Online viewing gallery

We have made some changes on our website. For those of you who visit often to see new events that are posted, our viewing gallery has changed. When you click on view events, it will take you to the online viewing gallery. The first thing you will notice is that there are no image files to choose from. Look towards the middle of the right hand side and you will see "view all events". Click on this to go to the list of images that are not password protected and they are listed by name only. You can view the images by clicking on a name. Seems like a lot of confusing steps at first but once again, we are looking at ways to keep our costs down to help not only us but you save money. Hope this doesn't frustrate you too much!

Just slacking...

Well, its been awhile since I posted on the blog. Alot going on and not enough time in a day! Our original plan was to move the studio to a home based location to allow for a decrease in over head which in turn keeps our prices low plus less travel for me (yeah right) and a better location for outdoor sessions. But as fate has it, we will have an in town and in country location!! We have one photographer that likes to work in town who will assist with the day to day operations at the current location (117 South Court Street, Circleville, Ohio), which will free me up to work wherever our clients want their sessions! I like not having to stay indoors and this eliminates the guilt of having to close up the studio while I go on location. I hate having incoming calls go to voice mail and since our office manager (fancy title for my daughter) :-) cannot be there all day this semester, then having the other photographer there will be a big help.

Hillary

Had a fun time shooting Hillary's senior pics! Started out at Hargus Lake and then back to the studio. You know, I thought it took FOOOOOORRRREEVER for teenage girls to change their clothes but Hillary set the record for being the fastest! We weren't able to get to the lake until after 6pm and you know, the sun is setting at that time now and Hillary had a couple outfits she wanted to change into for her outdoor shots. The way that girl changed you would have thought someone was poking her with a cattle prod...hmmm, maybe someone was because I didn't see her mom for a few seconds. Juuuust kidding!

Ryan and Amanda

As we walked up the "HILL" (ha....no it wasn't), I was looking for the oxygen bar (or at least a bar) and asked out loud, "Whose bright idea was this to hike up this mountain for engagement pictures?" Amanda stuck a finger out pointing to Ryan, "It was all his idea." "Dude, the next time we do this, remind me to bring a four wheeler or better yet TELL YOU NO!" We finally made it to the top...which was only about 2000 miles above sea level and felt like we walked straight up a 90 degree angle! Honestly, would I exaggerate!? Ryan, you owe me for breaking a sweat! (By the way, Mr. Bad Policeman is scared of heights!)

Sunday was spent with Ryan and Amanda who will be getting married October 2010 and it was a blast. I learned so much about Lancaster and thought I had heard it all from my dad. (I tease Ryan that he is my son and if I didn't know better I began to think he was. Especially after listening to his stories, you would think he had taken on my dad's traits.) Both Amanda and Ryan had me laughing all day, something I really needed. We ventured to Franklin Conservatory, Mount Pleasant, and buildings around Lancaster and had lunch at Four Reasons. Yummy!

Ryan acting like a goof ball....typical!

Just having some fun!

Amanda doesn't really care for spiders. I don't think she was very happy with us when I said there was one on her butt.....

Aren't they cute??

Enjoy life's changes

Cannot believe how much the weather changed in just a day. Today is cold, yucky and raining with the possibility of snow later this week. Eww, someone said that bad four letter word. (Actually, a nice white blanket of snow makes a great setting. As long as this princess doesn't have to drive in it.) The other day I was sitting quietly in the woods enjoying the weather and just thinking. Thinking about how I miss my dad, how I love the fall season and the changes it brings, how I miss old friends, and wonder what in the heck I am going to be when I grow up. Yes, I should already know that and need to focus on retirement...UGH what a bad word! Am I really getting that close that I should be thinking in that direction. Yep. Oh well still have 20 years to worry about that. Just like the changes in the seasons, life has changes that we need to face head on and enjoy every single moment before it is gone forever. Don't work so hard that you miss out on the best parts of your life, being a teenager, being a parent, being happy, being in love, being loved, being with family and friends, just being yourself.

