A few years ago Bonnie's sister was a Senior Model for me, so when the time came and Bonnie signed up with me, I was excited to be working with her and her family again. It's always like catching up with old friends.
This year the weather has been a bit, for lack of a better word, chaotic. I mean it's Cleveland and we are used to the fact that if we just wait 10 minutes it will change, or the fact that having 4 seasons in one week is possible. But, I think it rained nearly every day in June, and it seems like it's been a bit windy. Actually gusty. Maybe not all the time, but it seems like a lot during my sessions. Being an on location photographer you get used to trying to work with it. Not an easy task at times. So to say we had some gusty wind on Bonnie's session would be an understatement.
Now I like a little wind in the hair. It looks nice, adds some flow to the image, not too many stray hairs to retouch, all over pretty good. But gusty wind, and hair blown straight back from your face is just not good. And sometimes, you get what I would like to call happy little accidents. Not exactly what you intended, but it is awesome!
Like this image below. We finally had found what seems liked a little respite from the wind, and whoosh!, giant gust out of nowhere! But AWESOME!!!
LOVE IT!!
Keep scrolling to see a few more of my fav images from Bonnie's shoot!!
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A few weeks before Nicole's first shoot I found this graffitti wall and I have been totally OB-SESSED ever since! Soooo many colors!! Love, love, love using it as a background!
I have known Nicole for the longest time, and can't even believe she's a Senior already!!
These are just a few of my favorite images from her shoot!!
Class of 2020!!
Book your fall Senior Portrait Session Now!!
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When I met Alexis and we were talking about her first shoot, her mom happened to mention "Hey she plays the drums. Do you think we can do something with that?"
Ummmmmmm.............let me think about it. HECK YES!!
Not only is Alexis great to work with, but she is in 2 bands and has an awesome rocking drum set!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
Just a few of my favs from her shoot! It was hard to choose!!
Class of 2020!!
Book your Fall Senior Session NOW!! Time is filling up fast!!
]]>Ohhhhh the places you will go!!
As you head off to your futures, I wish you all the blessings that life has to give!!
Can you believe it??
Today we have Class of 2019 Senior Allison!!
As you take that big walk across the stage, and begin the new chapter in your life I wish you nothing but the best!!
Here are just a few of my favorite images!
Today's throw back post is about Emily, who is getting ready to finish her first year of College. This portrait session in the Flats was on a beautiful Spring day, gives me hope that there will be more like this! We had such a great time and were able to get some really amazing shots. I hope that your first year has been as amazing as your are!
When I saw that quote, it made me think what great advise it is for High School Seniors. No one is you. That alone is a Super Power when you think of it. There is no telling what you can do, and who you can become. Someone may have similar backgrounds, same education, more education for that matter, better grades, worse grades, but they will never be you. What you can and will bring to the table of life only you can. And that it amazing. So for all of you getting ready to graduate or who have already graduated, remember you do have a super power.
(stepping off soap box.....)
That is my deep thought for the day!!
****2019 Seniors****
It's not too late to book your Senior Portraits!! Spring is here, the sun has FINALLY come back to Ohio and it's time to get out there and make this happen!!
Click here to book your Senior Portrait Session Today!!
And now, back to Emily!! Here are a few of my favs from her session.........
I'm sure you have heard this saying before, because it so true. As a photographer, I find this especially true. Finding a new location, the wind blowing just right, amazing lighting, all of these make my heart happy! I love it when a plan comes together!
Meet Annie!
LOVED this shoot! Everything came together, the lighting, the different backgrounds, and all of the color.
Scroll for a few of my favorite images from her session in the Flats.
Meet Class of 2019 Senior Angela!!
Sunshine and fresh air were abundant the day of Angela's shoot!! We were able to capture some amazing portraits in beautiful Brecksville. LOVE, LOVE these images and her beautiful blue eyes and her smile.
Just a few of my favorite images!!
I am definitely a warm weather person.
It's also time to start scheduling your Spring and Summer Senior Portrait Sessions. If you haven't scheduled your Class of 2019 Senior Portrait session yet don't wait. Even though the leaves aren't out yet doesn't mean we can't find some amazing colorful backgrounds here in Cleveland. We are very lucky to have some amazing buildings, and architecture that are just full of color, and make amazing backgrounds. Click here to schedule your Senior Portrait Session today!!
Today we have a little throwback to Senior William's Senior Portrait Session that we did at the St. Ignatius Campus.
Here are just a few of my favs from his Portrait Session.
Now, my passengers, will sometimes try and politely ask me to not sing so loudly. (actually trying to tell me I am not a singer...) But I have found singing louder just drowns them up because let's be honest, no one needs that kind of negativity in the car.
Delia, she can actually sing. Not the I don't care who is listening kind, but the actual really good kind of singing, where people actually ask her to sing for them. We has such a great time on her shoot down in the Flats, and between Delia, her mom, and myself we just laughed and had fun. Delia as you finish out your Senior Year and head off to continue your education in the Performing Arts, I wish you nothing but success and happiness!!
Don't wait!! Book your Spring or Summer Senior Portrait Session NOW!!
Click here for more information on Senior Portrait Sessions and Package Collections.
]]>When you begin your high school career, I'm sure you heard how fast the next 4 years were going to go. You also probably wondered, "What? How could that possibly be?" But the truth is the time truly does fly by. Before you know it all the activities and sports that you are currently involved in will be coming to an end. Once chapter will end, and a new more exciting one will begin. So in the middle of all of the crazy busy times, remember to take the time to enjoy the moment.
Let me share Part 2 of Class of 2019 Senior Model Samantha's session in Olmsted Falls. I absolutely loved this shoot! The colors, the outfits, and Samantha's amazing smile!
Samantha, as you finish out your Senior Year, take the time to enjoy the last moments, and I wish you nothing but success and happiness in your future!
Here are just a few of my favorite images from Samantha's second session....
Book your Spring and Summer Senior session early to get your date!
]]>Emily's dog has to be by far the absolute most chill dog I have ever worked with!! He came in, laid down, and was ready for his close up, and then didn't want to get up. He was so cute, so of course because clearly he was the star, we worked around him. We were able to get some great shots of both him and Emily in beautiful Olmsted Falls.
Emily, I wish you nothing but success and happiness as you finish your first year at college.
Here is a look at a few of my favorite images from Emily's Senior session.....
Book your Spring or Summer Senior session today!!
Click here for more information on Senior Sessions and Package Collections.
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The evening of the planned proposal it was raining. Big black clouds, huge downpour, the whole deal. But as soon as I arrived at the beautiful venue of Thorncreek Winery, the clouds parted, and it was a perfect night for a proposal.
A beautiful evening, a gorgeous location, the perfect ring, what more could you ask for?
Congratulations to you both Scott and Becca!!
Thinking about getting engaged?? Let me document your proposal. Click here for more info.
]]>Celebrate the day with a packzi!!
Meet Class of 2019 Senior Leah!!
While it is cold and snowy today, on the day of Leah's session it was H-O-T!!!! Although it was so hot with barely a breeze, Leah kept that beautiful smile the entire time. I just LOVE her dimples and big brown eyes!!
Here are a few of my favorite images from her shoot.....
Don't forget to book your Spring or Summer Senior session early!!
Click here for more information on Senior sessions and Package Collections.
]]>So true. I am going to, is a much stronger phrase, than I hope I can. When you ask a high school senior what their plans are for after high school, you never hear them say, "I hope I go to college and can get x career". They will say they are going to whatever college and they are going to become x professional. Powerful words, powerful thoughts. There is no question for them at that moment. There is no negative, no maybe. That is what we should all aspire to do everyday with our thoughts. We can, we will. No excuses, no negativity. So for all the high school seniors, and all of us out there, I hope we all do the same. Keep these powerful thoughts in our minds. We may have setbacks along the way, but never lose sight of your goals.
Here's a little throwback this Thursday to Tej's session down in the Flats. I love this area. So many little nooks, and crannies that make amazing backgrounds. Tej as you are finishing your first year, I hope that you have an amazing time and always keep the positive thoughts with you.
Don't forget to book your Spring or Summer Senior session early!!
Happy Wednesday ya'll!!
We are almost to the weekend, and that much closer to spring!! Woohoo!!
Kicking off this Wednesday with this Surprise Proposal shoot. I've known Mark for a while, and could not be more happy for him, and to be able to document this moment for both of them. Love this location in Lakewood, such an amazing view of the city!!
Congratulations to you both!!
Here are a few of my favs.......
LOVE this ring!!
Thinking of proposing? I can help with that......
]]>That's right. It's Senioritis. Has it hit you yet?? If it hasn't it will soon.
I, myself, personally I have Springitis. Probably along with most of the state I'm sure! I can't wait for warmer days, and lots of SUN! You know, that bright orb in the sky we randomly see here in Ohio.
These images from Class of 2019 Senior Alex's session definitely bring a little sunshine to this day! We had a great time wandering around the downtown Cleveland with all of the color of the city as our background.
Check out a few of my favs below........
Don't forget to book your Spring or Summer Senior Portrait session early!! Click here for more information.
Ready to book your Senior Portrait session? Click here!!
]]>One of the best parts about working with my Senior Models is getting to check in with them throughout their Senior Year. There is so much that goes on in that one school year. Visiting colleges, deciding on majors, choosing their college, first last days, endings of seasons, and new beginnings. It can be so overwhelming all the choices. But, the growth that they all do in that year is amazing, and I am lucky enough with not only my Senior Models but also with all of my Senior Portrait clients to see it. It's pretty awesome.
I have been lucky enough to know Eric and his family for some time, and have even photographed another one of his brothers. So it was awesome catching up with him on his fall shoot. This year was tough for fall color. All of the leaves seemed to die and fall right off the trees in one weekend. Thankfully we were lucky enough to get a little color into his shoot. Eric, as you finish out your Senior Year I wish you nothing but success and happiness.
Here are just a few of my favs from his shoot.......
I am booking Spring and Summer Senior Portrait Sessions Now! Book early to get your date!
]]>Myah I hope your first year in college has been nothing but successful, and I wish you nothing but happiness in the years to come!
Just a few of my favs from her Senior shoot.....
Booking Spring and Summer Senior Portrait Sessions Now!!
]]>Here are just a few of my favorites from Carrie's second shoot with that beautiful smile........
I am booking Spring and Summer Senior sessions!!
]]>Well thank you Captain Obvious. I saw this on Pintrest and just had to laugh. But the sun is shining today and it's got me thinking of warmer sun filled days ahead!!
So does Class of 2019 Senior Model Brooke's second session!! Ballet slippers, pom poms, tiaras, and lots of sparkle. All of my favorite things!!
Here are a few of my favorite images from her second shoot.......
Booking Spring and Summer Senior sessions now.
]]>Starting the week off with Class of 2019 Senior Model Lilli's second session!!
Fall Color, a sunshiney day, puppies, sports, and the blimp!! What more could you ask for??
Here are just a few of my favorite images from Lilli's shoot...........
Booking Spring and Summer Senior sessions now!! Click here to book your session today!
]]>Could not think of a better way to celebrate the day here on the blog than with some love from a Surprise Proposal session!!
Generally speaking I am not sure who is more nervous at my Surprise Proposal shoots, myself or the one doing the asking!! I love Surprise Proposal shoots!! The reactions are always priceless, and being the one to capture that moment is truly an honor. Tony and Leah were so great to work with and I can not wait to shoot their wedding!!
Congratulations to you both and Happy Valentine's Day!!
I was so happy when Abigail brought her two adorable pooches with her!! They are sooo sweet! Abigail chose Edgewater park for her second shoot, and we used both the Upper and Lower parts of the park. I am obsessed with how they turned out!
Here are just a few of my favorite images from her shoot, and of course the cute poochies too!!
I am booking Spring and Summer Senior sessions now!
]]>As the graduation date grows closer, everything can start to feel very overwhelming. If you haven't chosen a college, or trade school, or made plans for what happens next, the choices can be too many. Adulting is knocking on the door, and the rest of your life is in front of you. It can be very scary. But also, very exciting. Don't let the fear of what could happen stop you, instead think of what could happen with fresh eyes and excitement. Right now the world is your oyster. Big changes are around the corner, but they can be amazing!!
Meet Class of 2019 Senior Nicole!!
We had so much fun on her shoot in Playhouse Square. We were even able to find a couple of new spots in that area, and I absolutely LOVE how her images came out!!
Here are a few of my favorites from the day!!
This is a way better way to start the week, with some SPARKLE!! Especially on a cold, dreary, gray morning. So with my internal sparkle sparkling I wanted to share Part 2 of Class of 2019 Senior Model Amanda's session in Playhouse Square. Loved this shoot, and plenty of sparkle to boot!!
Here are just a few of my favs from her shoot!!
Book your Spring and Summer Senior shoot today!!
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Well, today I am dreaming of warmer days. Mother Nature has decided to remind us that yes, it is actually still winter, and it seems the best way to do that is with snow, wind and cold. Yay Mother Nature!! (insert sad face)
While communicating with my Seniors and their parents I always tell them that after they come back from Christmas break it is sort of a downward slide to Graduation. Their are deadlines to be met, college applications, choosing a college, prom, and graduation planning. It can come at you so fast. So if you are a senior or a parent reading this, remember, take the time to enjoy it. It can be stressful. Sooooo stressful, but such a great experience.
Today on the blog is Class of 2019 Senior Grace!
Our first attempt at Grace's session just did not happen. Grace had chosen Huntington Beach as her location, one of my favorite spots. But it was so windy, with high wind warnings, and her long beautiful red hair flying every which way. Our second attempt was perfect. We were even able to get some adorable ducks in her shots. Grace as you navigate your way through the end of your high school career and prepare for college I wish you nothing but the success and happiness!!
Here are a few of my favorite images from Grace's Huntington Beach shoot!!
Ready to book your Spring Senior Portraits?? Click here!!
]]>So here's a little throw back, (and a little of me getting caught up) of Part 2 of Ally's Senior session at the Art Museum!!
LOVE LOVE LOVED this shoot!! I mean who wouldn't?? We were very lucky to be able to shoot inside the actual museum itself, and the images are stunning! Although Ally is already away at college, getting ready to finish her first year, I had to share! Ally, I hope that your first year has been amazing, and can't wait to see what the future holds for you!!
Here are just a few of my favorite images from the day.....
I'm booking Spring 2019 sessions Now!!
For more information on Senior Sessions and Package Collections click here.
]]>Spring always feels like such a new beginning. A fresh start. When your in school it's kind of like the beginning of the semester when they say everyone starts out with an "A", and it's just up to you to keep it. For High School Seniors, it can be graduation. It's the ending of their High School careers, and the beginning of something entirely new. So for all the Seniors, enjoy every last minute that remains of your high school days. Although one chapter will be closing, another, exciting new beginning is right around the corner.
Meet 2019 Senior Model Grace!!
We had so much fun on this shoot!! We are so lucky here in Cleveland that we have so many cool places to visit. The cultural gardens are no exception. Fountains, stairs, metal gates, stone structures, all kinds of fun places for a photography shoot. Grace I had so much fun working with you and wish you nothing but success and happiness in your future!!
Here are just a few of my favorite images from Grace's session.......
So with the welcome sight of the Sun, and it being February, and Valentine's Day right around the corner it got me thinking about one of my most favorite session types. Surprise Proposals!!
I'm never quite sure who is more nervous. Myself, or the one getting ready to ask the big question of "Will you marry me?" I love the look of surprise, shock, and love on the intended's faces. It truly fills my heart with love.
Meet Luke and Allison!!
After a wonderful dinner at Pier W, they made their way over to Upper Edgewater Park to take a walk and enjoy the view of the beautiful evening..........and to pop the big question!!
Absolutely LOVE these beautiful shots we were able to get at both Upper and Lower Edgewater Park!!
I stumbled across this gem the other day, and it really struck a chord with me. I think that no matter what stage of life you are in this holds soooo true. Especially for Seniors. I love photographing Seniors. Their Senior Year is such a jumping off point to the rest of their lives. I love capturing who they are right now. These are young men and women who are really growing into the adults they will become. There is a sense of confidence about them that is truly an amazing thing to capture. So I have to say if I were to give any advice to a High School Senior it would be "Make Your Life Your Masterpiece".
Meet Class of 2019 Senior Lilli!!
This is truly a Rock Star Family. Lilli is the youngest of 6! (yes 6!!) And I have been truly blessed to photograph all of them. Her siblings include an actor, a rockstar barber, and a makeup artist to just name a few of their amazing accomplishments. So needless to say between her sisters they totally had her covered in the hair and makeup department!! If we could all be so lucky to have that kind of glam team living with us!! Lilli I had an absolute blast working with you!! Such a laid back fun session in the Flats, catching up, and seeing the incredible young woman you have grown into. I wish you nothing but happiness in your future!!
Check out just a few of my fav images from her session......
Class of 2019 don't forget to book your Senior Portrait session today!!
]]>It's sorta, kinda, close to, just, about, nearly the weekend.......
I don't know what it is about Wednesday's. I mean it's just a day right? For me it fits somewhere between this is the longest week ever and it's barely started, and WOOHOO it's almost the weekend. (even though I work most weekends)
So I have decided to woop it up this Wednesday and offer 20% off all Senior Portrait Session fees from now until Friday!! Book your Senior Portrait session today!! When booking your Class of 2019 Senior Portrait Session use code 1dq4g6.
