I want to share insights from my week that connect photography, soul-searching, and the relationships that anchor me.
What I'm listening to
Last year I started listen to podcasts and was instantly addicted to them. Right now, I'm listening to The American Campfire revival with Kirk Cameron. In this podcast Kirk shares his thoughts for 15 to 20 minutes twice a week for worship, prayer and study over 100 days.
With a refreshing focus on Faith, History, Patriotism, and the Bible, Kirk discusses everything from current cultural events, heroes of the faith, and the biblically based, historically proven strategy to bring life and liberty to individuals, families, and nations. I'm hooked.
What I'm reading
I love reading...anything. Right now, I'm reading a book called Home Front by Kristen Hannah, one of my favorite authors. When I first read one of her books, I researched her. I like to know about the people I engage with whether they write, sing, whatever. When asked Why do you write? Kristin said this:
"Quite simply, I write because it frees something in me. It’s the greatest job in the world. It allows me to be the wife/mother/friend I want to be, with plenty of time for the people I care about, while still giving me something that’s mine, something that defines me as an individual." Wow! I totally resonated with that. Her books are amazing!
What I'm watching
Football! It's that time of year. High School, College, Pro. Three days of football for 11 weeks plus.
Something new I did this past week
Fantasy Football team. Boy was that fun, picking my players. I don't quite have the draft down yet and I'm not quick enough to pick so 1/3 of team is auto picked. I got an A+ rating :) We'll see how I do. My team's name Myles to Victory!
My favorite thing shot this week
confession, I did not shoot it, but last year I was asked to do kindergarten pictures for the town I live in, and they asked me back again. My camera had a horrible accident and is out of commission right now. I asked an awesome up and coming photographer, Adam to help me out. Adam took all the pictures, and I did the assistant stuff, chatted with the kids, helped them to pose etc. I had a blast! It was very rewarding to watch Adam in his element!
What filled my soul this past week
I had one of the best low-key weekends. Oktober Fest on Friday, listened to E5C4P3, a Journey tribute band. Spent Saturday with a group of ladies I get together with a couple times a year that just fill my heart. We were up at Catawba and had brunch, talked, laughed, cried and sat out by the lake just enjoying the wind, waves and wonderful conversations. Sunday, I had coffee with a friend, went to church and took my bonus mom to a vintage craft fair at Hales Farm. So relaxing! I need more weekends like this! I felt so refreshed.
I hope you all have some joy this week, take in every moment!
Kelly
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One wedding, I missed the kiss! Who does that? I was petrified to tell the bride. They were a young couple; I knew the groom, but I had to tell them. I walked up to the bride and said, "I'm so sorry but I missed the kiss and was wondering if we could go back to the arbor and recreate?" Her response - "It's really okay, I don't like that arbor, I think it would look better by this window" (we were in an old barn). Immediately I felt so much better, we took some amazing pics by the window, and she loved them. Going forward though, that cannot happen. I didn't do weddings for a couple years, turned some people down and was content with never doing them again.
Then, a friend of mine (Alisha) called me up in 2022 and pretty much told me I was doing her wedding at the end of October. She didn't ask, she said she would not have anyone else do it. I really was set to say no; but thought oh what the heck. I did the wedding and loved it! The energy, the love you could see in my friends' eyes. I was hooked again.
A Bride and Groom deserve to have complete coverage, and I want to make sure that every moment, kiss, look and laugh is captured.
I spent the rest of 2022 and most of 2023 working out details to take on weddings and I knew I could not do them on my own. I have now partnered with two other photographers to work with.
First up - Friends of mine Alisha and Cliff (That same couple) dove into wedding photography. Alisha loves organizing, has amazing attention to detail and thrives on capturing candid shots. Cliff handles any video or drone needs. We decided to help each other out and use each other as a second shooter.
Alisha and I have done two weddings together. Denise and Dennis were married in December, it was a very small intimate gathering inside J-Bella in Strongsville.
We also did a farm wedding in April of this year for Evan and Lily.
I'm blessed to work with these two amazing humans!
See the website for details on the four different wedding options. Typically, we book at least 90 days out but if you need something sooner, please reach out, we may be available to accommodate.
