(AG)WPJA news for February!

Got some great news today! I found out that one of my images from Tara & Jesse's wedding placed in the latest contest for the Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association. The contest recognizes the top 20 images in each category; my image placed 18th in the "Ceremony" category. A direct link to the contest and image can be found HERE. This photograph was taken just before the ceremony was to begin. The bridesmaids are waiting inside Jesse's family's 200 year old farm house. In addition to the "moment" of the girls peeking at what's happening outside, I love the composition and graphic qualities of the farmhouse itself. Thank you again Tara & Jesse!

Jennie's senior session

Haven't had your senior pictures done yet? As you can see, it's not too late. Jennie is a beautiful girl, inside and out! Here are a few of my favorites from our in studio session. I had a blast shooting it in the studio (and I think Jennie did too!). I'm finding that I'm really loving shooting in the studio and I'm so happy to have that as an option for my clients!

Caiden, 18 months

Caiden and his mom visited the studio this week for his 18 month session. Such a cutie! I've been photographing Caiden ever since his birth. Literally, his birth session! Click here for a slide show with some images from his birth session. He was FULL of energy the day of our shoot and so much fun. Thanks guys!

Janet & Paul

Congratulations to Janet and Paul who decided to make Groundhog Day their wedding day in Harrisburg! They held a lovely, intimate ceremony in front of about a dozen of their closest family members and friends. Thank you both for inviting me to share in your special day. Have a wonderful time in Aspen!

Claire + Bump =

...one awesome session! Usually I like to do maternity sessions somewhere around the seven month mark but Claire's session goes to show you that there is really no wrong time. She and her husband Mike are due with their first, a baby girl, on February 6. That's right, ONE week away.

She was an absolute trooper as we headed out for her session on a sunny but cold day. Can't ask for much more than that in January now can you? And she rocked those high heels too!

Claire, my dear, thank you! This was so much fun and I can't wait to photograph your newborn. Blog readers, stay tuned for Claire and Mike's newborn photo shoot ... coming soon!

***UPDATE!!!*** Claire went into labor the DAY AFTER our session. Luciana Claire, 7 lbs. 12 oz., was born at 1:30 am Groundhog Day! Congratulations Claire and Mike! I can't wait to photograph your new little one!

More blast from the past...

Just a moment while I wipe away the tears from LAUGHING so hard that I'm crying. Another blog post that I just have to share. The List of the Day sums it all up: "Total frickin' awesomeness from Olan Mills, Sears and other fine portrait studios." The author's comments are just as funny as the images themselves. Now I really need to dig out some of my old photos because that could have been me in just about any of their examples. OK, so who wants their image inside a brandy glass???

U2-3D Baby!!!

Any other U2 fans out there? Well I guess at least once on the blog I will have to let loose with a post for my favorite band! Last night we headed to the Whitaker Center for a double dose of U2 mania. Vertigo//USA, an awesome U2 tribute band out of Chicago, performed in the Sunoco Performance Theater before the premiere showing of the 3-D Imax movie, U2-3D.

Vertigo//USA has a really great sound. Their covers were pretty much spot on and an excellent imitation/interpretation of the actual band. I grabbed a few snapshots with my small digital point and shoot sans flash. So please excuse the small digital P & S sans flash look but enjoy the pictures!

If you've never had the opportunity to enjoy the near religious experience that is a U2 concert ... well all I can say is just go and see the movie! We saw U2 in Philadelphia on their 2005 Vertigo tour. Best.Concert. Ever! U2-3D was filmed during that tour and it's the next best thing to being there! Plus, we look really cool in the 3D glasses. OK, well maybe not. ;-)

Yes, the last photo is dear hubby (who ALWAYS smiles when he sees a camera pointed in his direction), myself (just about the worst self portrait I've ever taken), and dear son (whose mother tortured him by making him get his picture taken). Fun, fun, fun!

Happy New Year!

Wow, if you are like me, you might say this every year...but this past year has just flown by! It wouldn't have been the year it was without all of my wonderful clients. A HUGE thank you to you all. I am super excited for 2008!

Wishing you and yours a Happy, Healthy New Year!

(AG)WPJA news!

This was wonderful news and an early Christmas present for me! The results are in for the 2007 third quarter contest for the Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association. The image above, from Tara and Jesse's September wedding, placed seventh in the "Ring Details" category. The direct link to the contest image on the (AG)WPJA site is HERE.

The top 20 images in each category are recognized with the top ten garnering an invitation to join the (AG)WPJA. The judge's comments for my image: "Another good use of your surroundings when photographing the rings. The image wash, muted colors and sharp vertical crop all come together to complete this image." Thank you Tara and Jesse!

Thank you...

...to everyone who came out for the open house today! It was great to see old friends and meet some new ones too. Mother Nature actually held off on the ice and rain a bit which I was very thankful for. And because I had several requests for the recipe for the very yummy (and very easy!) cheese ball ... here you go!

Cheese Ball

2 8 oz. packages cream cheese
2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped celery

Place cheeses in a large mixing bowl. Let stand 1 hour at room temperature until cream cheese has softened. Add celery and mix very well until completely blended. Form into a ball and refrigerate. Roll in chopped nuts before serving.

Enjoy.