Meet Class of 2019 Senior Model Carrie!!
LOVED working with Carrie!! As anyone with braces knows, once you get them on, it can seem like it will be for-ev-verrrrr before you can get them off!! No one wants them on for their Senior Portraits!! I know she as excited as I am for her next session where she will finally be brace free!! I can't wait to see that $5000 smile!! She truly is a gorgeous soul inside and out!!
Here are just a few of my favorite images from Carrie's 1st session in the flats..........
There is no doubt this year has flown by, and I really wish it would slow down a bit!! Just a smidge.....
Meet Class of 2019 Senior Model Brooke!!
We had soo much fun on her shoot down in the Flats. Brooke has an amazing smile, and is so easy to work with. Between her perfect curls, laid back vibe, and incredible smile we were able to get some amazing shots of her. Here are just a few of my favs from her session............
I must admit VW Bugs have gotten WAY cooler over the years. They no longer make that classic bug sound, and they are still as adorable as they ever were. More so honestly, in my opinion anyway. I mean, really, what can be more adorable than a car that let's you bring flowers with you every day in it's own vase?!? How is that not a happy car??
Meet Class of 2019 Senior Model Amanda!!
Amanda is awesome! When she asked if it would be ok if she brought her car to which my answer is always yes, I can't tell you how excited I was when it was a little yellow Love Bug!! Love all of these shots we were able to get down on the West Bank of the Flats. Here are just a few of my favorites!!
I mean this could SO be a Volkswagon advertisement!!
***Class of 2019***
The time to Book your Fall Senior Photo session is Now!!
Click here for more information on Sessions and Photography Package Collections
]]>I can still remember exactly where I was, and what I was doing 17 years ago today. Normally I can't remember half the time what I did yesterday. But, September 11, 2001 is a day I can. I think it would be hard to find someone who doesn't remember exactly where they were, or what they were doing that day. Lives, families, a country was changed by that day. The graduating Class of 2019 was the last graduating group of kids to be alive on that day. Just thinking about that, and the fact that it has been 17 years seems so crazy to me. It is a day we will never forget.
Meet Class of 2019 Senior Model Brooke!!
This year has been crazy for me, because so many of my clients this year are the younger siblings of previous clients. Somehow, even though you know they are growing up, you still see them as the younger sibling, until it's time for their Senior Portraits. Then it hits ya!! Where the heck did that time go?? The same can be said of Brooke! I have had the privilege of photographing all of her family and older siblings over the years. Lucky for us, her older sister even came along on her shoot!! The day was absolutely gorgeous downtown in the flats for her shoot, and so are her images!!
Here are just a few of my favorites!!
***CLASS OF 2019***
Book your 2019 Senior Portraits Today!!
Click here for more info on Sessions and Package Collections!!
]]>As a parent, and grandparent, this is witnessed repeatedly. You tell your kids something. They don't listen. Someone else tells them the EXACT same thing, and BAM! it's the best piece of advice they have ever received, and even more shocking, they LISTEN! Ohhhh the joys of parenting.
The last couple of weeks everyone has been heading back to school. Pics are being posted of last first days, first of many first days, and everything in between. Today I stumbled across this little gem.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ~Maya Angelou
We could all benefit from this. Take a minute to talk to someone new, the new kid at school who is feeling anxious, the stranger sitting alone in the doctor's office, put a smile on your face when your out and about. You never know what anyone else is going through and you could possibly just make that person's day all that much better. Or it could be you.
Meet Class of 2019 Senior Model Eric!!
I have had the pleasure of knowing this family for awhile now, and the honor of photographing Eric's older brother. When we were scheduling Eric's shoot, it turned out 3rd time was a charm! Scheduling conflicts, and crazy weather that poured on us 10 minutes into his shoot, even though there was NO PRECIPITATION forecasted until we got there, we were finally able to get it in. I'm SO glad we waited!! We had an AMAZING session!! A moving van background, and his blue eyes made for a stunning session! I absolutely can NOT wait to work with Eric throughout his Senior Year!!
Here are just a few of my Favs!!
****Class of 2019****
I'm scheduling Fall Sessions!!
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At first glance it is a totally awesome positive quote. And then I realized it is already August, and the summer has completely flown by!! Kids will be heading back to school in the next couple of weeks. Which undoubtedly will bring back strict schedules and routines that go along with that. I don't know about you, but I am SOOOOO not ready!!
It also means it's time to schedule your Class of 2019 Senior Portraits, because in just a few weeks all of you Class of 2019's will be starting your last first day of High School as a SENIOR!!
Meet Class of 2019 Senior Model Abigail!!
Back when Abigail signed up to be a Senior Model she told me she was into dance. Of course my first question is always do you have a tutu? I think in another life I was a ballerina, clearly. Yes she did!! Whenever I meet new clients and they give me ideas of what they would like to do, or certain props they would like to include, I always sort of envision the shot in my head. Sometimes it doesn't quite work out, but other times oh yes it does, and in fact is WAY better than I could have imagined!! That's exactly what happened at Abigail's shoot!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
Check out just a few of my fav images from Abigail's 2019 Senior shoot!! Oh, and also don't forget to mention her name when you book your 2019 Senior shoot!!
I mean, just check these out!!! LOVE!!!
For more info on Senior Portrait Sessions and Package Collections click here!!
]]>So when Allison booked her All Out Senior Portrait Session, I couldn't be more excited when she had ideas of where she wanted to go.
Lakeview Cemetery.
Now, my daughter and I spent a whole day there walking and driving all over and seeing all of the amazing structures, headstones, mausoleums, and views it has to offer. But for a photo shoot? I wasn't so sure, yes there are a ton of cool spots there that I have photographed, but I just wasn't sure what to expect.
Allison, her amazing mom Kim, and Lakeview Cemetery did not disappoint! We had soooo much fun, plus, I mean just check out her images!! Amazing!! This is definitely one location I want to photograph at again, there are endless options. Each one more unique than the last, we probably could have spent hours upon hours there!
Allison, as you are finishing off your Senior Year I wish you nothing but happiness for your future.
I also can not thank you both enough for showing me this amazing location, and any time you say you have a new location I am there!!
Here are just a few of my favorites from Allison's shoot!
Class of 2019!!
I am looking for members of the Graduating Class of 2019 to represent Yonek Photography as a Senior Model!
Interested?? Click here!
]]>So I decided what better way to start this beautiful Spring sunny Monday than with a little LOVE!
Once upon a time I became yours and you became mine, and we'll stay together through both the tears and the laughter......
Because that is what the call Happily Ever After...........
Sara & Ray are just a great couple, and I was so honored to be a part of their Special Day. From the moment the day started, everyone was relaxed, and you could feel the love and excitement everyone had for these two. Just a perfect day.
Thank you Sara and Ray, I wish you nothing but love and happiness.
Here are just a few of my favorite images from their beautiful wedding......
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these colors and textures!!
STUNNING!!
Florist- Lisa Daniel Floral Design
Hair-Randi Fitch at Always in Style
DJ's-Rock the House Entertainment
Linens/Chairs/Backdrop-Party Decor
]]>Saw this awesome quote, and it is so fitting.
We play together,
We win together,
We lose together,
We stay together.
One Team One Dream
Congratulations Ladies and Best of Luck this Season!!
EEEEEEEK!!!!! So excited to have this engagement session on How He Asked by the Knot!!
I am truly honored and humbled to have Elizabeth and Jacob's Engagement session as the Featured Session today!!
Elizabeth and Jacob's Love Story is so sweet!!
Click this link to see their Love Story and more images from their Engagement Session.
Contact me for more information on Wedding, Engagement and Proposal photography.
]]>I hope everyone had a fabulous Easter spending time with family, friends, and loved ones!!
A couple weeks ago we were able to get in Part 2 of Megan's 2018 Senior Model shoot. While it was sunny, it was chilly, especially with the wind. It's amazing after such a long winter how just seeing the sun will make you feel so much better!! Loved this shoot with Megan on the East Bank!!
Here are just a few of my favorite images.....
Calling All Seniors!! (or soon to be Seniors!!)
Now thru March 27 Book your Senior Portrait Session and use code 1DB2EKH and receive 20%off your Session Fees!!
For more information on Senior Portrait Sessions and Package Collections click here.
]]>Officially today is the First Day of Spring!! Looking out my window you may not completely think so with the piles of lingering snow, but it is officially here!! FINALLY!! Longer days, warmer weather, actual SUNSHINE!! YES!! Now, it just has to get warm. But you know, beggars can't be choosers.
I have had the amazing opportunity to photograph not only Scotty, but his 2 older brothers also. All of them great young men, and a wonderful family. I had such a great time working with Scotty, he was such a great model, even if I kept telling him how much is definitely his dad's twin! Scotty as you move through the rest of your Senior Year and beyond, I wish you nothing but happiness and success in all of your endeavors!!
Here are just a couple of my favorites from Scotty's Senior Portrait Session!!
Book Your Senior Portrait Session Now!!
Use code for 20% off your Portrait Session. Hurry code expires March 27!!
]]>I hope everyone survived their St. Patty's weekend!!
A little Irish Blessing.......
May your Troubles be Less,
And your Blessings be More,
and Nothing but Happiness come through your Door.
And since a picture always makes any post better, here is one of my favorites. Although we did not shoot this in Ireland, Riley is Irish, and has been to Ireland, and is an Irish dancer!! I think that totally makes up for the not being in Ireland part.
(Although Ireland is definitely one of the places on my bucket list!!)
Anyhoo, let's get back to the point. Today's post is all about 2018 Senior Model Sarah!!
I always encourage all of my sessions to get a family portrait with their Senior Portrait Sessions. Graduation comes around so fast, and once your Senior heads off to College, their schedules can get tricky, and getting all your kiddos back together for a family portrait can become a feat unto itself. So needless to say I was so happy when Sarah and her family decided to include Sibling photos in her Senior Portrait Session.
Now, I am an only child, and as my own children remind me ALL the time, I don't understand the sibling relationship. I admit it, I don't. But, what I can do is appreciate it. My observations of siblings, not only of my own children, but of friends and family, and my clients, is this. They may pick on each other, be totally annoyed by each other, and at times not even seem to be able to stand one another but one thing is for sure. They will always love each other, and hell hath no fury like siblings sticking up for each other. I found this little saying that kinda sums that all up.
Siblings: (n.) a combination of a best friend and a pain in the neck. They might be the most annoying people around you but you still love them endlessly.
Kinda sums it up. Here are just a couple of my favs of Sarah and her brother, oh and a few of Sarah too.......
It's a well known fact in my home that I literally cry at EVERY Disney movie. In fact, my children tease me relentlessly about it, and wait with baited breath for my tears whenever we watch one. I mean I even cried at Iron Giant. So when the Disney Princess movie, Brave came out, of course they asked if I was going to cry at that movie also. We all knew that the answer was of course, yes. It is such a cute movie, with the 3 little brother bears, the mother daughter story, how could you not ball your eyes out??
The story centers around Princess Merida, with her crazy beautiful flowing curly red hair.
Which brings me to Class of 2018 Senior Hanah!! How could you not make a comparison?? LOVE LOVE LOVE her hair!!
We had such a great time shooting Hanah's Senior session in beautiful Brecksville. Between the hair, the eyes, the skin she is simply put stunning!! Thank you Hanah for choosing me to document your Senior Year. I wish you nothing but happiness and success the rest of your Senior Year and Beyond!
Here are just a few of my fav images...
Book your Class of 2018 Spring Senior Session today!!
I promise it will eventually stop snowing!! I mean it has to. Right??
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That means Spring Senior sessions are right around the corner, and it is time to get yours scheduled now.
I had the pleasure of photographing Maura's sister's Senior Portraits, and it is such a compliment when a family continues to choose me to document their families.
Loved this shoot!! Olmsted Falls is such a beautiful location, and on this day this new pile of stones had shown up. Well of course we had to get a shot with them, and I could not be more pleased with how they turned out. Her images are stunning!!
Maura, I wish you nothing but the best the rest of your Senior Year and Beyond!!
Here are just a few of my fav's from Maura's Portrait Session.......
Time is something that no matter our age, we can easily take it for granted. There is always more time. More time to see the things we want, to see the ones we love, to do the things we want. As we get older we learn that time is a gift. A precious gift that can very easily be taken away at any time. So, if there was one piece of advice that I could offer, it would be this.
Do more things that make you forget to check your phone.
Do more, see more, take more time with the ones that are important to you, experience more. As the Class of 2018 prepares to graduate and make your way out in the world, remember this advice, Do More.
We chose a few different locations for Joe's Senior Portrait sessions. Downtown is always one of my favorite locations to shoot with all of the color and endless possibilities, and of course the entire city as a background.
Here are just a few of my favorite images....
Booking Spring Senior Portrait Session Now!!
Click here for more information.
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Every couple's love story is different, as is every couple. Being a engagement and wedding photographer, I have seen so many different rings. I love hearing my couples love stories, and seeing their rings, they are always so beautiful and so personal to each couple. Every ring is a personal representation of their love, their bond, and their relationship. So whenever I photograph a couple, getting a shot of their rings is always so important to me, because it is a physical daily reminder of their love for each other.
And that is something that I truly find beautiful.
I found this little poem to share.
With this ring, I give you my heart, I promise from this day forward, you shall not walk alone, may my heart be your shelter, and my arms be your home.
For more information on my Proposal, Engagement, and Wedding Photography contact me here.
]]>After being cooped up inside over what seems like an extremely long winter, it's time to get back outside. I am so looking forward to Spring and Summer Photography sessions!! My calendar is filling up quick so if you haven't booked your session yet now is the time.
Meet Class of 2018 Senior Madison!!
Madison was so much fun to work with!! This is one of those sessions where everything came together perfectly. The sun was out, it was a gorgeous mild day, and the colors were utterly gorgeous!! Not to mention Madison was relaxed and put her trust in me and together we were able to capture these stunning images. Madison I wish you nothing but the best in the rest of your Senior Year and beyond!!
Here are just a few of my favorite images from her session.....
The time is NOW!! Book your Spring or Summer Photography shoot today!! Click here.
]]>One of your favorites. But
Never forget that every
Day you wake up is an
Amazing gift and it's up to
You to make it count.
That right there says it all. I don't know about you but Monday's can kinda suck. It might have something to do with putting everything off over the weekend until the start of the week or that they just suck. I haven't quite decided, and it might be a combination of the two. But if you take the time to remember that every day is a gift, it makes Monday's a wee bit easier. That and coffee. Lot's, and lot's of coffee.
This quote also made me think of Senior Year. For every Senior this can be an overwhelming year, with tons of choices to be made. Fun, and exciting year, but overwhelming still. Applying to college, deciding what you want to study in college, if your even going to college, prom, ordering caps and gowns, graduation parties, sports, grades, ACT scores, the list goes on. Just remember to breathe, enjoy the time while you can, because it does go fast, and remember each day is a new day to start all over.
Meet Class of 2018 Senior Julianna!!
Julianna chose Olmsted Falls for her location, and the colors were gorgeous!!
We had a ton of fun, it was a gorgeous day and she has a beautiful smile!!
Here are just a few of my favorite images from her session............
Love this old phone booth!!
Class of 2018 Seniors it's time to book your Spring Photo session today!!
]]>Hello Friday!!!
I don't know what it is about Friday's, it's almost like a magical kinda day. The end of a week of schedules, time frames, and the weekend is here promising all kinds of new adventures. Whatever it is, I will take it!!
Downtown Cleveland is one of my favorite locations. The colors, the structures, and the endless new places waiting to be discovered.
Meet Kailey Class of 2018 Senior!!
Working with Kailey was a ton of fun!! I love all the colors from her outfits to the locations we chose downtown.
Here are just a few of my favorites.......
Sometimes all it takes to find a new location is just turning around and looking at what is behind you. The above photo is just that. I have shot this area a hundred times, but this time I turned around and loved how she was framed in all that blue.
Class of 2018 it is time to schedule your Spring Photo shoot!!
]]>Recently I saw a post on social media declaring Spring had arrived, except you Ohio, we really have no idea what's going on there. That is sooooooo true, especially this week. Tuesday it's near 70, and today an icy wintry mix of ick, only to follow next week with mid 50's. I had found this quote that I loved.
Know this: You can start over, each morning.
And here in Cleveland that is exactly how the weather goes, like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get.
Regardless of the weather Spring is right around the corner and we will be able to expect (hopefully anyway) more warmer sunny days than cold gloomy days. For the Class of 2018 that also means that around the corner is Prom, and Graduations.
I had a blast on Anthony's portrait session in beautiful Brecksville. It is one of my many favorite locations, with some truly unique backgrounds around the area. Thank you Anthony for the opportunity to document your Senior Year!!
Here are just a few of my favorite images from his session.....
Today is a day when love is in the air. A day we show appreciation and love to the one's who are the most important to us. The day we say I love you. I love you for who you are, and who you are in my life.
With that in mind I couldn't think of a better way to express that than with an engagement shoot!!
Meet Kayln and Jared!!
Love this couple!! Very laid back and utterly adorable. I absolutely am honored they chose me to not only document their engagement, but also their wedding, which I am sure like this shoot will reflect who they are as a couple.
Congratulations!!
For more information on engagement, surprise proposal, or wedding photography pricing please click here!!
