The Race is On...

...to see which one of us can get the most photos accepted in the Pentax Photo Gallery. All in good fun, of course!

Here are John's.

Here are Elaine's.

The PPG is a really fun place if you enjoy photography. Work from the pros and amateurs alike. The ability to search photos by camera model or lens. Being able to see the EXIF data for each photo. Never knowing what interesting or breathtaking photo you'll encounter next, especially if you check out the Premiere Collection.

Vince

Every week, we watch the scales. Every week, the numbers inch upwards. A small thing at one time, but now it's a big thing. A growing child is something I will never, ever again take for granted. Thank you, Vince, for teaching me. For teaching me to be grateful, for teaching me to never stop trying, for teaching me how to laugh with that infectious little giggle.

Your smile lights up my heart every day. You are the sweetest eighteen-month-old anyone could ask for.

Story Telling

Ever since the days of reading Little House on the Prairie (and even before that), I've always loved stories. There's nothing like a gripping book on a snowy evening or sitting on the porch swing reading to a preschooler.

Maybe that's what I love about photography, and why most of my favorite photographs are the ones that happen in real life plots. This is why learning to press the button at just the right moment is one of my BIGGEST photography goals for the year.

I LOVE pictures that tell stories:

--about relationships,


--about little children who don't know a camera's anywhere near (thanks to John for this picture),


that "just married" feeling,


--wondering "who could have done that to my car" moments,


--about the curiosity of a child


--moments that are full of joy


--and, of course, laughter.


Allan and Rosemary, felicidades once again and may the story of your life be full of these kinds of moments.

Allan and Rosemary <> Formals

December 12--a beautiful day with temperatures well below the freezing mark on which a brave couple endured the elements for the sake of (some of) their pictures.



The beautiful bride--



The dawn of a new era of their lives.



The happy groom



The bridal party



This is one of those shots I'd love to take credit for, but can't. John took the guys out on the road and encountered some really cool lighting.



This may not be the best one of the girls, but I love catching people laughing on camera. Crystal didn't seem too concerned about Rosemary's plight as she tried to maneuver in a tight space.



I've had lots of good times with these cousins (Crystal and Rosemary). The three of us are the same age. Even though we're living in three different countries, we will never forget the days of Peculiar Cousin meetings, dress up times, manger scenes, and watching our mothers wash dishes in the bathtub when the sink wouldn't hold them all. Spending the day with them was such a treat--thanks again Rosemary and Allan!

Allan and Rosemary <> Details

Since one of my New Years' Resolutions is to notice the small things in life, it seemed that a detail post from my cousin's beautiful wedding we shot in December would be a fitting way to start 2010.

I loved the way the little details told the couple's story. Even things like coffee creamer take on added significance when you have someone from the U.S. marrying someone from Canada. What makes things even more interesting is when the couple met in a third country, represented by the coffee plant and blanket behind the creamer. And then, of course, we do have some Hershey ancestry way, way back. Who knew a coffee table could be so full of meaning?



Two favorite ceremony details:





The program basket:



A hint of winter:



And then there were frogs. I have never seen frogs included in a wedding before, and they were one of the cutest little details about the day.





Stay tuned for more!

Deloris

New friends, growing experiences, volleyball, studying...Deloris is heading off to Bible school in a few weeks for the first time. I have a feeling she'll enjoy it a lot. We managed to pick one of those cloudy days that photographers love and found brick walls, a lake, and amazing light everywhere.

One of my favorites,



but I really like the expression on this one.









The contrast on this made for a nice black and white picture.



The color in this wall really enhanced her beautiful eyes.



Deloris, I hope your time at Bible school is a huge blessing for you.

Charles Family

The weather outside was indeed frightful--cold rain pouring down. However, with a delightful family to photograph, the weather didn't matter.



They look good in black and white too.





After some traditional portraits, it was time for some nontraditional ones. Some of the popcorn actually ended up in their mouths. Talk about fun!



Some of it ended up on the floor too. If you're finding popcorn for weeks, just blame me.



In addition to Donna's talents at catching popcorn, she has an eye for decorating. Cute staircase!



Sisters and the tree



Always fun to see a couple still in love after two children and years of marriage.



And the two girls, who are blessed to have such great parents:



Have fun finding out what's in that box!



Merry Christmas to all!