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Photography has always been a journey for me, filled with evolving passions and creative exploration.
I've always found joy in capturing the essence of life's pivotal moments—the laughter, the quiet contemplation, the deep connections that make each of us unique. For years, my lens has been focused on the vibrant energy of Seniors stepping into their future and the warmth of Families cherishing their shared histories. Today, I’m excited to share a new chapter in my artistic journey: Wedding Photography.
Why Weddings?
Weddings are the ultimate celebration of connection, love, and commitment—values that have always been at the heart of my work. From the first look to the last dance, every moment of a wedding day is charged with emotion, and I’m thrilled to bring my passion for storytelling to these unforgettable occasions.
Just as I’ve sought to capture the individuality of each Senior, highlighting their dreams and the bonds they hold dear, my approach to wedding photography will be rooted in capturing the authenticity of your love story. Each wedding is a tapestry of emotions, woven together with threads of joy, anticipation, and love. My goal is to document these moments in a way that feels as genuine and heartfelt as the vows exchanged.
I want to Grow as an Artist
Expanding into wedding photography is a natural evolution for me as an artist. While the core of my work remains the same—honoring connections, celebrating love, and creating timeless images—wedding photography offers a new canvas to explore. It challenges me to see love stories from a fresh perspective, to find beauty in the grand and the intimate, and to continue pushing the boundaries of my creativity.
But even as I grow, I remain deeply rooted in the principles that have guided my work with Seniors and Families. My style will continue to reflect simplicity, depth, and a soulful approach to photography. Whether I’m capturing the joy of a Senior’s final year of high school, the tender moments of a family gathering, or the emotions of a wedding day, my commitment to creating images that resonate on a personal level remains unwavering.
This will really complement my current genres
Weddings are a beautiful extension of the work I’ve done with Seniors and Families. Each genre shares a common thread—the celebration of milestones, the importance of relationships, and the desire to preserve these moments in a way that feels true to who you are. By adding weddings to my repertoire, I’m able to offer a more complete photographic journey, from the early years to the first steps of a lifelong partnership.
I’m excited to continue working with the amazing Seniors and Families who have trusted me to capture their stories, while also welcoming couples ready to embark on their journey together. Whether it’s the quiet moments of reflection, the laughter shared with loved ones, or the intimate exchange of vows, I’m here to document it all with the same dedication and passion that has always defined my work.
Staying True to My Roots
At the heart of this new venture is a commitment to staying true to the values that have shaped my photography from the beginning. My goal has always been to create images that feel real, meaningful, and deeply personal. As I embark on this new journey into wedding photography, I carry with me the lessons learned from working with Seniors and Families—the importance of listening, of being present, and of creating a space where you feel comfortable and valued.
So, here’s to new beginnings, to the stories yet to be told, and to the beautiful connections that bind us all. I can’t wait to bring your love story to life, just as I’ve done with so many others before.
I have done three weddings so far in 2024, the love you see in these pics light up a spark to capture more soulful moments.
If you’re ready to explore this next chapter with me, I’d love to connect and hear about your vision. Let’s create something unforgettable together.
I have so much to share about my business and changes coming down the pike but for now...
One thing that I'm striving to do is truly create a one-of-a-kind senior photo session and stand apart by not duplicating locations for the current year. Each session is a fresh experience, carefully tailored to reflect the individuality and spirit of the Senior. This approach allows every session to feel fresh, new and full of spontaneous and unexpected moments that are completely yours.
Unlike other photographers who might stick to familiar spots, I believe that your photos should reflect your distinct personality and style. By exploring different environments, your images capture the essence of who you are in a way that's completely unique to you. This method ensures that your session is not just another photo shoot, but an experience that is entirely your own, making your photos unlike anyone else's and avoiding the repetition that can make sessions feel routine.
Parents - when it comes to your son or daughter's senior photo's, I understand how important it is to capture this milestone in a way that truly reflects who they are. This isn't just about taking pictures - it's about creating an experience that allows your senior to feel special and valued.
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One passion I have is helping to support Suicide prevention. It happens too often and hits close to home. I found a fundraiser where you could raise money for this cause. All I have to do is walk 50 miles in the month of March....with a Dog!
