• Welcome to my Sun Prairie photographer blog. You will find images from my recent photography sessions including maternity photography, baby photography, and family photography. I also do sessions with newborns, toddlers, children of all ages, seniors, and an occasional wedding post. Each photo session is just as unique as the people standing before me and it's always a pleasure capturing just who they are.

    My photography business is based in Sun Prairie, WI, although I also serve the surrounding Madison areas including Stoughton, Oregon, Verona, Middleton, Monona, Fitchburg, DeForest, Mount Horeb, Waunakee and Cottage Grove. Feel free to peek at my site here or contact me at carrie@carrieanciaux.com or (608)834-9303 for information about booking a session. To see my style on the Flash Gallery, check out my website.

  • upcoming goodies:

    Now booking for 2012- newborn & baby, children & family photography sessions, senior portraits and weddings, too!

  • Raves:

mary & ray | sun prairie, wi engagement session photographer

He brings Gil. She brings Tahi.  Together, they make a very happy family.

Mary and Ray, both officers for the City of Sun Prairie, will be saying “Yes Officer, I do.” in March.  Well, I guess I’m not absolutely certain that’s how their vows are written- but it’s an idea!  These winter-lovers, who patiently waited for a snowy day to shoot their engagement photos, plan to escape to Arizona for the actual Tying-of-the-Knot ceremony.  Since I fell “in-like” immediately with how he adores her completely and how she giggles quietly at his “dreaminess,” I am obsessed with sneaking myself and my equipment into the small overhead compartment of the airplane and joining them down in the dessert for their wedding.

Thanks for a romantic, super-lovely winter picnic, you two lovebirds.  Much happiness to you in the future!

 

the hairy truth | sun prairie children’s photographer

It took my third child to fulfill the prophecy that most kids cut their own hair at sometime in their childhood.  Pretty much the pictures tell the story of the incident but let me fill you in on a few details.

First, Chloe is 3 1/2 years old.  ‘Nuf said, really. I mean I’m only speaking from my experience with my own three cherubs, but just when you think you can trust them for a minute, you can’t.  You think she won’t run far ahead in the restaurant parking lot, and she does. You think she won’t climb the pantry shelves to eat the bag of gummy worms, and she does.  And of course, you never think she’ll take the blue-handled children’s scissors and cut. her. own. HAIR.

Second, we watched Tangled the day before.  Not certain that there’s any connection between the trimming of her own golden locks or not, but I’m just sayin’.  Perhaps the idea was planted at that moment when beautiful Rapunzel looked even more sweet and innocent in her newly chopped shag cut. At least my own Coco didn’t use a broken shard of glass! Whew!

Third, Chloe was somewhat supervised when she made the call to do the dirty deed.  I was IN the same room as she was (at my computer, of course) and she was quietly watching Strawberry Shortcake last I looked.  It only took a minute of me turning away… as I said, you just can’t trust them at 3 1/2.  Let me clarify, at least I now know I can’t trust her.

Before:  A few weeks ago, during the mild winter days were were having, Chloe and I played with my 50 mm lens in a nearby field.  I look back at these images and smile.  Her wavy, blond locks kinda wispy in the breeze are now just a sweet memory…

During:  I didn’t cry.  I am sure my face showed extreme shock and horror as she bounded over to me with her big blue eyes shining so brightly, but I never cried.  What I did do was try to SHOW her what she had just done. I grabbed her, hoisted her up onto the bathroom vanity facing the mirror and screamed, “Look what you’ve done, Chloe! Look! Look at your hair!”  Thinking this might help her realize the effects of her actions, I was shocked AGAIN when she looked back at me and giggled profusely.  Hm, that didn’t exactly work how I imagined.

Above: Project 365 photo of the day 1.14.12

Below: Mommy might have been shaking at the moment these photos were taken, so please forgive the composition and clarity of the images.

After:  After a little “work” done at the beauty salon, we are already laughing about last weekend’s event.  As Mommies who’ve been through this know, when your little one buds into a blossoming beautician, it may be saddening, shocking, maddening and disapointing, but it’s not the end of the world. It’s not even a horrible occurrence. She’s not hurt. She’s not sick. She’s healthy and spunky and the same little girl she ever was. She now dons a pixie cut and in my mind, is more beautiful than ever. 