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Now packzi, if you have not had one, are these amazing little (well the ones I got were not so little) doughnuty pastries filled with every type of scrumptious kind of filling from fruits, to my new favorite cream cheese. The polish people knew what they were doing when they created these amazing little confections.
This morning while I was getting ready to drive my daughter to school she informed me the apple filled packzi was to be her breakfast and that what ever she did not finish eating on the way she was going to have zero shame walking into school with it. (that's my girl!)
So as we are driving to school I informed her that before I had moved here I had never eaten a packzi before. The look I received in response to this was somewhere between shock, and typical teenage I think my mom doesn't know what she is talking about. But, it's true. No packzi for me before moving to The Land of the CLE. This was apparently she just could not fathom, that the entire country, heck the entire world may not know what a packzi is. I continued to tell her that it was very recently that I discovered that packzi is not actually pronounced the way it is spelled, as in pack-zee, it is actually pooch-key. She just laughed and laughed and laughed.
Gotta love those teenagers.
So in light of the fact it is Fat Tuesday, the Season of Mardi Gras, and Lent, and coupled with the fact my oldest lives in the land of Louisiana, it got me thinking about our trip down and our time New Orleans, which if you have never been is a definite must see. Except maybe not in July, when we went, and it's 98 degrees at midnight, and that actually feels a wee bit cooler than it did during the day.
So grab your packzi, drink a hurricane, pretend your at a Mardi Gras parade and check out a few of my favorite pics from the Land of the Big Easy.
Beignet's while also scrumptious just not quite a packzi.......
Well, just because this little one makes any blog post just a wee bit better, plus she's really good at suckering her big Uncle into carrying her. Notice the victory smile she has after getting her way.
Happy Fat Tuesday!!
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Now, don't get me wrong, I like snow. I do. But. What I am beginning to have a serious dislike for, because I really don't like using the word hate (it's such a strong word), is snow in my driveway. And the constant need to shovel it. OVER IT!
So on that note, let's take a look at 2018 Senior Model Maddison's session!!
(much warmer days!!) The most important thing to remember right now, is that Spring is right around the corner and every day we get a little bit closer to spring, and for Maddison and the whole Class of 2018, GRADUATION!!
I am currently booking for Spring 2018!! Book your Senior session Now!!
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Valentine's Day is right around the corner and it got me thinking about all of the fun Engagement and Surprise Proposal's I've shot. Surprise Proposal's are some of my favorites. I think half the time I am more nervous than the soon to be fiance. The sheer emotion on their girlfriends faces is enough to make anyone smile ear to ear.
The same goes with engagement shoots. I love when my couples have fun with each other, it allows me to capture some amazing expressions. Hearing their love stories and bringing them to life through my lens is truly an honor.
Because every blog post is better with a puppy!! Little Nana here was more than happy to have her portrait taken with mom's engagement ring!!
Watch the video for more engagement and proposal photography.
For more information on Engagement Photography or Surprise Proposal Photography email me, or click here.
]]>Myself, I am a football fan. It was a great game to watch. So in the spirit of that I thought I would post a little video of some of the football players I have had the honor of photographing from the past couple of years.
And of course, my favorite football player is in there too!!
Schedule your Spring Senior Session today!!
Click here for more information on Senior Sessions and Package Collections.
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When Jim and Angela contacted me to photograph their wedding there was no way I could say no. I have been lucky enough to photograph this family for a few years now, and can truly say it is an honor and every time has been so much fun!! So as you can guess their wedding day was something I was truly looking forward to.
They chose Coe Lake for their outdoor venue, and while there were plans for construction on the site, it was finished in time and absolutely stunning. The wedding was small and intimate, with close family and friends. Every part of the ceremony reflected their personalities and their relationship. There was laughter, and love, and celebration.
To the new Mr. and Mrs. Congratulations!!
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Don't think about what can happen in a month.
Don't think about what can happen in a year.
Just focus on the 24 hours in front of you and do what you can to get closer to where you want to be.
Those 3 sentences speak so much truth. It can be so easy to fall out of balance and find yourself completely overwhelmed, to the point where you don't even know where to begin. So you find yourself half beginning a little bit of everything, but absolutely getting no where, and FAST.
It's very common with the New Year to reevaluate your life, your choices, your business, what have you, and to make one or several New Year's Resolutions. I will be the first to admit that I completely suck at New Year's Resolutions. But setting goals, that I am a little better with. (even if only slightly) This year I have set the goal of finding Balance.
Balance. Seems easy enough right? Ehhh.....not always. Not for me anyways, well at least I don't feel like it did in 2017.
2018 is a going to be a whole different story. The past several weeks I have been in full planning, and organization mode. It's time to get the sh** together girl!! I must say I think I have been spot on, or at the very least pretty darn close, but it will always be a work in progress. I am not one of those that if it's not broke don't fix it kinda people. I know, and absolutely believe that there is always room to improve.
I am sooooo excited for this year!! So many new and exciting ideas, and practices, all of them leading to Balance. Balancing a better life, balancing better work, but most importantly NEVER compromising the experience. Because isn't that what life is about? Better experiences. So I will ALWAYS strive to give my clients the absolute best photographic experience to capture their memories that will last them a lifetime.
Over the next few weeks, and all of this year, you, my current and my future client, I can't wait to share what I've been working on.
Your gonna love it!
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This Saturday December 2 the weather is gonna be gorgeous and I have openings for Downtown!!
If you haven't booked your Senior Portrait Session yet NOW is the time, don't wait!!
For more information on Senior Sessions and Package Collections click here.
]]>This past week was wonderful. Not only did I take a day or two off but I was able to recharge my batteries, and evaluate all that I am truly grateful for over this past year.
First and foremost I am thankful for my family, having 2 of my kids home and spending some much needed quality time with them. I am thankful for my health, and that of my children, family, and friends, for the roof over our heads I am able to provide as a single mom, for the amazing friends we spent the holiday with welcoming us into their home, and I am truly truly grateful to all of my amazing clients.
Without my amazing clients who value the service I provide and allowing me to document the major and minor precious moments and memories in their lives, I would not be able to do any of these things. Thank you to all of you for allowing me to continue doing what I love and am passionate about full time and making this my career. I am truly thankful for each and every person who has contributed to the success of my business. I would be nothing without all of you.
May you all have a Blessed and Fabulous Holiday Season!!
For me it's things that sparkle, the smell of salty ocean air, spending time with my children and my granddaughter. Taking time to appreciate the little things life has to offer makes you appreciate the big things even more.
Your Senior Year is filled with big decisions, and big events like Prom and Graduation. Take the time to enjoy every single minute of your Senior Year. Your Parents as well as Seniors before you will tell you that it goes by so fast. Believe them it does.
Welcome to Part 2 of Samantha's All Out Senior session on the East Bank!! LOVE that she brought these balloons with her. Turns out getting balloons to cooperate on a semi windy day is a bit harder than it looks but absolutely love how these turned out!!
We are all born with immense imaginations, some have larger imaginations than others, but it is something we all possess as children. Some of it will be taught out of us as we learn in school and have to apply ourselves to more logical reasoning, but it will always still remain in some form no matter how small.
When we are children we imagine ourselves to grow up to be astronauts, or doctors, or super heroes. For Juniors and Seniors in high school it is a time to start imagining what will you be when you graduate high school and go off to college and eventually start adulting. It can be terrifying, but also so exciting. This imagining of our lives will happen again and again as we get older. Where will I be in 5 years, 10 years, hopes and dreams for not only ourselves but for our children. Once again it will be exciting and terrifying all at once.
For the Class of 2018, if you have not already chosen your future path, you will soon. Don't be afraid if you change your mind because you imagine yourself taking another path than the one you first decide on. Keep imagining where you will be, and work to gain the knowledge that you will need to get you there. This is such an exciting time for all of you!!
Meet 2018 Senior Michael!!
Just a few of my favorite images from his Simple Senior Session in Brecksville are below!!
Loved Part 1 of Samantha's All Out Senior session!!
One of my favorite locations and just a few of my favorite shots.......
Meet 2018 Senior Laura!!
Loved this shoot, (even if the wind was crazy!) at Edgewater Park.
Book your 2018 Senior Session today!!
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It's easy to get wrapped up in our own little worlds at times staring at the screens of our phones. Fall is a perfect time to get out there and do more to forget our phones for even just a few moments. Pumpkin patches, fall hikes, bonfires, the list goes on and on. There is also still time for your Fall Senior Portraits!! Click here for more information on Senior Portrait Sessions and Package Collections.
Here's a quick look at Part 2 of 2018 Senior Model Kim's session in Brecksville!! So much fun!!
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I can't believe it is already mid-October. If you haven't scheduled your Fall Senior shoot yet NOW is the time!! There is still a TON of fall color left, click here for more information on my Senior sessions and package collections.
Part 2 of Sarah's Senior Model shoot!! I love that she brought her car with her, and the East Bank was a perfect location. Here are just a few of my favorite images from her session!!
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Then they started asking questions. Turns out, I just might be an expert in how I relate to my own clients. So I gave in, and said "Hey why not??" Am I SO happy I did!! This was the coolest and most fun experience ever!! Not only did I get to be a part of this series, but I was also able to help the interns who work there get some great experience. With a daughter just graduating with a Masters, and a son in college, I know all about the "Sorry we can't hire you because you have no experience" but yet how do you get experience if no one will hire you?? I'm all about helping out an intern. P.S. Anyone looking for a finance major intern let me know, I got one for ya!!
I am SUPER proud of this and can not thank GYB CLE enough for this opportunity. Plus I get to talk about my kids and my Izzaboo, so really it's a win win!!
Check out the video here!!
Just a couple of behind the scenes pics....
The awesome interns....
Turns out when you talk with your hands, it's really hard not to......or not as much...
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Even though it is nearly 90 degrees here in Cleveland today, it is officially the first day of fall.
That means it's time to schedule your Fall 2018 Senior Session Today!!
Click here for more information on Senior Sessions, and here to schedule!!
]]>Just a few of my fav images from her shoot on the West Bank in Cleveland!!
2018 Seniors!! Book your Senior Session today!!
September is full upon us. After the long weekend spent with family and friends watching the air show, and recharging my batteries, I am excited about the weeks to come. Between football games, and fall color, and hopefully a few more weeks of warm weather, September is shaping up to be a fabulous month!!
Here is a quick look at a few of my favorite images from Joe's Simple Senior session.
For more information on Senior sessions and Portrait Collections click here!!
]]>Senior year is busy to say the least. That time flies by so fast, and when it is your first child to graduate you hear the more "seasoned" mom's tell you how quickly it is over and to enjoy every minute of this year. Of course, this is something that none of us fully can comprehend until it is our child. Homecoming, Friday night football games, ACT tests, visiting and choosing a college, prepping for graduation, prom, and of course Senior Portraits. All important, and all marking yet another milestone in our child's lives.
Now, yes I am a photographer, (so you may say of course I would say this) but that Senior Portrait is important. That is the last portrait we have of our child before they head off to college to start their own lives. We will be lucky to have all of our children together again for just a family portrait, let alone one of them all by themselves. Next stop at some point is marriage, and then that portrait will be with their significant other. There is value, importance, and significance in that one portrait. It's probably why I love photographing senior's so much, because this portrait I take of your child is who they are now, before who they will become, and I think that is pretty amazing.
Ok enough of me and my mixed bag of emotions.
Meet Marissa!! Class of 2018!!
Book your Class of 2018 Senior Portraits Today!!
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It was an utterly gorgeous, albeit muggy, summer day. Every detail of the day reflected their laid back style. It was a day filled with love, family, and friends. Congratulations to both of you!!
And I'd choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I'd find you and I'd choose you.
~The chaos of stars
DJ-DJ Lo-key
Wedding Venue-Noah's Event Venue
Flowers-Blush Custom Weddings
Cake-Cakes by Maria
Dress-Lavender Bridal Salon
]]>Meet Class of 2018 Senior Model Kim!!
Have you scheduled your Class of 2018 Senior Portrait session yet?
]]>Meet Class of 2018 Senior Spokesmodel Sarah!!
Loved this shoot!! Here are just a few of my fav images!!
Schedule your 2018 Senior Portrait shoot today!!
For more information on Senior Portrait sessions and Collection Packages click here!!
]]>Loved this shoot and that we were able to get some fabulous sister shots!!
Book your 2018 Senior Portrait shoot today!! Don't forget to ask Maddison how to get an amazing offer!!
For more information on Senior Sessions and Portrait Collections click here.
Book your Senior Portrait Session by clicking here.
]]>Super excited to have Ashley and Yaw's Surprise Proposal featured on How He Asked!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
For more information on Surprise Proposals click here.
]]>He may might of known it at the exact moment he first saw her, but 7 years and a long distance relationship later, he would ask her to become his wife on a beautiful summer day in a utterly romantic location.
I had met with Yaw a month before to scout out a location at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. He had every detail planned, and so much so that you could just tell by the details how much he truly loved her and wanted to remember this day and make it truly special for her. A week before the big day, he called to say that the ring would not be ready for another week and asked if we could reschedule. But the day before we were originally scheduled, it seemed the stars aligned, some voodoo magic, and He stepped in to make sure everything would be perfect. The day, which had previously been calling for rain, was gorgeous, the ring came in, and everything went according to plan.
Before every Surprise Proposal I swear I can be more nervous than the future groom. But I have to admit, I absolutely LOVE shooting these sessions. The look on her face is priceless, and I am lucky enough to witness and document it all.
Congratulations Ashley and Yaw!!
Once in awhile in the middle of an ordinary life , Love gives us a fairytale.
For more information on Surprise Proposals click here.
]]>The ceremony was small, and intimate, surrounded by their families they said "I do" to forever with each other with their own heartfelt vows of love in the most romantic location at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens Japanese Gardens. Rick and Denise have been together as a family for 11 years, but deciding to make it official in this intimate and romantic setting, surrounded by those that love them the most made it even more special.
My own children call me a giant vanilla soft serve all the time because I cry at pretty much everything, so as you can only imagine it took all my concentration not to ball my eyes out and shake my camera all over the place.
Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs!!
Meet Class of 2018 Senior Model Megan!!
For more information on Sessions, and Package Collections click here.
To book your Class of 2018 Senior session click here.
Don't forget to ask Megan about an amazing offer!!
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I was fortunate enough to work with Joe a couple of times over this past year, and we were able to capture some very cool images. Here are a few of my favorites from his Senior session.
Meet 2017 Senior Anelise!! Here are just a few of my favorite images from her session.
Click here to schedule your Senior Portrait Experience today!!
]]>One question I am constantly asked this time of year is when to have your Senior Portraits taken. There are many answers to that. For your yearbook picture, your school generally has a contracted photographer who will take it for you. There is usually a deadline which can be as early as right before school starting in the fall, to as late as right around the holidays. Now, for your actual Senior Portraits, I highly recommend having them taken in the summer.
The reason for this is because there is so much going on your Senior Year between college visits, football games, if your involved in any kind of sport, ACT's graduation prep, choosing your school, getting ready for prom, graduation, and graduation parties the year will fly by in a blink. With all of that going on during the school year it can be difficult to fit it in, and having them taken in the summer leaves you with one checkmark on your senior checklist starting the year!! It's a win!!
Now, that does not always happen, life can sometimes get in the way. (as it usually does) That doesn't mean you can't have them taken later, you can. So for all of the current Class of 2018, there is still time to have your Senior Portraits taken before your graduation!! Click here to schedule today!!
Absolutely loved working with Mikyala on both parts of her All Out Senior shoots!! Here are just a few of my favorites from Part 2!!
May Day is a traditional spring holiday that according to Wikipedia includes dancing, singing, and cake. It also seems like it should include sunshine, but on this dreery Monday we have rain and gray skies. So today's blog post seems very fitting, because if we can't have sun, or cake, we can have bubbles!!
I love when my clients bring props or ideas with them to their shoots, to help showcase who they are, their ideas, interests, or talents. Lynn brought bubbles!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!! I mean how can you not have a great time and get some great images with bubbles!! Here are just a few of my favorite images from Lynn's 2017 Senior shoot.
Click here for more information!!
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The sun is out, it's gorgeous, and there is an amazing week ahead!!
Just a few of my favorite images from Jess' 2017 Senior shoot!!
How adorable is this cutie!!?? Plus he is supporting his favorite basketball team!
In light of all of the rain we have received the last few days Hannah's session is a fitting post for today's blog. The day of her shoot it was calling for possible chances (51%) of rain later in her session. Now living in Northeast Ohio a 50% chance of rain is common, not only do I just find a forecast of 51% funny, but it could mean anything, full on thunderstorm, just overcast, mist, even snow. So needless to say that did not stop us.
Hannah was lucky enough to be accompanied by her fabulous glam squad, a.k.a her sisters, who were utterly fabulous and extremely helpful. It did start to sprinkle little during her session and the glam squad jumped into action with a trusty blanket to save her from getting wet. They were amazing!! If you are a chick you will realize just how amazing this is when you need to save your hair!!
I had an amazing time and we were able to get some amazing shots. A huge thank you to Hannah and her glam squad!!
Need to schedule your 2017 Spring Senior shoot?? Click here!!
]]>So the question of location comes up, as you can imagine, all the time. I think one of my favorite areas has to be in the downtown area. There are so many nooks and crannies, and I am constantly finding new little niches to shoot. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I think sometimes my clients look at me like I'm crazy when I say we are going to shoot on this curb of a parking lot that has these amazing wildflowers growing out of it and make it look like your in a field. The results are amazing, that is not to say that sometimes it doesn't work, because sometimes it doesn't. But I love trying something new. It's all in how you look at it.
