The Dog Days of Winter

As many of you know, I have a dog named Vegas. Almost all of my clients have met her at one time or another. Either at ordering sessions or order pick ups. I love my dog. She's been with me through so much! I can't imagine my life without her. She is always laying at my feet wherever I am. She's so loving and loyal. That's why I am kinda' sad. See, she is twelve years old and that's old for a lab. She's gone grey in her old age but still has so much love and spirit in her. Josh and I took her out in the snow to let her play and get some shots of her. I love this one because her eyes seem to say, "I love you, now can you just throw the ball to me?".

Randomness

Ok. I am working on a new blogsite and have decided to make my new blog WAY more fun. I thought I jump start the good times here, on good ol' blogger! I found the funniest blog you have to check out if you need a laugh. It's here . What were these people thinking? Makes you love your family portraits even more now, huh?

Disclaimer: I DID NOT TAKE THE PHOTO BELOW! IT IS FOR COMIC RELIEF ONLY!!!

Have a fun and safe Saturday night!

Hoop to help...

I'm so excited! I am always looking for ways to give back. Since I love working with kids and families, I try to help out organizations that help kids and families. Big Shots is proud to support the Smith Family Foundation. This foundation is a local non-profit organization whose vision is for all children to have the love and support they need to grow and succeed. How awesome is that?

They are putting together the 19th Annual Basketball Extravaganza. I am excited to have FREE tickets to this awesome event and I want to share to love! I'm offering two tickets to the first of my Facebook Fans to respond to this post on Facebook. Not a fan but want the tix? Become a fan here.

What IS the Annual Basketball Extravaganza? It's a basketball game featuring local sports talent with players from the Bengals, Reds and basketball alumni from UC, UK, and XU.

This event is always a hit and features an exciting half-time show and an opportunity for fans to meet the players at a FREE post-game autograph session.

My son is so excited to go! We'd love to see you there February 12 at 7:30.

The "B" girls | Cincinnati Model Photographer

It was seriously getting dark at this point and the girls were cold and just DONE but I managed to capture their spirit, energy and relationship here. Don't you just love that they are holding hands?

From trash to treasure...how cute?

Pretty, pretty!

WOW! It's been a while since I did a straight up session post! I have to say, getting my camera out and shooting again after taking a few weeks off for the holidays was exhilarating! Not only that, it was a challenging session because it was cold, dark and dreary. BUT...we did it! These girls are past clients of mine from last year. I have kept in close contact with their mom on Facebook so it felt very comfortable and familiar. Oh, and FUN! They braved the cold (I wimped out and had on my parka, Uggs & hat) to get fantastic images to use for their modeling/acting careers! I'm sure they are going to do great! This family is full of personality and, while Brian was missed, we had a fun girls only session.

Celebrating 2009

Before I totally welcome in 2010, I want to celebrate 2009 and ALL of my amazing clients who made 2009 my BEST year ever. I look forward to sharing more memories with you in 2010! Enjoy the video!

Happy Holiday Wishes

It's that familiar lull in blog posts & delivery of orders that lets me know the holidays have arrived! I hope your celebrations were full of love & laughter!

The "B" Family | Cincinnati Family Photographer

I've known Josh for years and was thrilled to meet the rest of the family for our morning shoot. This was the coldest session I have ever done (and one of the coolest!). It was 29 degrees out this morning when we met for this urban session. I was SO excited they were up for it because I knew we could get great wintery shots...and we did! It doesn't have to be 85, sunny, at a park to get good images. I think it's all about attitude and this family brought it! Chrissy was VERY clear when we planned the session that she wanted fun modern shots. I seriously sat here for ten minutes trying to decide which images to post. There are about 15 more favorites that are JUST as good! What a GREAT way to start the day!

The "G" kids | Cincinnati Family Photographer

This session was really fun! These are my good friend Allison's kids. She and I go way back. Our relationship actually started because of my biz. I needed a logo and she needed pics. While my old logo isn't around anymore, I am glad we are still taking pictures together after all these years. I think "H" & "D" felt very comfortable because they were super easy to photograph. They were glamming it up for the camera and we all had a great time! The key is being laid back and letting the session unfold how it's supposed to. Nothing forced or fake here...these kids are naturals! I know you've been waiting Ali, so, here are some sneak peeks!

The "C" Family | Cincinnati Family Photographer

I LOVE when I have clients who are up for ANYTHING. This family were those clients! Erin & I really connected on the phone when making the session date & discussing the details. I had NO idea how open minded and fun she, Scott, Grace & Lizzie would be. They chose a home session for obvious reasons; their house and surrounding area is beautiful! They had ideas, I had ideas, even the dog, Lizzie, had ideas. The creative juices were flowing and we got into the groove! The images reflect the session atmosphere. I wish I could bottle it up and give it to everyone. Letting go and having faith give way to AWESOME portraits! Thanks for letting me "do my thang!"

Little "L" | Cincinnati Child Photographer

First of all, Happy Thanksgiving to all of my clients/blog readers out there. I have soooo much to be thankful for and you are one of those things. This has been a great year for my biz so thanks for helping to make that happen. I wish you all a wonderful day full of family and friends.

I am truly thankful for the session I am posting here. I feel so lucky that I get to share in people's lives, especially people I know. Lisa is another Facebook reconnection! We went to high school together way back when and hadn't seen each other in 20 years! We became Facebook friends, saw each other at our reunion and now spent some QT together at "L's" mini session. Just like when I met up with other old friends, seeing Lisa again was just like old times. I could've talked with her all day. She was ALWAYS so friendly and bubbly in high school...some things never change :) Lisa's also a wonderful mom; so adoring of "L". And who wouldn't be? "L", obviously, shares Lisa's traits. She is SO good natured and go-with-the-flow. I got to hold her and feel the baby love! She wasn't fazed by the chill outdoors, my singing, or anything else as is evidenced in these images.