M Family: Volant, PA

Please join me in congratulating this season's recipients of the prestigious SWP Patience Award.  This honor goes to the family who exercises the most patience in waiting to see a sneak peek of their images.  I have tortured them long enough....drum roll, please:  Meet the M. Family of Volant, PA {cheers and applause!}.  These pictures were taken back when the grass was...well, not covered in snow and you could be outside without needing eight layers of clothing.  The session was a combo senior/family shoot which are always a blast for me because I love to watch family members interact.  The dynamics fascinate me and I love to capture that energy in pictures.  Aside from having a plain blast with these guys, I got an education in all things cow-related, as well as miniature donkey, llama, and several other exotic creatures I can't remember the names of.  Thanks for the great afternoon and enjoy your sneak peek!   :)      

Have a wonderful holiday!!!  

B, T, M and dog F: Canfield, Ohio

The day I was supposed to take outdoor pictures of B, T, M (and stylish dog F) of Canfield, Ohio, it was snowing.  And cold.  And snowing.  I was ready for it, but when B suggested we head to her place to get some indoor shots of her, boyfriend T, and daughter M cooking dinner, I happily changed gears.  Since cooking is an activity they enjoy doing together and I love taking pictures of food and families, this was a match made in heaven for me.  Little did I know how much fun it was going to be.  Have you ever met people for the first time and within minutes you feel like you've always known them?  I had to pinch myself because they were that kind of family.  They welcomed me {a total stranger} into their home like a friend, entertained me with their cooking and good humor, and then fed me.  Yes, I said it.  They fed me.  I am officially ruined {in the best way} because of them.  B, T, M and F:  From the bottom of my full heart and stomach, thank you for the fantastic evening.  Hope you enjoy the sneak peek of your images as much as I enjoyed capturing them.  :)                  

Have a wonderful holiday season together !

C Family: New Castle, PA.

Meet the C. Family from New Castle, PA.   Mr. C and I have known each other since the 4th grade when he transferred to my school.  My 9-year-old self remembers that he was a nice kid from a nice family, he could run fast, and all the girls thought he was cute.  I also remember wishing I had his older sister's hair, but that's beside the point.  Anyway, Mr. C and I remained friends all the way through high school and into college.  When life took us in different directions, we kept up when we could.  These days, our paths cross in places like the grocery store and local restaurants.  Every time I see him, I'm always happy to know that not much has changed about him.  He's still the same great guy and now he has a wonderful little family of his own.  I don't know how fast he runs though, so don't bother asking.  

 Thank you, C. Family, for the wonderful evening!! 

B. Family

My favorite part of the holidays is seeing everyone together.  College kids come home, friends and relatives from out-of-town pour in, the table is set and a feast {or two or three} is enjoyed.  Watching the B. Family together reminded me that these are the times to savor.  What a fun bunch this foursome was!!  Mom P and son C were reunited with sisters K & K who were home on a short break from college.  Watching them together, laughing with {and at} each other, was an absolute joy.   If you're celebrating with family & friends this weekend, consider yourself blessed and enjoy every minute of it.  It'll be over before all the dishes are done.  Happy Thanksgiving to you!