Here are a few of my favorite images from Sabrina's 2017 Senior shoot downtown!!
****Don't forget to book your Spring and Summer sessions****
Are you a member of the Class of 2018? Click here now!!
This past weekend saw a horrendous action broadcast over social media that changed a family forever. My heart goes out to the family for all they are having to endure and that they will endure to heal over the next few days, weeks, months, and possibly years.
I was immediately appalled by one man's actions. But in the days that followed I thought of several things, but one thing stuck out. Wasted moments. No one should waste one moment. Tell your child or loved ones your love them, tell someone you have hurt your sorry, take responsibility for your actions and make a situation better, no one ever knows when that one moment will be your last.
Downtown Cleveland on the West Bank of the Flats is where we shot Part 1 of Megan's All Out Senior shoot. The colors and location are amazing, and with an entire city as a background you can not go wrong. Here are just a few of my favorite images from Megan's shoot.
Look at his blue eyes!! Amazing!! Loved this Simple Senior shoot with Jason. Here are just a few of my favorite images.
The weather is getting warmer, spring rains are the best to sleep to, and summer is right around the corner. It's a time of renewal. Personally, I have several new locations that I can't wait to use for senior sessions that I have scouted out, some on purpose, most on accident. Driving around and exploring the city, there are all kinds of amazing nooks and crannies. Schedule your 2017 Spring Senior shoot today!!
Brecksville has been one of my favorite locations for years. Here are a few of my favorite images from Kristen's Unique Senior shoot!!
Prom, and Graduation are right around the corner. It's time to order your graduation cards and announcements as you are planning your Graduation parties!! Click here for more info and options.
The art museum is an amazing location for Senior Portraits!! Here are just a few of my favorite images from Christina's Senior shoot.
I am looking for members of the Class of 2018 to represent Yonek Photography as Senior Spokesmodels!! Click here for more info!!
]]>It looks like Spring has arrived!! All the trees are starting bloom, the weather is getting warmer, days longer, and I absolutely LOVE it!!
****2017 SENIORS****
There is still time to schedule your Senior Portraits. Act quickly and Book Today!!
Here are just a few of my favorite images from Part 1 of Rachel's All Out Senior session!!
Featured on the blog today is Jeremy!!
I had an absolute blast shooting Jeremy's session and loved his images!! I was even lucky enough to work with him again when we shot his Baseball team's team photo. You can always tell the clients that I have worked with on more than one occasion as you get to see the changes in them over the year. Jeremy, as you finish out your Senior year I wish you nothing but good things, on the field and in the classroom!!
Just a few of my favorite images........
****2017 Seniors!!!****
Haven't booked your Senior Portrait session yet?? Click here to book your Spring Senior session today!!
Don't forget to ask a Spokesmodel for an amazing incentive offer!
]]>I came across this little quote and I think it is just perfect.
The 5 W's in life
Who you are is what makes you special. Do not change for anyone.
What lies ahead will always be a mystery. Do not be afraid to explore.
When life pushes you over, you push back harder.
Where the are choices to make, make the one you won't regret.
Why things happen will never be certain. Take it in stride and always move forward.
Just a few of my favorite images from John's 2017 Senior Spokesmodel shoot!!
****2017 Seniors****
Book your Spring Senior Session today!!
Don't forget to ask a Spokesmodel about specials that are available!!
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I literally can not believe it is March already. 2017 so far has not been great. But this is how I am choosing to look at it. There is a old saying that if March weather comes roaring in like a lion, the month will close out like a lamb, or vice versa. So that is how I am going to look at the whole year. Stick to my goals, pray, stay positive and focused. Although in the same breath, I am not really sure what that says about the weather here in Cleveland for March. Mother Nature seems very confused from one day to the next so far, so I'm fairly confident March weather is going to be a crazy roller coaster ride.
March also means that we are that much closer to graduation. The reality of everything should be starting to set in not only for Seniors, but also parents. It's a little scary this transition from High School Senior to independent (for the most part) College student gearing up to tackle the rest of your life, and adulting!! Because believe me, most of us that are "adults" would gladly trade in our adulting cards some days.
So if you find yourself a little scared of what the future holds, and this next chapter your about to enter into, either as a Senior or the parent of a Senior, that's ok. Because if your not a little scared, nervous, or apprehensive, I would be surprised. Sometimes, the best things in life are the most scary.
Below is a quick look at part 3 of 2017 Senior Spokesmodel Kyla's session!!
*****2017 Seniors*****
Haven't booked your Spring Senior session yet?? It's not too late!! Click here to book your session today!
Don't forget to ask any of my 2017 Senior Spokesmodels about a special discount!
"Life is a journey, not a destination"
This quote seems very fitting, especially as the Class of 2017 moves closer to graduation and their lives beyond. The next few months will be busy planning, preparing, and celebrating as they move from one stage of life to the next.
Below you will find a few of my favorite images from Part 3 of 2017 Senior Spokesmodel Kyle's photoshoot. Kyle has been amazing to work with, and to watch not only his hair grow, but him as well. I swear each time I see him he grows another 6 inches!! Good Luck Kyle in all of your future endeavors!!
Interested in becoming a Spokesmodel for the Senior Class of 2018?? Email me today!!
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I honestly don't know what it is about this quote but I absolutely love it, maybe it's this Cleveland weather, snow one day, and spring weather the next. But I think it is very fitting in so many ways.
I have been extremely blessed to call this family friends, and to be able to photograph and document them all as they have grown into beautiful and amazing young women. Here is part 2 of Katie's 2017 Senior Spokesmodel Experience.
****2017 Seniors*****
Book your Spring photo shoot today!! Click here!!
]]>By the time my Spokesmodels get to their 2nd or 3rd shoots, they have become seasoned pros, which makes the whole shoot a ton of fun, and gives a chance to catch up, and see how their senior years are going and what the future holds for them. Reilly is a perfect example. We had a great time capturing the amazing fall color, and a great time catching up. Here are just a few of my favorites from her photo shoot.
Think you may be interested in being a 2018 Senior Spokesmodel? Email me today!!
2017 Seniors!! The time to book your Spring Senior session is today!!
]]>A day set aside each year for many people to exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their special someone. Their Valentine. It's a day of romance, and a day to remind your special someone, that they are special and loved. It can also be a day to surprise your special love with a surprise proposal.
You do not marry someone you can live with--you marry the person you cannot live without.
Here is a quick look back at some special engagements, and surprise proposals, of documenting love.
If you are thinking of proposing, or are engaged let me document the moment for you. Click here for more information on Surprise Proposal and Engagement photography session.
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Annie!!
Both of these amazing girls were super fun to work with, and knew exactly what they wanted. Good Luck to both of you in all of your future endeavors!!
Just a few of my favorite images from Annie's session...
The time to book your 2017 Spring Senior photo shoot is NOW!! Click here to schedule today!!
]]>Two is always better than one!!
The best compliment anyone can give, is repeat service, or a referral to another client. I photographed twin Seniors Carolyn, and Annie's older sister a couple of years ago, and was truly honored to be able to work with these two amazing girls as well.
Just a few of my favorite images from Carolyn's twin shoot with her sister Annie....
Well Winter has decided to show back up with a vengeance!! Snow Day!!
A look at some of my favorite images from Part 1 of Mikayla's All Out Senior session in the Flats of Cleveland.
So in defiance of Mother Nature, let's take a look back at this awesome shoot with 2017 Senior Spokesmodel Reilly!! When Reilly mentioned she wanted to do a shoot at Huntington Beach with her Irish dance costume I was totally in, and I am so amazed with the images. So cool. Having never been to Ireland, (although one day I will) you can just imagine that these were taken on a lake somewhere. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!
Erica is a serious Cleveland Indians fan and we had SO much fun creating these beautiful images!!
Just a few of my favorite images....
Makeup by the talented Makeup by Allie
]]>It's amazing how this past year has flown by. 2016 for me, was a difficult year personally. Lots of tears, struggles, and adjusting to a new life. Through it all my little family and I managed to laugh, love and find our way. One of the things I am truly grateful for, has been my photography business and all of my amazing clients I have met along the way. I feel truly blessed to be able to continue to pursue my passion for photography, while supporting my family, and that is all because of you, my most amazing clients, and for that I am truly thankful.
The New Year brings with it a need to make resolutions. I have made one. I have resolved not to make ANY New Year resolutions. Instead, this year I will be making GOALS for the coming year, both personal and professional.
2016 was full of many lessons, some hard, all necessary. As I look back at 2016, there are changes to be made, and improvements to be implemented. So as I look over at my goals everyday I will be striving to achieve each and every one of them, and can not wait till I can cross every one of them off, and even if I don't I will know that I tried, and pushed myself to be a better person, mother, business woman, and photographer.
Again, Thank You. Thank You to each and every one of my clients that have gotten me here.
Cheers to 2017!! May it bring us all, happiness, health, blessings and of course tons of sparkle!!
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I hope this finds you all enjoying time with friends, and family, as we get ready to celebrate this Christmas season. If you are like me, you are still decorating, and have not even begun my Christmas shopping!! OY VEY!! Time is a tickin!!
With that in mind, let's look at a warmer day (as it is currently FREEZING outside) and take a peek at a few of my favorite images from Part 2 of 2017 Senior Spokesmodel Kyle's shoot!!
Time to start thinking Spring!!
]]>I could not be more honored to document Meagan and Cody's engagement, and to photograph their wedding next year. Little Nana came with them, and for being only a few months old was the star of the show in her little Santa suit, (oh......and her parents did a great job too!!)
Thinking of getting engaged this holiday season? Capture that moment she says "YES!!" forever, click here for more information.
]]>Or as my daughter calls it the first day you can start playing Christmas music. (soooooo NOT ready.......just sayin)
For the rest of us, fall color has come late this year, and there is still tons of color on it's way. But if fall color isn't a priority for you, downtown Cleveland offers some amazing backgrounds!! Tons of color and texture.
Just a few of my favorite images from Part 2 of 2017 Senior Spokesmodel Kyla's session!!
For more information on Senior sessions, and Portrait Collections click here.
]]>Absolutely LOVE all of the bold colors in Part 2 of Kenzie's 2017 Senior Spokesmodel shoot. I had lucked upon this brilliant and bright graffitti wall and I am smitten. Below are just a few of my favorite images from Kenzie's shoot.
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Lynsey chose Upper Edgewater Park for her second location. Absolutely amazing location and of course it has the Cleveland sign, and the dog beach. Down at the dog beach is where it really started to get fun. I was able to keep the dog's attention away from the water just long enough to get a couple perfect shots with both of them, and then Dad stepped in a hornet's nest!! Dad ran for the water, and so did the puppy. Dad was ok, and the puppy was truly happy swimming away!!
Here are just a few of my favorite shots from the day!!
For more information on Senior Sessions, and Portrait Collections click here.
]]>Half way through the week, and it's another beautiful day!
Just a few of my favorite images from Michelle's Unique Senior Session. LOVE those EYES!!
Limited spaces still available to schedule your 2017 Senior Portrait Session!!
]]>A look back at this amazing Senior Session with Lianne in beautiful Brecksville, and just a few of my favorite images........
For more information on Senior Sessions and Package Collections click here.
Book your Senior Portrait Session by clicking here.
]]>Just a few of my favorite images from Ty's 2017 Senior shoot!!
Book your Fall Senior Portrait shoot today!!
]]>Ryan had some great ideas for his shoot. What I loved most is that he wanted to do later in the day with the Terminal Tower in the background. This shoot pushed me creatively and I had an absolute blast and LOVE how his images turned out.
Senior Portraits are about showing who you are at this moment in your life. It is such a pivotal time, because you are becoming the adult that you will be. Your making big decisions about your future this year and where it will take you. That is why I love Senior Portraits, it's a amazing opportunity to showcase who these young men and women are.
Below are just a few of my favorite images from Ryan's shoot!!
There are still times available for October, so make sure you book your 2017 Senior shoot today!!
For more information on my Portrait Sessions, and Package Collections click here.
]]>Just a few of my favorite images from Gina's 2016 Senior shoot on this beautiful day!!
Just a few of my favorite images from Nick's backyard photo shoot!!
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Meet 2017 Senior Marina!! Absolutely love this location at Squires Castle.
Just a few of my favorite images.....
For more information on Senior Sessions and Package Collections click here.
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And Mr. Snake!!!
Starting the week off with a peek at a few of my favorite images from Samantha's 2017 Senior shoot in beautiful Brecksville!!
The time to book your 2017 Senior photo shoot is NOW!!
Click here for more information on sessions and package collections.
]]>I have had the honor of photographing this family for a few years, and the first thing you notice is their stunning blue eyes!! Gorgeous!!
Love this location on Whiskey Island!!
Just a few of my favorite images from Katie's shoot!!
It's Back to School Time!!
The Class of 2017 are starting their last first day of school. As you head back to class, and begin the countdown to graduation, I have just a few words of advise.
This year is going to fly by, faster than any other. The year will be punctuated by deadlines. Deadlines for ACT's, college applications, ordering caps and gowns, homecoming, prom, and graduation party planning. Take time to enjoy every minute of this year. You will never get it back. Memories will be made that will last a lifetime. Don't worry about the small stuff, and honestly that right there is a life lesson. But it's true, next year when your away at college, or even if you stay close to home you will have to take on more responsibilities, and thank your mom for doing your laundry!!
I wish you all nothing but happiness this year, and beyond!!
I think one of my all time favorite kid movies has to be The Emperor's New Groove. So when we chose this farm house location for Mackenzie's shoot I was so excited to meet a llama!! (ok now imagine Izma saying that from the movie, because everytime I say llama that is how it sounds!!)
I had such a great time, and could not be more happy with how her session came out!! Here are just a few of my favorite images...
A LLAMA!!
2017 Seniors!!
Click here for more information on Sessions and Package Information!!
]]>Working with twins, and triplets, is so much fun, and this family was blessed with 2! sets of twins!! When working with twins I always try and showcase each twins individual personality and these two were no exception. Such a unique and cool location, and I got to photograph a giant dump truck. Day complete right there!! Thank you Josh!!
Just a few of my favorite images from Josh's shoot.
2017 Seniors!!!
Have you booked your senior portrait shoot yet?? Click here now!!
]]>Frankie was such a blast to work with and so glad we chose this location for his shoot. It is one of my favorites!! So easy to work with, and he should be comfortable in front of the camera considering his budding acting career. So proud of him and wish you nothing but the best of luck and can't wait to see you on the big screen!!
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Just a couple of years ago I had the pleasure of working with Kyla's older sister Cassidy as a Senior Spokesmodel, so this session was as much about catching up with the family as it was about Kyla's senior shoot!! I had such a great time on her shoot in beautiful Olmsted Falls. Here are just a few of my favorite images........
****BOOKING 2017 SENIORS NOW****
Click here for more information on sessions and pricing, and then click here to book your session today!!
]]>Just a few of my favorite images from 2016 Senior Naiya!
Booking 2017 Seniors NOW!! Click here for more information on Sessions and Package pricing.
]]>Had such a great time on Ali's 2017 Senior Spokesmodel shoot on both the West and East Bank of the Flats. By accident we found this really cool wall, which I'm sad to say they painted over!!! I'm hoping that they decide to paint some new Cleveland mural, ode to the city, or some fun bright colors in its place. We rode the water taxi, and found the GIANT chalk wall!!
Below are just a few of my favorite's from her shoot.
For more information on session and package options click here.
]]>Here are just a few of my favorite images from Helena's 2016 Senior shoot in beautiful Brecksville.
****2017 Seniors****
Your time is now! Click here to book your Senior Portrait session today!!
]]>Just a few of my favorite images from John's shoot in beautiful Brecksville!!
For more information on booking your 2017 Senior Portrait shoot click here.
]]>For Lynsay's shoot we went to West Creek and I have to say I am in LOVE with these images!! And of course they include a hat!! I have only had the opportunity to shoot at this location a handful of times but I am never disappointed. I have been lucky enough to photograph both of Lynsay's older siblings Senior Portraits as well, and am so grateful for the job I do that I get to see my clients again, and again.
Here are just a few of my favorite images!!
Makeup by the talented Makeup by Allie.
*****2017 SENIORS*****
For more information on Senior Portraits Sessions and Packages click here.
]]>Every year with my Spokesmodels I choose a theme, I look for new locations, whether that is new areas in old locations or altogether new, and I envision a few shots that I am looking for. Needless to say the direction I give my Spokesmodels for their first shoot can be somewhat vague, but in my opinion makes their outfit choices that much better. For Reilly's shoot we went to the East Bank of the Flats and were able to capture some absolutely stunning images, and found some new amazing backgrounds!! Here are just a few of my favorite images!!
Have I ever mentioned how much I love HATS??????
Thank you for the amazing makeup by a former Spokesmodel herself, Allie for Makeup by Allie!!
*****2017 SENIORS*****
Book your 2017 Senior Portrait shoot today!! Don't forget to ask Reilly how to get an amazing deal!!
Book your session today by clicking here.
Need more info?? Click here
]]>Such a fun time on this photoshoot with Kyle in the Flats!!
Here are just a few of my favorite images......
