.

Spring Mini Sessions Announced!!

Preview of Kaelin.

Meet seven day old Kaelin. I am so excited that I will also be watching this little lady grow up during her first year. A&K, congratulations on your beautiful newborn...

Preview of Ella.

If there's one thing I love better than newborns, it's watching these newborns grow up. And I'm so very lucky to be able to see Miss Ella every three months... and she just keeps getting more gorgeous every time!

Ella at three weeks.

Ella turns six months...

Preview of Adyson.

So I'm a little behind on the big previews... and now I'm playing catch up.

Meet six day old Adyson... who is every bit as sweet as she looks. It's impossible to not fall in love with these absolutely perfect new little peanuts. Congratulations, D&J, on your gorgeous new addition.

{Mini} Giveaway Entries Announced!!

What amazing entries I received for this {mini} giveaway!! And if there is one thing I have learned, it's that there are so many, many of you out there are so very deserving of this prize. You all are hardworking mommas that love your children unconditionally, have amazing husbands that do the same; some of you have lost little ones and faced challenges and struggles and overcome the hardest of situations; some of you are dedicated students, mommas with blooming bellies, and single parents doing everything and anything to give your children what they deserve. Your stories were absolutely touching and I thank you for sharing them with me. That being said, it was extremely difficult to select just three entries...

So how to we choose the winner?
The voting begins right now and will end this Friday, January 28th at midnight. To vote, head over to Stephanie Cotta Photography on Facebook and just "LIKE" the entry you wish to vote for. To see the album with the three entries, you must first become a fan of Stephanie Cotta Photography (otherwise you will not have access to album). And that's it! The entry with the most votes will win!

Entry 1:



Entry 2:


Entry 3:


Ready to cast your vote? Head over to Stephanie Cotta Photography on Facebook and look for the "{Mini} Giveaway" Album.

Friends, Meet Kookoo Kids.

Anyone that knows me knows that I love for my little one to wear the cutest knits and clothes (because wardrobe is such an important part of that perfect capture and this child is photographed almost every day!). With a big two year birthday celebration approaching, I was in search of the perfect shirt.

Welcome, Kookoo Kids. Kookoo Kids was started by Susan Heller Simon in 2008. She's a mom and a graphic designer and creator of the Kookoo "Monster Alphabet"! She makes fun shirts for kids (she even has one for herself - a #38-monster, if you must know!). All numbers and letters are hand appliqued onto American Apparel shirts. Love that they're made in the USA. So what makes these super cute monsters so fuzzy? Towels!

These are absolutely the most perfect addition to any little one's wardrobe (at any age) and they are even more perfect if you're needing an outfit for a photography session.

But you don't have to take my word for it...













Be sure to become a fan of Kookoo Kids on Facebook!! And to purchase Kookoo Kids shirts for your little ones (or yourself!), go here.

Now that's something to get excited about.

A (Mini) Giveaway!

It's freezing outside and with more snow coming, we need something to smile about!

Ready to win a $125 gift certificate to Stephanie Cotta Photography?! It's easy... just email me telling me why you deserve to win... maybe it's something great you or your kiddies have done recently or maybe it's because you have some crazy adorable little ones that need to be photographed... whatever the reason, just let me know! I'll choose three of my most favorite entries and leave it up to all of you to vote and decide which one is most deserving!

All entries must be received by tomorrow, January 20th at midnight cst. Limit one entry per person. Email info@stephaniecottaphotography.com.

And because a good post isn't complete without some pictures, here are just a few of the previews from some of my January sessions....

Happy (early) Snow Day!