Well, I need to start walking more, and I love dogs...but I don't have one.
I volunteer at ARF so I signed up and will walk dogs from ARF to get my 50 miles in.
I'm off to a slow start but will get those 50 miles in. 13 days in and I have walked 6 different Dogs.
If it's on your heart to support this cause and donate, check out this link...
https://www.facebook.com/donate/7154853914592052/
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Aideyn with Gamma and Papa
As I reflect on 2020, I don't think it was a huge mess like most do. Yes, it did come with challenges. Was it a complete failure? No! I think we can all look back and find one nugget that we are grateful for, one thing that made us smile. as in any year, that's worth it. I have several...
As I look back, I remember it being the first year I attended a photography conference that changed the way I did things in my business and met some pretty great people in the same place I was in.
I had time with my boys that I would never would have had if Covid didn't invade. We had family dinners (and lunches), lots of game nights, movie afternoons and a ton of time just hanging out and talking. I would not trade that for anything.
We had quiet evenings, a few outings with the same two couples, and really enjoyed the Smallness of it all!
I did some amazing things with an adventure group, all the while playing it safe, wearing our masks and keeping our distance while enjoying some things I never would have done. Kayaking, touring the Mansfield reformatory, glass blowing, painting/ staining on wood, making homemade gifts.
I cooked more, created new recipes and actually baked a few times.
I worked on my business, started a Senior Rep team, which was the highlight of my business year! I bonded with some great kids
Were there things I couldn't do? Yes, but focusing on that is what brings you down. I choose to focus on the good.
I encourage you to do the same....what new things did you do in 2020? What things do you want to do in 2021? Please share I would love to hear all about it.
Here are some sessions from 2020. Enjoy!
Hello!
I've been trying to work on my blogging, I'm horrible at it, I admit it! I made a goal last year to blog more, and I'm not blaming Covid, it seems we all blame Covid for everything we didn't do this year, it's simply not true. I have had a lot of time to work on things, think about things and make a dent in my long list of things to do....I just chose not to blog.
I'm not a fan of making New Years resolutions....I'm all in for a good 30 days and then it fizzles out. What works for me is making goals that I can work toward. I'm working on my list now and will share my 2021 goals with you next week.
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2WEEK HAZEL EYES PHOTO CHALLENGE
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A FREE MINI SESSION
I can’t take credit for this idea, but I’ve been wanting to do something for Seniors to show my love and a fellow Photographer in Indiana had an awesome challenge for seniors in her area. There are photographers all over following her lead, each putting their own spin on it.
Make sure you tune in to my Instagram tomorrow for the Hazel Eyes Challenge that will start on Sunday. You won’t want to miss out…PS – this won’t cost you a thing!
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Everyone has been practicing social distancing and staying close to home surrounded by just our immediate family, and it gets a little boring at times. I’m challenging you to do something fun every day for 14 days.
Starting tomorrow, Sunday March 29th and each day for the next 14 days I will post a photo challenge, nothing crazy, but something to get you thinking and using your creativity. If you post and tag me in your stories/post every day you can win your choice of one of three mini sessions:
Best Friends session;
cap & gown session; or
Prom dress/tux session
(you will receive digital copies of all pic’s taken and not owe any payment for this)
This challenge is open to any high school students only. Also, you do not have to be a current client (or senior) to win!
I’m excited to see what you guys come up with to share. Please make sure you check out my story highlight for complete details.
Also, so it’s fair for everyone, please post a new image you take on the day of the prompt and let me know if you have any questions.
TO WIN the following must be completed
- Prompts will be sent out each morning by 7am
- Take a photo using prompt for the day & add to your story by midnight
- Add in comment #hazeleyesphotochallenge
- Tag @hazeleyes13
- Complete all 14 days
If anyone has an idea for a prompt - I could use a couple more....let me know
Your choice
- Best Friend Mini Session (you and 4-5 of your best friends)
- Cap & Gown Mini Session
- Prom Mini Session
Mini-Sessions are 20 minutes, scheduled on a date and location TBD.
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]]>Jill plays soccer, basketball and softball for Columbia, she loves dirt-bike riding, nature, camping and hiking. Jill plans on attending college after graduation to study forensics. We have a couple sessions planned, here are a few from the sunrise shoot.
