"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!

Toothless

Addie has lost her two front teeth! She wiggled the second one out the first day back to school after Winter Break. I think she waited until school was back in session so that she could go to the nurse's office and get the really cool tooth necklace. She looks so cute, however it makes me sad at how quickly she's growing.

Jack has been interested in looking at his baby pictures lately. He thinks it is very funny that he had a "bulbed" (bald) head when he was a baby. Can you tell that the baby is Jack? I think the eyes are the same... maybe the smile/mouth, too?? He certainly has more hair now!
Crazy kiddos.
We're enjoying a snow day today. Supposed to get 12-18". Will definitely have to get the camera out today!

Turning One

Meet Miss V. She's getting ready to turn one. Like any typical soon-to-be-one year old she ran the show at our session today.
First, she didn't like her headband. Personally, I thought it looked adorable.
Then, she got MAD and cried and threw herself onto her bedroom floor. I thought this was very cute.

Then, she calmed down for a bit and laughed at some toys. I thought this was VERY cute.

We took a walk outside (a mild late February day, yea for high 30s!). Love the smiles!

Speaking of cute, check him out:

Thanks so much for having me over. I really enjoyed meeting Miss V! She is perfect!

This is why I love taking your photos...

People, this is why I do what I do and why I love taking your photos. Thank you for allowing me into your ordinary days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olSyCLJU3O0&feature=related

Weekend visitors!

What a fun weekend we had. Kath and Jon came to play in our snow, although we determined that they have more snow in Ohio than we do. The kids LOVED showing them our routine here, which included a couple of trips to the pond for skaing, Wii games, reading, Dinosaur BBQ and such.

Thanks so much for making the trek, we enjoyed seeing you!

A Winter Wonderland Wedding

Adam and Jillian got married over the weekend and it was truly a winter wonderland! Although the snow wasn't actually falling, there was plenty on the ground, the temperatures were brrrr chilly and the glow of the winter sun was just lovely.

I'm just starting to go through the images - I do believe this will be a very large gallery when Genevieve and I are finished! I can't wait to see her images.

Adam looking very handsome - all smiles on his big day.



Jillian is absolutely stunning bride. Something about this picture, I love... she looks so classic, Audrey Hepburn-ish. A little lipstick before the ceremony!
Grabbing Dad's arm before heading down the aisle.

In keeping with the winter theme, it was only fitting that there be snow fairies!! Precious little ones graced the aisle with "snow" and roses for some of the lucky guests. Too cute.

Adam and Jillian were great sports about the cold weather, allowing us to take some outdoor shots of them. I'm sure they will be pleased they made that choice when they see the pictures.

The starkness of winter is such a great contrast to the beauty of Jillian!


The reception was at Traditions and the room was fabulous. White, glitter, more white and more sparkle. Love this shot, too..

And, I'll leave you with this delicious image... WOW is all I can say about the cake, by She Takes the Cake. Incredibly beautiful with details that matched the winter theme. See the silver broach? Designed to match a broach on the maid of honor's dress. Fabulous!
I could go on and on -- Thanks Adam and Jillian for allowing us to be a part of your beautiful wedding. Best wishes!

We love ice skating!

They love, love, love it!
It is great to see them so happy -- pure, simple, downright fun.

Another one gone...

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle. tie a string around it. more wiggling... that was the story the past few days as Addie's tooth was on its way out. She came home from school today with a hole in her mouth! She lost the actual tooth at school, but her teacher assured her that she would leave the door open for the tooth fairy to go into the school and find the tooth. Sweet!!!

Birthday party for 3!

My favorite triplets turned three!! I was thrilled to be asked to capture the fun moments at "the trips" 3rd birthday party this weekend. The party was at The MOST, such a cool place for a party.

One of the highlights of the play area is an enormous padded climbing structure... quite a workout for adults and a definite energy burner for kiddos! There is a great twisty curvy slide and the triplets loved it. Looks like mom did, too!
There were so many things to make the kids smile.
With three kids the same age you must have an army of adults to keep track of them. Lucky many friends and aunts and uncles were on hand to help out.

A little cake at the end of the party. Yum!

A few family members couldn't attend the party because of a birth in the family. A neat little fact is that the grandparents of the triplets now have four grandchildren (the triplets and the new baby)... all with the SAME EXACT birthday! Cool, huh??!

Thanks again for inviting me -- fun photos to come soon!

6 month cuteness

This little man takes after his sister when she was 6 months old. He is adorable, roly poly, happy and did I mention adorable??!

I was so thrilled to visit this wonderful family again for photos of their larger family... Mr. C is 6 months old and had his turn with my camera. It was a mild day (a balmy 40-ish!) so we were able to step out in the snow for a few quick pics.

When I think of a mild winter day picture I think of chunky sweaters instead of coats - Mom had the same idea and I think she hit the mark. Look how cute he is. LOVE the hat, too.

He is definitely a kissable guy.

Oh, and here is our friend Miss M... all grown up to age 2. She reminds me a bit of my Addie - spunky, independent, chatty (very chatty) and of course, cute as a button.

Once inside, we were all transformed by the magical powers of her wand.
The big guy is just learning how to sit up... looks like he's getting the hang of it!

Thank you so much for inviting me over again. I really enjoy your family--- can't wait to work on the gallery!

website updated and other random thoughts

I finally updated a few things on my website... www.stephanieantshel.com
I'm thinking of getting a whole new look for the website.

Sent my camera and a favorite lens in for cleaning/maintenance... got them both back in prime working condition. I was a tad nervous sending them in the mail, but all is fine and I feel like I have new equipment. Speaking of... I did buy myself a new lens before the end of the year. I have a nifty new 85mm 1.8. Was thinking of getting the big gun 1.2 L, but opted to save several hundred dollars and chose the just as nice one I got. Almost just as nice!

I've been doing some random shots of the kids around the house the past few weeks --- Jack is very into crazy faces so there have been some nutty ones of him. I'm trying to get some of the moments that happen here at home and to freeze time for a bit. Seems it is flying by -- Addie talks like an adult sometimes in her little phrases that she says. Her two front teeth are pretty wobbly... so I am thinking there will be a missing tooth photo op soon!
Here's the silly Jack:

But I was also able to snag this cute, cute on. I may print this big...

Addie and one of her many dolls... she's very into posing now.

Back to the grind tomorrow. Happy Sunday.

ERrr... Creak... yawn... strech...

I'm slowly getting back into the groove after a very much needed rest. The ideas for website and blog upgrades are brewing - will keep you posted.

We're enjoying true winter -- lots and lots of snow. I believe we're over 20 inches at the moment. The kids have loved sledding and are quite the helpers with shoveling the sidewalk and driveway. They are for hire, if interested.

The first day of the year

And here is a greeting from Jack!!!

Whew!
What a year 2009 was for my business. I truly enjoyed the families I worked with and am so appreciative to have been able to capture beautiful images for them. Thank you for allowing me to preserve a slice of your life! I am very excited for 2010 and have some new ideas brewing. Right now... enjoying a much needed break!!