Rebecca and Joseph

Rebecca and Joseph were married this past weekend at the Community United Methodist Church and I was honored (and nervous) to photograph their ceremony. Nervous because, well, imagine you were just told that the brother of the groom was a photographer with his own studio! Photographing a wedding is stressful enough and then I find out that a professional photographer is a member of the wedding party. Grrrrrrreat! Sweat forms on the brow and under the arms immediately. Oh no, do I feel palpitations? Crude, I think I am about to have a nervous breakdown. MEDICS!!! Ok, break out the valium salt lick and give me a drink.....doggoneit.....no alcohol allowed in the church. Breathe in breathe out but don't pass out. I got over the nervous breakdown and went about my business as if nothing was wrong. You know, it doesn't really bother me but I just never want to imagine (well I did imagine), let's put it this way, I never want to be told "my family member is a professional photographer and he/she/it said that they could have done better." I had fun and hopefully Becca and Joey like the final results. Here is just a sneak peak of the "hundreds" of images taken.

This was funny positioning ....I wanted a different angle so I ended up in the corner of the coat rack to get this one.

The sun was way too bright but we tried to make due. A few times we waited for the clouds to move across and I snapped the images quickly. Rebecca is a natural poser!

Well the story behind the hiking boots was an interesting tale. While spending 7 months in Africa, Rebecca always wore these boots...no matter how she was dressed. A comment was made while she was there about hoping she didn't wear them with her wedding dress....

Great couple who enjoyed posing!

Just love the blue! And I typically am not a fan of the color.

Just having some fun while the wind blew.

Joseph and the guys pretending he was trying to escape. I really thing Rebecca would have thrown a hiking boot at him...

What a morning!

I had THE BEST time today. Very energetic threesome that made me break a sweat but laugh at their antics. Of course no one could smile or be happy at the same time but I think we did great. This is a Christmas present so I cannot share the images but I think Grandma will have a hard time getting through the 200 images I posted for her to look at. 200? Do you think that is too much? Naaaahhhhhhh! Need to feel like you got your money's worth and I never want my clients to feel rushed when they bring their children in. Kids are fun and fickle when it comes to photography. Some are little diva wannabes and others are like "you want me to do what? Nope don't think so." So I always allow for plenty of time. Come on in and bring the kids. No worries when it comes to time and patience with me.

Where has friendliness gone?

I am going to avoid starting this out with "back in my day or back when I was little" by asking, have you ever listened to the stories that your parents or grandparents told when they said how friendly everyone was? Walking down the street in "small town USA", everyone would greet each other, smile, say "good morning" or the men would at least tip their hat to the ladies? Where has that all gone? Are we so cynical that we cannot even smile at a stranger and at least say hello? Have we become so scared of speaking to a possible psycho killer, rapist, kidnapper or just all around bad guy that we cast our eyes to the ground or in another direction when someone walks past? When I mention this situation I am usually met with the comment of "well times have changed." No they haven't. Do you really believe that the bad guy just evolved in the past 20 years? Oh give me a break. They have been around since, oh lets see....if you believe in Adam and Eve, they were around then. If you believe in evolution, duh, they were around then. Their names have changed, the way they inflict harm has changed and due to the type of media and communication we have now, the ways to find them and account for their actions has changed. But why should that affect how we are to each other? Every morning when I walk the three blocks to the studio, I smile and greet everyone I pass. I started doing this to see how many people would acknowledge my greeting with at least a smile. I also noticed that it made me feel good to smile and speak. But not everyone feels that way. I have seen people look away instead of having to smile at me (Dude...I am not too repulsive to look at, well at least I don't make little children scream in terror, so there is no reason to look away.) This morning I walked past 15 people in that three blocks...guess how many smiled back? TWO!! Can you believe it? TWO?! One was a sheriff deputy and he seemed a little grumpy but forced his smile. Guess he didn't have his morning donut. Just kidding! If we become more involved in our community, our neighbors, and people we walk past every morning, we can make this a safer place. Now I am not saying to stalk your neighbor but at least try to watch out for each other and be there if someone needs help. The stalking thing just reminded me of a magnet on a coworkers locker....."When did we start calling secret admirers stalkers?" Oh well. Ok I am done with my rantings for the morning....until I find something else to stir up the soap box.

Thanks Dad!

