the {Whaley} family

I cannot tell you how much I LOVE this family. (And not just because they take super cute pictures!) I first met Lily when she was barely a year old to babysit her; and now, during our shoot, she never failed to remind me that she will be THREE very soon. Brian and Jennifer are a BIG part of our church, serving and giving and supporting in so many ways. You will not be able to help but love them!

Free

People often ask me why I decided to title my business New Song Photography. I have three reasons. 1) My first name, Elisabeth, is not spelled like the traditional Elizabeth, and my last name is very, very Dutch. Therefore, naming my business after me would be problematic when sharing web URL’s and email addresses. 2) I’m a musician, so I fancied the idea of weaving music even into my photography. And 3) when I was brainstorming for a business name, I flipped through my Bible and found the reoccurring phrase “Sing to the Lord a new song.” The passionate worship leader in me smiled and decided right then, on my bed soaking in the last of the day’s sun, that I wanted my photography business to be a new song for me to sing for Jesus.

I know you saw it, the “Jesus”. Yes, I’m one of those people.

But the thing is, I don’t wear the “Christian” label on Sunday mornings and take it off after lunch. I don’t use prayer for a suggestion box. And my God isn’t a hopeful scapegoat for a pleasant afterlife.

I’m a young woman who is trying to find her place in a world, a world in which she can never quite seem to fit. I’m always searching. And while I walk these roads in searching, sometimes I feel good, like I fit in just a little bit. But other times, I fall. I mess up. I sin. I cry, scream, offend, let down, and fail. And it’s when I’m at my lowest point where I find a Love whom rushes to my side and lifts me up. This Love bought me as a slave, looked into my eyes while removing my chains, and said, “You’re no longer owned. Fly free.”

And now that Love is the only thing I never want to be free from, and I found it all in following Jesus.

That is why I desire New Song Photography to be for Him. This business is an act of my worship to the One who has brought to me every client, every piece of equipment, every gorgeous natural back-drop. My website has always said “I am constantly offering up my business to God…[it] would not have been possible without the love and provision of the Lord.” I would be nothing without Him, simply words on a page until He chooses to sing me into poetry.

I realize the risk this has for my business. Some people won’t like my hopes for this business and venture off to look for a photographer who keeps her heart quieter. It’s too bad, for I’d be overjoyed to meet and work with anyone who holds any views that Jesus sends to my little neck of the woods. But what is love without great risk? I want nothing to do with a love like that. I’m putting my future, my finances, my hope in something bigger than men. I’m spending my time under the sun choosing to love my Maker.

If you so happen to join me, for simply business or even a friendship, it will be a beautifully whimsical, wild adventure. But don’t worry; I’ve got a camera to capture it all. (;

Aniyah {Braceless!}

Now, I'm SURE you remember Aniyah from a handful of months back:

She is so stunning. Not only so, but before I can even finish my sentence or hold up my camera, she already positions herself in the most complimenting way. Aniyah just got her braces off, and in celebration we both agreed a photo session was necessary! (Not that she needed one, she was breath-taking before as well!)

Aniyah is such an amazing girl. I've have the tremendous blessing of being able to meet and mentor her as she flourishes in her walk with Jesus. Her family will be moving to Haiti this year, so please, please, please keep them in your prayers. I am so proud of this gorgeous girl who is ready to take the world by storm!

{Alex}

You may remember Alex from his session last July:

I am very happy to announce that he is back for his third round in front of a New Song Photography camera! (In celebration of his 21st birthday, I might add.) Alex moves with a flow in front of the camera which is evident in his pictures. I love sessions where all I need to do is stand back and shoot. (Take note of the really cool telephone poles in the background!)