2010 in Review - Part Two

The second half of 2010 was very busy and very eventful in my personal life as well. My daughter gave birth to beautiful Ava Belle and my son graduated from Case Western Reserve University. Those middle months of the year in Ohio are why it's so worth living here -- the bright greens of late spring, the long days of summer and autumn's display of colorful leaves which hung on longer than usual this year.

Again, I'll choose just one photo from each event and portrait session -- it was tough to decide on just one photo -- but the one I chose has meaning to me...

July 2010

Jen and Scott's Engagement Session (aka our excellent adventure!). Again, it was so hard to choose just one -- I had gorgeous sunset photos, lovely lake reflections and lots of easy going natural laughter. I chose this one because Jen saw a photo like this somewhere else and she was hoping I could emulate it. I love it when a bride-to-be shares ideas with me! This was the last photo of the day -- I laid flat on the sand to get this shot, while Jen and Scott lay on the other side where the depth of field would blur to a nice creamy bokeh. I loved it as did they -- and I'm thankful for the suggestion - it has become one of my favorite engagement ring shots!


Of all the photos of Rachel and Brandon's wedding - this one resonates with me the most. Why? Because their wedding day survived many mishaps - a bridal bouquet that was overchilled and sorta dead brown in spots, a thunderstorm in the middle of their outdoor vineyard wedding, a tornado just before the reception, a reception hall with only enough power to light up a string of Christmas lights and the DJ - no airconditioning in mid 90 humid heat, no sit down dinner (it had to become a buffet), and more. I was amazed that even though 1/10th of that would be enough to rattle any bride and groom -- Rachel and Brandon let it all roll -- they laughed it off. They embraced the true meaning of this day, as did their guests. No one left. In fact, they carried the party over to another location once their time was up at the reception hall. This photo reminds me that it's not what does or does not happen at a wedding that "makes" the wedding. It's how you choose to react to it. Their wedding was one of the most challenging and most rewarding I've had the privilege to photograph.

Amanda and George got married! They had a beautiful outdoor ceremony at Puska's Outdoor Party Center in Lorain. This was another difficult choice - I remember George asking me to take a picture of their rings on their fingers -- it struck me that he was the one that asked -- so proud he was to have married this wonderful lady. The picture I chose, however, was of Amanda. Amanda had crazy beautiful eyes.

Ava Belle is born! My beautiful first grandchild. She has gotten so used to having a camera pointed at her that a photo session is just another aspect of spending time with Grandma.
August 2010

Vanessa's Senior Portrait. Vanessa has many interests - two of which were her horse and her music. For this portrait I blended a photo of her playing her guitar onto a music book that she brought with her.

Bethany and Ed's Engagement Session. I'm looking forward to Bethany and Ed's August 2011 wedding in Columbus. We photographed their engagement session at the Franklin Conservatory (also in Columbus). What a gorgeous place - fitting for this gorgeous couple. This photo -- I love the natural expression of love on both their faces and I absolutely love the way the wind swept Bethany's hair across her face.
Melissa and Dale get married! Actually, she was a client that I "lost." Over the months, as my Facebook friend, I had gotten to know her better through her status updates and often laughed at some of her quirkier posts, as well as "awwwwwed" over her very sweet posts about her love for Dale and her children. She had gotten to know me as well. She commented often on my updates, which I really appreciated. it was nice to know that even though she wasn't a client, she was becoming a friend. I was honored to be able to attend her wedding as a guest. And of course I brought my camera :-) Because of our Facebook connection, I knew that her dad meant the world to her and they had recently experienced some circumstances that made his walk down the aisle with her extra special. I think the look on his face says it all.


Rachel and Brandon -- again! Rachel and Brandon - the couple from the crazy tornado wedding. I knew that in the year up to their wedding day that Rachel had meticulously planned her wedding down to the smallest detail. I also know that she had her heart set on vineyard photos (their ceremony was at a vineyard in Lake Chautauqua, NY and thwarted by a thunderstorm midway through). I was so moved by how well they cheerfully dealt with all the mishaps on that day, that I wrote to Rachel while she was on her honeymoon and offered her a free Ohio vineyard portrait session. We had fun and they got their vineyard pictures.
September 2010

Ashley and Justin got married! One of the nicest people and families I've ever met with so much symbolism woven throughout the wedding day. Butterflies and horseshoes, Irish songs, bagpipes. And so much love. They were married at Milan Villa, lined with these incredible willow trees, which were gorgeous, but I chose this portrait from .our session at Vermilion Beach when the sun was at an angle that caught the beach and lit Ashley's face so beautifully. I couldn't choose which to post - especially since there were such strong "moment" shots as well. So you get both.



Judy and Mark's Family Portrait Session. I met Judy and Mark when I photographed their June 2009 wedding. They added a member to their family since I last saw them -- and asked me to take a family photo. It was really nice to see them again -- and I'm so glad they contacted me. I love to reconnect with the people I've met and worked with.


