Kristen + Maxx + 1 | West Reading Maternity Session | Berks County Photographer

Kristen and Maxx met me at my studio last week, and they arrived with heavy hearts caused by some recent losses in their lives. I offered to reschedule the session, but they wanted to go through with it as planned, to help distract their minds for a bit. I’m so glad that they opted to go on with our photoshoot. During our time together, which started off in my new Shillington studio and ended at the murals in West Reading, I did my best to capture the essence of their deep love for each other and their excitement for their daughter’s upcoming arrival. And, while we created images together that evening, it became clear to me that in challenging times they have found a way to lean into each other and the solid foundation they have built together. On that night, among others, they were able use their combined light to guide them through times of darkness. The dreamy golden hour light that surrounded us that evening was nothing in comparison to the glow that Kristen and Maxx exuded. In life, we often find ourselves in moments of juxtaposition. That night was one of those times for me, and I am guessing perhaps for Kristen and Maxx as well. I hope these images do justice to their love story, and for this miraculous new chapter in their lives.

It turns out that we agreed on the absolute perfect locations for this session! During the few hours that we spent together, I learned that they are both fans of Easy Rider, that Maxx has an art background (and has a hidden talent as a bee whisperer), that they are both incredibly fit - so much so that they motivated me to start working out again. Also, and most importantly, I learned that they are completely smitten with each other and this baby.

Thank you, Kristen and Maxx, for asking me to capture these moments for you and your loved ones. I can’t wait to meet your little girl and tell her how lucky she is to have chosen the two of you to be her mommy and daddy.

Mika + Zach | Wilson High School Prom | Wyomissing, West Reading Pennsylvania Portrait Photographer

It’s prom season around here, and Wilson High School had its prom last night. It is rare that Mika agrees to step in front of my camera, so I had to capitalize on this opportunity to photograph her and Zach - even though I had only a small window of time to capture these images before I had to leave to photograph a Bar Mitzvah outside Philadelphia. I was determined to make it all work somehow!

Mika and Zach are creative and fun, like doing their own thing, and prefer to avoid crowds. We are very similar in those ways! Last year, they decided to have their prom portraits captured at Stoudtburg Village - and we lucked out and were the only ones there. (You can see those photos by clicking here.) This year, they wanted to use West Reading as their backdrop, specifically the murals. I was game! So, while everyone else attending Berks County proms was fighting crowds at the Reading Museum, Wyomissing Park, and Grings Mill, we had downtown West Reading all to ourselves! Those other places are lovely, and I photograph there often - but I’m impatient and don’t like waiting for my favorite portrait spots on prom day. I also don’t like having hundreds of other people in the backgrounds of my photos. And, as a couple, I think it’s nice just to be able to spread out a little bit and be yourselves during your portrait time.

When we met up in West Reading, we lucked out with both the weather and the crowds - we had great light, no rain, and no competing prom couples. Mika and Zach looked absolutely amazing! Thank you to Iron Roots Hair Salon for fitting in Mika’s makeup and hair that afternoon. (She went there directly after taking the SATs! It was quite a busy day!) Mika has only worn makeup twice in her life - and the first time was for prom last year. They do a fantastic job of bringing out Mika’s natural inner beauty. You may notice that Mika was wearing her Crocs (aka “snowboard tuning shoes) in some of her photos. She’s all about comfort - and I can’t say I blame her - but the “fancy” prom shoes did find their way onto her feet before prom started.

I hope you enjoy this selection of some of my favorite images. Mika is currently a junior at Wilson, and Zach is a freshman at West Chester. One more prom for Mika, then I think we have a few years off until it’s our youngest daughter’s turn…

The Moczydlowski Family | Wyomissing Park Family Photoshoot | Berks County Pennsylvania Portrait Photographer

A few weeks ago, I met up with the Moczydlowski Family at the Wyomissing Park to capture their family portraits.  We were fortunate to have incredible golden hour light and perfect weather for their photoshoot!

This was my first time creating photographs for this family, and I'm so honored that they asked me to be their photographer.  They are such kind, loving, and patient parents - and their children are adorable and are so much fun to be around!!  I love photographing kids - their smiles and energy and curiosity are always contagious!  I leave my photoshoots completely exhausted, but completely refilled at the same time - and this session was no different!

Thank you, Moczydlowski Family, for giving me this opportunity.  I had a great time creating these photographs for you.  (Also, big thanks for the care package that you left on my doorstep afterwards!!)

It was difficult to choose just a few portraits to share with everyone here (because I love them all so much), but this is what I came up with.  Enjoy!

Kayla, Exeter Class of 2017 | Berks County High School Senior Photographer

I recently met up with Kayla for her senior portrait session, and had a BLAST!  Our families have been close for years, and it has been a real pleasure watching her grow up over the years.  I was so excited when I was asked to capture this special time for Kayla and her family!  I knew she was going to rock her photo session.  Kayla is so independent, creative, and breathtakingly gorgeous!  I know that she is going to accomplish some pretty incredible things during her lifetime.

We began our photoshoot in West Lawn, off of Penn Avenue. Then we moved over to Wyomissing and shot at a few locations near The Works.  I love every location, every outfit, and every single picture.  I hope you enjoy these photos from our time together.  Enjoy the rest of your senior year, Kayla!!  Best of luck to all of the members of the Class of 2017!

 

Make-up:  Danica at United Artists Salon + Spa

Hair:  Kayla!