Feeling Inspired By One Of My Best Friends

This is my beautiful friend Gail. I know she's going to probably love/hate/cry, probably hate me more for this because she is the type of person that would never, ever draw attention to herself  or be the center of attention and she probably would never describe herself the way I'm about to. In fact being in front of the camera was very uncomfortable for her at first until I got her to relax a little and then we just had a blast. But I've been wanting to do a blog post about her ever since we did her photo session almost a year ago last winter.

I first met Gail when both our husbands worked together at the same grocery company in Michigan almost 14 years ago. Ever since, even though most of the time miles would separate us, she has become one of my most treasured friends. She is technically old enough to be my mother (not that age has anything to do with this, I often find that I click better with those older in age than I am) but she really is more like a sister and I appreciate her wisdom as I go through the things she already has. We've cried together, laughed even harder, eaten everything in sight, shopped til we couldn't any more, crafted together, exercised together, traveled together and have talked and talked and talked for hours. She always makes time for me and is always willing to help me with anything.

Recently I was lucky enough to have her close again when our husbands crossed paths once more in their careers in Central PA.

I was always knew this about her but was happily reminded again of what an amazing woman she is. She is talented in so many ways! Give this woman a hammer and a nail and she could build you a house! Don't tell this girl from Kansas her place is in the kitchen, although she's amazing there as well. Her craft room is filled with all the things necessary to make you the most beautiful quilt you've ever seen! Need to spruce up an old antique or just some old furniture that needs a little love? This girl can paint for days! She definitely has the patience and  passion to work with her hands. I'm convinced she's capable of building, painting, cooking, creating anything. But what strikes me more about her is her heart. Faithful. Loving. Giving. Kind. Caring. Soft. Open. Willing. Strong. Warm. Passionate. Loyal. The list could go on. I know the most important people on earth are her husband, her son and his family, and all of her extended family and friends. She would do anything for any of them. I'm lucky to have met her and to have her in my life. She is a HUGE inspiration! And the most down to earth person I know. Count your blessings if you ever have the privilege of crossing her path because your life will be richer as a result.

The following images are my favorites from our session together. Be sure to click on the images to see them larger.

 

creativeLIVE & Lara Jade Workshop {fashion 101}

Here is my submission for the creativeLIVE & Lara Jade Workshop in NYC. All I ask is that you don't laugh at me but WITH me!!! :oD Hope to see you in the Big Apple! You can also visit my Facebook Fashion/Beauty  page to see some of my work. Thanks!

What Weddings Are Made Of

I'm so behind on blogging the weddings I've done. Here is one that I second

shot with Jeff Benzon Photography. I have a few more to post at some point

but will let this one do for now before I go on vacation. 

Here's Jeff, yep, we're taking pictures of each other. We always
test the lighting before things get real.

I love all the gorgeous details on the day of the a wedding.

Sometimes the details are very sentimental. Given or handed down by loved ones.

I totally love this shot of the ring but the picture that captures my heart is this of
the little puppy chow wondering what all the commotion is all about.

The gorgeous bride in her gorgeous dress.

I love this impromptu moment that daddy steals one last kiss of his "little girl".

The bride and groom's closest friends. 

The ceremony.

What weddings are made of....family and friends, cake smash, pillow fights,
laughter, sweet and silly moments.

Doh, Dad is out of cash!

The perfect image to end with. They live happily ever after!

Tom & Cindy Engaged

I totally LOVE IT when the couples I photograph can get into 

character and just have fun with their "true colors".  

Tom and Cindy have a passion for dance (like we couldn't tell) and it

 was this common interest that first brought these two together. 

As you can see they've got quite the moves!

There is nothing sweeter than being able to dance through life with the one you love!

Honestly, there was never a dull moment during this session full of 

goofyness and laughter so I was glad to capture a few frames 

of them being sweet and somewhat serious. 

Tom is a biology professor and can often be found wading around in ponds 

searching for his next test subject or in this instance his "Princess Frog". 

Cindy, a professional ballet dancer and teacher 

will no doubt show Tom a few dance moves of her own. 

 Congrats to the both of you! I can't wait to be a part of and 

capture your special day!

Julian

Spring is a reminder to us all of new life, vibrant colors, and a sign that warmth is right around the corner. This little dude was the perfect addition to the scene. Happy go lucky and full of energy! This shoot was actually a surprise birthday gift for mom and no doubt she will treasure this sweet little face forever. 

My Shoot With Norma Jeane

It was a gorgeous, sunny, fall day during the Thanksgiving holiday in the magnificent city of Chicago. Wow! That was a long sentence. I'm pretty sure it's not a proper one either. Where's Jake when I need him?! Whatever! I'm not a writer, I'm a lover...oh wait, that's a different saying...

As we walk Michigan Ave. I'm reminded of why I love this city so much and how much I really do miss it. Chicago lacks for nothing in the way of things to do, eat, and see. One of the highlights are the unique pieces of art that gets displayed in different parts of the city. Right where "The American Gothic" by Steward Johnson was once displayed is now his work of Marilyn Monroe. The official image was taken by Bernard of Hollywood in 1955 for the movie The Seven Year Itch. He was the photographer who discovered this now famous american icon that still lives on.

As I recorded my version of the statue amongst the other tourists, Troy tells me he's been listening to the comments of the passerby's who can't help but to notice the enormous piece of...ART...where most stop to get their picture taken next to it. When I shoot, I tend to block everything out other than what I'm focusing on. So I start listening.....

"How come you don't wear a dress like that?!"

"You want to take a picture of her underwear?! Don't worry, you can't see anything!"

"I don't know why they put that up, it's tacky!"

"I was already under there!"
"Oh, she is wearing underwear!"~ what Troy heard from a couple of asian ladies

"Is that Madonna?"~ what Troy heard from a group of teens

"Granny panties confirmed."~what Troy heard from a group of Twenty-Somethings. 

"This is embarrassing!!!"~Ryan Johnson (My Son)

Kassie {Senior 2011}

For my first destination senior shoot I got to fly to the state of Washington! Presented here is a lovely young lady that I've known since her birth. It's hard to believe she's already in her senior year of high school OR is it hard for me to take in that I'm getting old(er)!!! Either way....it's just wrong! We had to dodge the rain (of course) but managed to capture some great images and had a lot of fun in the process. Thanks Kass for being such a trooper and for giving me the opportunity to take some fun photos!