Heather and Brian -- I love love love this portrait. One of my favorites of the year. First of all -- Heather and Brian are the most sincere and down to earth people on the planet. As far as the portrait goes, when we arrived at Huntington Beach, I had the thought of what I wanted in mind, but in reality, we had a 30-minute time frame that landed perfectly at sunset, with the wind blowing just right...the wind, the sunset and the beautiful lines of Heather's body/dress... I think I sighed out loud when I saw this in my viewfinder :-)


October 2010

Delmont's Senior Portrait. This guy could be a Hollister model. Hollister markets their company as "laid back and effortlessly cool." That's Delmont.


Nicole, David, Aleah and Mayah. Remember Mayah - my first newborn picture at the beginning of the year? This is the rest of the family :-) This photo is one of the "outakes." I love love love the way David and Mayah are interacting. It's a cute moment leading up to the next shot.
November 2010

Jen, Mike, Kate and Anna -- another beautiful family. I also love Wade Oval Pond in University Heights. Gorgeous in spring - spectacular in autumn. I really wanted to capture a family blended in the midst of a "landscape" photo. This was the perfect day for that.


Kait - Senior Portrait Session. In mid November we still had plenty of gorgeous autumn and the weather was unseasonably mild. I enjoyed my session with Kait at Shoepfle Gardens. This pose reminds me of a throwback to 50's Hollywood. I love the look of quiet confidence in her eyes with just a hint of a smile.

November 2010

Les and Jessica got married! I say I love each and every couple that I've worked with -- and it's true. Jessica and Les are no exception. They are both very laid back, friendly and gracious and I remember their wedding "flavor" as being a wonderful celebration among close friends. I fell in love with this photo as soon as I saw it on my camera....the lines of the stairs and railing...and her beautiful graceful and elegant stance.

Tony, Karmyce, Kyndall and Kennedy - Family Portrait Session. Karmyce called me to do another Christmas portrait for her family (I photographed them in 2009 and Kyndall's "Princess and the Frog" session in the spring). We met at Tower City. At the beginning of our session I thought it would be really cool to get a photo of the children outside looking into the "Halle Building" windows. As a lifetime Clevelander, I appreciate the historical significance of the "old downtown." I only wish Mr. Jingaling was still around!


December 2010

James turned one! Jennifer, one of my 2011 brides, bought a portrait session as a gift for her sister (what a thoughtful gift, I might add!). I love the pensive look on James' face in this photo. It really looks like he's taking it all in, doesn't it? He was a sweetheart and I really enjoyed spending time with him, his mom and his aunt!


And we're done! I am thankful and appreciate the friends I have made this past year. I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. And I look forward to more friendships and more opportunities to capture "moments" in 2011.

2010 in Review -- Part One

I meant to create this blog at the end of December, but time just got away from me -- I spent some very meaningful moments with my family over the holidays and decided that this could wait just a couple weeks.

2010 was a blessing. I had wonderful opportunities to meet and work with many new couples, families and friends. I cherished each and every wedding that I photographed - and feel bonded in special and unique ways to each couple that I've had the privilege to work with - either through engagement sessions or by spending the day with them at their weddings.

I've also enjoyed spending time with the families that I've photographed. After a family session I always feel honored to shared a little slice of their life and to capture their special moments in time.

This was my second full year of business - after years of photographing for personal fulfillment. When I began, I admit I was hesitant - afraid that taking money for doing something that I love might somehow "taint" my feelings about photography. I'm happy to say that my passion has only increased. It really isn't about the hype or marketing or making money. Trust me on this. I don't advertise and I don't market myself the way I probably should. I've been lucky, though. I've worked with some incredible people who refer me to their friends, who refer me to their friends, and so on.

So what is it about the business end of photography that intrigues me? It's about the quest to capture "a moment." It's what I live for. If I'm working with someone, I have that opportunity. I'll admit that I'm hard on myself. Ask my family. And thank God for my family. I see everything I want to do better. They see everything that I've accomplished. They are a wonderful support system. I continue to quest for the moments and am thankful for opportunities that I've had in 2010 and look forward to many more in 2011.

Now for the recap - it was very very hard to choose just one photo from each event - the photos that I chose are meaningful to me in ways that I will describe...

January 2010 was no off season month for me - I photographed three weddings!

Janelle and Kevin - what is so unique about this photo is that Janelle and Kevin kissed for a solid 30 seconds in the freezing cold (kudos to them!), which is how long it took in order to capture this natural light photo of them after dark.


Beautiful Holly, with her classic elegance and soulful eyes. Her mom made this beautiful cape so that Holly would look beautiful while staying warm during their photos in the snow.



This is a "moment." It's not just that Katie cries during the father/daughter dance. It's the look on her father's face as well -- it feels like love, pride and protectiveness to me.


February, 2010

My cousin, Donnie. He's a fantastic musician! This photo is what he chose for the cover of his CD. I loved this session and I loved spending time with one of my favorite people!