I know you have heard this before but I typically start my morning talking to my dad. Even though he didn't tell me he was proud of me to my face when he was alive, he told everyone he met about my accomplishments and bragged to the point that I wish he would just stop it. But deep down, I loved knowing he did this. (But I wouldn't tell him that.) :-) I think my parents were and are my biggest cheerleaders. Not the kind that stand beside you screaming "look at my daughter, she's awesome and she can do anything." But the kind that sat quietly in the stands whispering "you can do it you can do it" and sat with their fingers crossed. Then of course, spouted off to all their friends when it came time to compare each other's kids. You know the game, "My son did this. Oh yeah well my daughter did this." And so on. During our conversation this morning, I told Dad that things needed to pick up at the studio. Yeah, I am making enough to pay the bills, which is awesome and I am very grateful for that. But I wanted to photograph more children and not just seniors. Don't get me wrong! Seniors are awesome! But little ones are so unpredictable and can be so entertaining. My "want" was granted! Had a full day of rug rats and a repeat Thursday and Friday and then again next week! Awesome! See my dad does listen to me. I miss you!

Dear Daughter.....

Have you ever wondered where your children get their attitudes? Do they really get them from us? No way! Growing up I was very shy and quiet. NO REALLY!! I WAS! Never spoke back to my dad...quite frankly, he scared the crap out of me! With Mom, well, I think I stomped my foot at her a couple times and "huffed" at her but still listened. She didn't really scare me, but I never wanted to disappoint her. Now I have two very head strong, stubborn, out spoken daughters. The oldest, well, she is just like me...sorry Kylee but you are. (Well they are both like me.) She is determined, head strong, independent BUT she knows how to use it appropriately. Marisa, well, she's a different story. Marisa is head strong, determined and independent BUUUUUUTTTTTT she does not use it appropriately. She is learning but OMG it has been a long process! And of course I love them both dearly and would not change their personalities in anyway. I wish I could go back and change some things in the past but you know, maybe not. The course we followed through life has brought us to where we are now. We needed those experiences to learn, to grow and make us into the people we are today. But then again, I may have changed at least two things in the past. (My girls know what they are and I do not have to explain.) Ok, now back to the statement "I was very shy and quiet". Truely, I was. Not until I met my husband and was working in the emergency medical field, did I get over that issue! Get over it quickly I did! There are still situations where I like to sit back and blend in with the wall but this is because I am taking in the situation and making a plan. Actually, I like to people watch....it can be quite entertaining!! To my youngest who thinks I am a dork....what would you do if I didn't give you something funny to discuss with your friends? To her boyfriend who thinks I don't like him and who described my previous pictures as a "Princess Stripper"...hmmmm, I cannot say what I want to. :-) To my oldest who thinks, well pretty much thinks I am a dork too....same comment I gave your sister. To my parents....I love you and thanks for all the support and I miss you Dad. To my husband.....I need more $$$$$$. Oh by the way girls, remember where we are suppose to go on vacation, so you better be nice to me!! (MARISA-YOU REALLY SHOULD BE DOING YOUR HOMEWORK INSTEAD OF READING MY BLOG WHILE YOU ARE IN ENGLISH...YOU TOO LUKE!)

Ohio's Fallen Heroes

Saturday, the Saturday after 11 Sept for the past 5 years, people have gathered at the Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial (www.ohiofallenheroes.org) in Sunbury, Ohio. They gather to remember, to show respect, to cry and to show support. Family, friends, neighbors, members of the military (retired, active, reserve) the Leathernecks MC, and strangers were in attendance. If you were not moved in some way by the words that were spoken or by the sight of over 200 crosses, then you have nothing but ice around your heart. I went to remember, to show support and to honor those members of the 3rd BN, 25th Marines that died while serving with my husband in Iraq in 2005. Many of them I knew, some I had just met during leave in Vegas and others I knew only through the stories that I heard. But all were too young to have died this way. We need to remember, to carry on their fight, their beliefs, their honor, to not do this will only make their deaths and lives worthless. "Their stay was short in our arms, forever in our hearts."

Alpha Male

I never thought a dog and a man could dislike each other as much as Darrell and Petey do. I got Petey (registered name is Peanut's Semper Fidelis) while Darrell was in Israel for training. I always wanted a Pembroke Welsh Corgi after meeting Zoe, who was the four legged child of my inlaws. After Darrell returned from training the quest to become the alpha dog was in full swing. Darrell thought he was the king and in turn, Petey thought he was. To prove his point, Petey would hike his leg on Darrell's belongings, only when Darrell was home. (He never did this when Darrell was gone.) I found it hilarious but of course Darrell did not. Something about the smell of urine on his boots just did not please him. Darrell's quest to become king was to pick up Petey and use him as a mop to clean up the wet spot that was left. (No the dog was not harmed in anyway, just became rather stinky.) Over the past few years they have developed a mutual agreement....they stay away from each other. It is comical to watch. Pete of course still has to show Darrell that he is the king by sitting at my feet and staring at him out of the corner of his eye. Such intimidation. I cannot see how Darrell does not bow down and tremble at Petey's paws. And of course, Pete will continue to mark Darrell's items but those that are left outside. The tires of the motorcycle, truck or anything else that has the two legged pet's scent on it. Oh the joy of being fought over by two males.

