Happy Chinese New Year! | Shanghai Family Photography

February 10, 2013 • 1 Comment

So long, Year of the Dragon. Howdy, Year of the Snake!

I've been saving up these photos for a while, waiting for a special occasion . . . . I first met (and photographed) The Twins back in July 2012. We've done several photo sessions since then. Being out on the Bund with these two, you get a sense of how it feels to be a celebrity -- they attract a lot of attention. And for good reason: they're crazy-cute. Double Happiness indeed! It takes a lot of energy to keep up with them, but it is so worth it. I'm very sad to say they're leaving China at the end of the month. I'm going to miss them (and their Mama) so much! But I feel really lucky that I had the opportunity to meet them and document their last months in Shanghai. I think that years from now, The Twins are going to be so grateful to their Mama, who set up all these photos sessions, coordinated all these little outfits and hair bows and props, and always stayed just close enough to make sure they didn't fall off of anything or get into any real trouble. They'll always have these memories of when Shanghai was their playground.

So now, in honor of 2013, I present thirteen of my favorites. Enjoy!

Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice | Shanghai Newborn Photography

January 28, 2013 • Leave a Comment

Some time ago ago, I had the pleasure of doing this family's maternity session (see "Happy Tiger, Hidden Dragon" at http://www.kristymurphy.com/blog/2012/9/happy-tiger-hidden-dragon). Well, the little one has arrived and she -- like her mama -- is absolutely gorgeous. Have a look!

Straight Up Adorable Irish Family | Shanghai Family Photography

December 30, 2012 • Leave a Comment

For well over a week now, I’ve been trying to come up with a snappy title for this family’s blog post. First of all, they’re Irish, and I love the Irish -- that lovely lilting brogue, that sharp wit . . . what’s not to love? (I am a Murphy, after all.) The other thing is, this family is just straight up adorable. Especially the little guy.

And we had such fun on our shoot! It was a cold, sunny morning. The family -- including Pumpkin the stuffed puppy, who is absolutely a member of the family -- picked me up in a cab and we headed to the Bund. We played there for a while and then headed to Jing’an Park, where the dancing ladies know this little guy and, boy, do they love him! After a couple of hours of running around we were all pretty tired, but this family was photogenic to the very end. The last shot I took turned out to be one of my very favorites: can’t you just feel the love in that fabulous family hug?!

So back to that title . . . “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”? Overdone. How about “Merry Crimbo!” (apparently “crimbo” is Irish slang for Christmas . . . but whoops, Christmas is over! Hope you had yourself a merry little one!) Oh well, I’m so eager to share these photos that I’m just going to give up on clever and call it like I see it: Straight Up Adorable Irish Family. Can’t argue with that.

Running to 40 | Shanghai Family Photography

November 29, 2012 • 1 Comment

This weekend, 20,000 or so runners will be participating in the 2012 Shanghai International Marathon, and I know at least one person who will be crossing that finish line: Angela Daley, the mama in these photos. She decided some time ago that she wanted to run a marathon before she turns 40 in December, so she’s been out there training for months -- in rain or shine, on good pollution days and bad. She's also been chronicling her progress toward this goal on her inspiring, funny, and refreshingly honest Shanghai Family Magazine blog, “Running to 40.”

But last month, Angela took a little break from her marathon training so we could meet up for a family photo session on the Bund. Check it out! (And Angela, if you're reading this: best of luck on Sunday! We'll be cheering for you!)