Miles 1 Year Portraits - Valley Forge Park

Happy Holidays Everyone!

I met a HANDSOME little fella named Miles for the very first time about a month ago. Miles had recently celebrated his 1st birthday and his parents Amy and James wanted some outdoor portraits. This shoot was a little different for me. Why you ask? We shot early in the morning. 7:30 am EARLY. Surprisingly I don't think I had ever shot a portrait session this early and I was quite excited! The early morning light not only has a special warmness in the color of the light but also produces a softness that can't be had any other time of the day. I'm always looking for new ways to use natural light and I definitely want to shoot this early again.

It was a rather mild November week when we shot but a BRISK weekend morning. One of the first of the season. I'm talking 30 degrees BRISK. Miles was game-on though! If you don't know by now my approach is very laid back and natural. We let Miles lay on a blanket and be himself and enjoy the park. There were a few fussy times but he stuck it out like a little champ.

Amy, James and Miles I had a blast on our early morning photo session! Thanks again for getting me out of bed early enough to catch that gorgeous light. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


On with some pics...

~Stay Classy little man

Levi's Holiday Pics - Valley Forge Park

A friend and past client Leigh contact me about taking holiday pictures of her and her husband Mark's adorable little man Levi again. I love repeat clients because I get to see people, especially children, grow. Check out Levi's pictures from last year here and look how this handsome little man has GROWN. What a difference one year can make!

We had a BLAST on this shoot. Leigh brought props last year and some more this year. Included in the props for this year's shoot was a sled, a box of candy canes, christmas Mickey AND their lovable, precious little pup Lilly. She had these little bows in her hair, soooo stinkin' cute!

My approach most often is simple and natural. We decided to let Levi run around, do his thing and have a good time the whole time snapping away and laughing.

This boy is going to be a little heartbreaker, I can assure you of that.
Leigh and Mark I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

On with some pics...

Kathy Puts Her Wedding Dress Back On! 11-4-12

An awesome past wedding client of mine, Kathy contacted me after getting married and said she wanted to put her dress back on and have a little FUN! She figured instead of putting it in the closet to never be seen again, she would at least wear it one more time for some MORE pictures.

Originally she was thinking of a "trash the dress" session but mom wasn't too keen on the idea. Speaking of mom, Kathy told me that mom and dad both own what they wore on her wedding day and wanted to join in on the fun as well. This family is tight knit and you can tell they have a SPECIAL bond. During the shoot it was hard to get them to stop laughing. (not that there is anything wrong with that!!!)

I think I can say that we all had a great time on this shoot! It's not often that I have the opportunity to have more than an hour to take shots of a bride alone and with her family. We tried some creative things not normally done on a wedding day and I got to use flash. (I have a small obsession with using flash)

Kathy, thanks for being so laid back and up for anything! And by anything...specifically braving a chilly november day in a sleeveless dress, while standing in the middle of a creek.

On with some pics...

Meyer Family Portraits – Wyomissing Park 11-3-12

Last weekend I got some to catch up with some good friends and capture their lovable and precious family again. Meet the Meyer family. They have graced the blog a couple times before and they are always a joy to hang out with. Not only that, they know how to act natural in front of the camera. Even when their daughter,"Smalls" needed a break to snack, she was still playful towards my camera.

I've known the Meyer's for a few years now and have watched them take the plunge into parenthood. Deanna and Chris are not only amazing people but also wonderful parents. I first photographed "Smalls" when she was just 9 months old, that post almost an exact year ago can be seen here. "Smalls" wasn't running around yet then and it's fun for me to see her growth through imagery. How things change in a year!

Sandy caused a little mayhem on the original location of this year's shoot so we returned to Wyomissing Park, which had plenty to offer us again.

Chris and Deanna thanks again for allowing me to spend the day with your family and run around capturing moments. It's always such a pleasure to see you guys and catch up! Hope to see you soon.

On with some pics...

~Stay Classy Meyer Family

Cara and Tim's Wedding - Pine Crest Country Club 10-12-12

I have a VERY special post for you today! Cara and Tim proclaimed their love for each other in front of family and friends on a lovely October evening in Lansdale at Pine Crest Country club. You may remember Cara and Tim from their Valley Forge Engagement session. Part of what makes my job so rewarding and AWESOME is getting to know the couple, even if I already know them. I mentioned in the engagement post that I know Cara from high school and we lived on the same street during our teenage years.

Cara and Tim's wedding ceremony was held on the deck at Pine Crest and their reception followed. We took a trip down the street to Byer's Choice English gardens for their portrait session. What a beautiful place! And fall was already starting to happen there - Lovely!

This wedding was a ton of FUN! I had an absolute BLAST! Cara and Tim, thanks for choosing me to be part of your special day, I am truly honored and I wish you many years of happiness!

Special thanks to Irina Bak for second shooting!


On with some pics...

~Stay Classy Mr & Mrs. C