Fun fact: while I was going through the last 10 years of photos for these anniversary flashbacks, I was sifting through files from 2011 when this family contacted me for a session this past weekend. Wow, what a difference! So much fun to see them side-by-side and be able to witness how much they've grown as a family, and how I've grown as a photographer. I'm kicking myself that I didn't think to have them re-create one of their original poses. How much fun would that have been? Ah well, hindsight is 20/20.
Thank you so much to all my repeat customers over the years!
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Shout out to Shane! I believe Shane (and his mom, Hi Linda!) single-handedly generated nearly all my business his senior year. Okay, so that's probably an exaggeration, but it was so much fun to work with all the guys on the soccer team. You'll see more of their faces here this month. This is a great reminder that I reward referrals!
I’ve loved cameras for as long as I can remember. I remember borrowing my parents’ Pentax for my first solo adventure with high school friends on our Spanish-class trip to Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula. I remember struggling to change film rolls on the top of El Castillo, in Chichen Itza. I’ve gathered quite a few of my own cameras since then, always the one in the family to make everyone stop and smile. It wasn’t until I had to use one for work, that I started to get serious about figuring out to use one properly. I wanted to make my photos look like the ones I saw online. How did they get that creamy background? What were they doing to make those eyes sparkle? That’s when I turned the dial from AUTO to M, and I haven’t looked back since. Devouring every article, book, and blog I could find, begging friends to be my modeling guinea pigs, joining workshops. None of that has changed, actually. I’m still striving to improve and always trying to make my best better. What did change was 10 years ago (10 YEARS!), I decided to be brave and turn this little hobby of mine into an actual, real business. Did I know what I was doing? No. Did my friends and family think I was crazy? I’m sure. Do I still doubt myself? Some days, yes. Today is October, which means it’s my anniversary month. At the beginning of this year I was debating big plans for a 10-year celebration. Then, you know, Covid. Lots and lots of plans for this year have been put on the back burner, but I’m okay with that. Sometimes it’s good to just take a step back and reflect; focus (pun intended) on rejuvenation and restoration. I’ve had so much fun going back through 10 years of photos, seeing how “my style” has developed (again, pun intended), and changed over the years. So, while I won’t be throwing a big party, I do want to thank everyone who’s ever given me a chance. Your support and encouragement over the last 10 years means more than I can express. Please enjoy the flashbacks I’ll be sharing this month. I hope they bring a smile to your face as they do mine. Remember to keep smiling under those masks out there. A true smile will shine out of your eyes. Cheers to the next 10 years! *R* may have been one of the first photos I posted online. Many thanks to Angela and David for letting me practice on their family before I really knew what I was doing.
Stay tuned all month for more fun flashbacks. Michelob ULTRA says they are looking for a CEO to head west. Consider this my application! As Vice President of Exploration, I believe I am uniquely qualified to be promoted to Chief Exploration Officer. My tenure as VP has been a successful one. From behind my desk in the corporate world, I have cultivated a side-hustle of photography that has allowed me a taste of what CEO responsibilities entail. I have been able to capture the joy of German Christmas markets, the peace of ocean sunsets, the glory of fall in New England and the grandeur of the Appalachian Mountain ranges. I am ready and able to take on the duties of the Chief Exploration Officer. A successful CEO usually has an MBA degree. Having studied abroad, I also bring my Masters in Backpacking Adventures. Achieving my MBA was no easy task, but it opened many doors to the outside world. My MBA has led me on a trail of success. It has allowed me to photograph the night sky (above), as well as: Assateague Island Morris Island Lighthouse Barnegat Lighthouse Schooner True Love at Seneca Lake Gettysburg National Military Park Albuquerque International Ballon Fiesta I also believe a good CEO inspires the morale of those in their care and builds up their worth to the company. Letting one’s hair down and kicking back with a cold one with the crew is the Ultra experience. As a photographer, my first act of CEO would be to rebrand “magic hour“ as “happy hour”. After capturing their unique landscapes, I would raise this toast to each National Park. “May we preserve and protect you for future generations.” (Responsibly, of course.)
I am also a skilled navigator, having been able to lose myself in the Shenandoah mountains, both figuratively and literally, and then been able to extricate myself with a story that will not be forgotten. My normal commute lends itself to dreaming of where I could be and what I should be shooting with my camera. Having experienced most of my adventures East of the Mississippi, it would be Pure Gold, as acting CEO, to adventure to the Western National Parks. I am ready and willing to take on the full-time task of Chief Exploration Officer. Hannah has a dream to play basketball with the Nittany Lions at Penn State. I have no doubt she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. Doesn't she look fierce here? Those beautiful blue eyes! The wind was whipping last night. We had some tangled hair in some shots, but in others, like this one, it worked to our advantage.
Today we get to celebrate this girl. Graduation might not have been as expected, but we certainly had fun improvising on this photoshoot. All my best to Allison and her brother, Matthew, as they embark on their new adventures in this crazy world we're living in right now. I had to sneak in one with Nick too, because he's cool. Hey Nick!
What have I been doing lately? I'm glad you asked... The Outer Banks, one of my favorite places, did not disappoint. And my new love, astrophotography at Cherry Springs State Park.
When you take senior photos for your high school friend's son, you feel really old. Even more so when it's her second child to send off to college! When you get to wade through the creek and have fun splashing around while taking them, it's much easier to remain feeling young at heart.
Jake, it has truly been a joy to sit with you back in the French horn row at community band practice, and I can't wait to see you excel in this field at school. Thanks for helping us old ladies around (and also for thinking that I'm younger than your mom, LOL)! All my best to you! |
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