Finally, it’s somewhat cathartic to share a story about your kids that others can relate to. I feel way better already just taking the pics and writing the words down! A friend and hilarious Mommy of two punkins, Sandee Harned, is blogging about these very events-  She not only retells true stories of being home with her own kids, she writes in truth-be-told language that literally leaves you laughing aloud.   Check out her blog titled, “Motherhood is Beautiful and Other Lies” to read her comical stories and see those adorable kiddos she writes about. (Psst, you will see a few shots on her home page that I’ve taken of this loveable bunch, too!)  Be sure to follow her on facebook by clicking here.  She’s a Dooce in the making!

show hide 7 comments

Kim Guenther - January 19, 2012 - 4:12 pm

I was mortified and amazed all in one! She looks like she was made for that pixie cut, all sassy and spunky. Thank you for providing me an opportunity to share with E that we don’t cut our own hair. And thanks for sharing how it’s totally OK, these things happen and it’s not the end of the world ;)

Colette - January 19, 2012 - 4:38 pm

Oh, she’s gorgeous! And I LOVE the pixie cut, despite the circumstances…:o) Glad you’re already laughing about this.

carrie's dad and mom - January 19, 2012 - 4:42 pm

Quite a touching account of Chloe’s latest venture! I felt all the emotions that you described as we faced the week of the “new look”. Shocked, disappointed, saddened, and finally acceptance , then, loving the new pixie look of our darling girl.

Donna - January 19, 2012 - 8:17 pm

I love the new do!!! Makes her look older & even more like her big sister!! Two out of three of my kids did this!!

Some Kraut - January 20, 2012 - 11:59 pm

Well done Chloe! Let’s dispense with old hats. There is nothing like a clean cut.
Makes her look even more like you, Carrie.

Jen R - January 23, 2012 - 6:19 pm

Beautiful post Carrie…. “Sophie is cute”, Parker says. :)

Auntie Ann - January 25, 2012 - 10:18 am

I love every word of your description…the “in between” mullet shots make a lot moresense now :) . She’s adorable, especially in that dress! Sounds like some divine timing on getting those awesome field pics for a “before” with the “after”. I’m still laughing at her response when you showed her what she’d done…giggling… Ah, Chloe is my living illustration of “attitude is everything”! Love her approach to life (and how you nuture that, Supermom).

dear six-year-old megan | sun prairie, wi children’s photographer

 

Dear Six-Year-Old Megan,

Happy Birthday, little lady.  I’m writing this blog to you, in honor of you, for today is your sixth birthday. I want you to read this when you are 16 or 26 or 66 and remember how magical being six is. Right now:

You are attached to your three unicorn pillow pets: momma, baby and mini, and sleep with them piled around you every night.  Those friends have been washed many, many times are beginning to looks quite “loved”.

You are a blossoming reader!  This is so exciting to watch and hear! You have already have learned so much about horses, animals that sting, and whales from the books we’ve read together.  Thanks to your kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Rosin, your skills of stretching out words are amazing us.

You absolutely love princesses. and fairies. and pink and purple. Girl, you are ALL GIRL – a momma’s delight!

You enjoy applying eyeshadow, lip gloss and nail polish.  These special girly indulgences are reserved for babysitters only… don’t get any ideas!

You play “Kitty” and ask us to call you “Daisy” as you rub up against our legs and purr.   Mom and Daddy are working hard to enjoy this “stage” as we inadvertently trip over our own legs (and you!) frequently.

You have your first loose tooth! Lower right. I wonder what the tooth fairy will bring?

You love your big brother something fierce.  Upon seeing him in the school cafeteria each day, you become giddy.  You blush, wave, turn away and giggle with your friends.  And, you LOVE to play with his friends when they visit, too.

Your sister is your best friend.  You two play together, squabble together, sleep together, laugh together, and hug and squeeze each other.  I pray you’ll always have her friendship and she, yours.

And lastly, much to my dismay, you dress up with jewelry and lip gloss and act wayyy older than you are.  While this is fun for a photo session, Daddy and I remind you “not to grow up too fast” for we can’t believe we already have a six-year-old!

