First Communion

Just a few detail shots of a cousins First Communion photos from this week.

The Bible belonged to G's great (maybe another great) grandfather. Very special.


Love the shoes!

Recent...

We've been busy enjoying spring out our house... blessed with many, many days of beautiful spring weather has spoiled us! Easter was great - sunny and warm. In the 7 or so years we have been here I don't remember a nicer Easter weekend, weather-wise.

Jack was so excited to dress up for Easter and he sported some really cool penny loafers.Addie looking WAY too old! Oh my.


She loves, loves dogs and especially enjoys taking care of and playing with our neighbor's dog, Lily and Spencer. I think this is a telling photo of Addie and the dogs --- she is quite the leader!

More later -- we just love being outside when the weather is nice. The light is getting so lovely in the evenings and the trees are starting to bud. A great time for photos!

A big ol' family!

The weather was perfect (well, a bit sunny actually) on Saturday afternoon for a large family photo - 16 grandkids, 7 siblings, 7 spouses to those siblings and one VERY HAPPY Mimi who was celebrating a big birthday. What a fun surprise!!

We put Mimi in the center of all the grandkids - took several serious/nice shots and then I asked them to get silly. My favorites are Mimi -so glad she got into it- and the guy on the left standing in the front - love his expression! Once we were done with the large group I spotted some of the kids piled up on the picnic table. The older guys were chillin' and so all the grandkids got together again for one last casual group shot. I'll save the 30+ person group shots for the family - thank goodness you guys were easy-going and fun! Thanks so much.

12 weeks old

Sweet little Miss C had her debut in front of the camera today and tried really, really hard to enjoy her session. She has a bad case of reflux and it has been a bit challenging according to mom and dad. She was happy for a bit - her favorite spot to make her happy... the changing table! Then, she was mad, mad. Dad claims she has a temper and blames it on her beautiful red hair!! She will outgrow it -- you guys are doing such a great job. Being a new parent is NOT easy!!

Cool tidbit --- Miss C shares the same birthday as her triplet cousins! Her grandparent's 4 grandkids share the same birthday -- I bet that doesn't happen very often!

I think we captured some great shots... here are some happy ones!
Hanging out on her changing table:

She did some great talking to Mama:
Smiles outside:

Kisses outside:


Same shot, one in black and white, one in color... a bit different cropping... I like them both!

Thanks so much for having me over. I hope I am lucky enough to see Miss C grow over the next few years!

Happy Easter!

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!

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!