Legacy photography is more than just a family photo; it aims to capture the growth of a family with intention and planning.

When Kimberly and Devin Stuart walked into SchlickArt Studios for the very first time, we had no idea how their family would grow right before our lens.

The Stuarts were about to have their first child, and they were simply over the moon. Kimberly and Devin didn’t want to miss a single moment of this beautiful time in their lives, so they began planning their legacy photography shoots accordingly.

“These are memories that go by really quickly, and if you don’t document them, they disappear,” said Kimberly Stuart. “I wanted proof of how I felt and what my children looked like in these moments — and I think the best way to do that is with pictures.”

They didn’t want just any pictures, however; they wanted something that captured the very essence of their family.

“We wanted a photographer who could take something as simple as a baby picture and turn it into something artistic,” Kimberly said. “We wanted something more creative.”

Maternity

When Kimberly first entered SchlickArt Studios, little Jameson Devin Stuart was still on his way, and their maternity shoot was simply stunning.

A classic white, flowing dress paired with a dainty flower crown made Kimberly look like a goddess as soon as she stepped on set.

“We took shots as she played in the gorgeous natural light, set against a white curtain,” Lindsay said. “I wanted to capture the pure beauty of this part of Kimberly’s life.”

And the results were magical.

After Kimberly had her moment in the light, Devin joined her, and we took some couples maternity photos, capturing the loving parents who would be bringing this child into the world.

This part of the shoot was full of so much love!

But they also wanted to have a little fun. So Kimberly put on her cowboy boots and wide-brimmed hat, and Devin grabbed his sax. The two took another round of couples photos that captured their playfulness, unique character and, of course, more of their love. Another outfit change brought some classic couples maternity photos, perfect for announcements and cards, and the afternoon was complete.

“Lindsay takes the time you need, so you’re not rushed during the process” Kimberly said. “She gives you enough time to go through all the poses and outfit changes, and she discusses things with you. It makes you feel like you’re part of the creative process — and it gives you the time to really get what you want.”

We wouldn’t see the Stuarts again until little Jameson was here, too.

Newborn

Months later, the studio was set for Jameson to arrive. Plush blankets and fabrics were laid out, and the temperature was warm enough for the little guy to stay comfortably asleep. Kimberly and Devin, now Mom and Dad, brought everything they needed to keep baby fed and clean. The studio was theirs for as long as they liked or needed.

As Kimberly was pampered with full hair and makeup, little Jameson had his first shoot — and he was perfect! Classic shots were mixed in with more playful and personalized shots, just like the maternity shoot. They brought Devin’s riding helmet, along with Jameson’s bedding and matching accessories.

Then the new parents changed into the same outfits they wore in the maternity shoot — first the flowing white dress, and then the cowboy boots — and the new family recreated the same shots with Jameson out in the world.

Once the Stuarts came for their reveal session, they chose a gorgeous leather-bound book that contained shots from both shoots, showing the story of how little Jameson made their family a little bigger.

“Lindsay has an eye for everything when it comes to photography: how to pose, what colors compliment you,” Kimberly said. “She’s very artistic with the way she approaches each shoot.”

Little did we know, it wouldn’t be long before the Stuarts were back at SchlickArt Studios.

Repeat

“When we heard that Kimberly was pregnant with their second child, we couldn’t have been more excited for this gorgeous, incredibly loving little family to grow once again — and we honored to capture it,” Lindsay said.

It was important to Kimberly and Devin to make sure they captured their second child’s journey into this world in a similar and equal way, they explained. So they booked a maternity and newborn shoot — this time for their baby girl, Rylee Michele!

For their maternity shoot, however, they did something just a little bit different. Baby Jameson, now a toddler in a suit with suspenders, was going to help the Stuarts tell their friends and family about his new sister!

In one of the most precious gender reveal shoots we’ve ever seen, the whole family used props, glitter and message boards to depict the arrival of their new daughter. Jameson starred in some of his own shots, too! Just like Jameson’s shoot, Kimberly and Devin took couples maternity shots, as well. They brought back the same white, flowing dress, as well as a new one. Kimberly took shots with Jameson and on her own, just as she did with baby Jameson.

“The whole experience is so relaxing,” Kimberly said. “When dealing with a toddler, it’s already pretty stressful. You want the photos to look great, but you just don’t know how it’s gonna go. But Lindsay and Brian make the process really relaxing from start to finish.”

When baby Rylee came for her newborn shoot, it was simply precious. Mom and Dad took shots together with their baby girl, as well as on their own with little Rylee. Jameson and Rylee shared the spotlight together, and the whole family played together for some shots that will just melt your heart.

Captured Equally

For Kimberly and Devin, it was extremely important to capture their children equally. If Jameson had a maternity shoot, then Rylee would, too — and the same went with their newborn shoots.

“I’m very big on making sure that what I do for one child I do for the other. I don’t want one child to feel like they’re liked or loved more than the other,” Kimberly explained. “I have two sisters who are younger than me, and I started doing that years ago with them. If I sent one sister a birthday card, I also sent my other sister a card to remind her she’s loved.”

And this was a decision Kimberly made long before she had kids of her own.

“I’ve noticed that, generally, there are less and less baby photos as families have more children. So before I even had kids, I made the decision to make sure both my children had the same experience with baby photos — because it doesn’t happen unless you make a conscious effort to do so.”

The Meaning of Legacy Photography

And as the years go on, the Stuarts plan on expanding their photo legacy at important milestones throughout their children’s lives. Kimberly is already planning a family shoot once Rylee and Jameson reach ages 2 and 4, and they’ve even joked SchlickArt will be shooting their weddings when the time comes.

“This is important to me,” Kimberly explained. “You don’t know what the next day may bring. Anything can happen, God forbid. All you have is these pictures, these memories.”

For the Stuarts, photography is a matter of family legacy.

“It’s nice for me to have, but ultimately, it’s for my kids and, eventually, their kids — because at this age, their memories are fleeting, too.”

About SchlickArt’s Legacy Photography & Video Services

What’s legacy photography and video? Legacy photography is more than a family photo shoot. It goes beyond that to include a plan to capture your family’s growth throughout the years and milestones of their lives. For those who choose legacy photography, it often becomes one the most important possessions a family owns. If legacy photography captures life’s most important moments, legacy video captures the story that accompanies those moments. Family members are invited to talk about their unique and genuine connection with each other, and tell the stories they want to last through the generations. For more information about legacy photography and video, please contact SchlickArt directly.

About SchlickArt Photography and Video

SchlickArt, a boutique photo and video studio in Santa Clarita, started in March 2012 with the simple idea that empowerment creates a kind of beauty and authenticity that shines through every camera lens. Built on a philosophy — rather than a product, service or person — SchlickArt has rapidly evolved, meeting professional portraiture, business photo and business video needs as diverse as the community we capture. It’s the desire to take care of you, the client, that drives us at SchlickArt.