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First you want to pick your day. Check out my website for available dates. Once that is scheduled, you can relax.
Shop for a new outfit or wear something you already have and love! It doesn’t have to be extravagant, unless you want it to be.
Girls: get your hair done, get your nails done, and pamper yourself!!! One recommendation - please, don’t overdo it. Less is More!!! I don’t recommend wearing Heavy make-up, especially when you don’t wear a lot normally. It will make you look “not like you” and very un-natural.
Guys: get your hair/facial hair trimmed so that the day of the shoot, it's at the length you want it.
Check out Pinterest for pose idea’s. I have tons, but if there is something you see that you want to try, bring it along and show me.
On the day of the shoot relax, make sure you eat, stay hydrated, and show up ready to strut your stuff! We are going to have fun.
]]>What kind of photographer should you choose?
When considering a photographer, you are probably at a point where you are wanting to capture a special milestone or a time to cherish. You know that just a point and shoot photo session is not going to work. Who you choose should be carefully thought about. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
What are your needs?
Why do you want your photograph taken?
What would you do with the prints?
If you value Art and Photography, you are going to want this Photographic Art hung in your home from a talented professional for everyone to see!
As a photographer, I truly value the Art of it. I want to create lasting memories, and moments in time to cherish forever. I feel art should be displayed for loved ones to see and enjoy for a lifetime. My work is important to me and I love doing it. I get so much joy out of meeting my clients, talking about their passions and what is going on their lives. A lot of times when you look at a piece of Art (in this case, a portrait) hanging on your wall, you often think about the moments that surrounded the taking of that particular photograph, you think about how you felt, the emotions, the laughter and the joy.
If Art is not something you value, and what you’re looking for is a quick shoot with digital copies, then I am not the photographer for you…there are so many out there that just do digital, and here are a couple thoughts: What will you do with the digital copies you get? Will you ever take them anywhere to get prints made? What will the quality be like?
You definitely want to pick someone you feel comfortable being around, someone you can spend an hour or two with and someone who will help you to feel relaxed. Because I love what I do, I make sure everyone is comfortable. I will never make a client do something or pose a certain way if they are not comfortable.
Patience is one quality I have and I absolutely love kids!!! With family shoots, sometimes it takes a while to get the shots you want, and that's okay, I will take as long as needed so that the kiddos are warmed up and relaxed. Sometimes waiting creates the best portraits!
Here are some tips to finding and choosing the best photographer for your special occasion:
Word of mouth - ask around, check with your friends. Just because someone has an amazing photo on their wall doesn't mean the experience was great...find out...how was the actual experience? How were the prices and was the photographer good with kids?
Price check - Professional photographers usually give prices up front and don't hide them. There should be no surprises. Keep in mind though, you are not just paying for ink printed on paper, you are paying for talent and experience.
Check their website - See that you like their work and they will supply what you want. What do you want to be holding in your hands? Do they offer prints as well as canvas, metal, and acrylic? Do they just offer digital copies?
Wrapping up.... when you are making a decision to get pictures taken, spend a few minutes to think about what your needs are and what your looking for.
Up next - preparing for a senior shoot!
I appreciate you stopping by
Blessings & Joy!
]]>What kind of Photographer am I?
I have found that there are two types of photographers, well three if you count everyone who owns a phone and takes pictures. Anyway, photographers who take pictures as a career, hobby or side job fall into one of two categories….a Boutique photographer OR a Shoot & Burn photographer. I always get this question: Can I just get digital copies?
Unfortunately I do not sell digital copies. I consider myself to be a Boutique photographer. I want to create something you will cherish. I trust my printing partners and the quality they provide is outstanding. I want to provide quality service to my clients from our first contact until the moment you hang that wall portrait in your home.
There are Shoot & Burn photographers out there who will have a session and then just give you a flash drive or CD of all the digital prints, but I’m not one of them. I can’t guarantee the quality of your prints if you take them to just any local store that prints photographs. Plus, I often think…will the flash drive ever make it out of the drawer you placed it in? Will you ever actually enjoy the memories that are meant to be cherished for a lifetime? I want you to, that is my passion!
