A Thoughtful Birthday Gift

It was the end of January - a chilly day I'm sure (although I can't recall and didn't keep great weather notes) when I got a call from Danny asking about purchasing a gift certificate for his wife's upcoming birthday. Danny had seen my work from several of his co-workers that I had photographed and thought it would be the perfect gift. "How sweet" I thought to think ahead to a beautiful summer day and present your wife with a gift she will treasure forever. Perfect, gift certificate done, now let's wait for summer!

The day finally arrived and Wendy & Danny met me at the beach with their two adorable children. We had already rescheduled once due to rainy weather and this night was also a wacky wild weather night. It was windy, did I say windy? Really windy and sunny and cloudy and dark black cloud cloudy and then sunny again. But we continued on and got some amazing images. We had a ton of fun playing on the beach as the kids were great and weren't daunted by the wild weather at all. Alright, maybe the hair went crazy for a bit but no worries there.

Look how cute these two are? I love their sweet smiles!

Wendy & Dan, here are a few sneak peeks for you. I can't wait to show you the rest of the images. This last image is definitely a favorite as the guys were trying to reach for the clouds! You have a very lovely family - thanks for a fabulous session. See you soon!

Filled with Love

Every once in a while there's a session that speaks to me so loudly that I keep thinking about it for quite sometime. Well, about 2 weeks ago Bonnie & her hubby Rob were in their last week of vacation when she called to see if I had any availability to photograph her family. She knew it was last minute but thought she'd take a chance as she had seen some of my work on my website and blog. She told me that her family loved the beach (they'd been coming to Sandwich for the past few years but this year were in Sagamore Beach) and that this was a very special summer vacation because at the end of last year she & Rob became Mom and Dad permanently to 4 adorable children.

Bonnie and Rob are filled with so much love for these children, it was an incredible session. For fifteen years it had been just the two of them, living a married life together with no children then three years ago these beautiful souls came into their life and were officially adopted and finalized in November.

This beautiful girl, the oldest sister is Femi Elizabeth, a sweet, kind, helpful young lady who at the ordering appointment took my card and said, "I'm gonna call you"! She had the most beautiful way about her with gorgeous eyes and smile. I told her I could relate to her being the big sister of 3 siblings cuz I was too - the oldest with 3 brothers - she was lucky to have some sisters!

Rubelsi is the only boy and handsome as ever. He's the strong, silent type, also very helpful with a killer smile that will one day capture the hearts of all the ladies. But for now, it was my heart that he captured.

When I first saw Ruby she was hiding behind her Momma's legs, a bit shy about meeting me. But after a quick few minutes we were onto the beach and sitting in the sand with these bright smiling eyes laughing as she played right along with me. Of course I had to show her how beautiful she looked and she loved seeing herself in the camera.

And finally, Reynalee, the youngest with so much energy and like her brother and sisters a beautiful face with a smile that lit up the entire beach.

After we were done with most of the "formal" poses, the kids ran down to the water to play a bit as most kids want to do when they're at the beach. I just love the expressions as Reyna got her pants wet, Ruby is cracking up while Rubelsi looks on. Big sis, Elizabeth's hand to her face says it all - "Oh no, now what are we gonna do?" No worries, it was all part of the plan.


Last but not least, this amazing family, lucky to have found each other shouts Hip Hip Hooray, Hip Hip Hooray for a session well done. We had so much fun together. Two days later they were all back at the studio watching the slideshow as it unfolded to music seeing all the images captured of their new family filled with so much love.

Bonnie and Rob, thank you so much for the honor of photographing your wonderful family. The love you have for your children is overflowing - I could feel it the minute I met you.

Early Morning at the Beach

Cathy and her daughter came to visit last week to order their family portraits. Cathy is a realtor and was referred to me by a previous client of mine who just sold their house through Cathy. She loved their portrait so decided to call me and we did hers at the same beach, Seascape Beach in North Falmouth. Like with my previous client this session was in the early morning, 7 a.m.! It is amazing how bright it is that early but we made it work. Cathy has a lovely family.


We did the entire group and then some breakdowns of each family.

This is her Cheryl's family and just her kids, adorable in black and white! The boys are twins and their sister was a good sport to be sandwiched in between her cool brothers.

Cathy's son JB and daughter in law were in from California with their little girl. Oh my goodness, she was the cutest little thing!

And quick - here she is free, which she loved and about ready to fly!

This was the last image I took and I just love the feel of it with the wind in her hair and her hand with her index finger up. She was alot of fun to photograph!

Thanks Cathy for such a wonderful session. I'm thrilled you love your portraits and can't wait to get them delivered to you!