Michele and Nick's Engagement Session. It's really hard to find a place to take pictures when it's cold, gray and snowy. Nick managed to turn a "no" from the Botanical Gardens into a "yes" for this session. After spending time with them, I could see why -- he was a down to earth, charming guy. This photo tells me that Michele thinks he is too :-)


March 2010

I had a great time photographing Susan, who was competing in a fitness contest. She worked hard and placed in several categories. The inspiration for the following pose, believe it or not, was Britney Spear's "Womanizer" -- if you're looking -- it was at 2:04 into the video. Very beautiful - very feminine. It was when I saw the lift in the curve at the small of her back, that I knew that if I had the opportunity, I would get a shot like that.

April 2010

Sarah and Kevin's Engagement Session. Not only do I love the smile on Sarah's face, but I also loved the placement of her feet and the way she so comfortably leaned into Kevin. It was great moment to capture! I also love the fact that it was early April in Cleveland, but they made it look like a day in the middle of summer.


This was taken at Kyndall's home. When Kyndall's mom told me that she would provide the props, she wasn't kidding! The only thing I added was to digitally create a photo backdrop from her stuffed frog. Love this little girl - she's a natural model.

Mayah entered the world! She was also my first newborn session. The one thing I learned about newborn sessions -- go with the flow. My plan will not necessarily be hers -- and there's noooooo directing a newborn! :-)



Penelope and Sean's Engagement Session -- This was taken at the peak of tree blossoms at Wade Pond in University Circle . I really wanted to get a session in here, so I called Penelope and asked if they would be interested (I was to be shooting their June wedding) -- so glad they were!


May 2010

Eleanor turned 100! In this photo she shows off her dexterity. She's got my dexterity beat. Great for her....sad for me! :-) Her wonderful and loving family celebrated at Breckenridge Village in Willoughby.


Sarah and Kevin get married! Sarah's veil and Sarah's face. Enough said :-) It's definitely a moment.


Brandy's High School Senior Photo Session. This may be my favorite senior pic of 2010. It was a dreary, drizzly day, but she was a trooper and forged ahead with the session. I'm so so glad she did. It gave me the ability to take this beautiful beautiful umbrella shot.


Michele and Nick get married! Dad stopped by just Michelle was getting ready to walk down the aisle. They hugged. As he watched her walk away, he was overcome for a moment and said out loud, "Wow." She turned to look at him.


Christine and Kevin's Engagement Session. Christine and Kevin were the winners of the St. Clarence Silent Auction -- at which I donated an engagement session and wedding. First of all -- sweet, nice and kind cannot even begin to describe this lovely couple. I am so looking forward to their May wedding this year! This photo was taken at Voinovich Park.


Rosemary and Josh Get Married! Fun, bubbly, vivacious Rosemary and suave, mischievous Josh. This couple truly had FUN at their wedding -- I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. What I loved most about them was how natural they were in front of the camera - it was as if I didn't even exist. They were THAT into each other.


Penelope and Sean Get Married! I love everything about this limo photo - the colors, the reflection off the mirrored ceiling, the angle of her body as she leans into him and the peek at the guests outside the tinted windows.


Melinda and Joe Get Married! Hands down my favorite wedding silhouette this year. I was glad to capture this for them -- they were such a great couple, and I was so impressed with how close they were to their family and friends. Their wedding overflowed with love from so many perspectives.


Stay tuned for part two of 2010, and the second half of 2010.

Megan and Josh get married! 1-8-11

I had the wonderful pleasure of photographing Megan and Josh's wedding on a wintery, snow covered day at Tom's Country Place in Avon, Ohio. I've never met them other than through email, so it was wonderful to finally put their faces to their names. Megan was a vision of loveliness in her full (pocketed!) wedding gown and gorgeous vintage-like headpiece. It was heartwarming to see the love they shared. Here are some photos of their day...

Megan gets ready with a little help from her friends...

Megan and Josh chose to take their portraits before their ceremony - we had the run of a large room separate from where the ceremony/reception was to take place. I replaced the wall mirrors with additional portraits for this creative collage.

Megan - the joy and look of expectation on her face - it's the kind of look that just cannot be emulated. It's pure happy.


Just a touch of ring malfunction - Josh did manage to wiggle it on the rest of the way!




Megan's friends couldn't wait to get a look at her ring!


Before the wedding, the weather forecast that several inches of snow could fall to the ground -- this made Josh and Megan just a bit nervous because many of their guests work for the same landscaping company - which means they would have to leave to plow snow if that happened! Luckily, the weather forecasters were wrong and they enjoyed a full house (there were about a half dozen snow plows in the parking lot, though!)


This....this is the look of love.




Their theme was Ohio State -- the guests received "buckeyes" for their favors - and in addition to the beautiful red and white cake, they offered an Ohio State themed cake!


OH - IO!!!!


It was a joy and a privilege to photograph Megan and Josh's wedding -- I wish them a lifetime of love and happiness!