First I have to say “hello” again as for about the last month this blog has been MIA.  You may have noticed some dead links if you happened upon me in a search or through Facebook…  Something went crazy with a WordPress update and next thing I know I deleted my database and all my posts were gone!  (That’s what I get for messing around with things I don’t understand!)  I had just about given up hope that it was ever going to come back when I found some advice on the Googles and I contacted my domain hosting company…  and Ta-Da!!   I’m back in business!  Lessons I learned — don’t be quick to update WordPress and figure out how to back this thing up!

So now that I’m live again we have to celebrate with a blog post!  I thought I’d pull another one of my fall mini-sessions from the archives.  This adorable family had some fun wandering around Lancaster County Park and the girls loved playing in the leaves!

I think this is one of my favorite family shots from the session.  This was actually mom’s idea.  In our email conversations prior to the session she told me she envisioned some photos of them casually walking with the sun shining through the trees…  I think we pulled it off!

These two young ladies were a joy to work with.  They were a little unsure at first, but warmed up quickly and we strutting their stuff in a matter of minutes!  Here they are being “sassy”!

You have to follow a sassy shot with a lovey, sister shot!  Doesn’t this just melt your heart! 

Of course mom and dad have to strut their stuff a little too!

Another great family shot!  Fall is such a pretty time for photos-the colors are amazing!

What a beautiful family and a fun session!  I hope to do it again this fall!

Back in September I have the opportunity to work with the staff at Lauxmont Farms for a wedding.  I was more of a second shooter for the day, but it was still a lot of fun.  I personally have never been to Lauxmont, it’s a neat place.  The views are the best part of it all!

This wedding was at the Japanese Gardens and the bride was delivered by horse and carriage.  How romantic!

As a “second” shooter I was able to focus a little more on the details of the day…  something I typically leave to my second shooter…  I love flowers!

Especially when they are brightly colored!

The ares for photos around the gardens are almost endless.  Unfortunately we were a little pressed for time so I didn’t get to really explore as I would have liked.  I did love the yellow door though!  Not only did it give this photo a little extra pop, it matched her colors!

This was one of the best entrances I’ve seen in a while.  I’m sure there was quite a back story to this because it was well received by the guests!

The bridal party took to dollar dance seriously at this wedding.  The Maid of Honor and Best Man were keeping tabs on each other, seeing who could raise the most money!

This is the first time I worked in a tent for a reception.  After the sun went down I ventured out to play around…  love this shot!

This was a fun day…  maybe I’ll have the opportunity to shoot there again this year!  Thanks Katy for the opportunity!

Super behind in the blogging (as usual)…  so I’m going to try and do a little catch up!

Back in October (yes, October) I had my second annual mini-session marathon.  I might continue this so keep your eyes posted come fall for this year’s location and details.  I did a couple family sessions, including these awesome people.

Do they look familiar?  Well they should…  they appear on my blog once a year!  This is Carrie and her little ladies!  I was shocked this year at how much they have grown up.

A little sales pitch!  Once you find a photographer you like, or shall I say that your kiddos like, then it’s important to to work with them year after year.  Children usually need time to warm up to strangers, especially in a situation where they are being told to stand still and smile on command.  If you stick with your photographer (assuming the first session went okay) each year it’ll get a little easier for your children and sessions will be less stressful for mom and dad and result in even better photos.  I’ve been told by most of my clients with children that they loved working with me, and the photos usually reflect that.

The goal to working with children is to be flexible and willing to let them be children!

Sure, mom had no intention of actually purchasing this shot, but they were thrilled that I let them do what they wanted for a few photos, makes them more willing to do what I want for a few more.

So, back to the little ladies and how they’ve grown  (mom will probably love this!)  The photo below is from our session 2009…

and from 2011…

If this doesn’t show you why you should have photos taken of your little ones regularly, then I have no idea what will!  Two years – what a difference!

This one just blows me away!  Two years ago (even last year) I had a hard time getting her to tolerate me for solo shots…  this year I could have worked with her all afternoon!

This one still loves every moment of working with me and is becoming quite the master at having her photo taken!  This “pose” was all her!  Work it girl!

Aren’t these two just precious?!?

I’m sure we’ll be back later this year with more fun with Carrie and her little ladies!