With every order, I do give my clients a jpeg(s) (Digital copies) that they can use for sharing or making invitations. We can discuss this in our consultation.
From here, you need to ask yourself....what kind of photographer are you looking for?
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]]>2017 was a great year for me and the business, I almost doubled my shoots and met some really amazing people.
2018 is going to be awesome!!! I'm in the process of streamlining so that I can really spend quality time with my clients, and my family. You can now book your initial free consultation, your actual session and your photo reveal session online. No more phone tag or texting back and forth 13 times. I also now have an electronic business card so I will always have it with me! That is huge for me! I seem to change my bag, purse or wallet frequently and never seem to have cards on me. Now, I can send it to your phone and you will always have it and you can share with your friends!
I want to blog more, that has always been a struggle, so I'm hoping for at least once a week to start.
Thanks for stopping by
Blessings & Joy,
Kelly
]]>Andrea is a Columbia Senior and she loves the outdoors, being active, gardening, nature, music and hanging with her friends. Andrea plans on attending Cleveland State to be a pediatric nurse! Andrea is such a beautiful soul inside and out!
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Just love Friday night lights
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We did her shoot at Memphis Kiddie Park and it was SO.MUCH.FUN
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Chanara is going to attend school and study to work in the Crime Scene Technician field.
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]]>This young man just makes you want to smile when you meet him!!! He's super sweet and so polite. We had a beautiful sunny day at a lake he likes to hang out at. Dylan loves to hunt and fish and enjoys shooting and welding. Dylan played football for Columbia and will be attending Hosart Institute of Welding Tech this fall.
Columbia Senior, Jessica is absolutely stunning! I didn't know Jessica before our shoot, and she is one of the sweetest young ladies I have met. I was glad to capture these shots for her.
Thinking about getting family shots? Schedule those too, May and June are beautiful times for family photo shoots!
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I love my job and my first senior shoot this school year was just awesome!
Meet Hattie - this young lady is so full of life, beautiful, kind and humble. I love her energy, her true smile and her gentle soul. I had a blast shooting these pics!!!
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I have so many shoots to post from last year and I need to get better at posting them sooner. One of my three goals for 2016: get organized. I'm coming up with some new things for 2016, things that will help me organize myself better, get to know my clients better and make team shoots easier for myself and the parents. A new on-line form will be available for completion as well as the ability to complete it from my lap-top on the day of the shoot. So exciting! Welcome 2016!!!
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My Picks!
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Generous
Intelligent
Nice
Amazing
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Meet
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2015 is going to be an awesome year! I challenge you to get out and do something you LOVE. An amazing photographer that I recently started to follow, Jenna Martin, posted 10 resolutions on her blog for the new year and I'm going to step it up and create some of my own (and use a couple of hers)
1. Be true to myself and my style
2. Not compromise
3. Seek useful critique (one of Jenna's)
4. Create "different" team photo shots
5. Organize so I'm spending less time on the PC & more time with my family
6. Start some kind of photo journal blog (weekly maybe)
7. Shoot personal projects (my favorite one of Jenna's)
8. Keep clients on schedule and not allow myself to be taken advantage of
9. Get to know other Photographers (part mine, part Jenna's)
10. Create a warm inviting space to meet with clients
With Goal #6 in mind January's focus will be of course WINTER one of my favorite things, and the colors of white, blue and silver.
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I'm so excited to announce that starting in 2015 I'm tossing the "package" philosophy and creating a new pricing structure that allows my clients to choose what they want and how much they want to spend. This will allow YOU the customer the ability to choose the sizes and prints you want and not the ones I have in a package. Look for my pricing page to be updated by mid - December.
* Please note - if you already committed to a shoot, you can choose if you want to stay with the current packages and prices or apply the new pricing to your shoot!
Thank you!
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]]>This was a blast, can't wait to do another newborn!
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Noble
Delightful
Intelligent
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]]>Here are some new items to purchase along with your basic baseball packages. So excited to have new merchandise available to you.
KEY FOB - Made by Shelley Dennison Creative Designs - a perfect addition to your key ring during baseball
Metallic 8x10 Sports EFX features a background picture and two action shots. Also includes Team name, player name and jersey number.