A Cool Night

Oh it was chilly evening at Wood Neck Beach in Falmouth a week ago Saturday. You'd think we were in September not the middle of July. But my lovely clients put on great faces and pretended it was a balmy 82 as we captured some wonderful moments together. The portrait was a gift for Mom as her family hadn't been professionally photographed together in quite some time. We started with the entire group in a couple of locations.We took a moment to photograph Mom & Dad before they headed home to get warm. Whether or not you want to be photographed alone, it's important to at least capture the moment because we can't get it back! Thanks Maryann for indulging me! Aren't they so lovely? And warm! Then it was Kristi and her family's turn. Kristi contacted me about this session and I was really looking forward to meeting and working with her. She's so pretty and look at the handsome men in her life! Her boys are adorable and I think her hubby looks a little like 'Big' from Sex and the City....hmmm what d'ya think? Kristi and John look so cute cuddlin' up to keep warm. They were such a nice couple! And their boys...gorgeous eyes, long eye lashes and beautiful color to their hair. I love the way Michael has a cute wrinkle in his nose while big brother Joey smiles so sweetly.What's a beach session without a walk away from the camera shot - always some of my favorite images.
And lastly, weeee - high flying with Dad perfect in black and white - makes this such a timeless image.Thanks so much Kristi and family for trying to stay warm and enjoying the evening. You were all alot of fun and I hope you enjoy these images. Look forward to seeing you again soon!

No See-Ums and other bad beach bugs

This past Monday was a gorgeous evening for a photo session, no rain, finally!, few clouds - warm, but not too warm. I had the pleasure of meeting this great family (Laurie booked this as a gift for her parents) at First Encounter Beach in Eastham, love that beach! It was going to be a picture perfect evening or so I thought, until we wandered onto the beach. The only thing we really needed this night was just a bit of wind to blow away the unbelievable force of bugs that were out, hungry, ready to eat my clients and me. Ok, so if no wind then we'll take the next best thing - bug spray, only what we had was not powerful enough! I don't think any amount of any spray was going to help! UGH - nothing better to ruin a session than to be eaten by nasty no see-ums and other flying little gnats. Here you can see everyone is miserable - there was a 5 month old baby boy who really didn't want any part of this session. I felt so badly for all of them. But they were troopers and tried to smile and pose for as long as they could and then we all broke for an itch fest! Everybody - scratch!!!!


All was not lost though as they gave it their best shot! We were able to get some wonderful images that I've put here for a sneak peek. Laurie and family are still on vacation - her Mom, Ann told me they have been coming to Eastham for many years during the July 4th week. So, it was important to preserve this precious time together.
I had hoped to do some candids of the boys playing, walking in the sand but the bugs chased everyone back to their cars as soon as the groupings were complete. However Ann has viewed many sunsets at First Encounter Beach and thought it a shame to waste not capturing it - I totally agreed!

So, Ann and Jerry braved the bugs once more and walked down to the water where this glorious sun was setting and making magic colors on the water behind them. Aren't they adorable? All in all it was a great evening - one that will be remembered by all! Thanks everyone for laughing, sitting still and hanging in to capture this special one and only moment.

p.s. keep fingers crossed for tonight as I'll be on the beach again - although I feel a breeze and I'm happy!

A Little Grace

arrived at the studio a couple of weeks ago along with her beautiful parents. I had the pleasure of photographing Rose and Jeff's wedding almost five years ago! Although it's hard to believe 5 years have gone by, I remember it being a gorgeous wedding (one of the last ones I did) and they were a fabulous couple to photograph and work with.

So, now they came to visit with their new bundle of joy, baby Grace, named after Jeff's Mom. Oh my goodness, I thought they were great to photograph at their wedding, well this baby girl was even more fun! She smiled and laughed and played the whole time we were together - about 2 hours. She looked so pretty in her dress. Her eyes light up the room when she smiles - Isn't she so cute!!


We did quite a few in her dress but my favorite way to photograph little ones is either no clothes at all or in just a diaper cover. I love this one of Mom, Dad and baby Grace - the way they are all holding on to each other, happy, a new family filled with love and Grace.


We put Grace on the floor for a bit and all she wanted to do was crawl toward me and pick the stickers of the background. (of course you can't see them because I photoshopped them out!) She was amazing. Look at that face and her gorgeous big brown eyes.

Babies can only be on the floor for so long then you need to put them up high because they just want to move and move and move. So, we put her right where she belongs, on the pedestal for all to see those chubby little legs and smoochable toes. I love those little lips of hers too!

Just a little sneak peek for you, Rose & Jeff! There's more for you to see on Saturday, don't want to spoil the show. Thanks for such a great session. Looking forward to seeing you!

A Home Session

Recently, ok a couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of working again with a wonderful client who usually comes to the studio, but this time (since there were 5 kids) thought it would be easier to work at her home. Great, a new place to photograph! There was beautiful window light in her home so we had all we needed to create these lovely images. She wanted portraits of her 3 children and their 2 cousins who were visiting from out of town. I've been working with her since she was pregnant with her first child, (beautiful maternity portraits) and then when Kyle was 5 months old (now 4!) and again with her twin boys when they were about 7 months old.

When I arrived she told me the girls had been up late, real late, singing songs like Itsy Bitsy Spider so we weren't sure how the session was going to go. However, it was a fun session as you can see by the expression on Kyle's face - don't you just love her smile, so genuine and playful. She was a big help!


