Summer is a great time for family reunions, and what better way to remember those good times than to schedule a extended family portrait! Shameless plug, I know, but they are really a lot of fun:) The best part, at least for the kids (and dads) is that you don’t have to get all dressed up, just be yourself and get ready to have fun! In case you’re wondering, the black backdrop is part of an outdoor stage where a Shakespearean play was to take place that evening. Let the good times roll!

SLIDESHOW

OK, I don’t know if it was the blond curly hair or those magnificent mischievous blue eyes, but I am in LOVE! My latest crush is a mysterious Russian named Nikita, an 11 month old bundle of yum:) He doesn’t say much yet but I am sure his first words will be something along the lines of “Auntie Marie”. I met his gorgeous mother, Maria or “Masha”, while we were both studying for our Masters degree in International Business from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota . We have traveled throughout Europe together and spent a glorious week in Italy mostly eating and enjoying the scenery! Masha is married to George or “Gosha”, who is not only incredibly smart, handsome, and a perfect gentleman, but he also knows how to grill an mean steak. Wow, I wonder if he has a brother?? LOL

I promised Masha and Gosha that I would go to Moscow with them next year when they will baptize Nikita in a traditional Russian Orthodox ceremony. I can hardly wait! Until then, please enjoy these photos of my dear Russian friends.

I have been experimenting using antique finishes on my images, I think they add a bit of nostalgia to the photos.

Such a face!

I am a HUGE fan of window lighting and this is why:)

Sitting pretty in the neighbor’s backyard….this is what happens when you don’t have fences and the lighting is perfect across the street!

Nikita is not too sure about this grass between the toes thing……

When I first met Masha she was blond and I was a brunette, today, the opposite is true!

Most of my clients are women, mothers wanting to have their families photographed, knowing that if they don’t do it, nobody else will. It’s a mom thing for sure. Recently, I was asked by a Dad to photograph his kids–Erik’s wife Kris admired my work and he wanted her to have photos of their kids as a surprise gift for Mother’s Day. What a thoughtful gift! So one sunny afternoon, I kidnapped Paige and Grant and spend a delightful afternoon playing, having fun, and oh yes, taking some photos. When we were done, I dropped the kids off at the end of the street, their alibi was that they were at the library studying. Then came the fun part. I was leaving town for Atlanta so had to rush the order in order to make it on time; Erik met me at my studio early in the morning while his unsuspecting wife went to the gym. We viewed the images, chose which ones to use for a book, some prints, a slideshow, and something for her to display at work. When the products came in a week later, we repeated the scenario, wishing I could be a fly on the wall when she opened her unexpected gift. Yesterday evening, I received a phone call from Kris. She loved the photos, the slideshow made her cry; she then thanked me for capturing her children’s spirits, and wanted to invite us to have dinner with them next week……. I LOVE my job:) So for all you Dads out there who are wondering what gift to get your wife or perhaps your mother, give me a call. I guarantee you will be a hero for a long time to come!

Click here for SLIDESHOW

Sarah turned 12 the other day (sigh). My little girl is fast turning into a young woman; while part of me is so looking forward to all of the wonderful things that await us, the other part can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic and wonder where did the time go?? Sarah was originally supposed to be named either Mary or Rose, two very old fashioned names, chosen by her two very old fashioned parents. Lucky for her, she left the hospital nameless and it wasn’t until we reached the elevator and asked her big brother, who was not quite six, what we should name his baby sister, that she was given the name “Sarah”, because it meant princess, he said. It also means strong willed or determined, and she is all that too, but mostly, Sarah is awesome: she’s smart, extremely funny, creative, warm, nurturing, clever, and just plain good company. Here are some photos of her party and a SLIDESHOW too (click on the word slideshow to see it, silly).

The girls were supposed to dress up like superstars so each put on whatever outfit made them feel the part. Nicely done, ladies!

The girls are all dancers and were showing off their skills. How low can you go?

Even though there was no music playing in the background, that didn’t stop them from dancing!

Sarah gets “carried away”.

When I grow up, I want to be just like them!

They look pretty refreshed for not having slept more than a couple of winks……It’s good to be 12:-)

Miracles never cease! I’ve been dreaming of having my own blog for a while now and with help from my wonderful friends at Pyromedia Studios, my dream is now a reality. Whoo-hooo! I can hear my friends gasping, “Uh-oh, what is she going to write about me?” It’s all good, I promise.

A little about myself…I love photography, it has been my passion for as long as I can remember. Everyone says that it begins with the magic of watching your first image develop in the dark room and then you’re hooked. It was that for me, but more so when somebody first said, “hey, that’s pretty good!” After a lifetime of hemming and hawing, I took the final leap of faith and decided to pursue this as a full time venture, never mind that it is as scary as it is exciting. As with most self-employed photogs, I am constantly bombarded with thoughts of “did I do the right thing?” but then someone will say, “hey, that’s pretty good!” and so onward I go. Thanks mom!

I have so many images that I want to share with you! I guess it should start with my family, whom I adore, though they do drive me crazy at times. My kids are my everything so it would be best to start there. These images were taken by my good friend and awesome photog Rowena Curtis last December. Thanks Ro! Introducing Peter “Pete” and Sarah.