SLR-Photo

Since I started this blog over 2 years ago, I have never written truly personal stories that had nothing to do with photography, but I can’t resist right now.

For those of you who know me well, you know that I really like to laugh.. and often at myself.  Not only that, I can weave a pretty long tale to find out that in the end..I am making fun of myself.  Well - here goes -

This year since my kids are well beyond believing in the Easter Bunny, I decided to go to a homemade chocolate shop in Chester to fill their baskets.  The chocolate is so yummy and I must admit that it was partly for me (well, maybe more than partly).  So last week, I made myself a cup of tea, grabbed a chocolate egg and snuggled in bed for some TV.  I put the egg in my mouth let it melt slowly truly enjoying it!  However, when I got to the end, I felt something hard in it.  My first thought was that it was a piece of rock sugar like you get at Starbucks (maybe it’s called raw sugar?).  However, when I took it out of my mouth, it looked like a piece of tooth!  Well, I was completely disgusted.  I couldn’t believe that this homemade chocolate place would let something like that happen.  I put it on my bed stand and thought about whether I should go back to the shop?  What do you do?  I Went to sleep.

I woke up the next morning had breakfast…worked from home that morning…made myself a sandwich and was sitting on my back porch on a beautiful day.  As I bit into the last bite of the sandwich I got a big stab of pain from my mouth.  Sticking my finger in my mouth, I discovered a big hole…..IT WAS MY TOOTH!!

I am not kidding..the night before it DID NOT OCCUR to me that it came from my mouth.  I called my dentist, told him the whole story and listened as he laughed his head off.  Isn’t it great getting old?

I spent a gorgeous Saturday morning in Allendale, NJ photographing Pat, Jed and Jeff for the website for their Psychotherapy office.  After photographing the office space I was amazed at the beautiful light that was available for their portraits.  “Not your ordinary headshot” was really what I was going after.  Take a look -

I loved the outcome - friendly and peaceful!

In the office, Pat has put together a beautiful display of glass under a lovely print of birch trees.  I pulled out my 85mm lens and played around using just a small spot for light.  Adding a little text - this was my result

I love this age - and this time in a child’s life.  They are dressed up and getting all the attention.  And rightly so!!

Before I show you some of the adorable children I recently photographed, I have to first show off a photo of my dad that hangs in my home.  It was “colorized” for those that remember that look.  My favorite part is the bow on the arm.  How cute is he??

Now on to my cuties!  First is Patrick.  He arrived prepared to think of something that made him smile.  I loved that.  Prepared even at 8…watch out!

His face just made me melt!

Next is my nephew Tom looking so dapper.  I was amazed when he stood in front of me how I saw my brother.  I don’t think I have ever seen it so clearly before.

Tom is a natural.  He was born on Earth Day and I think I felt peace coming from him.    Below is Tom’s signature shot.  He had the unique ability at a very young age to wink.  The ability has gotten him many extra chocolate chip cookies over the years.

Next was Allie - beautiful in her veil and gorgeous dress.

Outside is where Allie really opened up and showed me her personality.  I absolutely love this shot - especially her feet!

Here we had the wind blowing her veil to make a beautiful image.  Look at that beautiful image.  I am definitely not revealing what was said to make her smile!!

Forsythia blooming for me is such a sign of hope!  it means the weather has changed and there are so many things to come - like the beginning of a great movie!  I feel that way about my little friend Rylee - in the Spring of her life. I can’t wait to watch her bloom!

I had such a hard time deciding what images to use for my blog.  Rylee was enjoying the Spring day as much as I was.  She was singing and dancing and showing off her adorable Easter dress.

Isn’t she adorable!

Rylee is all ready for Church on Easter.  Amen!

Happy Easter and Happy Spring to all!

When Nikki called me for a outdoor portrait in March, I never thought we’d pull it off!  I was so happy when the weather held out on Sunday for another beautiful day in our string of early Spring days.

We started out with several family shots, had fun chasing her adorable niece and nephew Emily and Simon, and then ended the session with some fun shots of everyone really enjoying the gorgeous day.

It’s funny that once siblings start getting married - just the siblings isn’t a photo that we often take.  Here they are - all grown up!

In the end - it’s always about the kids.  Twins are definitely hard to get smiling together - or even sometime just both looking!  Here is a good one!

I love having everyone lined up and running toward me.  Sometimes I think they are all waiting for me to fall backward as I am trying to run to keep ahead of them.

I’ll end with this shot - always funny as I am lying on my back on the ground.

Happy Spring to all!!

Emily celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday.  Here are some images of her big day with her family.

Here is Emily surrounded by her friends during the candlelighting ceremony!  What a blast.

With big sis Katie and the whole family!

Congratulations Emily!

The stands were full as I photographed the kids at the Morris Center YMCA.  It was amazing how the crowd stood still for me…

I had a great time with Debbie and her husband Brian when they came in for a creative portrait session.  Debbie runs an online shopping site and was looking for some images for her website.  Together we created some stylish images -  take a look!

I’m looking forward to seeing Deb’s new website - www.etrendzshop.com.

Who doesn’t remember all those photos lined up with our cousins.  Now I understand what our parents went through trying to get the perfect shot.  I had a blast with these kids - all at different stages!

Here is Matthew loving his new little baby sister Cara.

Ansley and Gia did a lot of little girl giggling that cracked me up!

Sean held Ryan just for a moment before he tilted over holding his little brother!

The next images were individual shots that I did of the older kids.  I let them let loose a little with some silly faces and got a beautiful display of funny shots!

Happy New Year to All!  As I sit here, 10 days into 2010, I am so happy to have met so many children, families, pets and professionals.  I was also happy to photograph some of my longtime friends and family.  Sit back and enjoy my Year in Review.  Can you find yourself?