A music filled holiday

So in the continuation of bucket list checks, I decided to make it to JazzFest this year. I'm in love with New Orleans. The energy, the sense of renewal and complete mastery of masking all that they've had to deal with is what impresses me the most. It's a constant party in the spots that host it and the music is unending. I've experienced many new bands on my various adventures to the area and got to see some old classics. This year included one of my favorites, Cyndi Lauper. Yes, girls DO just want to have fun! An amazingly energetic show. I dance on the clouds and float all the way home...

Bun in the oven, blue or pink?

Meet the Chase family. Barbara, Sam and Claire. Waiting patiently to find out if its a boy or a girl. A little sister or brother? Claire is a precious little soul, so full of energy and what a wonderful helper. Its always interesting to see how the older sibling reacts to the soon to be younger. 'So where does the baby come from?' is always the most fun question for a parent to answer. I've heard quite a range of responses to that question. None of them wrong but not all of them based in fact. To tell or not to tell? Cross that bridge when you get to it. In the mean time, take the little kisses and keep them in your pocket where they can grow.

This family was a joy to photograph and hopefully the new little one will be healthy, happy and right on time.

is 2 years old still a baby?

My little niece Julianna has made it to her 2nd birthday. She's growing up so fast and my sister is grateful to have an in house photographer on staff. Precocious is a good start to a description of this little lady. Currently the only child, first grandbaby on one side and only little girl on the other... needless to say little miss J gets ample attention. Pink tutu courtesy of Aunt Candace. I'm allowed to spoil her, aren't I? She had an amazing day filled with family, fun and of course cake! Yes, she is double fisting. Ambidextrous currently, but we think she'll be a lefty. I've met a lot of really cute, amazing kids but this is the only one that truly has my heart. Happy Birthday Miss Julianna Marie!

Oh those cherry blossoms

Being from the DC area, I often took things for granted that most tourists crave. With free museums and a wealth of history at our daily disposal, you become accustomed to always having the chance to go. I lived in the DC area for close to 13 years and once I finally moved away decided it was time to make it to the Cherry Blossom Festival. Its really quite an amazing week of events. Music and merriment and fantastic weather, oh and the pretty flowers a plenty. Here are a few of my favorite stolen moments.

career day

When I was hired to shoot Career Day for Berry Elementary, I have to admit I was a little nervous. My goal was to be background and just document the day for the school to use for the paper, yearbook, etc. I've shot weddings and other events where staying in the background and just being a soft click and a shadow are easy to accomplish. In a room full of curious little kids, this is a different equation all together. you cant get them to ignore the camera, which is usually what makes my job so great. Not wanting to be a distraction to the career presenters was a big challenge. Try as I might, the kids were intrigued by the photographer and performed as such..mostly hams. A frustration for teachers but endless entertainment for me. What a fun day!

aussie adventure

In my avoidance of all things winter, i packed a bag (ok- an extra large suitcase) and fled to summer down under. The Kinks had it right when they sang 'No one hesitates at life or beats around the bush in Australia'. Life just seems easier. As life ticks by I'm slowly checking things off my bucket list, which is actually getting longer the more i explore the planet. New Years brought me to the harbour in Sydney... one of my favorite places in the world (so far). I watched the world renowned fireworks display and celebrated the new year with one of my best friends and favorite muse, Elisabeth. Realizing another year had passed before all our friends stateside had really started their day. We sat on the gorgeous beaches and ate really great food, explored the tremendous sites and played with the kangaroos. With our in between time, Elisabeth was gracious enough to let me take a few shots. Some of my favorites to date. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

Christmas 2010

The holidays are the perfect time to lose yourself with loved ones, to revile in the love and closeness that the family life can offer and take time off from the stresses of life just to sit and be merry. Oh and the presents! My family and I are fortunate to have a gift filled holiday. I have to say the most enjoyable part is watching the little fingers rip into the paper. I've never seen a paper box and tissue give anyone so much joy. Simple pleasures... that's little Miss Julianna.

little bundles

Every now and then I get to capture the newness of a fresh arrival. Newborns are a curious little joy that i just cant get enough of. The little wrinkles in the forehead, protruding little belly buttons and the squeaks for attention. Even the most robust cries seem so precious. Of course, i get to give them back after I'm done and go sleep in a kid free bed, but I still eat up those precious moments like they are the only ones i'll ever get. Their tiny exploration of everything around them fascinates me. The complete dependence on mommy and daddy and the undying love given in return. A new life just begun, wrapped in the tiny onesie that will fit just long enough. Meet Michael, one day old and on the the rest of his life.

happy baby, happy girls

Life passes too quickly so i have to make a point to put those that need my priority in the front of my view. I've got some amazing friends in my life spread literally throughout the globe and some amazing ladies that I don't get to spend enough time with. Here are a few of my favorite girls, Julianna and her mommy Jenn. We escaped for a day and had a little Mt. Vernon adventure. A lovely Indian summer day. Life is grand!

a day at the zoo

when i was a little girl, there are a few adventures i remember poignantly. my first trip to disneyland, my little sister being afraid of the characters, especially Mickey. she towered in fear as i ran up and grabbed his leg. Another fond memory was my first trip to the zoo. I got to see the elephants, the tigers, and there might have been a bear. oh my!

For my birthday this year, I decided to take my niece Julianna to the zoo. my gift to her, and to me as it brings such joy to see her little face light up. She learned a new word that day... ROAR! and sang it with pride, all the way home...

some of the memories of her first trip.

little sam has gotten big

Ive made my way back to boston to see my good friend Ida Mae and her little man Sam. He's a year old now and I'm patiently waiting to see his infectious grin. Ida has been keeping me and the rest of the world up to date on his growth and changes via her blog at http://www.treeswillbend.com/ a fascinating wealth of information for parents interested in raising a "green" baby in an eco conscious sense. I'm coming guys! its time to update these photos and get some shots of the big boy, hopefully walking. and of course his lovely momma!

big kids

On occasion I expand past my preference of little ones and shoot those that are my size. This past weekend i did just that. Shooting model portfolios is fun and a bit of a challenge which is what i strive for. Who wants work to be easy? Where's the fun in that?

So here are a few shots of the ladies that helped fill my Saturday. I left exhausted, sweaty and a little sunburned but satisfied nonetheless. Thanks ladies for your hard work and enthusiasm.