Wanna Play?!?

I got up this morning at 5:30 to start my day. I never thought I would be the type of person to willingly get up this early. I used to make fun of my parents because they would get up before the crack of dawn and never sleep in. Of course, now I am saying, "Sorry, I just didn't understand". But now I do.

I really enjoy the quiet of the morning and find I can get so much done before my son gets up and starts our day. There is always some sort of activity and excitement once he rises for the day. And, once he's up, I rarely get to sit down again before lunch time (Unless, I'm in the car of course).

Which brings me to thoughts on one of my recent mini-sessions. This great little girl wanted to include one of her closest friends. I'm so glad she did. It made her a little more at ease and we all ended up having a very fun time. And when it came time to do images of just my client's daughter, her little friend even helped as my assistant, holding my reflector, etc. What a great shoot!

The other thing I really enjoyed about this shoot was it's playfulness. While this little girl is certainly her own woman, she was more than happy to play, try some different ideas and even came up with a couple of her own. And even though it was a mini-session, we were able to get comfortable enough with each other to get to the essence of who she is and to see more than just one side of her. We got the playfulness, the quiet and calm side and (while they are not posted here) some wonderful, loving images of her and her mom together.

I can't wait to show all of the images to her mom! Have a great day! Oh....here comes to sun!

The Coming of Spring

It happens every year right around late February, early March....the yearning for spring takes over. Usually I start searching for a new home to move into....(much to my husband's chagrin and confusion- he never has any idea we were planning on moving). This year, I find I am settled and happy that we will be in our home for a long time. Instead, as the yearning for the end of winter grows stronger, I find myself being drawn to bolder and brighter colors! I was shopping for some new background materials this pas week - planning on buying grays, blues and black - and I came home with fuscia and bright orange and blue silks. I can't wait to try them out!

I have also found I am loving when my clients are putting on bright vibrant colors. Last week's post with the little girl in her brightly colored costumes started me down the path of searching for spring. And it continued as I photographed a recent mini-session this adorable little girl and her mom in bright reds and pinks! I loved the colors! I had a difficult time creating black and white images - because I just thought the colors were so wonderful!

Here is to the end of winter and the beginning of all things new again!!!!

Mommy, Look At Me Now

I love that age when it's all about the dressing up. I love doing portrait sessions when a child gets to play and have fun and not worry about sitting the right way or smiling at the right time. It's sessions like these that let the true nature of a child shine through. And I love being allowed into their world for just a short time to share the fun, play a little and laugh a lot.

These images are from a recent session with a little girl (almost 4 years old) and what a riot she, her mom and I had that day. Enjoy!

For more information on portrait sessions for your little fairy princess or little fireman, go to www.gscphotography.com.

One of the things I love best about location sessions is that every session is different and holds unexpected surprises. I have photographed communion portraits at this local church before - but this past week, my assistant and I noticed a different lay of the light through the stained glass windows and were able to use it in a new way. The colors through these multi-colored windows created an ethereal light that made for a lovely portrait. Here are a few from that session.

Be sure to visit my website, http://www.gscphotography.com/ for more information on communion portrait and other sessions.

Enjoy!

The Innocence of Childhood

As I worked through the images of a recent session, I found myself continually reflecting on the innocence of children. How lucky are we to live in a society and culture that values the age of childhood? Childhood is supposed to be a time for joy, love, and fun. It is a time for children to be cuddled and protected by their parents. I think there cannot be too many hugs and kisses given when our children are young. The time of childhood passes quickly - we need to fully embrace the art of these moments. LIFE IS ART! Appreciate it to its fullest!

"Look Ma....No Teeth!"

I love this image! I love the big gap, no teeth and the pure joy on his face! I was reminded once again how quickly time passes, when my son lost his tooth a short time ago. Before we know it, the new one was growing in. And in one day, from morning till evening, I was shocked at how much that one tooth came in.

The time of "Lost Teeth" is so short. But I love this time so much, I have decided to introduce my "Look Ma...No Teeth" mini-sessions. These portrait sessions are 30 - 45 minutes long (about half the time of a regular session), and can include up to 2 children. The cost of the session is $50 and will include a set of 8 wallet portraits of the same image. I will also provide you with an on-line website link so that you can share these images with your family and friends. Go to http://www.gscphotography.com/ for more information on contacting me to arrange a "Look Ma...No Teeth" portrait session.

Here are a few more from that session. Enjoy!

The Communion Season Fast Approaches

While the Super Bowl just ended (yeah Steelers!), planning for Spring Events has already started. I love photographing communion sessions. The girls get to dress like a princess for a day, the boys look so handsome, and mom and dad are always so proud. Their little children are growing up!

I am starting to book communion portrait sessions. For those of you that call before April 1, 2009 and reserve your child's communion session, you will receive 25 custom-designed fine art cards (a value of $60).

This recent session was a lot of fun. Hope you enjoy. You can see more of my portrait images and information on portrait sessions on my website http://www.gscphotography.com/.

This one is "How much do you love your mom?" "This Much!!!!!"