Maternity Portraiture

Pregnant ladies just glow.  They are so happy and can't wait for their new one to make an arrival.  It's fun to capture all of this in photos for them to remember this quick window of time.

I am always amazed with pregnancy.  Mostly, everything happens in perfect order.  A human being is created and grows and follows a step by step plan.  And, at the end of nine months, we get to welcome our new love into the world.

I did have my Pregnancy Photos done.  At the time, I didn't much care for them (thought I looked fat, unattractive, etc).  Now, I am so happy to have them to remember that brief time in my life.  I hope you consider getting some Maternity Photos done, if only to put them on a shelf for you to visit.

And, yes, it is true...your life will never be the same.  It will be filled with another to love and share your world with...and you will have your own family!

So Much Summer Fun

As much as I try, I fall behind...but that is a good thing.  How so you wonder?  It means my life is bursting at the seams with love, friends, fun and photography.   I am in catching up mode and wanted to pop in here and say hello before I get outside to enjoy this summer day!

My girls head back to school this coming week, so early, but it is what it is.  (does anyone really like that saying?)  This will allow me to devote the many hours I need to catch up on everything from organizing my office to folding laundry to editing beautiful moments captured.

For the time being, take a quick peek of some summer fun...and enjoy every minute.  :)

Newborns. Aaaahhh.

Having had two of my very own, I know the magic of Newborns.  They are so tiny, so sweet and innocent and grow so fast.  All the while mom and dad are in a sleep deprived daze!  I love working with tiny babies, creating the perfect peaceful environment and helping them into the coziest of poses.  

A Chilly and Windy Day at the Beach....

Cape Cod Bride

Beautiful lady, Hyannis, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, April 2011.

For our Furriest of family members!

Look at these guys!

Learning and Applying...

It's been a wild six weeks here!

In March, two of my prints won awards at the New Hampshire Professional Photography Association's annual conference.  I was thrilled and look forward to entering more next year and aiming higher!  It's nerve wracking as you sit in a dark room and one print at a time is judged by a high level of photographer from the PPA.  Another goal achieved...many more to come!

April, I attended the New England Institute of Professional Photography in April and have been so busy ever since!  I am so excited about all I have learned and where my photography business is headed.  I am trying to juggle it all, as usual for me.

Stay tuned for fun new clients and photographs!

With this ring...

I love weddings.  Planning my wedding was so fun...even if it was 3,000 miles away!  The internet was relatively new ten years ago and I have a blast getting all the details set.

It's not surprising to me that my Photographic journey is pointing me in this direction.  I am looking forward to opportunities to capture the most of memorable days for people.

Lots of hours have been invested and more are soon to come!  I am not one of those, "hey I got a new camera let me be a photographer" peeps.  I have been studying for a couple years now and learning all I can through numerous resources.  In two weeks, I will be heading to Cape Cod for a week of intensive training with NEIPP.  This is going to be amazing!  Five days with two amazing teachers.

I love learning and look forward to applying all I learn to create what you dream of!

If you know of any brides to be in need of a Photographer, please share my information with them.  My first few will be getting special pricing.  I am available to all of the New England states.

Inspired.

Yesterday, I drove two hours to Connecticut to see Jasmine Star.  Since I began studying Photography, I have been reading about her and following her blog.  What an inspiration to listen to her story and meet her in person.

She hasn't been at her Photography career long (2006!), but has made a splash.  She had a couple of lucky breaks and encounters, but she has done so very well for herself and now is an A list Wedding Photographer.

Her focus is on doing good and helping others.  I agree with this wholeheartedly.  You get what you give.  And, that the tortoise does always win.  Little by little, I will get there!  Every day I am closer to my goals.  Whether it's advancing a rank in tennis or a certain earning level, with hard work and focus, I am on my way.  And, I will continue to give back along the way how ever I can!  

Work Hard, Play Hard

This has always been my philosophy.  Funny how my play is mirroring my work.

After 22 years, I picked up a tennis racquet again last summer. I wasn't sure how it would go, because, I wasn't even so fabulous the last time I played (in high school).  I took lessons, practiced and set a goal for myself...to achieve a certain level by the end of the summer.  I did it!  And then, got crazier and joined a team for winter play.  I kept practicing and taking lessons and hey, I was getting better.  The Captain asked me to play first doubles.  Wow, really?

First match, we win!  Second, we were slaughtered.  It was painful.  I wanted to cry.  (There were tears during one practice game, actually)  Who did I think I was thinking I could play tennis?  I was never the athletic type.  I should just go back to crafting and be done with it.  Nope.  Kept practicing and playing and realigned my thinking.  Played again in a match yesterday and we won.  Played at practice today, and didn't do very well.  Must keep practicing and learning to move forward!  It's a lifetime sport, right?

Anyhow, I share this story because it has hit me recently Tennis is like Photography.  I have studied and practiced and taken a zillion lessons (seminars, classes, etc).  Some days I feel like the best Photographer on the planet (well, not really, just making a point) and the next day, I am frustrated.  But, I know this is my path and I continue on learning, practicing and realigning my goals.

Professional Photographers aren't born when they are handed a nice camera.  They grow from the time invested in the craft and in learning...and the learning never stops.

Life can be like a roller coaster or like a merry go round.  I have always chosen the roller coaster.  It's a wild ride, but worth at the end when you get off and are so exhilarated, you can't wait to get on again!

Are you a roller coaster lifer or a merry go round?

Life, here it is, catch it! :)  He may only get snow, but he's going for it.  There just might be a treat in it. 

I love Animals!

I am so excited to go and celebrate Love Your Pet day tomorrow at the Animal Rescue League in Bedford, NH.  I love working with animals.  They are always kind (so far...) and happy.  They always want to play.
I love just getting on the floor, or ground, and being with them, long enough they stop noticing me.

Tomorrow will be a taste of Pet Photography at the Animal Rescue League.  No charge mini sessions for your pet (and you if you would like!).  I have put together some great packages, too, to make sure you have some art for your home (and office) of your fuzzy family members.

I hope you will come by, there will be lots of other fun vendors, too.  Hope to see you there!
Learn more about the event here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=173555962680266

Some More Details on the HOT Photos...

Post your photos until 2/13 here: in this album.  The photo with the most appreciation will be the hottest summer photo and thus the winner!
So, get it done, go through those HHH memories and share your favorite at the above link.

Happy Hot memories to you.  Can't wait to see the times that made you sweat!

Photograph of the Year, 2010

As we freeze here in New England, I offer you memories of beach days from not too long ago...and not too far out in the future.  Congratulations to the J family on your Photo of the Year award!  Looking forward to playing more at the beach this summer.

Another storm coming this week; expecting ten to twenty inches of fresh snow.  Feel free to come back here to visit the warm beach.  Or, embrace the winter and get outside and play!