Ok, I confess. I have never been crazy about the Yankee Street Market sunflowers. Everyone gets their pictures taken at the sunflowers. If everyone does it, can it still be unique or special? Maybe its because I have sons. None of my sons have been the sunflower type – can’t imagine any of them posing in front of the sunflowers. Maybe if I had a daughter – I would have been just as eager as all those other mothers – to take the annual Yankee Street Market sunflower photo. Tonight I was pleasantly surprised. I had the opportunity to photograph the sunflowers – because I had a senior request some shots at the sunflowers. She was beautiful. The sunflowers were beautiful. A little creativity – and maybe the sunflowers are more unique and special than I thought. And so now I get it. The possibilities are endless. The angles, the rows, the sun, the color……and thanks to Erin…..I’d kind of like to go back……there are so many things we can do with those sunflowers!
Loved spending time with Ryan & Jonathan! It was a gorgeous night – beautiful skies and cool temperatures….and to think, I only got hit by the ball twice!
Stumbled upon a new background to try out with Ryan – love the colors!
Loved these senior girls! Don’t they look like they belong on an album cover? Do they even make album covers anymore? Probably not…guess I just dated myself!
As much a I may deny it – I still enjoy taking sports pics. But, it is no surprise, that what I like most is the emotion of the game. I love the camaraderie that grows amongst teammates and the dedication of the coaches. As I have watched my kids grow older, Im realizing more and more that the best days of competitive sports are when they are young. That is when the game and its players are most pure. That is when our kids hold their biggest dreams and that’s when the brotherhood begins…
During our first game of the season we had a player go down. It was the last play of the game. It was a clean but hard hit to our quarterback. Because of the uncertainty of these types of situations – it was a bit unnerving for players, coaches and parents to stand on the sidelines and wait. As we all stood and watched the ambulance take our player away – I was consumed with the “what ifs” and “hope nots”. But, for for those few minutes, I also forgot about the camaraderie. I forgot about the evolving brotherhood amongst players…..that is, until our final huddle. It was then that it became evident….our entire team went down with our quarterback.
It is football and Im sure many players will fall this season. But our team has started its season with this reminder – football is a team sport. Our team will struggle and celebrate together. Our brotherhood is strong and our camaraderie is in tact. And, just like our quarterback, our team might get knocked down, but they will continue to get back on their feet to play again.
I had the privilege of photographing a great family this week – as they prepare to head back to school! Sam always makes me smile! For him, back to school means back to football!
Will is entering the 8th grade! Think the girls will notice those big brown eyes?
We couldn’t ask for better weather. It was beautiful at Lake Erie this weekend…..we so enjoyed spending time with good friends. We miss you guys!
The Littlest Heroes Project is a non-profit organization that helps provide and capture memories for families who are dealing with hectic schedules due to having a child who is suffering from a serious illness or life altering disability. Check out their website to see all the ways they make a difference through art.
This weeks theme at www.iheartfaces.com is Small Acts of Kindness. In addition to organizations like The Littlest Heroes Project, it is overwhelming to see the many ways photographers give back to support their local communities. I hope you will check it out!
As many of you know, I support dog rescue through a a local organization, Purebred Rescue Organization. In addition to fostering dogs in need, I love photographing them for their adoption postings. Not only does this help homeless dogs find loving homes, but my hope is to bring awareness to rescue and the wonderful dogs that are in need of good homes. Recently 19 dogs were rescued from a hoarding situation, living in filthy and neglectful conditions. (photo 1 below, contributed photo)
Because of the efforts of dedicated volunteers these dogs are thriving and on their way to good homes!
It seems that no matter their journey, they all just long for the simplest of things – love, food and and warm home to call their own.
I hope you will considering adopting a rescue – there are so many waiting to go home…..
Every year its the same thing. Choose your background, pick your package, pay your money and pray that your child combs his hair, smiles naturally and wears something “decent” the day of school pictures. I decided a long time ago that paying for something that required that kind of a gamble, just wasn’t going to turn out well. ”Why didn’t you smile?”, “Didn’t anyone tell you your hair was sticking up?” “What were you thinking wearing another black and gold elks t-shirt on picture day?” So, I decided to simplify my life – even if it is just a little. No we won’t order pictures, wear whatever you want, and now I have one less thing to plan for during our very busy school year. Thanks Jake for traveling with me to parts unknown, to capture your 5th grade smile! Wear what you want to school, but please -don’t forget to brush your teeth!