Baseball with Photo - Great gift idea for your baseball player or a great coaches gift!
Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!!!
Photographs look awesome on these unique metal panels....For the month of March get 50% off all Metal Panels - Discount already noted below
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With a new year comes new goals, resolutions, tasks and challenges. For me, I'm hoping 2014 will be filled with more shoots and new styles. My goals are to dig into my creative side and create some awesome portfolio's, work with different lighting scenario's and purchase a better lens for Football season so I can get even better action shots. I also would love to blog more!
I've been laid up for three weeks now after ankle surgery and have about another three-five weeks to go. Although I can't go out and do any shoots, I'm doing research, attending webinars and reading a lot to improve myself. I'm excited because these are the things I usually do not have time to sit down and accomplish.
My personal goal I decided on after reading a facebook post from a group I really like called Sanctus Real. I want to find value in things that I don't like, and I want to encourage when my instinct tells me to criticize.
Hope you have an awesome 2014!
]]>I asked them to get together for a team picture and within 20 seconds, we had this...but we were at an opposing field so my talented friend, Debi did her magic and created a backdrop and this is the final result. I love it!!!
and Evan
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I’m having another mini session this fall! Please contact me via phone or email to reserve your spot now. Times available are located on the "available sessions" page.
Details:
$35 for 20 minutes and 5 sheets (mix and match). Payment is due on or before day of shoot. Cash or checks made payable to Hazel Eyes Photography
Sunday October 27th OR Saturday November 2nd
12:30-booked 10:00-
01:00-booked 10:30-booked
01:30-booked 11:00-
02:00-booked 11:30-
02:30- 12:00-booked
03:00-booked 12:30-booked
*You choose your photographs-Proofs available within 48 hours of shoot. Delivered two weeks after shoot as long as order placed by day 6.
*Sheet consists of (1) 10x13; (1) 8x10; (2) 5x7; (4) 4x6; (8) Wallets (you choose which sheets you would like)
*Full Color; black & White; Sepia (Photoshop not included)
*One Session per family per 18 months
I'm also booking Senior Picture Sessions - An additional 25% off packages for the first 5 who respond and book.
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This one is my absolute favorite!
I even got their Grandma (my wonderful Aunt) in there too!
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Vince and his buddy, Sam at the Columbus Zoo.
Love you Vinnie, to the MOON and BACK!
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Amazing and beautiful sisters!
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Saturday April 27th - 20 minute sessions starting at 9:00 am in the beautiful outdoor area of Olmsted Falls behind the covered bridge.
$35 for five sheets ($75 value). Additional sheets available at regular prices.
I have postcards to pass out, but if your reading this and are interested, call or email me to book your appointment today!
***This session can not be used for Senior pictures or Engagement sessions
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This is the book all the siblings are getting
These are two of the pages I created
I left the event with Daniels book as I wanted to take it home and add some finishing touches. On my way out I had asked if all the siblings had someone making them a book. There was one little girl, an only child, who needed someone to make a book for her parents. I took that home with me as well. I’m not sure what I’m going to do, I have two boys and no experience with creating books for girls, but I want her parents to have a book of lasting memories.
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All the kids chose their own poses, which made it an easy day. Even when it came time to take the team pictures, everyone got into place and the shoot went smoothly. Now the hard part...picking each picture to order and sending the order through. Can't wait to share more of the shoot with you!
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From left to right: Jessie, Mia, Allie, Gracie and Jillian
Anyway, I'm very pleased with the results. I had such a great time shooting these amazing young ladies and spending the afternoon with them. I have two boys...so spending a day with girls was really different. What an adventurous day! They were a great group of girls and made me smile all day!
I hope you enjoy this shoot.
To see all 60 shots, visit the Sister Shoot portfolio on the website and let me know your thoughts.
]]>Being home all day gave me an unexpected afternoon with no plans. I decided to take the time and go through all my photography things and I organized everything...created forms, price pages, jotted new idea's and went through a bunch of pictures. This is so exciting I can hardly stand it! I came up with some really great idea's for some portfolio samples and I can't wait to go out and start shooting. I also can't wait to share them with you.
