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portrait photography
Honestly, I had no idea what working with a snake would look like. I assumed that I would just let Spooky do her thing and we would hope for the best. She did not disappoint. Nicole was so gentle with Spooky, directing her but never forcing her to do anything she did not want to do. My priority when shooting with animals is to make sure they are treated with respect, in an ethical manner. Spooky's comfort and safety was more important to both of us, than having a successful shoot.
Marquita says, "I think the most remarkable thing about my pack is the fact that everyone of them loves home. I never have to worry about them running away (and that is EXTREMELY uncommon for huskies as a breed). They may get bored and find a way to escape, but the only reason I know they’ve gotten out is because they’re at the door smiling at their accomplishment."
The ceremony took place outside, with the couple exchanging their vows beneath a beautiful tree. It was short and sweet and the couple even shared a mimosa toast. Every aspect of their special day reflected who Jodi and Josh are. A caricature artist was set up at the reception, for guests to enjoy, and also a photo booth, to document their attendance. The evening was filled with laughter and dancing. I admire couples who want to make their day enjoyable, not only for themselves, but for their guests.
"Family is family, whether it's the one you start out with, the one you end up with, or the family you gain along the way." One of my favorite things about working with families is that I get to see the diversity of what family looks like for each one of my clients. For some, family is just two. For others, family is furry. Some have big families, small families, blended families, single parent families. Some are family by blood, some family by choice. I enjoy celebrating all types of family!
As a firm believer in Murphy's Law, I'll be the first to admit things can, and will, go wrong. Equipment malfunctions are not rare and miscommunication can cause mix ups. Special moments can happen without warning while a photographer is changing a lens. Having a second shooter means that even if a mishap occurs, there is an extra person working to document your day and keep your images safe.
In the same article, Alexandra Horowitz proposes that there might not be a scientific explanation, "More than anything, I suspect that the very sensation of snow on the body is engaging for dogs. Have you ever run through the shallow waves of the sea? Why does kicking up sand and seawater make us happy? I can't say. But it is clear that it does."
A.J. graduated from Findlay High School last spring! A.J. is a super hard worker and he loves playing rugby! He has a classic style but we had to work on some jokes to get a genuine smile out of him. Overall we had a great time exploring Riverbend Park in Findlay and taking his pictures. For the last part of our session, we headed to the sports field where A.J. and his team play rugby. I think it is so great that A.J. chose to play a less common sport, and a tough one at that!
Kerri and her husband, Jordan, are expecting their first child this Christmas! They are very excited about welcoming this little girl into their lives. Kerri and Jordan are some of the most generous and loving people I know and I am positive that they will show their baby all the magical things life has to offer.
Jay and Cassandra were attending the fundraiser and placed the winning bid on my photo session! Jay introduced himself to me and explained they were hoping to have family photos done in the fall as it is such a nice time of year. Jay and Cassandra have three young daughters and were looking forward to updating their family portraits!
Our first stop was Middlegrounds Metropark. Middlegrounds is a fairly new addition to the riverfront in Toledo, combining the urban with the natural. After Middlegrounds, we headed to Adams Street to view some of the amazing murals painted there. We also stopped at the Toledo Lucas County Main Library for a few great shots outside the building. Cameron's session truly displays the diversity that can be found in Downtown Toledo.
It was a pretty piece left over from a gilded age. The young girl's mother had found it in the attic and thought it would look nice in her little bedroom. It hung unobtrusively on the wall waiting for the tot to be tall enough to see into its shiny mercurial depths.
Jennifer proposed that we exchange portrait sessions and I just had to say yes! She and her husband, Jeremy, have a spaniel mix named Lucy. Lucy is an important part of their family so had to be included in their photos. My husband and I also brought our dog, Beatrice, who is a mastiff mix. Despite the size difference, Bea and Lucy got along perfectly. They both posed... kind of... and mostly paid attention to our directions. We got many precious shots of both of our little families!
Most of the time I am shooting for my job. I take portraits or I am documenting a commercial business. While all of my paid shoots involve my personal creativity, there are definitely expectations to get certain poses, light styles, a specific look. I am very happy to accommodate all of these things and often I also get to play a little for myself, but there is something truly refreshing about creating something just for yourself. No expectations except your own.
Autumn is nearly upon us. I have seen memes flooding the internet, counting the days to cooler weather, crunchy leaves, trick-or-treat, and, of course, the return of pumpkin spice EVERYTHING. People in the midwest really love the Fall!
I am the day, the sun, the light,
I am the giver of life,
My eyes burn with bright passion,
And my skin glows with great love.
I always ask my clients how they feel in front of the camera before I start a photography shoot. Are you nervous? Are you comfortable? This helps me to know how to lead their session and how to help them enjoy their experience.
I asked Emily how they were preparing Maci for the baby and she said, "We let her sniff the baby things and play with the things we will be using for her and leaving them out for her to get comfortable around". It sounds like they have a good plan to make the transition comfortable for everyone!
We are glad to see Emily and Damon happy, with a healthy baby on the way! Best of luck to you both in this new adventure! Enjoy these photos from their Maternity Session at Providence Park in Grand Rapids, Ohio!
I am the night.
I walk in shadows and I sing in solitude,
My eyes are closed but my ears hear every movement,
I bring rains of starlight and waterfalls of moon beams.
I do not sleep but I shroud the world in a breathing death,
For most, a temporary state of escape.
No Disney princess; I am a warrior queen.
My hair is the color of the tropical sea, hemmed in by a crown of lost life.
My arms wear strength like golden cords, infused with the energy of roaring waves.
My body moves with agility and speed, like the currents of the laughing deep.
My gown shimmers and shifts, as the sun casting a broad arm over a calm horizon.
My tale would push me further and faster, ever moving to explore every ravine of the ocean floor.
Alas, my feet, keep me tethered to the shore.
When I began organizing my first group photo shoot, I planned to invite a variety of models to join us. The main goal for the event was to give each of the photographers an opportunity for practice and an environment in which to be creative. It is so easy, as a business owner, to become caught up in the "work" and forget the "art" that initially drew us to our profession. I decided to facilitate this day to return to the art without the pressure and restrictions that sometimes accompany a paid session.
