Clayton | Blue Marsh Lake High School Senior Portrait Session | Berks County Pennsylvania Photographer
The Mauro Sisters | Wyomissing Fall Family Portrait Session | Berks County Pennsylvania Photographer
Next up on the blog is one of my favorite local families. Technically this year it was just the sisters participating, but I know it took a family effort to make it happen! (And I think their mom deserves an award for finding the absolute best outfits for each session!!) Due to the early sunset time and typical crazy fall schedules (x3 with these talented, involved girls), we had less than 30 minutes to make magic together. With their personalities and boundless energy, I had no doubt we would be successful. Looking back, I definitely think we nailed it. We started at a tiny field near Blue Marsh Lake that had the perfect pops of fall color left on the trees, and then finished up at one of my favorite spots on the Penn State Berks campus. Thanks again for trusting me with your portraits, Mauro Family! And thank you for the smiles and laughs, as usual. I hope you all have the most incredible 2022.
Katelyn | Class of 2021 | Pennsylvania High School Senior Portrait Photographer
Spring has officially arrived, and Mother Nature’s colors are starting to appear. All this sunshine and warm weather has me reminiscing about my senior portrait sessions over the past few months. I think the arrival of new life each spring is so symbolic as it relates to high school seniors eagerly anticipating graduation - a new season not only for the year, but for their lives. It’s a chance to continue on a journey they have carefully mapped out, or to gain clarity if their path is still unknown. It’s full of anticipation and excitement over what is still to come, mixed with bittersweet feelings of saying farewell to familiar people and places - even if just temporarily.
I photographed so many amazing seniors this year. Every session left me feeling inspired and excited for these incredible students and their families. It really does take a village to raise a child, and I hope everyone takes a moment to celebrate the young adults in their lives who they have supported over the years. Graduation really is the culmination of a team effort.
Today, I want to recognize Katelyn. She is a member of Wilson High School’s Class of 2021. I had such a wonderful time creating these images with her in one of my favorite spots. She has such a gentle and kind soul, and is destined for some pretty amazing things. I know it. Congratulations, Katelyn!
P.S. My schedule is almost full, but I do have a few weekday openings if your high school or college senior wants some personalized photographs to capture this time in their lives!
The Murillo Family | Blue Marsh Lake Fall Portrait Session | Pennsylvania Family and Children Photographer
I recently met up with the Murillo Family to update their family portraits. (You may remember them from last year’s session which I blogged here.) Well, their little guy has become even cuter and more mobile since last year’s session! And I love everything about that - I love a challenge, especially when it includes chasing kids around trying to capture their true personalities in my photos.
This was just supposed to be another typical session. But, it turned out to be anything beside that for me. Let me explain…
First, that day started off with torrential downpours. As multiple weather forecasters were predicting that it would clear up before our session began, we decided to stick to our plans. I was recently at this same location for an engagement session, so I knew that there would be a few areas where we could escape any lingering water and mud.
Shortly before our session was scheduled to begin, Amanda texted me saying they had arrived early - but when I arrived, there were no other cars waiting for me at that spot. It turns out that there was some miscommunication, and we were waiting for each other at locations about 20 minutes apart. After some phone calls and texts in an area with spotty cell reception, we finally found each other. (I take full responsibility for that - I will definitely be clearer next time with my directions! Thank you for being so understanding, Murillo Family!) I always try to build in a time buffer when I schedule my sessions, to account for walking time, outfit changes, or other unanticipated things that come up - and that night, I’m glad that I did! The light was nice at the start of our session, and it was only getting better as our time together progressed. So, I’m actually thankful for that mishap that got us started a little late! Golden Hour was on full display during our entire session!
As soon as we found each other, the session began. I usually try to warm up my clients a bit with some exploring and small talk while we walk together, but we jumped right in to take advantage of all of our available time before the sun disappeared. I remembered that Louie was energetic and a little squirmy during our last session, and I was mentally prepared for whatever game plan he brought to our session that evening! :) And, he did not disappoint.
We spent the next hour together walking, exploring, pausing to attempt to capture a few posed shots, but mostly just letting Louie do his thing and rolling with it. Louie’s bike (that was custom painted by his Grandpa) even made an appearance during the last few moments of our session, just as the sun was calling it a day. His excitement and joy while riding his tricycle around the parking lot were contagious!
I absolutely love how this entire session unfolded. We did manage to get a few shots of everyone smiling and looking at the camera. But, I’ll be completely honest with you. My favorite images are the ones that capture Louie’s adventurous spirit, energy, curiosity, and personality. And the images that capture the way Amanda and Luis parent him with love, understanding, a firm gentleness, and the most amazing combination of patience and humor. What made this session magical was the way Amanda and Luis gave Louie the freedom to be himself - the freedom to wander, to be curious, and to explore boundaries - the freedom to be a kid.