My next adventure is taking team pictures for our Youth Basketball league...ten teams - 7-10 players on each team. This is huge for me, and I'm so excited. I'm calling in some favors from three amazing ladies to help me out so that the day runs smoothly. My sister, Jennifer who takes pictures as a hobby and is amazing! My BFF, Pam and my bowling partner and friend, Jen who also takes amazing pictures. Wish me luck!
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My Family
Cousin Sylvia was actually my first inspiration to do something great with this talent when we connected on Facebook a couple years ago. She also does photography and is amazing! She is a great mentor and will always be someone I will look up to. Even though miles separate us, technology allows us to connect and stay in touch.
Sylvio, my amazing husband who has always supported my passion for wanting to move from just taking snapshots to capturing memories.
Nick & Vince, my sons who move me! They take an interest in my passion, which is so cool. Nick tells me I should never go anywhere without my camera and Vince is always finding the beauty in everything so it can be captured by film (or memory card).
My Friends
Sandy, a writer in her spare time, has always inspired me to take my passion to the next level. Sandy was a huge help to me when creating my brochures and helped me with writing the message inside. She has great faith in me and I cherish our many talks over Starbucks coffee exchanging stories of our kids, photography and writing. One day, we will share an article in a newspaper or magazine.
Pam who always supports me and has walked with me on this journey through thick and thin. She keeps me a float and is always encouraging me to keep moving, to reach higher and never give up. Pam also started delving in Photography and is amazing, together we have taken pictures for our baseball, basketball and football leagues and created team websites for the parents.
Debi, a graphic artist who is so inspiring to me. Debi created my logo, which I absolutely love!!! She also helps me when I need to Photoshop something since I just can’t seem to get the hang of it completely. Dream Big is something she tells me. Debi is a huge motivator to me.
Julie, my lifestyle coach who has been helping me clear my plate of unnecessary things and focus on my family and what I love to do...photography!
I have also been influenced by my nieces, who encourage me and always bring a smile to my face.
Thank you all again for sharing in this journey with me!
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I could just sit out there all day and stare at the tree's and how the snow is so delicately placed on the branches...Pine tree's amaze me, huge amounts of snow just piled on them and as soon as the snow melts, the branches bounce right back.
I hope to have many many more snowy pictures to share, this is my favorite time of year (besides football season).
]]>One thing that always makes me smile are my nieces. I treasure them so very much and on Christmas Eve I enjoyed their company catching up on what’s going on in their lives. They are all unique and beautiful and hold a special place in my heart.
Back Row: Carli, Mandi, Mallory & Alysse
Front Row: Courtney & Anna
In Dayton & Colorado: Katie & Sarah
Right off the top of my head I can think of three things about them that inspire me: Their hearts, their zest for life and how they love their family and friends. Some of them live across the miles, but really, there is no distance between them- they stay in touch and always take the time to get together when they are “home”. I admire them. I respect them. I love and cherish them. I’m so thankful for these amazing young ladies.
I will put away my selfish thoughts, my to do list, and any distractions. My pastor talked about not watching the news for the few days before and during Christmas....what a great idea! I'm not a TV watcher anyway, but thought this concept was awesome. Keep the joy of what the season is about within you and "catch up" when Christmas is over.
Merry Christmas and many blessings for a Peaceful New Year.
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My oldest son, Nick invited a bunch of his friends to a Free concert at our church put on by the youth band, which happens to be amazing! They joined us at our home for pizza and then we headed out. It was an amazing evening with friends, laughs and uplifting music to get our hearts ready for Christmas.
Chad May - an amazing singer & Musician.
Maria, 19 year old singer - AMAZING voice!
]]>Today I’m thankful for the word Christmas.
It’s what it is!
It’s what it means!
It’s what it stands for!
It’s not about rushing, running or even over shopping.
I love buying gifts for others, especially when I can spend some time and pick out something that represents their personality, their character, their quality. It usually takes me days to find something and I don’t succeed every time, but for the most part I get it right.
Today I was shopping and a young man in JCP told me to have a Merry Christmas! I was so excited, it made my day. I made a point to tell him that I was so happy he said that and I told him he made my day. He said to me “It is Christmas”.
Yes, yes it is!
And to all of you…Merry Christmas!