Laughter is the best medicine

Have you ever thought what makes you feel good? Ok, get your minds out of the gutter!! Is it watching kids or puppies play, relaxing on the couch, reading a good book, sitting on a fallen tree in the woods and listening to nature, or having a good belly laugh? Well, to me, all those things are great! After a busy day, I decided to have some stupid fun. If anyone would have walked in at that time, I think they would have either cried or peed their pants because they were laughing so hard. A coworker seems to think that she is the princess. I try telling her every time I see her that I wear that crown and she is just in training. So I decided to send her some photos to show just who rules the kingdom. It sure isn't her!! Take that Julia!! I am the reigning princess...well at least in my world I am.

Dear Princess in Training...JULIA...maybe one day you will be a full fledged princess. But don't hold your breath!

Carol's Family

We had a beautiful day to take family portraits. The park was not crowded, no bugs attacking my sweetness (yeah, I can be sweet once in awhile) and it wasn't too hot...yet. Only stepped in and then kneed in goose poop a couple of times. Even when everyone was hungry and tired of smiling (What? Tired of smiling? No way.), we were still able to have fun and the kids wanted "just one more picture". Wow!! Children who like their picture taken. Did someone give them spiked Mountain Dew? What a fun time. Well, at least I had fun!

Can you feel the luuuvvvv?

Do you think they like Michigan?

Video Ad

"What do you mean she doesn't have any shoes?", I asked one of the models for today's video ad shoot. "You have got to be kiddin' me?" Ugh. Ok, no big deal. We will go to "Uniquely Yours" a formal shop located on Main Street in Circleville and get her shoes. Thank goodness they had her size and the shoes were awesome! I loved them. Ok, one thing fixed. Crap! Now it's raining! This shoot was suppose to be outside. Again, you have got to be kiddin' me. "Dad, I need you to make the rain stop just long enough to get this task completed." You won't believe it. The rain stopped and the sun came out. Now, I really didn't need it to be sunny but I am not going to complain. Second hurdle cleared. Ok, things come in threes...what's next? As the one model is talking to the other on the phone, I hear her say, "Oh don't tell me that." Now what, I ask. Model Two's mom was in the background telling her to tell me that she wasn't coming. UGH! The claws are coming out and I am going to pull someone's hair! Ok breathe, breathe, relax...if I drank, I would go buy a bottle of Patron and drink it all by myself. "Just kidding", I hear echo through the phone. NOT FUNNY! Looks like there will not be an AA meeting for me in the near future. We get back to the studio and the girls get ready. Our male model shows up and he states he does not like his picture taken. Oh well, he's here now and since he likes one of the models, I think we have him hooked for the next hour. Among hootin', hollerin' and car horns, we had a blast. I cannot wait to see the finished product.

Tre

This is what makes it all worthwhile! Enough said!

Monday...yuck!

Did you just ever want to go back to bed and start the day over? Today is one of those days. Who did I tick off? Or is it the universe trying to test me? How bad do I really want to be in business for myself? Guess that is why I am facing all these hurdles/obstacles. It would be nice if they were my own creation but noooooooooo! Someone else is throwing them in front of me. Please...I haven't ran track since the 80s and wasn't that great at hurdles then so I know I cannot jump too high now! (Give me an 8-80 or 4-40 and maybe I will have a chance...oh wait...cannot do that either now. Too many issues with gravity.)

Morning started off crappy, got better with photographing the toddlers, then it hit the fan again. That's ok...deep breath....breathe in, breathe out...reminds me of that blonde joke. This blonde had a headset on that was connected to a tape recorder and went into the hair dressers. When the stylist asked her to remove the head set, she fell over dead. The detectives on the scene picked up the head set and heard "breathe in, breathe out..." Ok bad joke. Made me giggle though. Life could be worse. Just breathe in and breathe out and hopefully when you have to jump that hurdle, you don't trip or pee your pants.