2017 SENIORS!!!!
The time to book your Senior Portrait Session is NOW!!
For more information on my Senior Sessions click here, and book your Session today by clicking here.
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I can NOT wait to get out and starting shooting again, and that means it's time for the Class of 2017 Senior Spokesmodels!!
Follow the link here to sign up for a Parent/Spokesmodel information and sign up meeting!!
I look forward to working with you!!
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Are you interested in Exclusive Senior Sessions, Packages, and incentives?
If so, sign up today to become a Senior Spokesmodel for Yonek Photography!!
3 Parent/Spokesmodel Meeting and Sign Up dates available!!
Click here!!
Represent your Senior Class and Yonek Photography as a Spokesmodel!!
Click here to sign up for the Parent/Spokesmodel information night.
See you there!!
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Do you want to look fabulous, have fun, and earn exclusive gifts?
Represent Yonek Photography as Senior Spokesmodel for the Class of 2017!!
Click here for more info and to sign up for the Parent/Spokesmodel information Night!!
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Yonek Photography Spokesmodels enjoy exclusive photography sessions, packages, and prizes.
Click here for more information and to sign up!!
Would you like to represent your Class as Senior Spokesmodel for Yonek Photography?
Click here for more information and to sign up!!
Whether you are newly engaged, ready for engagement photos, looking to pop the question, or planning a wedding. Let me help you, and document your love story through timeless photos that will last a lifetime.
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A quick peek at a few of my favorite images from Kelly's 2016 Unique Senior Session!!
Booking Spring Sessions Now!!
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2016 Seniors!!!
If you haven't booked your Senior Portraits yet, Spring sessions are being scheduled now!! Click here!!
]]>But, until then, here are a few of my favorite images from Maddy's 2016 Simple Senior Session in beautiful Olmsted Falls!!
Now booking 2016 Senior Spring Sessions!! Click here to book your session today!!
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Still haven't had your 2016 Senior Session? Click here to book your Spring Senior Sessions!! Don't miss out!!
]]>Congratulations to this Amazing Couple!!
It is the ultimate compliment to be able to photograph and document my clients again and again, so I was truly honored to be able to document and help announce the arrival of little Baby K and the added bonus of a new house!!
Can't wait to see what the future holds for these 2 (3)!!!
LOVE this family!!
]]>Perfect for all the Seniors looking for Spring photos!!
One Day Only!!
Don't wait!!
A 5x7 image folio!! Includes 2 5x7 images and a custom cover. Perfect gift for Christmas!!
One Day Only!!
Email or Call today!!
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Includes 11 images and a slipcover. These make great gifts for mom, dad and grandparents!! Don't miss out order today!!
]]>On this Happy Monday a little peek at slightly warmer days and Valerie's Unique Senior Shoot in beautiful Brecksville.
For more information on booking your 2016 Spring Senior Shoot click here.
]]>On this Thanksgiving Eve a little peek at Ashley's Simple Senior Session!!
For more information on booking your Spring 2016 Senior Session Click Here.
]]>Here is a look back and warmer days, and a few of my favorite images from Jimmy's Simple Senior Session.
Seniors you are almost half through your Senior Year!! Can you believe it?? Once you come back from your Christmas break, time is going to fly by and the next thing you know you will be standing there in your cap and gown. The best piece of advice I could give you actually comes from my son during a speech he gave when he was signing his letter of intent and talking to his friends and teammates who had come out to support him. "Enjoy every minute, the last 4 years have gone so fast." Enjoy. Every. Minute. These next few months you will never be able to get back, but you will remember them for a lifetime.
Here is just a quick peek at a few of my favorite images from Eric's Simple Senior session in downtown Cleveland.
Happy Thursday!!
Last but not least of these 3 amazing sisters, here are a few of my favorite images from Krista's Senior shoot!!
Here is a quick peek at Jillian's Senior shoot with her sisters!! So much fun with all of these girls, and a special Thank You Jillian, for being an amazing assistant during your shoot!!
My own children constantly remind me of this saying, "Mom, you don't get it, you didn't have siblings." They are right it has been something I've had to learn how to deal with. I always enjoy watching their interactions, fights, and makeups, and most importantly their unending loyalty to each other. Hurt one of them, and their are 2 others you will have to deal with.
A few weeks ago I had the honor to photograph Morgan, and her 2 sisters. Triplets!! It was so much fun!! Thank you girls!!
Here are just a few of my favorites from Morgan's shoot, I can't wait to share the rest!!
Looking back at fall weather and all the amazing light and color that comes with it is Anna's session in beautiful Brecksville!! Stunning!!
Here are just a few of my favorites!!
I found this little piece of wisdom, and I think it is totally fitting for today.
M-aybe this day is not
O-ne of your favorites, but
N-ever forget that every
D-ay you wake up is an
A-mazing gift and it's up to
Y-ou to make it count!!
And on this amazing Monday I am sharing a few of my favorite images from Amanda's Simple Senior session in beautiful Brecksville.
For more information on Senior Sessions and Package Collections click here.
Now booking Spring Senior Session!!
]]>Here are a few of my favorite images from Elise's Simple Session, including images with her baby grand piano!!
For more information on Senior Sessions and Package Collections please click here.
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Here are a few of my favorite images from Emily's Unique Senior Session!!
For more information on 2016 Senior Sessions and Package Collections click here.
]]>3 times slots available tomorrow if you haven't booked your 2016 Fall Senior Session yet!!
Here is a quick look at a few of my favorite images from Part 2 of Alyssa's All Out Senior session!! Those eyes!! Stunning!!
Click here for more information on Senior Sessions and Package Collections.
]]>October 31
This Saturday!!
Your choice of 2 great deals!!
Fall color is out in all of it's glory, and it's the perfect time to get your Family Portrait or a Mini Senior Session!!
Families get a 30 minute Mini Session, 20 images to choose from PLUS 25 Christmas cards for $85.
Seniors!! Get a 30 minute Mini Session in one outfit with 25 images to choose from.
Limited Time Slots are available so do not delay. Click here to schedule online!!
Starting off this Friday with a few of my favorite images from Jennifer's Simple Senior Session in Olmsted Falls!!
For more information on Senior Sessions and package Collections click here.
]]>So today let's look at Part 2 of Sydney's All Out Senior Session in beautiful downtown Cleveland, which was on a much warmer day!!
There is still time to book your Fall Senior session, also now booking Spring 2016 sessions!!
Click here for more information on my Senior sessions!!
]]>Those EYES!! Stunning!!
For more information on Senior Sessions click here.
]]>Starting out the week with a quick peek at Part 1 of Sydney's All Out Senior Session in beautiful Brecksville.
2016 Seniors book your Fall Senior session today!! A few spots still left!
Click here for information on Session types, and click here to book your appointment.
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2016 Seniors!! Book your Senior Session Today!!
Click here for information on Sessions, and click here to book your session online today!!
]]>I have to say this shoot was so much FUN, and yet one more reason that I absolutely LOVE my job! Where else do you get to do what you love while being outside by a pool?? I am absolutely thrilled with the way this shoot turned out!!
Below are just a few of my favorite images from this shoot.
2016 Seniors don't forget there is still time to book your session. Click here for more information on my sessions, and click here to book online. Choose your location, or I would be happy to suggest one for you, for a completely customized experience.
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For more information on booking your 2016 Senior Portraits click here!!
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Don't forget to book your 2016 Senior session!! This weekend thru Sunday take 25% off all sessions.
Click here for more information.
]]>The most treasured heirlooms are the sweet memories of family........
Don't forget to book your 2016 Senior session today!!
Click here for more info on Senior Sessions available.
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Just a few of my favorite images from her Unique Senior shoot in Olmsted Falls.
Don't forget to book your 2016 Senior photo shoot today!!
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The days are getting shorter, newsfeeds are filled with images of kids first day of school images, and football season is right around the corner.
Yep, it's that time of year again!!
A mind that is stretched by new experience can never go back to it's old dimensions.....~Oliver Wendell Holmes
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View more of my favorite images in the short video below!!
Don't forget to book your 2016 Senior session shoot!! Click here for all the details!!
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Hair and Makeup by the ever AH-Mazing team at Always in Style Hair Salon!
View more of Rachel's images in the short video below.
To learn more about 2016 Senior Session options and Package Collections click here.
Book your unique Senior Portrait shoot today!
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View more of Miranda's 2016 Senior shoot in the short video below!!
Hair and Makeup by the ever amazing team at Always in Style Hair Salon!!
For more information on Senior session options and package Collections click here.
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View more of Erin's images in the video below.
For more information on Senior Portrait Sessions and Package Collections click here.
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Looking for more information on Senior sessions and package Collections? Click here.
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LOVE those eyes!! To see more images from Bobby's shoot watch the video below.
To Schedule Your Senior Session or for more information click here.
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Click here for more information about Senior sessions and Collections.
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Already it is mid-July and whether I want to face it or not, the summer will be over shortly and the kids will be headed back to school. Ugh!! I'm sure that is when Summer will decide to show up and hang around until mid November. So in between the rain drops we have to enjoy the carefree days that we have left.
Which brings me to my point. Every year I am asked "When is a good time to schedule my Senior Portrait Session?" While there are deadlines for your Senior Yearbook photo, some as early as August, there really is no deadline for your Senior Portrait Session. However, I always, always, recommend having your Senior Portraits taken in the summer before school starts. Not surprising to any mom, or graduated Senior, your Senior Year is CRAZY busy!! Most fall sports practices, and seasons start in August which takes a large portion of time. Have a job? More time, and once school starts with homework, tests, activities, and in general Senior stuff, and yes there will be a ton of graduation information coming your way, it doesn't leave a lot of time. Now, I am not saying that you can't wait, you can, I am saying it is easier to have one more thing done on your Senior Checklist, which believe me is longer than you think.
Learn more about my Senior Portrait sessions and Package Collections by clicking here.
Want a print credit? Ask any one of my 2016 Senior Spokesmodels!!
Hair and Makeup by the AMAZING team at Always in Style Hair Salon
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2016 Seniors Now it's your turn!! Click here for more information on Sessions!!
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Booking 2016 Seniors Now!! Click here for more information on Sessions and Senior Packages!!
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For more information on Senior Portraits click here.
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Click here to book your session online!!
Are you ready?? Click here for more info!!
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I LOVE puppies!! When Danny brought his puppy to his Brecksville shoot, I couldn't help but get a couple of shots with Harley!!
Here are a few of my favorite images!!
April is right around the corner!! Book your Spring Senior shoot today!!
]]>Absolutely loved this downtown Cleveland shoot!! When Justin mentioned he wanted to showcase his interest in culinary school I could not wait. I love when my Seniors bring props to showcase who they are!! Here are a few of my favorite images from Justin's shoot!!
Booking Spring sessions Now!! Click here to book your Spring Senior session.
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Hey Seniors!! Book your session today!! Click here for more info!!
]]>Alyssa's 2014 Senior Session!! Just a few of my favorite images from her downtown Cleveland shoot!!
Sometimes a wrong turn can lead to a amazing new shooting location!! Love this graffitti background!!
Booking Winter and Spring Senior sessions!! Click here for more info!!
]]>Just a few of my favorite images from Perry's 2015 Senior shoot!!
Now booking winter and spring sessions!! Click here for more info!!
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"I just want to marry the man I love in front of the friends and family I adore." ~Ali Besaw
On a perfect June day, surrounded by family and friends, filled with amazing personal details Jimmy and Jenny declared their love and devotion to one another, and I could not have been more honored to be there to document this beautiful day. I wish you nothing but love and happiness as you start your lives as man and wife.
View more of Jimmy and Jenny's wedding in the video below.
Florist~The Flower Shoppe
Dress~Allure at Pat Catan's
Bridesmaids~Vera Wang at David's Bridal
Event~Sudden Delivery
For more information on wedding collections click here.
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A few of my favorite images from Trevor's Senior Session!!
Booking Spring Sessions Now!!
]]>During this day of feasting, and time with family, I would like to take a moment and give thanks to all of my past, present, and future clients.
Quite simply, Thank You. Without you, I would not be fortunate enough to make a living doing something that I absolutely LOVE!
I am truly thankful.
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!
(and don't forget to wear your stretchy pants for all that turkey!!)
View more of Cassidy's images here!!
Schedule your 2015 Senior Portrait shoot here!!
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View more of Rachel's images in the video below!!
Don't forget to schedule your 2015 Senior Portrait session! Click here to schedule!!
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View more of Antonietta's Senior shoot here!!
Book your Senior Portrait session here!!
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View more of Rachel's images here!
Don't forget to schedule your 2015 Senior Portrait shoot here!!
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View more of Katie's shoot here!!
Schedule your Senior shoot by clicking here!!
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View more of Jessica's images in the video below!!
Book your Senior Portrait Session Here!!
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View more of Erin's downtown Cleveland shoot in the video below!!
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~Robert F. Kennedy
A few of my favorite images from David's Senior 2014 portrait shoot!!
To schedule your Senior Portrait shoot click here.
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View more of Michael's images from his downtown Cleveland shoot in the video below.
Schedule your Senior Portrait shoot today!! Click here!!
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For more information on engagement and proposal photography click here.
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View more of Marissa's Olmsted Falls shoot in the video!!
To schedule your Senior shoot click here.
]]>A few of my favorite images from Sara's downtown 2014 Senior shoot!!
To book your session now click here!!
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View more of Kimmy's Senior Portraits in the video below!
To schedule your Senior Portrait session click here!!
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Celebrate with a One Day Only 25% off all session fees Sale!!
Book your Senior, Family, Engagement or Child Portrait Session Today!!
Click here for more information on Senior and Engagement Sessions.
Click here to contact me to schedule!!
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View more of Colin's Senior shoot in the video!!
To schedule your Senior Portrait session contact me here today!
]]>Here are a few of my favorite images from Jake's downtown Cleveland shoot.
View more of Jackie's photos in this video!
Schedule your Senior Portrait shoot by clicking here.
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View more of Jordan's images below.
Schedule your Senior 2015 portrait shoot here!
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I have an amazing group of Spokesmodels this year, and have had a BLAST capturing all of their personalities in their 1st shoots!! I know their 2nd shoot will be even better than the first!!
Know one of my Spokesmodels? Mention their name when scheduling your session to receive an added benefit to your shoot!!
]]>Click here for more information on capturing the moment for memories that will last a lifetime!!
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There is no one alive more youer than you.
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose. ~Dr. Suess
Congratulations to the Class of 2014!!
May you all know success and happiness in all that you do!!
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I have known Anthony's very large family for many years, and have had the pleasure of photographing not only Anthony's Senior Portraits but also both of his siblings. It truly is an honor to document this beautiful family.
Anthony I am so proud of the young man you are becoming, and I wish you nothing but success and happiness in all you do.
Choose your location, and get your groups together!! Click here to contact me for info.
Very limited time spots available!!
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Sometimes one is just not enough. I had the pleasure of working with Marissa twice for her All Out Senior Session, and both times were absolutely amazing and tons of fun!! For her second session we were in beautiful Olmsted Falls when the weather was much cooler than her first session downtown when it felt like it was about 100!! Absolutely LOVE Marissa's amazing smile!! Here are a few of my favorite images........
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Today is the first day of Spring!! That means that even though we are looking out the window right now at gray skies and gloomy weather, sunshine, warm days and flip flops are on their way!! (please hurry up!!!)
A little throw back to beautiful fall color days and Jasmine's senior session. I love this location for fall shoots, Olmsted Falls always seems to hold it's color so much longer into the season. Love, love, loved Jasmine's style, big beautiful brown eyes, and totally jealous of her amazing flawless skin!!
Here are a few of my favorite images........
~Robert F. Kennedy
Colleen was one of my Spokesmodels for the Class of 2014. Honestly I said it for her first shoot and I will say it again. Look at those EYES!!! Absolutely stunning! We were even fortunate enough to get a few shots with her sisters, who also share those amazing blue eyes. Here are just a few of my favorite image from Part 2 of Colleen's shoot........
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
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I'm not sure if the old saying for March that it comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, or vice versa, actually holds true this year. March seems to be confused on what it actually wants to do teasing us with one day of near 60 degree temps and 2 days later blizzard like conditions only to turn around and start all over again. Stop the madnes!! It's time for Spring!!
Here are a few of my favorite images from Part 2 of Max's Senior Spokesmodel shoot.......
Honestly who doesn't love a little Dr. Suess??
This was one of those perfect fall days, with lots of amazing fall color. LOVE the bright yellows behind John's baseball jersey. Here are a few of my favorite images from this session...........
Sometimes one is not enough. With an All Out Session you have 2 days and 2 locations to show off your personality and who you are right now in your Senior Year.
A few of my favorite images from Part 2 of Jennifer's All Out session.........
I had an absolute blast photographing Colleen's Senior Session. With her unique style and amazing smile we were able to capture some truly unique images in downtown Cleveland. Here are just a few of my favorite images.........
I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to do something every day that I absolutely love and to work with some amazing people. Hailey is just one of the Seniors I photographed this past fall. She has probably the biggest beautiful brown eyes ever! Plus she loves sparkly things as much as I do!! Win-Win!! I mean come on who doesn't love a little sparkle??
On this Ash Wednesday I'm more than ready for Spring, basically any day without snow, which right now we do not seem to be able to get away from, and there seems to be no end in sight.