There was alot of activity and noise at this session with 5 kids, 2 moms and a photographer all trying to get the job done! Chris and Shayne didn't know quite what to do with me as I put one on a chair and the other in the toy chest. Look at these eyes, so big and curious - such a cute face.


This sweet face is happy to be in the box!

After a bit, we took a little break to play with some blocks and share, hmmm...maybe not. I love the innocence of children playing, the way they sit and throw blocks randomly.

And then there are the feet! Little tiny toes just waiting to be smooched (or tickled) no that's cruel!! No socks, no shoes, just little piggy toes, free - I love children's feet.

Well, the gang's all here and we were able to capture this one and only moment of all 5 together. When the kids are all grown, they'll look back and be so thankful to their Mom's for having made the time to capture such a precious moment.

Before I left I also made sure to capture the two sisters together. They had already changed their clothes (I love the pattern shirt against the solid sweater) and all you can see is those gorgeous eyes and sisterly sweetness!

This was a wonderful session - thanks to the Moms for making it all worthwhile.

Beckett

I've spent the last few days recovering from a cold and a bad back! (UGH, That's not good as my 39.3 mile walk is only 10 days away. But a quick trip to the chiropractor yesterday and hopefully I'm on the mend.) However, I also spent 5 fabulous days with my sweet grandbaby Beckett who's now 8 weeks old and all I felt was pure joy. The first few days were at his house and then I brought Jenn & baby B back home for a few days. Of course, we went into the studio (bad back and all) and I was even happier! I love all the faces babies make - they have no control or idea what they are doing. Don't you just love how his little toes are peeking out??

He's starting to smile a little smile for Nana sometimes and we all wait with great anticipation for the next one!

He was a good boy stuffed into this basket, nice and warm since we cranked the heat to 80 - can't have a cold baby and still get nice portraits.

I love the angle of this one and the way his little tongue is sticking out.

Here's his crooked little face making sweet baby sounds. He's changed so much in the past few weeks. He's starting to hold his head up and loves to be sung to.

And here's an even better smile, looks like a full out belly laugh which makes me smile too!

Thanks Momma G for spending the weekend with Tony and me. You and baby Beckett bring us so much joy. Wishing you a fabulous first Momma's Day! We love you.

A Little Fire Chief

with the best smile and most beautiful eyes came to visit recently. Shayne was in the studio to have his 2 year old portrait made, although he's now 2 1/2. He rode in on his fire engine and brought his little dalmation puppy too. He was such a good boy and quite a handsome Fire Chief, don't ya think?

Mom brought in several outfits (as Fire Chiefs must change their clothes) and I was happy to photograph him in this too as he looked like a big boy in that green vest. I just love his toes!


After an hour or so in the studio playing, laughing and having fun we decided to venture outside for a bit but not after I captured this thoughtful moment of Shayne just inside the door. I love the sweet look on his face - here is the original

and then this with a touch of color in his adorable hat and vest. His Mom loved this one!

And finally, in the yard although it was chilly there were leaves leftover from the fall that needed ruffling so Shayne was eager to oblige. They framed his face perfectly.

And that's how our session was - just perfect! Thanks, Erin and Shayne for a great session. It is a pleasure watching your sweet baby boy grow.

A Belly and Bear

The belly is Jenn's, my beautiful daughter and the dog is Bear, her adorable, Bichon Frisee. I had the honor of photographing her a couple of weeks ago and you'll have to forgive me as I know I'm showing way too many of her images. But, I can't be objective and I just adore her!

As she was sitting on the floor, Bear ran up to her and got comfy in her lap. He is going to have to learn to share but wanted to touch her belly too.

As I look at these portraits I still cannot believe that she, my baby, is having a baby! It seems as though she was just graduating from high school, ok college, ok grad school, ok getting married - where have the years gone. She is due April 3 and will be having a baby boy. He's our first grandbaby and we can't wait to meet him!

Tim came down into the studio for a few minutes too and I just love this image. He didn't stay long as I know he didn't really want to be photographed! No problem, this one is just what I wanted.

As soon as Tim left, Bear stayed close by and watched his Momma pose for her Momma. "You look so pretty Momma - why are you sitting on the floor?"

Many people who know both Jenn and myself often tell us we look alike, sound alike, have alot of the same mannerisms, giggle the same, etc. Well, when I saw this image, just for a moment, I thought I was looking at me.

Here's the the setup with Bear always watching what his Momma is doing.

Jenn is smiling sweetly at Bear and I'm sure thinking about her new baby boy, anxiously awaiting his arrival. And my last indulgence was being photographed with Jenn too!

I got out my new Hahnel remote and jumped into the photographs with her. We cuddled and laughed and laughed some more - I was in my glory, happy that Jenn was here with me sharing her stories, her sense of humor, her sweet self with me. I never knew when I had Jenn, almost 32 years ago now, that I would have this wonderful relationship with her and love her as much as I do. We are the best of friends. You don't know how deeply you'll love a child until you have a child. It is a love like no other. Thank you, Jenn, Beautiful Momma, for allowing me to photograph you at such an intimate moment in your life. I had such fun and will treasure this moment as we await Baby Beckett's arrival. I love you...xoxo