Spring!

I just updated the slideshow on my website, www.stephanieantshel.com, and here are a few of the images I used.

I love spring. I love when the earth starts to wake up and people emerge from their homes to get a healthy dose of Vitamin D. We have been blessed with a couple of weeks of beautiful early spring (actually it was late winter to be precise) weather -mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Bulbs are blooming, plants are growing, the kids are getting plenty of exercise and quality outdoor play time with friends and neighbors. Bike tires and basketballs have been pumped with fresh air and many masterpieces have been chalked on the driveway. Life is good!

Spring has prompted people to inquire about photo sessions... it's getting busy! If you are interested in a spring session be sure to email soon. Weekends, especially, are getting full.

Enjoy these early spring days!

"children"

I was recently hired to photograph a family consisting of mom, dad and three children --- this time the "children" weren't actually children.

A session with grown children is obviously so different than with youngsters. The easy part is that everyone listens and follows directions. There typically aren't any tempter tantrums when photographing adults! The hard part is getting everyone comfortable and natural in front of the camera. Little ones just let all the emotion out... adults, not so much. In general, adults are SO self-conscious and critical of how they look. It is hard to just "be" and relax in front of a camera as we get older. I totally get it.. I'm the same way.

I tried to make this bunch have a good time... I think they did. They laughed a lot. I really love watching families interact when I do sessions, especially adults. The two daughters live out of town and were visiting for the weekend. They seem to have such a lovely bond.
Mama's boy??? Not sure, but I loved this moment -- this is how I hope my future looks with my son, Jack.
I love this photo. Does Dad look proud of his gorgeous daughters or what??!Cheers!!!!! Extra guy is cute boyfriend of one of the daughters. We had some laughs as he was in some of the family portraits as to whether he should stand on the end in case we need to get rid of him in the photos in the future... I'm thinking he's a keeper and wont need to get photoshopped out of the pictures!!! My idea of a natural family portrait - such a nice bunch!

Thanks so much for inviting me to capture your lovely family!

Family, family, family

I really enjoyed the family I met this weekend. Two adorable boys and super parents who adore their little guys (and each other).

I was met with great energy from the guys! Sword fight!

Beautiful mom!
Such troopers - we went outside for a little winter fun. They have a great hill for sledding, but boy, the snow was deep and thick so we opted for some kisses instead!
I love this one!

Inside to warm up by the fire. The little guy was getting a bit tired and I love how he snuck in a little head rest on his brother's shoulder.


Is is wrong that this will probably be one of my favorite pics from the session??!!! A mini-meltdown ensued as the three year old was trying to enjoy his hot cocoa -- he just couldn't get it right; too hot, too cold, needed to be moved to a different spot, I think there was something with it not being in the right mug (does this sound familiar to all of you with young children??!!). Well... big brother was having a grand 'ole time watching his brother . Very cute!Thank you very much for having me over!