Lindsey chose to have her session in the fall at the height of all the fall color, and the images are just stunning. Here are a few of my favorites.......
An amazing session with Kellie and her super cute puppy!! Here are a few of my favorites!!
Had such a great time with Al!! Absolutely loved all of his props he had with him on his family's beautiful property! Here are a few of my favorite images from his session..........
Nick as your baseball season starts I wish you and your team the best of luck this season!!
A few of my favorite images from Nick's Senior session........
If you have never been to Squire's Castle it is truly a magical place. I have had the opportunity to shoot there a few times and have never been disappointed, between the lighting, and the location the images are always amazing!!
Here are a few of my favorite images from Part 2 of Allie's Senior Spokesmodel session at Squire's Castle.......
Spring is right around the corner (hopefully, and not soon enough!) and that means Baseball!! Sean I wish you and your team the best of luck in this coming season.....
Have I ever mentioned my near obsession with hats?? It's probably because I can't wear them and look this good!!
A few of my favorite images from Part 2 of Taylor's 2014 Senior Spokesmodel session........
It seems Spring has decided to show up for a couple of days, otherwise known as "the muddy paw" season. Which is sure to be followed by the "ha ha you thought winter was over" season. Gotta love Mother Nature.
While the sun is still shining and beautiful today, I am going to share a few of my favorite images from Caitlin's 2014 Senior Spokesmodel Session Part 2.......
A few of my favorite images from my 2014 Senior Spokesmodel Jessica's Senior Session Part 2.......
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4 years ago this little angel entered our lives and they have never been the same, and we are truly blessed for it.......
Happy Birthday!!
]]>On top of all the crazy running around and events, and business planning the kids have had more days off of school this month than they have actually been in class thanks to Ohio becoming the new arctic tundra of North America and sub zero temperatures. Today the temperature is around the teens and it actually feels like a heat wave..........is it Spring yet??
This year one of my resolutions was to shoot more personal images. Since photography is something I do, and absolutely am blessed to do, I sometimes take for granted documenting my own life through photos. So I decided this year to make a real effort and along the way I will share them with you. And since no blog post is complete without images here are some images from my past month.
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Happy Birthday Catie Mae!!
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It was just a wee bit windy on my drive this past week........
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All sessions must be photographed by December 31, 2014.
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View more images here.
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Kyle as you finish out your Senior Year, and your Football season, I wish you nothing but success and happiness in all that you do!! Have a great year!!
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To view the rest of the images from Friday Night's game click here.
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I had the opportunity to document this amazing family through portraits at their parents home in Bath. Between the perfectly overcast day and the amazing grounds of their property, we were able to capture some truly memorable images.
Cash is the youngest member of the family at 1 1/2 and absolutely full of energy running all over. Luckily we had an extra pair of hands and smile makers on hand in Gramma, and Grandpa.
We all had a wonderful time chasing Cash and exploring the property capturing some amazing memories.
Cindy and Mike, I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to document your beautiful family, and I hope that you will cherish these memories for a lifetime.
When Shari's mom called to schedule Shari's senior session, I have to admit I was a little excited. She had a ton of great ideas about where she wanted to go and the outfits and props she wanted to incorporate into her shoot. When the day of her session arrived, being that we live in Cleveland where the weather changes by the hour, the day was looking a little iffy with the possibility of rain a major factor. But, the rain stayed away and turned out to be one of those perfectly overcast days where the lighting is absolutely incredible. Perfect for portraits!
We started Shari's session out by the railroad tracks and were lucky enough to find these amazing piles of railroad ties along side which made for an amazing background. Next stop of the day was the old dilapidated barn. I don't know what it is, maybe growing up in Iowa and seeing them everywhere, but I just love old barns. The weathered wood siding with its incredible texture and colors, the overgrown greenery around them, and the unusual menagerie of items that you inevitably find in and around them are truly unique.
Yes, that horseshoe just happened to be there, see what I'm talking about with old barns. Shari has these amazing big brown eyes, along with both a killer smile and a serious look, her images turned absolutely amazing!
Next stop, and this is the best yet, as we were driving to the barn we noticed this really cool piece of old farm machinery in this front yard, so on our way back we stopped to ask if we could use it for her senior portraits, to which they absolutely agreed, plus they had a tire swing and honestly who doesn't love a tire swing!!
Shari, I had an amazing time documenting your Senior Year through portraits!! As you enter your Senior Year I wish you nothing but success and happiness in all of your future endeavors!!
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When deciding what to wear, and what, if any, props you should bring with you, I always encourage my Seniors to make their Senior Portraits about them and their interests, to really showcase who they are at this time of their lives. I absolutely love it when they incorporate these little details into their sessions because it truly makes them more unique, just like they are.
For Eric's session we chose the Metroparks in Brecksville, and we were rewarded with an absolutely stunning day. It was so much fun to work with Eric, not only have I known him since he was in preschool, but with his quiet and laid back approach to life he we had a great time walking around the park and getting some amazing shots.
I loved!! that Eric brought along both his dirt bike, and his mom's Camaro that he and his dad rebuilt. #1 they are just awesome! and #2 it really showcased who Eric is. Probably the best part of Eric's day was at the end of the session when he actually got to drive the Camaro home!
Eric as you finish out your Senior Year, and beyond, I wish you nothing but success and happiness in all that you do.
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This next year as the Class of 2014 heads into their Senior Year you will find yourself in a similar situation. Come May, as graduation looms, you will wonder where the past year has gone. From football games, to senior nights, Homecoming, finals, planning for and choosing a college, prom, and finally graduation this coming year is going to fly by, leaving you wondering where it went.
Alec is one of the members of the Class of 2014 that I had the pleasure of photographing this past June. Alec is a member of the marching band drum line and when he asked to incorporate his drums into his Senior Portraits I jumped at the chance, because honestly, who doesn't love the drums. I absolutely love when my Seniors bring props to express more of who they are in their Senior Year.
When it came time to choose his portraits, we all thought we would love Alec's serious expression more, but his amazing smile won out in the end. Alec, it was an absolute honor to photograph you in your Senior Year. As you enter into your final year of high school and beyond, I wish you nothing but success and happiness in all that you do.
"Whatever you are, be a good one." ~Abraham Lincoln
One of the best parts of being an all on location photographer is you never quite get the same thing twice. Between the wind, the weather and even the location of the sun, even the same location will be completely different everytime. 
We chose downtown for Rachel's location, and the day of her shoot started out perfectly overcast, and cool. During her session though, that was a whole different matter. Even though we had wind from 3 different directions at once, and bright glaring sun, that quickly turned to a muggy day, we were still able to capture some amazing images.
Rachel is a graduate of the Class of 2013, and plans to attend the University of Dayton in the fall where her sister also attends. Rachel as you move forward into your college years and beyond I wish you nothing but success and happiness in all of your endeavors!!
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Your Senior Year and the summer leading into it can be incredibly busy not only with sports, and school activities, but also work and preparing for the college you may be attending, that it can be hard to find the time to fit your Senior Portraits in. The catch 22 is the summer leading into your Senior Year is generally the best time to have your Senior Portraits taken simply because there is so much going on during the school year that it is simply one less thing to have to do.
But Senior Portraits are about expressing who you are at this pivotal time in your life. Not only can you express yourself through your outfit choices but also through the locations you choose, and even the season you choose to be photographed in. Fall with all of it's color, Winter with snow, Spring with all of the new blossoms, or Summer where the sky is the limit.
Katie is a member of the Class of 2013 who I had the honor of photographing this past May. We chose Brecksville for her location and both her mother and grandmother, who also grew up in the area, tagged along as we walked around the area and surrounding Metroparks.
Katie has an amazing smile that lights up everyone around her and we were able to get some beautiful shots of her. This fall she plans on attending Cleveland State to study premed and I offer her the best of luck. Katie it truly was an honor to document your senior year. As you celebrate your graduation in the coming weeks, and head off to college this fall I wish you nothing but success and happiness in all that you do.
I have some amazing Senior Spokesmodels for the Class of 2014. Planning their sessions, scouting new locations, trying different photographic techniques has been an amazing opportunity.
Max is one of my Senior Spokesmodels.
We chose Brecksville and the surrounding Metroparks for his location. Being a dual sport athlete we were able to incorporate his wrestling into his portraits and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. 
I have known Max and his family for many years now and have had the pleasure of watching him grow up into the amazing young man he is becoming.
It is truly an honor to document your Senior Year through portraits. Max, as you move forward into your Senior Year I wish you nothing but success and happiness in all that you do. I look forward to seeing you again in August for your 2nd session!!
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If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You should shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don't expose it to the elements. You don't make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, And it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by.
I had the honor of documenting Jim & Debbie's intimate wedding this past December. They are a wonderful couple with an amazing love story. Their wedding was beautiful and romantic at the amazing and warm location of The Shoreby Club. A small dinner reception followed for family and a few close friends.
This past June they brought together family, and many friends for an amazing celebration of their marriage at the beautiful location of The Country Club. The evening was filled with love and well wishes for this amazing couple as they begin their lives together.
Jim & Debbie it truly was an honor to meet you and to document your love through portraits. I wish you nothing but a life filled with love and happiness. Congratulations!
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~Earvin "Magic" Johnson
To say Jake has a full schedule might be a bit of an understatement. Being a 3 sport athlete, football, wrestling, and baseball, his training, and seasons run from one to the next.
This past May we were able to squeeze in his senior portraits in between his High School and summer baseball seasons.
I have known Jake and his family for quite some time now, and have had the pleasure of watching him grow up into the amazing young man he is becoming. So when the time came for Jake's senior portraits I was truly honored to have the opportunity to document his Senior Year and the results were some amazing images.
Jake as you enter your Senior Year I wish you nothing but success and happiness in all of your future endeavors!!
Stand tall and proud
Sink your roots into the earth
Be content with your natural beauty
Go out on a limb
Drink plenty of water
Remember your roots
Enjoy the view!
Tinker's Creek has always been a special location for Jake and his family. So when it came time to choose the location for Jake's senior portraits it was the obvious choice.
Jake runs cross country and track, and also plays baseball. After high school he plans to study forestry, and with this amazing location we were able to bring his past, present, and future together in portraits.
I am honored to have had the opportunity to document this amazing time in your life. As you enter into your senior year I wish you nothing bust success and happiness in all that you do.
I had the privilege of documenting Alex and his group from Prom this past May. Everyone looked simply stunning! I had a blast with everyone and especially when they came up with their own group shots!! As you all venture off to college and beyond, I wish you an amazing summer with your friends and nothing but happiness and success in all that you do!!
I'm not beautiful like you. I'm beautiful like me. ~Annonymous
I am truly blessed to be given the opportunity to do something I absolutely love and to meet some truly incredible people along the way.
I had the privilege of documenting Allie's brother and sister's senior portraits so I was excited to have Allie as one of my Senior Spokesmodels for the Class of 2014.
I'm loving my downtown location right now. With the colors, textures, and cityscapes it truly offers an endless supply of unique backdrops. Allie brought an amazing array of outfit choices including many wonderful sparkly accessories. (have I ever mentioned my love for all things sparkly???) We had an amazing time, talking, walking to the different locations, and the results were simply stunning images.
I am absolutely looking forward to Allie's second session this fall between her busy cheer and school schedule, and all the new sparkly and stunning images we will be able to capture. As you move forward into your Senior Year and beyond I wish you nothing but happiness in success in all that you do.
]]>May you always feel as close to Jesus as you do today,
May you always count on Him to gently guide you on your way......
May you always......
trust in God to answer every single prayer,
May you always fell Him blessing you with tender loving care.
I had the pleasure of documenting Rocco's first Holy Communion this May. Although it may not have been his first option on how to spend that Saturday afternoon he looked absolutely handsome in his little shirt, tie and suit.
With the school year at a close Rocco, I wish you an amazing summer vacation!!
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Taylor is one of my Senior Spokesmodels for the Class of 2014. We chose a downtown Cleveland location for Taylor's session. Taylor did an amazing job choosing her outfits, including her first outfit she wore down to the location which she had purchased only hours before!!
While using the city's skyline and amazing and colorful bridges we were able to get some absolutely stunning shots.
When asked for 3 words to describe herself one of Taylor's choices was confident, which I absolutely believe she portrays very well as she fell into each pose almost effortlessly.
As we look to schedule Taylor's second session in the fall I look forward to what Taylor's shopping experience will bring next time.
Being involved in volleyball, band, drama, and being a sports trainer keeps your schedule full, but Taylor as you move forward into your Senior Year I wish you nothing but happiness and success in your Senior Year and beyond.
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I was very much looking forward to the opportunity to work with Colleen as one of my Senior Spokesmodel's for the Class of 2014.
She has these amazing big clear blue eyes that all of the women in her family seem to share. Considering she is one of 3 sisters, her mother, and her grandmother, and those are just the ones that I know of, that's quite a few.
We chose a downtown location with the city skyline as our background to contrast with both her eyes and her outfit choices, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome as they are simply stunning.
Even with Colleen's busy schedule being involved in cheer, cheer competitions, National Honor Society, and various other school activities, I am looking forward to photographing Colleen's second session this fall.
As you enter your very busy and exciting Senior Year I wish you nothing but success and happiness in all that you do!
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Sean is one of my Senior Spokesmodels for the Class of 2014.
We were fortunate enough to have beautiful spring weather on the day Sean was able to fit his shoot in between his hectic schedule. Not only was Sean preparing for finals for the end of his junior year, but also being a 2 sport athlete he was right in the middle of his Varsity Baseball season.
Sean plays on the Normandy Varsity Baseball Team which had an amazing season playing through the High School Playoffs for their division. With Sean's summer team season already begun I wish you as much luck as you had with your high school team.
For Sean's session we chose the covered bridge area in Olmsted Falls, and the surrounding Grand Pacific Junction area.
We had a great afternoon walking around and using different little areas of the park as a backdrop as the trees were not yet in full bloom. Sean, I had a great time and look forward to your second session this fall during football season. I wish you nothing but success and happiness as you enter your Senior Year and beyond!
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View Alex's Senior Style Guide post here, and additional images from his session here. For more information about my Senior sessions click here.
I have had the pleasure of documenting both of Jessica's older brothers Senior Year's through portraits. So when the time came for Jessica's Senior Year I couldn't have been happier to have her as one of my Senior Spokesmodels for the Class of 2014.
Like her brother before her Jessica is extremely involved in school activities. It's almost easier to ask what isn't she involved in. From band to sports to student activities, she definitely has covered all the bases.
I have mentioned before, and you can see here, here, and here, that I LOVE accessories!! Hats, necklaces, scarfs, books, sporting equipment, instruments, the list goes on and on, anything that shows off who you are and what your interests are I am all for. Plus I am really slightly jealous of anyone that can look that good in a hat!! Both Jessica and her brother are able to rock the hats out!!
I can't wait for Jessica's second session this fall, I'm sure the images will be just as amazing and we will have a blast taking them!! Jessica I wish you nothing but success and happiness as you enter your Senior Year, and in all of your future endeavors!!
The month of May is coming to an end and June is right around the corner. It was a long busy holiday weekend, and since everyone was off on Monday I somehow feel that I have lost a whole day in the shuffle.
Patrick is one of my Senior Spokesmodels for the Class of 2014. We chose Brecksville and the surrounding Metroparks for his location. Patrick is involved in both football and basketball and is well over 6 foot tall which proved to be a bit of a challenge for my barely 5 foot assistant.
Even with the height difference we were able to get some amazing shots.
I'm looking forward to working with Patrick and his amazing sense of humor in the fall when we will be shooting his second session with his Jeep.
Patrick I wish you nothing but success in happiness in your Senior Year, and all of your future endeavors.
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It is the Soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the Soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the Soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.
~Charles M. Province, U.S. Army
The month of May can be a beautiful and busy month. Spring blooms have subsided, and are now giving way to colorful summer plantings. You can tell the pollen levels are at a crazy high because everyone is red eyed and sneezing, and the near sellout of OTC allergy medications.
We also celebrate our Mother's and all that they do and sacrifice for their children daily.
But first, for some, we celebrate First Holy Communion with our second graders. Seeing the boys in their little suits and ties, and the girls in their beautiful white dresses and veils is absolutely precious as they receive this Holy Sacrament.
I had the pleasure of documenting twins Ryan and Danielle Communion through portraits. They were both absolutely adorable.
While it was not Ryan's idea of a good time, he did a fabulous job, and I absolutely loved his dimples. Danielle on the other hand, had a blast and was so sweet with her beautiful smile. With the end of the school year around the corner, I wish you both an amazing summer vacation!!
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Here in Cleveland there is a saying about the weather. If you don't like it wait around 5 minutes because it will change. This Spring has been a perfect example of that. Between the rain, gloomy gray days, and the 40+ degree temperature swings it has definitely kept us on our toes here in the Land of Cleve.
But between all of this, there has also been some pretty amazing days too, and it finally (finally!!) seems that summer is right around the corner, and I couldn't be happier to see it.
Caitlin is one of my Senior Spokesmodels for the Class of 2014. Not only was she amazing to work with but we were fortunate enough to have some amazing weather for her downtown session.
When asked for 3 words to describe her personality Caitlin responded with "outgoing, spunky, and blonde" and she is definitely all three!
Using the downtown cityscape as our backdrop we were able to get some amazing images. Caitlin is very involved in after school activities splitting her time between golf, the theatre, showchoir, and dance. Fortunately for me I will have the pleasure of working with Caitlin again this fall when we shoot her 2nd session.
