autumn light

The light in October is just spectacular. Clean, crisp and warm. I had a lot of fun with this family and the kids were a delight! We ended in the field which was glowing in gorgeous light.

carly

I have photographed this young lady when she was a toddler and when she was about 10. I was very excited to see her and photograph her because I remember when I was editing her images years ago my eldest son(who is a photographer) walked by and said ' Wow, she lookes like a French model'

She was as I expected. A gracious and thoughtful young lady with a gorgeous face.

the importance of dogs

The joy and friendship a dog brings to our hearts is immeasurable. For my mom, her 'Sasha' is her best companion now. As we grow older our world starts to shrink. Yesterday while visiting I realised this scene before me - my mom in her chair with her immediate needs within reach and Sasha close by is about 90% of her world. Yet, with a warm fire going, some hot tea, the daily crossword puzzle,a good book and Sasha by her side it's a pretty good world at that.

With her keen knowledge of the English language don't expect to win at Scrabble.

brotherly love

These two boys are just full of expressions. Being typical busy boys we had to keep moving and making things interesting. Through it all, even after a spat or two , they just couldn't stand to be apart.

First Frost

When I saw the morning frost wrapped around the leaves, grasses and flowers I couldn't resist. So out I went in my pink sweatpants and work boots. The light and textures were beautiful. Thank goodness noone got a shot of me.

Crisp Autumn Day

I had a blast with these three kids. We ran around from place to place on a perfect autumn day.

They climbed to the top of this old tree. I had never taken a shot like this before.

Ending up in the field and watching the sunset was a wonderful way to end the shoot.

autumn beauty

What a perfect afternoon for portraits. I spent two hours with this family and got a huge variety of imagery. I was trying hard to get an authentic smile from my young man and a soft expression from my young lady. We had fun right up to the last light and I felt I had acheived many wonderful expressions. After giving out their much deserved prizes I asked if they would like to run around the field which was glowing with the last beautiful moments of soft evening light. It was here I got the best expressions from both of my young subjects. This is not a surprize to me as often once kids think it is all over they relax.
The mom had listened well regarding clothing. She brought an earth toned rustic sweater to go over her brown long sleeved shirt. Nothing could have been more perfect. I added my signature leaves in her hair for a touch of color. I love this peaceful moment.

A total opposite to her brother's exuberance, which I also love.


And the Coup de Gras- The face of a Botticelli angel or a Drew Barrymore look alike.


Warning - Never eat oreo cookies until the shoot is REALLY over. Fake smiles may appear.

XC BOYS

I try to get to most of my boys Cross Country meets in the Fall. Of course I have to bring my camera. There is my son Cameron on the far right. He is a sophmore and running varsity for the second year. Here he is at the finish. He runs about 5:50 minute mile at this point in the season.


Here is our freshman Connor who is running JV to get in shape for Lacrosse in the Spring.


After the race.

Little Boys Blue

These two little toddlers were 100% all boy and absolutley adorable. They wore the cutest blue 'doggie' sweaters and had me running from the get go. I had to be on my game and be ready for when they would slow down and have a moment. I love this moment of tenderness.

And sillyness!

I let them wander around hoping to find the right composition, lighting and moment.After a dark cloud came for a bit the sky opened up with pinks and orange.

In the end we went back to the field where we started with Bailey the beautiful golden. I shut the strobe off and allowed the setting sun to provide the warm last light. Even Mom got in on the action.I wonder where they got their beautiful hair?

Danish Dresses

These dresses are made in Denmark by the company Jottum. As you can see they are unusual and full of intricate detail and layering. The girl's mom collects
these dresses and allows the girls to wear them to school and to play in. These girls are what I call a member of the 'Peacock' family. They have done some stock photogaphy for me, I used their mom's garden, and the youngest did a Brookstone ad for me. Their mom and I have long planned to photograph the girls in their dresses (for me and for their modeling portfolios) So on a beautiful autumn day this is what we got.

inspiration

i'm easy

my muse is a little girl with curly hair, blue eyes...

and a little sas.

As I shot her I couldn't help but think if I had a daughter she might be like this little girl.

Maybe I'll be blessed with a grandaughter some day!!

last light in the field

Ok, so I love the light in the field so much I had to go back. I decided to see what I could accomplish in the last 30 minutes of light.

I got my 'Brookstone' model Meg to volunteer ( home from college for the weekend)
My first idea was something fun and spirited for a greeting card company I am shooting for.

We got one of Megs prom dresses and funked it up with a scarf, rubber boots and a flower in the hair

We arrived at 5:35 and it was still very bright.
Also, Meg is a bit taller than my last subject and I didn't have an assistant.
So, I needed her to shrink in order to avoid serious lens flare.

I had to use my hand in front of the lens to keep the flare out.

This is what we came up with.

We moved on down the path for a pretty full length shot

I had a quick minute for a close up or two.

Now for the running shots. By the time we got a few practice running shots in the sun had dropped to the horizon.

Now the sun is behingd the horizon but what I have learned is you can continue to shoot and the results can be very flattering.