So, I’m going to split these images into two categories: 1) the images that are usually the ones to make it onto walls and holiday cards, and 2) the images that capture a more realistic version of life. I love them all, but the latter are the ones that are my hands-down favorites. Look at them and you’ll probably see why. (For the record, the “real life” photos are the ones that I would personally choose to put on display on my walls!)
Without any further delay, here is the Murillo Family - version 2019. Thanks again for this opportunity, Murillo Family! But mostly, thank you for the smiles, memories, laughs, and opportunity to reflect on my own parenting adventures. You two are crushing this parenting game.
Here is the first set of images: (I’ll call this The Pinterest-y Collection.)
And here is the second set: (I’ll call this The Real Life Collection.)
Tabitha + Jason | Blue Marsh Fall Engagement Session | Berks County Wedding Photographer
Tabitha and Jason are getting married next Halloween, and they wanted a moody fall vibe reflected in their engagement portraits. We met up recently at one of their favorite spots around Blue Marsh Lake and we absolutely killed their session. (I might be biased, but I bet you’ll agree with me after viewing this selection of images!)
Mother Nature was definitely on our side that evening, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that! We had the most stunning golden hour light, followed by a breathtaking sunset. I really feel like this session was gifted to me for making it halfway through my annual busy season - not only was the weather and light perfect, but Jason and Tabitha are so naturally cuddly and adorable - I feel like they made it too easy for me! (I’m definitely not complaining.)
While we were together, I also captured a few photos of some of their dearest family members who tagged along to help out. Tabitha and Jason have so many cheerleaders excited for this wedding to take place - I don’t know who is looking forward to it the most! And, you can add me to that list! I know their wedding day is going to be absolutely fantastic.
Without any further delay, I present to you Tabitha and Jason (and a few of their closest loved ones). Congratulations again, and I’m so thankful that we found each other! I know we’re going to make an amazing team.
Deciduous Life | Clothing Brand Commercial Shoot | Pennsylvania Photographer
I recently created a few images for my friends over at Deciduous Life. Click here to get your hands on some of this merchandise, as well as other awesome stuff.
Kirstie + Troy | Snowy Blue Marsh Lake Maternity Session | Berks County Family Photographer
Kirstie reached out to me a few months ago, wanting to book a snowy maternity session to celebrate her and Troy's growing family. This session was originally supposed to take place on a day when there was no snow to be found, and the only signs of winter were the high winds and below freezing temperatures. It would have been a brutal day to hold an outdoor photoshoot. So, we decided to take our chances and reschedule for two weeks later. Luckily, Mother Nature delivered snow a few days before our session, and the temperatures were cold enough all week that the snow actually stuck around for a while. We met up at Blue Marsh Lake, and the weather was perfect on that particular afternoon - we were gifted with reasonable temperatures, zero winds, and amazing golden hour light. Kirstie was absolutely stunning, rocking her maternity glow! (Troy was a great sport throughout it all as well!) I’m still in awe of Kirstie’s ability to change her outfit mid-session in a pickup truck and hike through the snow in her fashionable shoes! (I think she’s a ninja in disguise.) They are going to be the most amazing parents to this lucky little girl!! I’m so honored that they asked me to capture this wonderful time in their lives. I had so much fun creating these images with them, and am thankful that my husband agreed to come along and assist us that afternoon.
I hope you enjoy this little glimpse into their photoshoot.
Tara + Joe (+ Delaney + Darla) | Blue Marsh Engagement Session | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
Wedding season is in full swing and I've been so busy that I've slacked on blogging lately. I am determined to get caught up, so be prepared to have your newsfeeds filled! Now starring on my blog are Tara and Joe and their fun-loving (and incredibly well-trained) pups Darla and Delaney! We met up at the Stilling Basin at Blue Marsh Lake, one of their favorite places to hang out together. What was supposed to be a warm (or at least mild) spring session ended up being unseasonably cold and windy! They were such troopers, though, and I love how their photos turned out. I can't wait for their wedding this fall!
Here are a few samples from our session. Enjoy!
The Mest Family | Sunflower Children's Mini Session | Berks County Pennsylvania Family Photographer
A few weeks ago, I met up with these adorable kiddos at a sunflower field near Blue Marsh Lake. They wanted to surprise their daddy with some updated photos on his birthday, so I've been sitting on these for a little while so I wouldn't ruin the surprise. I received permission to post these now, and I'm so happy that I can finally share their smiles and personalities on my blog!
I have photographed the Mest Family a few times now, and I have loved every single session. This family is so much fun and is so loving and positive. And, let me tell you about this brother and sister duo - they are so full of spunk and energy, and they love hugging each other (even if just for a few seconds)! It's really a pleasure to be around them.
Thank you for driving out to see me, Mest Family! I hope your daddy loved his birthday surprise.