Caitlin I wish you nothing but success and happiness in your Senior Year and all of your future endeavors!!
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]]>At this point you have probably gotten information from your school about where you will need to go to have your picture taken to be included in the yearbook. Most schools will only accept yearbook pictures from their appointed photographer. Some schools will accept images from other photographers but may charge a small fee. It is up to you to speak with your yearbook advisor for your school's requirements.
Can the image that you have taken be used as your Senior portrait, the answer is yes it can, but should you, the answer is no.
A Senior portrait is so much more. A Senior portrait allows you to capture a memorable moment of time in your lives through fun, creative, expressive and unique portraits.
During a Senior portrait session, Seniors are given the opportunity to choose all of their outfits that will allow them to express their own unique individuality. Not only will a Senior be able to express themselves through the outfits that they choose, but also based on their location. With your senior portraits , you are not limited by the traditional background of the yearbook image, you are only limited by where you want to go. The city, the park, the beach, there are so many options to make your Senior portraits as unique as you are.
Yearbook images generally have a deadline, and will generally need to be done before Thanksgiving of your Senior year. Your Senior portrait however has no time frame. You can start having your portraits taken as early as the Spring of your Junior year. During your Senior year you will have so many things going preparing yourself for graduation and college, that finding the time to fit in having your portraits taken can be difficult, and even more so if you are involved in any after school activities. It is highly encouraged to have your Senior portraits taken anytime from the spring of your Junior year to right before you start back to school your Senior year in August.
I hope this answers any questions you may have. If I haven't answered all of your questions please feel free to contact me at anytime.
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But Springtime also means the daffodils and tulips are in bloom, even if they are occasionally covered in snow, the trees are starting to bud, and everyone's seasonal allergies are in an uproar.
The next few weeks will be full of 2nd graders making their first communions all dressed up and looking absolutely adorable. Don't forget to schedule your communion portraits! One hour communion sessions are available in the comfort of your own home, or in a location of your choice during flexible appointment times.
Schedule your session today!
Spring it would seem is officially here, although at times if you were to judge by the weather you might second guess yourself. Today is an amazing spring day with the SUN actually out!, and everyday a few more spring flowers pop up and the trees are starting to bud so there is hope that it is here to stay. That also means it is baseball season, and that there is still time to get your senior portraits taken!!
I had the pleasure of photographing Nick a few weeks ago during Spring Break before we got too far into his baseball season, and things get too hectic as he prepares for the end of his Senior Year.
Nick has an amazing smile, and a fabulous personality to go with it. We had a great time wandering around the park and getting some amazing shots.
Nick it was an absolute pleasure to document you Senior Year through Portraits, and I wish you nothing but absolute success and happiness in all your future endeavors.
Where will you go for your senior portraits?? Express yourself through location, props, and outfits so your senior portraits show who you really are right now. Below are just a few ideas of where you can go....
Brecksville Metroparks.....
Olmsted Falls covered bridge area.......
Downtown Cleveland.......
Edgewater Park...........
View more senior portrait samples here..........
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I am truly excited to be offering these amazing new albums to all of my wedding and senior clients from Kiss! They are absolutely beautifully made and I couldn't be more happy with the quality and craftsmanship. Each heirloom wedding album is 10x10 and leather bound, and is included with each wedding collection for beautifully displaying the memories from that day for a lifetime.
Each album also comes in a choice of leather colors, and with its own dust cover for storage when not out on display.
But why would you not want to display these beauties, with all of your amazing wedding images?
The album displayed here is from Jim & Debbie's wedding, a fabulous couple that I had the honor of photographing their wedding celebration this past December.
I am truly blessed to work with some of the most amazing people while doing something that I absolutely love.
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I'm also excited about the frequency of the bright sunny days because that means one thing, actual spring, as in flowers blooming warmer days, plenty of sunshine, and summer are all right around the corner, and believe me I can't wait!!
Recently I finished updating both my pricing information and session guides. I love the new looks and couldn't be more excited with the new product offerings that are available including the mini accordion album (below), and the acrylic fine art, and metal fine art prints.
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Still haven't taken your Senior Portraits? Don't panic you still have time! I'm booking sessions for April and May now plus when you Like Yonek Photography on Facebook you will recieve $25 off your session fee! So what are you waiting for??]]>
Happy Thursday!!
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Amen to that!!
Ohhh, little Bunny Foo Foo..........
Ok this is just funny............
You would never make it through the first 5 posts..............
Clearly I could not have said this ANY better!!
Happy Friday, and Cheers to the Freakin Weekend!!
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I love you, Je t`adore, Ich liebe dich, Aloha wau ia oi, Ti amo, Te amo, and my fav Lay ovlay ouyay..............
Speaking of things we love, and since Valentine's Day is right around the corner it got me thinking of how blessed I am to be able to document others love for each through engagement sessions, before their big day, when things are a little more relaxed. You can view more of my engagement sessions here, or view some of my favorites below.
So excited to be the featured photographer today on Senior Style Guide. I am incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to do something that I absolutely love, and to also have some absolutely amazing clients. Huge thank you to Natalie also!! Check out her blog post here. View more of Natalie's images below.
Class of 2014, check out the Senior Spokesmodel information here.
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I always see the glass as half full........
Always be yourself.............
Life is too short to sweat the small stuff!!
Happy Tuesday!!
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One week it is 10 below zero, the next it's 60. My poor daffodils don't know whether they are coming or going. So needless to say it has me thinking about warm sunny beaches, crystal blue waters, and a VACATION!!!
When you are pregnant there is a phenomenon that happens to your brain commonly referred to as "Pregnant Brain". Perhaps it is our bodies preparing us for what is to come, or just playing a crazy trick on us. Once you have kids, you will be busy in a way you never have been before, pulled at times in every possible direction while still being required to maintain everything we did before.
So what happens is this, we will be having a conversation, and BAM! right in the middle, perhaps even mid-sentence, we will forget what we were even saying. Or we can answer any question or agree to any thing, and just like that (snap!) it's gone! Unable to be retained.
Unfortunately I don't think it ever actually goes away. It just acquires new names like "senior moment", or "scatter brain". I mean in the first few weeks, (months) after you have a baby you are lucky if you are even able to get into the shower before noon, (or at all) much less remember anything on a to do list that is not written down with a matching to do list reminding you of the first list.
Maybe it's just me. Because when I met Sara a couple of weeks after welcoming her newest little one into the world not only was she showered and awake , but she looked AMAZING!! It was very easy to forget that up until 2 weeks before she had even been pregnant!! 
I was there that day to get newborn photos, but we were fortunate enough to get some sibling photos also. Big Brother Logan was on hand and cute as a button, with his incredibly big blue eyes. I'm sure brother and sister will always have a special bond, he was so sweet with her.
I feel incredibly honored to have been given the opportunity to document this beautiful family. Sara and Phil, I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to document your family and I hope that you will cherish these memories for a lifetime.
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I am writing to tell you I have an addiction. This addiction is called "Pinterest". And I just can't stop! I mean why didn't I think of this idea?!?! This is probably one of the best things to come along since you!! Thanks to technology I never have to be without it and if left unchecked I could become a total social recluse, and the Crafting Queen of the World!!
Who knew there were some many things that I didn't know that you can make, use, clean with Epsom Salts?
Or that if I wanted to make my own soap, there are at least 25 ways?
Or the 121 different creations from pallets? (Where are they finding these pallets? I need 20!!)
And don't even get me started on the mason jars, and chalkboard paint!
If I was 1/10th of a percent as organized as some of these ideas lead me to believe that other people actually are, I might actually be able to find something on my desk, the first time.
I'm also pretty sure that if Lowe's knew all the super cool and they look so easy things that you can make from their little paint chips, they would hide them and require a fee.
I mean why didn't I think of this?!?!?!?!
I know have no doubt that my house, both indoors and out, is going to be so fabulous with all of my newfound crafty additions!! (If only I can get off of pinterest long enough to find these things!!)
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What could be better that one adorably cute chunky cheeked little baby?? 2!!
I have often tried to imagine what it would have been like to have had twins myself. No matter what I have imagined would not have prepared me for the reality of it. I definitely have a new found appreciation for mom's of twins!!
The day of the session marked Riley & Mason's parents survival of their first year of parenthood, AKA the twin's 1st Birthday. It was one of those rare warm days in November by the lake. They truly lucked out because in November anything can happen.
With all of the fesitivities planned for the day, we decided it would be an amazing time for portraits of family, and extended family, and of course the twins.
To Riley and Mason, thank you so much for inviting me to your birthday celebration!! To your parents God Bless you two, I'm exhausted just watching you!!
Well the Holidays are officially OVER!! My kids are all back to school from their breaks today, it's January and I have a to-do list about, oh, I think maybe 10 miles long, give or take an inch or two. Somehow in all of the holiday rush, and excitement I tend to forget that just because it is the end of the year, doesn't mean that I can forget about the next year. Ugh!! Well here is to starting the year off with a BANG!!
I feel incredibly lucky to have documented Alex's senior year. Alex is not only a great young man, but he comes from an incredibly large and amazing family. So when the time came, not only did we enjoy catching up, but we were also able to get some amazing portraits.
Alex's mom had this great idea to make a sorta then and now collage of a portrait from when he was a baby with one of his senior portraits. I am pretty sure it is safe to say Alex was completely mortified when we were both oooh-ing, and aww-ing over them when she showed me. 
Alex, I had a great time photographing your senior portraits, and I wish you nothing but success and happiness in all that you do!!
Looking ahead I see many great possiblities for 2013 and I am truly excited!!
So if you are making your New Year's Resolutions I wish you the very best for 2013. Dare to dream Big, and then dream Bigger!! No matter what the New Year holds for any of us I wish us all nothing but happiness and success in all that we do!!
Cheers to the New Year!!
This past year has been incredibly busy, but I find myself to be extremely blessed. Not only am I blessed with my (if I do so say so myself) wonderfully beautiful, amazing, and absolutely quirky family, but also with the opportunity that I have been given to do something that I absolutely LOVE, and to meet some pretty incredible people themselves along the way.
Julie is one of those people.
We met on one of those last few beautiful sunny fall days, and had a great time getting some amazing shots.
Not only does Julie have a killer smile, but she is also beautiful on the inside with an amazing personality, and we hit off right away. Julie is was an honor to meet you, and I wish you nothing but absolute success and happiness in everything that you do.
Alyssa is one of those people. We had a couple of weather obstacles the day of her session, with the wind and the chill, but that didn't stop her from smiling. She has an incredible smile, with a personality to match, and she was an absolute pleasure to photograph.
We had an amazing time walking around the little village, stopping here and there and getting some amazing shots.
Alyssa it was an absolute pleasure to meet you, and I wish you nothing but success and happiness in everything you do.
Traveling with young children at times can be trying, and traveling with young children to have their portraits taken, is a like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get.
What we got was a beautiful fall day for family portraits, a precocious, curious, adorable little two year old, and his equally adorable baby sister. As is so often the case with little ones, getting them to sit still for more than 5 seconds can be a truly difficult task. Thankfully we had a secret weapon this day, her name was Grandma, and she came bearing pie.
So, with secret weapon on hand, and after much coaxing, and counting, we were able to get some great shots of this truly beautiful family. I am truly blessed to have met such wonderful people, and to have the honor to provide them with portraits of moments, and memories that will last a lifetime. To the Legge's, I hope you are enjoying your portraits as much as I do, and I am especially thankful for our secret weapon!!
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Fast forward a bit and now you have your own children, one day you are looking at them, and your friends kids, and they are all just babies, and the next thing you know they are graduating high school, and you stop for a moment, and wonder "Where in the H-E-DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS did the last 10 years go?!?!?!?!?"
That is where I am finding myself now. Nikki's mom and I have been friends for many years, so when she asked if I would photograph her senior portraits (because holy cow she's a senior!!!!) my answer was "YES!!"
The day of Nikki's senior portraits was perfectly overcast, and the lighting could not have been better. We had so much fun walking around the park, finding great locations and getting some amazing shots. Nikki was absolutely stunning, and as I looked at the back of the camera to show her mom, I will admit I got a little teary eyed. (I also cry at every Disney movie to which my kids, and Nikki can attest to) I saw not only the stunning young woman she is becoming, but the little girl that she was, and I couldn't be more proud of her.
Nikki, I wish you nothing but success and happiness in everything you do no matter where life takes you. And remember, no matter what you will always be our favorite little "Kernek"
This Thanksgiving the weather was absolutely beautiful, it was an amazing 61, and sunny!! But, this is Cleveland, and the weather can and will change at the drop of a hat, and that is exactly what happened when it started snowing. Let me tell you if this is how the winter is going to be, I am SO not ready for the cold!!
Nora lucked out with the weather for her session also, it was one of those last few fabulous fall days. Nora opted to start her session indoors with a few traditional shots. She has the most amazing big brown eyes, and was an absolute joy to photograph.
We drove to a nearby park, and completely lucked out because of the hay bales that were already set up as props waiting for us. It was perfect!! So we of course, had to take a few shots with them, and Nora was amazing!! 
Nora, I thank you for allowing me to document your senior year, and wish you the best of luck in your basketball season! I hope you are enjoying your images as much as I do! And I wish you nothing but success and happiness in the future!!
]]>There are so many things we should be thankful for in our lives, that we don't always take the time to appreciate, or we just take for granted. I know in just this past year there are so many things that I have to be thankful for, and here are just a few.
I am thankful for my family, they drive me nuts, but I love them still the same, and wouldn't trade them for the world. I am thankful for all of our health, and even though my mother's partner was diagnosed with cancer, I am thankful he is here with us now, and for his doctors.
I am thankful for my granddaughter, she is the funniest little person ever, and until you are a grandmother the love you feel for a grandchild you will never be able to describe. She has single handedly taught my family to appreciate what they have, and not to sweat the small stuff. Anyone who has a child who was born with a disability, will appreciate what I am saying. Besides she is the most beautiful thing in the world, she takes after her gramama.
I am thankful for my children, they each are the most amazingly talented, beautiful, inspiring people, I have ever met. It is truly a gift to be their mother. I'm also thankful for my husband, just for putting up with me.
I could truly write the longest run-on sentence ever with the things I am thankful for, but these are just a few. I want to thank all of you, because not only are you actually reading this, but you have helped my business grow this past year in ways I didn't think were possible. So today, eat turkey, watch football, nap, enjoy your families company, whether it is the one you were born into, or the one that you made, repeat, and go shopping!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
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In the time leading up to the session Rachael had emailed and asked if they could bring their dog, Penny Lane. (LOVE that name!!) Having furry family members myself I, of course, said yes! I truly believe Penny loved every minute of her photo shoot, she did so well, and was even posing by the end!!
I believe most couples feel sort of awkward in front of the camera at first, and sort of don't know what to expect. Alot of times this is the first time actually working with their photographer being photographed. That's why I love engagement sessions, it really gives both my couples a chance to get to know how I work, and it gives me the opportunity to see what works well with them, in a much more relaxed environment than on the actual wedding day. Plus it's just a really great opportunity to get to know them as a couple.
When I called to confirm their session, Nathan had told me he had a little surprise in store for Rachael. I couldn't have been more excited to have been a part of this day, and I didn't even cry!! Well, almost!!
As a couple, they are pretty incredible, so much fun, and absolutely perfect for each other. And even though they kept telling me they "can't take pictures" they were amazing, even Penny Lane!!
Rachael you look amazing!!
Nathan and Rachael I am so honored you have chosen me to document your love and I am so looking forward to your September 2013 wedding!!
There are a few things that I think are important when choosing your outfits for your senior portraits. 1. An outfit that makes you feel good about yourself, something you are confident wearing. 2. Color!!!!! Color is wonderful, now I am not saying something that is so busy you don't know what to look at first, but bright colors that complement your skin tone and eyes is pretty amazing. I love color!! 3. Accessories!! Whether that is a piece of sporting equipment, jewelry, or hats, I love them!! (apparently I also love !!! today)
So when I met Erin and she was wearing a bold blue shirt for one of her outfits I couldn't have been more happy with her choice. Not only did it bring out her eye color, but it also complemented the areas we chose to use as her backgrounds, leaving her with simply stunning images.
Erin, thank you again for the opportunity to document your senior year, I hope you are loving your images as much as I do!! I wish you nothing but success and happiness in all you do in the future!!
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Trying to schedule Samantha's senior session was a little difficult, with her schedule, my schedule, and the weather we ended up having to reschedule more than once. Life sometimes has a tendency to get in the way like that. When we were finally able to schedule the date, the lighting was beautiful!! But it was COLD!! 
Samantha decided to do her session down at Edgewater Park, with the beach and lake, and the city as her back drops. As I pulled in to wait for her, I noticed several other cars pulling in and people getting out to put on their WETSUITS!! Now, as I said, the air temperature was a little more than chilly so I can not even begin to imagine how cold that water was. But there they were several people out there, in the freezing lake, kite boarding, and surfing. Now that's crazy.
Fortunately the lighting was pretty amazing and Samantha was beautiful!! From her amazing big brown eyes, to her naturally curly hair that fell just perfectly, down to the outfits she brought with her, we had a great time!
We also decided that this would also be a perfect opportunity to get a family portrait, so the entire family came along for the day, and made pretty good assistants I must say!! 
