Eww... worms.

Another warm day to be outside.  I was able to do some yard work with my babies and then I watched them play with worms.  Well, I watched my boy play with worms.  He was curious about them and very concerned as to not squish them.   Love him for that!!  My daugher on the other hand was only interested from a far.

I thought she was enjoying herself with the worms until out of nowhere she started screaming hysterical.  A worm touched her.   What a beautiful baby girl, with tears streaming down her face, her trying to tell me that a worm touched her bottom, but me not really understanding what she was saying because I couldn't understand the words due to the pure hysteria that was unfolding.  I was only able to get a few good shots because hugs and kisses were in order for her.

I am so blessed to have two amazing children that inspire me every moment of every day.  It is more unbelievable how upset she was, and yet when I looked at her through it all,  she just radiated more beauty than ever.  I look at her and I see a child more beautiful than a porcelain doll.

My sweet girl....  crying over the worms

My rough and tough boy that likes to get dirty and run into walls, but is still sensitive enough to handle the worms gently......

A new beginning....

I graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography in 2002.  11 years ago.  It really seems like yesterday when I was working my butt off in the labs and going sleepless 7 week sessions with just a week or two break before having to start it all over again.

When I graduated I was so confident that I was going to ease into a job because of the education I had behind me.  However, in reality, that really meant very little.  I was a portrait photographer.  No one cared if I went to Brooks or not.  I moved back to Philadelphia thinking that I was just going to be able to jump start a business with ease.  Well, it was like a slap in the face because that didn't happen.  Actually, since I graduated I have been struggling to start a business.  I put so much emphasis on creating jobs that I actually lost interest in what I had loved so passionately for so long.   My work I began producing was mediocre at best.  Some say that I am too critical of myself but I did not have any confidence in my work anymore.  I looked at and thought it was terrible.  It wasn't the work I knew I was able to produce.  Then it got to the point where I put my camera down and it started to collect dust.  How sad... It was so upsetting when I picked it up one day and literally had to dust it off.

About 4 years ago I was offered a job with a fine jewelry company.  I think the only reason why I got the job was because they were desperate for someone.  But having this job opened up an entirely new world of photography to me.  Photographing fine jewelry is very difficult and a distinct specialty. I have learned so much about retouching and lighting techniques.  Having this job definitely built up my confidence again to pick up my camera and photograph what inspires me.

Randomly, a little while back I ran into an old friend who also shares a passion for photography.  It was so refreshing to be able to just sit down with someone and just talk about photography.  I missed that.  For 3 straight years, while in school, that is all I did.  My friends and I would just talk about photography and artists and different lighting techniques.  I have never felt so alive and at home with myself.  Then when I moved back to Philadelphia, it was like it literally died.  A part of me died and I didn't know how to get it back.

So, 11 years post graduation.... I am starting over.  This is my new beginning.  I have 2 amazing children who inspire me with their smiles, charm and sensitivity every day.  As of late, they have been my main reason for dusting off my camera, picking it up and photographing pure beauty.  I have found, since I have run into my old friend that photography has been re-ignited in me again.  I feel like it is again a part of who I am.  Thank you to her for helping me when she didn't even know I needed it so much.


I am starting a personal project called "One a Day".  Everyday I will post one image that has captured my eye.  It can be of anything at all...

Today, it is my beautiful niece.

Oh Baby!!

Last weekend I photographed a beautiful 2 week old newborn.  Most of my work up to this point has consisted mostly of children, so photographing a newborn was quite a challenge.  To get those peaceful sleeping newborn shots, a great deal of time and patience is required.   I spent about an hour and a half with him, but realized later that I needed to spend more time.  As a photographer and parent, you have little control over the newborn and what they need or want at that time.  So, spending good time with the baby and his family will allow you to get certain photographs that happen in between the feeding, cuddling and comforting times.  Here are a few images that I did get.  Little Brendan was alert and awake showing off those blue eyes in every image.