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My goal is to catch the expressions, the contact with the ball and the excitement of the game.
I love the basket shots too
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Tonight my son, Nick had his 6th grade Band Christmas concert, I loved listening to the music and just sit there enjoying our friends around us and listening to the kids play their hearts out.
Tomorrow night I'm attending my church's Christmas concert, opening night and I will enjoy some awesome music with great friends. This year my goal is to avoid the hustle and bustle and have a few silent nights.
Nick-age 11, and Vince-age 9. They make me smile :)
This year, I'm trying to think of some unique idea's for family pictures, something different, unusual, creative. Hopefully I'll get them done before cards are ready to go out...last year, I never sent any, totally missed the deadline. I almost think I'm going to just start sending Happy New Year cards!
One new tradition we started was going up to our township park and celebrate the festival of lights. The president of our chamber of commerce speaks, Santa arrives, Pastor Gary says a prayer and then the tree's get lit up for the season. The community comes together for hot chocolate and some light snacks and cookies...there is no celebration this time of year that does not include cookies. 
I hope you all have a blessed Christmas season and remember to share every moment with those you love. Keep your traditions, make new traditions and memories and always be thankful for what you have.
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I realized , again, how awesome God's creations are. Anywhere you look there is beauty and within the beauty there is thanks. I for one love tree's so anything with tree's in it I find absolutely breathtaking sometimes, and I find myself just stopping and watching, staring, getting lost in nature.
Today I'm thankful for a beautiful 62 degree day in November. As a family we went to church this morning, followed by a nice walk in the park, great cappuccino from sheetz gas station and good conversations with my boys. I baked some brownies and finished up sweet potato casserole that we will be taking to my amazing brother and sister-in-laws house where we will relax and spend time with family.
My heart is a little sad though, Kevin and Sarah are in Colorado and were unable to come home. They are having Thanksgiving with friends and I'm thankful they have met some great people in a new place with no family. 
I miss them but also know they are on a journey and although I'm not much of a tech savvy gal, I love technology that allows us to stay in touch.
I wish you all a very blessed thanksgiving and hope that we all take a few moments to remember what we are thankful for. It is also a great idea to thank each person sitting around our table and tell them one thing you are love about them! It's good for the soul. Happy Thanksgiving!!!
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Well the shoot was a success and I had fun doing it! I spent a lot more time out there with these girls than I had anticipated, and let me tell you...three hours with 5 girls is SO MUCH different than 3 hours with 5 boys! Love the girls, but would take a day with boys in a heartbeat...although boys don't photograph as well as girls do! I will be putting all the shots up soon in my portfolio but a sneak peak of the first shot is here below. Tell me what you think...
I have a sister and she is an amazing friend. I love having a sister, especially one that I could share clothes with, share stories, laughs, tears and best of all, childhood memories. Funny thing is that when I was ready to start planning a family I wanted all boys, which is what God blessed me with. Here are some quotes I found on sisters, and when the pictures are ready from the shoot, I will share them with you.
Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there. ~Amy Li
A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. ~Marion C. Garretty
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I have to say football is my favorite!!! Here is my son taking out the quarterback after two of his teammates missed and this guy thought he had a touch down in his future...Nick comes out of nowhere!
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Today, I did something new,
a first Communion shoot. Eleven kids and a class shot. It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it!
I'm borrowing an idea so many bloggers and radio stations do...Thankful Thursdays. I have so much to be thankful for. This week, I'm thankful for the cross and what God sacrificed for us. My wish for you is peace and comfort during the three amazing days ahead of us.
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]]>To date I have done a few senior picture photo shoots, families, and a preschool. I have a 1st communion shoot coming up which will be really cool. My dream is to continue with my passion of taking pictures while working on selling photo's such as scenery, animals, landscapes and sky-lines. Ultimately I would love to maybe delve into sports photography, mainly football.
I have no interest in doing weddings (at least not now)
These are two of my favorite "beginning" pictures. Kevin, my nephew and his fiance' Sarah sharing a quiet moment during their engagement photo shoot. It's always the non-posed ones that capture me the most. Then there is Gracie! She is this awesome little girl. Her brother plays football with my son, Nick. Gracie is very photogenic and full of energy!