Samantha, thank you again for the privilege of documenting your senior year, and I wish you nothing but success and happiness in everything you do in the future!!
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Happy Halloween!! Halloween is usually one of my favorite holidays, with the costumes, pumpkins, treats, and of course trick or treating with the kids. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had a little different plan for many of us this year, and sent Sandy our way. In my area, my household was fortunate not to lose power, or to have any damage, not so for so many others, and my thoughts and prayers go out to anyone who has been affected. Needless to say our trick or treating night has been moved. Considering that is hasn't stopped raining for days now, I must say I am happy about that decision.
As I was preparing this post, I looked back at pictures that I have taken of Halloween past, and couldn't help but sharing them. It also reminded me how quickly time passes, and how much our children can change from one year to the next. In a way it sort of makes me a little sad, because they are all growing up soooo quickly, but I feel extremely fortunate that I took the time to document them along the way, because unfortunately for me that is the only way that I will be able to stop time, if only for that moment.
These are some of my favorite images, and it's funny looking back you can kinda tell what the weather was like by the amount of clothes that are piled on!
Pumpkin picking in our home is an epic event, with each year the pumpkins getting bigger and BIGGER!! Or that time we tried to see how many pumpkins we could pick up at one time. I think our best was 7!!
Costumes, costumes, costumes!! My youngest LOVES dressing up, so Halloween is right up her alley with each year being a more unique idea, and me trying to figure out how to make it a reality. And in my own opinion I don't think I've done too shabby of a job. From Hannah Montana, to a puppy..........
....to a Kangaroo, to Puss in Boots!! This year was a little easier, a werewolf!!
The dogs even get in on the action with their costumes!! With the cheerleader, Razzle............
And Buster, and Jake as the football players. They looked thrilled don't they!! Have a safe, DRY, and Happy Halloween!!
When Natalie's mother and I were scheduling her session, I had given her a few options of different locations. Natalie was looking for something a little different, and the downtown urban location really appealed to her. We are truly fortunate here in Cleveland, to have so many different and unique locations, there really is something for everyone's personality. 
The day of Natalie's session, the sun was out, but it was chilly!!! Natalie's was a trooper, she brought her jacket to keep covered up and warm as we walked around, and shrugged it off right as we started shooting not shivering once. Eventually the sun did warm things up to a more comfortable temperature, but the lighting that day was just perfect.
Natalie did an amazing job, and I couldn't be more happy they chose me to document her senior year. Being a cheerleader who has to be very outgoing, she was surprising quiet, but she had a definite idea of how she wanted to express herself in her portraits. I think we were pretty much on the same page, both with our ideas, and posing, and the session time flew by.
Natalie, I wish you the best of luck cheering in college, and in all of your future endeavors. I hope you love your images as much as I do!!
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So we changed our plans and decided to go Sunday, and what a beautiful fall day it turned out to be. Crazy enough, everyone else had the same idea.
My little granddaughter is in town, and she had the most fun dragging her auntie through the hay mazes, and in general wearing her out dragging her all over the farm. She apparently, is THE coolest Auntie EVER, and I mean like EVER in that little 2 year olds world right about now.
Now we have a age old family rule of whatever pumpkin that you find you can keep, IF you can carry it, and my kids have of course found the loophole in this accord by deciding that includes rolling the pumpkin. So my 10 year old managed to choose a pumpkin that was about a 1/3 of her weight. While the little peanut decided the best way to choose a pumpkin was to sit on it, and the best would be chosen by the perfect seating option.
In the end, 3 perfect pumpkins were found, plus one tiny little baby pumpkin, that followed the rule.
Happy October, and Happy Pumpkin Hunting!!
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The day for Brianna's session came and the conditions couldn't have been more perfect. The temperature was not too cold, not too hot for a fall day. And it was overcast, with the sun only peeking out occasionally. Both Brianna's sister, and her mom came along for the session, and I couldn't have been happier. Not only did they help with her smiles, but also because they are just a great family that I have had the pleasure of knowing for a while, so it was nice to catch up.
As we wondered around the park, Brianna mentioned that she might like some shots in the water, because it was something her sister had done for her senior portraits. Well, let's just say the water wasn't going to cooperate. It was next to freezing. So we did the next best thing, we faked it.
As we were finishing up the last few shots by the water, it of course decided to start sprinkling. I guess there is the 50%. By the time we made it back to our cars it was pretty much pouring. Brianna did an amazing job with her session, and I couldn't have had more fun. I truly wish you all the best of success in all you do in the future, and I hope you are loving your images as much as I do!!
Your senior year goes by in a flash with all of the events and activities on your "senior checklist". Homecoming, college applications, ACT tests, hanging out with friends, graduation preparations, parties, prom, and your senior portraits, just to name a few.
Fall is the perfect time to schedule your portraits on location. Whether you choose fall color in the park, or a downtown urban look, the possibilities are endless. 
Senior portraits allow you the opportunity to express who you are at THIS moment. So bring your dog, your hats, your accessories, your friends, and allow me to document who YOU are at this moment, in your senior portrait.
You can call, text, or email to schedule your session from today till the first snow falls, and then even after. There is still time. The leaves won't hang around forever, so what are you waiting for??
Luckily, there have been enough amazingly beautiful days this fall for senior portraits.
Whenever I am starting a session I always ask my clients if there is anything they have in mind, or if there is something in particular that they (or Mom) were looking for. I also like to remind them that if something does come up as we are going along to just let me know. With guys, the answer is usually, but not always, "No, nothing." 
Which is fine, because I usually have about a million ideas, and as we are going along something will almost always pop up up like "Ooooh look, SHINY!!" 
So when Derrick mentioned he might like a few by the railroad tracks, I was all for it. That's also about the same time some very ominous looking big black clouds started rolling in. Fortunately for us this was not a bad thing since A) it was the end of the session, and B) it added to the overall feel of the portraits. I also think they are some of my favorites!!
Derrick, much appreciation in allowing me to document your senior year. I hope that you enjoy your portraits as much as I do, and I wish you much success and happiness in everything you do!!
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Now I like accessories, and always encourage all my clients to bring items to showcase who they are in their senior year. But I especially LOVE hats. So when Alex said he had a hat we could try, I jumped at the opportunity and I think they are among my favorites from his session.
Not only did Alex accessorize with his hat, but also with all of the equipment from all of the activities he's involved in. Soccer, tennis, band, (playing 2 instruments!!) the list goes on, and on.
Alex I wish you nothing but success in all of your future endeavors, and much appreciation for allowing me to document your senior year.
To view more senior samples images click here.
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Now, I am not a huge fan of fall. Not that fall has done anything to me, I just know that winter is always lurking around the corner ready to spring on us at any minute. (Like that??) I am though, a huge fan of all things fall related. Hoodies, jeans, boots, campfires, and pumpkin spice latte's. I mean who doesn't love Starbucks signature, now you know it's fall, drink.
So when my daughter and I stopped there the other day to get a little pick me up, there it was. A pumpkin spice scone. YUM!! And not just one yum, but two! So of course since I am a super baker, (doubtful) we decided we would have to make these at home.
Which of course brings me back to my online photo research. (wink, wink) And I found it on Iowa girl Eats. Now being originally from Iowa, this of course appeals to me immediately. And who wouldn't love her website with it's "Eat Well, Run Often, and Travel Far" theme. Myself I don't know about the run often, but I could do the walk often. Definitely worth a stop on your way through the world wide web.
I have lived in a few different areas of this beautiful country, and I have a theory everyone is originally from Iowa, or knows someone from there.
Happy Fall!!
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She has these amazing big bright eyes, and a sporty personality. So of course she brought her jerseys, she plays soccer, and runs hurdles!
Joanne's dad also brought along their 9 month old puppy who was pretty amazing too, and incredibly cute!
I hope you enjoy your images as much as I do, and good luck in both your soccer and track seasons!!
To see more senior images click here.
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Friday Night Lights!! Best of Luck to my son's team, and all the teams tomorrow playing under the lights!
Found this great tailgating recipe to use with a cake pop maker!! Can't wait to try it out! Click here for the recipe.
Happy Thursday :)
]]>So it's gloomy, rainy, utterly yucky outside, and my motivation level has dropped to about less than zero. I am just realizing that it is actually past noon and my accomplishments for the day can be summed up as non-existant. So in an effort to motivate myself, I'm listening to some music than has some spunk and energy to it, and I'm setting down to write the blog that I had planned.
But first, maybe I should find a picture to go with it. Now I find myself searching for said picture, going through folder after folder on my external drives, and it hits me. Digital Files. 
I know that I'm not the only one that does this. I have so many digital files of my kids, pets, places, things, vacations, and here's the thing they are all digital files. Now this is not to say that I don't have actual hard copies, because I do. My house is filled with portraits of my family, my kids, and my granddaughter. But there are also so many now that I haven't printed for whatever reason. Should I, oh yea definately, crazy things happen, hard drives break, my computer (knock on wood this doesn't happen) gets a virus and wipes my internal hard drive, CD's and DVD's can go bad. Having that print may not be the end all be all as far as preserving that memory but it puts it in a place of prominence, in our homes, in our office, where we can SEE it. Not tucked away in folder on the old hard drive never to be seen again. It's a back up (if you have a computer, you have definately heard this phrase) for the print.
In the digital world we are living in, it is soooo easy to get wrapped up in the want of that digital file. I hear it all the time, and I have made it an option in my wedding and portrait packages. But what I encourage, and what I ask is this. What are you going to do with it? Is it just going to sit on that hard drive, or that CD on your desk and collect dust? Too many times I have seen this with weddings, you get the CD of images with no actual prints and do nothing with it, until 10 years down the road you wonder where the time went and why you have no prints and wish that you had printed some of your wedding day. I don't want to see that. The digital image should enhance the experience of the print. All of my wedding packages now include print credits and an album, a mobile album app, and an option for the digital file. I want you to have those prints. I want you to enjoy your images from your big day. Every time you walk by that framed print I want you to be able to look at it and remember that day and the emotions that went along with it. I don't want them to sit around and collect dust.
So now that I have slightly motivated myself, it's time to get some work done, and put my digital files in an album!!
Click here to view wedding images
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Which of course, it did. An hour before our session. The rain quickly passed and blue skies came back out, but so did the humidity. Louisiana is H-O-T!
They met through her Aunt, who attends the same church where his father is the Pastor. They both come from large extended and very close knit families, surprisingly enough that are all from the same area of Louisiana. Jamie is as petite as Jeromy is tall, and although this is the first difference you will notice, they are very similar both having a southern upbringing. (Gotta love the politeness of the South! And the glazed donuts her father bought. YUM!!) And although she lived 13 hours away, they made their long distance relationship work until he finally proposed.
They chose a beautiful area by his parent's house on the water. And as we walked around the area, the dark clouds of rain started rolling in allowing us the perfect lighting, but also reminding us that rain in this area isn't just a little sprinkle. When they say rain, they mean RAIN. At the end of their session Jeromy mentioned a field of sunflowers that wasn't very far away, and if we hurried we would be able to get a few shots, 1. before we melted in the humidity, and 2. before the rain.
It was an amazing location. They did not need me to give them much direction, they seemed to move in time with each other. And as they stood in the middle of all of those flowers and looked into each others eyes you could feel how much love they shared.
Jamey and Jeromy thank you for the honor of documenting your love.
To view more engagement portraits click here.
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They say anything can and will happen in a rivalry game, and it did Friday night. Thoughts and prayers go out to Colin for a speedy recovery. Also all the cheerleaders, on both sides, I gotta say are pretty amazing. Cheering in a downpour does not look like fun, but they make it look easy. 
In a city that is used to seeing rivalry games, it is sometimes easier to focus on the end result versus the little pieces that make up the whole picture.
It was a night filled with pouring rain, 3 overtimes, a lost and found earring, and the discovery that an old proverb that says "a grasshopper on your shoulder is good luck" is a complete lie, especially when it is green.
When it's a rivalry loss it's never easy.
To view the rest of the images from this game click here.
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Krista is an amazing planner, and an amazing person. Every time we got together in the months leading up to the wedding to plan the timeline she was extremely organized, and always relaxed. It was the theme of the entire wedding. All of the preparation paid off when the big day arrived and Krista was beautiful, calm, and ready.
Chris married into a large and close knit family, that are pretty amazing themselves in their ability to organize 50+ people into a formal shot in just a few minutes.
After the ceremony, we headed over to Squires Castle for a few more shots. The castle is an amazing location and Chris and Krista were fabulous.
As we were walking out a little girl was so enamored by our wedding party that she couldn't help but ask if Krista was a princess. And on that day she truly was.
Chris and Krista I am truly honored you chose me to tell your story.
View more of Chris and Krista's wedding in this video.
Happy Thursday!!
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They had never had a family portrait taken, sure they had taken snapshots, but had never had a portrait. We only had a couple of weeks to schedule the session as their youngest son was headed off to college. They had decided to include all of their family members in the portrait, including the furry one.
She was a little nervous, but very cute, and she did very well all things considered. Although, by the end you could tell the session was over when she put her tail between her legs and tried to hide, and just stopped looking at me. To the Mitchell's, thank you for letting me capture your families portrait.
To view more family images click here, and here for a special family offering.
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It also means it's time for family portraits. Fall is for Families.
Too often family portraits are put on the back burner, of which I am also guilty. It had been 3 years since our last family portrait. And never one with our furry family members. Our oldest dog is 12+ years old, and well into his golden years. So having the dogs in the picture was a no brainer. That was the easy part. When you are the subject, and the photographer things can and will get crazy.
So after many bribes, dog treats, sweat, thankfully no tears, and several shots, we captured our family shot. And I couldn't be more happy. Years from now when we look back at this portrait we all be thankful we memorialized our furry family members, and that we didn't wait till it was too late.
Click here for more info on Fall is for Families.
]]>couldn't have proven more true than on Friday night.
The day started gloomy, gray, and damp. Drizzle, and spotty times of pouring rain marked the afternoon, but by 5:00 it had started
to clear.
Blue skies, and a brisk chill marked the start of the game, and that is when things really started to heat up.
Everyone did their job, and it all came together.
Congratulations to all!
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what like a million ideas swirling around in my head, and I couldn't settle on one.
Now, I am one of those people who does not really like the quiet. I need to have some sort of noise in the background, music, a tv,
the trees rustling, something. I'm sure there has to be some sort of phobia related to this.
Then, like a stroke of genius, "Call Me Maybe" came on, and not only did I find myself singing along, because really that song is sooo
catchy you can't help but sing along, but I had an idea. Not only was I singing along to the song, to the horror of all of my
neighbors I'm sure, but it also made me think about all of the parodies that have been done for this song, especially the football ones.
It amazes me how a sound, a smell, a taste, a touch, a sight can evoke images in our memory transporting us back to that time and
place.
You can blindfold a mom in one room, and put 10 kids in the other room all yelling mom, and you bet that mom will be able to pick
out her own "mom" and that mom will know what kind of attention her child needs based on the sound of their voice. Or vice versa,
that mom is sitting in a crowded noisy room, she will "hear" nothing coming from the other room and know without a doubt trouble
is brewing.
I don't even think I need to say anything about this image. You can practically smell the salt in the air, and feel the warm sun on
your skin. And whether or not you went to the beach this year, I bet your thinking about a time you did right now. (Or wishing
you were there, am I right??)
What does this have to do with "Call Me Maybe", nothing, but now you see how my brain works, weird, I know.
I guess my point is, this is the power that portraits have. When you have your portraits taken, whether it's
your wedding, your engagement, your family portrait, your child's portrait, or your senior portraits, that portrait captures you at that
time, and will forever have the power to transport you back to that moment, that memory, that time.
That's what I do, I capture those moments for you, for myself, and that is what makes me happy.
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with most parents, I take a ton of pictures of my kids, but I also take portraits of them. Now, here, dear internet, is where the
trouble starts.
Apparently, according to my children, I can't "just" take a picture. I will look for lighting, a head tilt, make sure the posing is right,
the background looks good. I don't even think I know I do it anymore, it's just something that comes naturally. And I must say,
it drives my kids CRAZY!!!!
So, needless to say, when I pull out my camera, or mention portraits, they all run for cover, and that's when the bribery starts.
Let me tell you they are my most difficult subjects, like EVER. But once I have them sufficiently bribed with bubbles, food, shopping,
whatever it takes, we all have a good time and I get the portraits that I want, and I think deep down they do too. Because after all,
I think that's all any mom wants.
My son however, has gotten very good at deflecting. So every time I would like to take some portraits, although he has not been
busy all day, or all week for that matter, he all of sudden has soooo much to do. But that, dear internet, is a story for another time.
To view more images click here.
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were when they heard the news. I can remember exactly where I was.
This morning my daughter woke me up and reminded me what the day was. She wasn't born yet, but in school they have taught
about the day, and how profound it was and still is.
In the paper this morning, I read that the rescue workers who have now have cancer which has been linked to that day and the work
that they did trying to help.
The effects, and the aftermath of that day are going to reverberate for years to come. My heart goes out to all of those families,
wife's, mother's, sister's, father's, brother's, grandmother's, grandfather's, children who have been affected by that day.
We will never forget, we have not forgotten.
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as in the players.
On the plus side it did not rain during the game...............
But I did manage to get some great shots.......................
And there is always next week!
To view more images from Friday's game click here.