Happy Birthday, Megan Ries.   You are more than your Daddy and I could have ever imagined. Your smile, your infectious giggle, your entire personality is a truly a gift. We thank God for our Meg-Pie.

Love,
Momma

[The format of this blog was inspired by a powerful video titled, "Dear 16-year-old Me" that speaks of Malignant Melanoma.   I encourage you to watch it, hear it's message loud and clear, and share it with a young person you love.  My children most definitely will be slathered with sunscreen growing up because of this message.]

show hide 7 comments

Chir Koop - January 16, 2012 - 7:00 am

Happy Birthday Megan! Love the pictures and the blog. Megan K is so excited to share her special day. She is also excited to see they have the same pillow pet! I was glad to know that someone else also has a “kitty” underfoot! :) .

Scott - January 16, 2012 - 7:11 am

Too cute! Lots of love and best wishes to our adorable six year old niece. Scott and Rachel

carrie's dad and mom - January 16, 2012 - 9:42 am

A wonderful summary of our Megan. She is all those things and MORE! I remember your call saying that you had a daughter in your arms at the hospital!!! That was the best news . She will be by your side for years to come. As I have experienced!
We love her!!

Rachel - January 16, 2012 - 10:15 am

Awwww – as always, your pictures tell a story as beautiful as your words. I know she will treasure hearing those things in years to come, and I can just hear her giggle when I see that smile! Hugs to our favorite giggler!

tara jo - January 16, 2012 - 9:26 pm

amazing & perfect images of a beautiful girl. love you, megpie! xxoo the kuhlow gang

Lola G. - January 17, 2012 - 9:00 am

Care, you bring tears to my eyes. This is beautiful! I’m in love with the last photo. What a beauty!

Marian & Bill - January 18, 2012 - 9:56 am

What a lovely message to a beautiful little girl ….It will be a special keepsake for her entire life! Megan, you are God’s gift to all of us and we love you. Carrie, you reveal your loving and sensitive nature. We are grateful that you and Bill found each other and are such a special part of our family.

the greatest gift | sun prairie, wi family photographer

As you may know, my son’s birthday was this past week.  Like many families, we celebrate with a cake and blowing out the candles following dinner.  This shot was taken during the traditional singing of “Happy Birthday to You” as his sisters and my parents serenaded him.  It has gotten quite a buzz on Facebook hence prompting me to share it here, too.

I knew it was a special event as it was happening.

I knew I wanted to capture the moment and keep it forever.

I just didn’t know what it all meant to him, until afterwards.

While tucking my now-eleven year old into bed that night, he looked up at me and thanked me for a great birthday day.  After a hug he said, “Mom, my favorite gift was the Love I felt tonight.”  And with that, this image becomes my new family favorite of all time.

 

birthday boy | madison, wi area children photographer

Seriously, I’m okay with this.  I handled ten, so ELEVEN years old is not such a big deal, right? Anyway, he’s turning out pretty darn good- good grades, good friends, making good choices so far and still very good to his little sisters most of the time.  With his blue eyes and gentle look here, Richie may be devilishly handsome but what makes me most proud is what’s inside that giant-sized, lovable heart of his.  Voted “Most Friendly to Everyone” by Mrs. Oliver’s 1st grade class, he continues to practice the Golden Rule mantra as a fifth grader.   For that reason, and about one million and three thousand others, I’m one glowing-with-pride Momma.  Happy birthday, Richie. And as I frequently tell you, “You are my Joy.”

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Karen McDermott - January 10, 2012 - 2:49 pm

Ahhh Carrie! I can relate to the ‘You are my joy”. I tell my son that too. He turned 14 in November and although he some “teen moments”, he still kisses me goodnight and hugs me……in public!! :>), Boys are so fun!!

Cynthia - January 10, 2012 - 8:24 pm

What an amazingly handsome,intelligent and a good heart to boot. Lucky you! Happy Birthday Richie!

Amy Frank - January 12, 2012 - 9:43 am

I’ve discovered, that for me, the odd-year birthdays are always the hardest. Why is that?

tara jo - January 16, 2012 - 9:28 pm

happy birthday to the coolest, sweetest, best 11-year-old boy we know! so fun to watch you grow up, mr. richie man. xxoo tara, kev, avery, ellie & simon

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