Clayton | Blue Marsh Lake High School Senior Portrait Session | Berks County Pennsylvania Photographer
The Mauro Sisters | Wyomissing Fall Family Portrait Session | Berks County Pennsylvania Photographer
Next up on the blog is one of my favorite local families. Technically this year it was just the sisters participating, but I know it took a family effort to make it happen! (And I think their mom deserves an award for finding the absolute best outfits for each session!!) Due to the early sunset time and typical crazy fall schedules (x3 with these talented, involved girls), we had less than 30 minutes to make magic together. With their personalities and boundless energy, I had no doubt we would be successful. Looking back, I definitely think we nailed it. We started at a tiny field near Blue Marsh Lake that had the perfect pops of fall color left on the trees, and then finished up at one of my favorite spots on the Penn State Berks campus. Thanks again for trusting me with your portraits, Mauro Family! And thank you for the smiles and laughs, as usual. I hope you all have the most incredible 2022.
Katelyn | Class of 2021 | Pennsylvania High School Senior Portrait Photographer
Spring has officially arrived, and Mother Nature’s colors are starting to appear. All this sunshine and warm weather has me reminiscing about my senior portrait sessions over the past few months. I think the arrival of new life each spring is so symbolic as it relates to high school seniors eagerly anticipating graduation - a new season not only for the year, but for their lives. It’s a chance to continue on a journey they have carefully mapped out, or to gain clarity if their path is still unknown. It’s full of anticipation and excitement over what is still to come, mixed with bittersweet feelings of saying farewell to familiar people and places - even if just temporarily.
I photographed so many amazing seniors this year. Every session left me feeling inspired and excited for these incredible students and their families. It really does take a village to raise a child, and I hope everyone takes a moment to celebrate the young adults in their lives who they have supported over the years. Graduation really is the culmination of a team effort.
Today, I want to recognize Katelyn. She is a member of Wilson High School’s Class of 2021. I had such a wonderful time creating these images with her in one of my favorite spots. She has such a gentle and kind soul, and is destined for some pretty amazing things. I know it. Congratulations, Katelyn!
P.S. My schedule is almost full, but I do have a few weekday openings if your high school or college senior wants some personalized photographs to capture this time in their lives!
The Murillo Family | Blue Marsh Lake Fall Portrait Session | Pennsylvania Family and Children Photographer
I recently met up with the Murillo Family to update their family portraits. (You may remember them from last year’s session which I blogged here.) Well, their little guy has become even cuter and more mobile since last year’s session! And I love everything about that - I love a challenge, especially when it includes chasing kids around trying to capture their true personalities in my photos.
This was just supposed to be another typical session. But, it turned out to be anything beside that for me. Let me explain…
First, that day started off with torrential downpours. As multiple weather forecasters were predicting that it would clear up before our session began, we decided to stick to our plans. I was recently at this same location for an engagement session, so I knew that there would be a few areas where we could escape any lingering water and mud.
Shortly before our session was scheduled to begin, Amanda texted me saying they had arrived early - but when I arrived, there were no other cars waiting for me at that spot. It turns out that there was some miscommunication, and we were waiting for each other at locations about 20 minutes apart. After some phone calls and texts in an area with spotty cell reception, we finally found each other. (I take full responsibility for that - I will definitely be clearer next time with my directions! Thank you for being so understanding, Murillo Family!) I always try to build in a time buffer when I schedule my sessions, to account for walking time, outfit changes, or other unanticipated things that come up - and that night, I’m glad that I did! The light was nice at the start of our session, and it was only getting better as our time together progressed. So, I’m actually thankful for that mishap that got us started a little late! Golden Hour was on full display during our entire session!
As soon as we found each other, the session began. I usually try to warm up my clients a bit with some exploring and small talk while we walk together, but we jumped right in to take advantage of all of our available time before the sun disappeared. I remembered that Louie was energetic and a little squirmy during our last session, and I was mentally prepared for whatever game plan he brought to our session that evening! :) And, he did not disappoint.
We spent the next hour together walking, exploring, pausing to attempt to capture a few posed shots, but mostly just letting Louie do his thing and rolling with it. Louie’s bike (that was custom painted by his Grandpa) even made an appearance during the last few moments of our session, just as the sun was calling it a day. His excitement and joy while riding his tricycle around the parking lot were contagious!
I absolutely love how this entire session unfolded. We did manage to get a few shots of everyone smiling and looking at the camera. But, I’ll be completely honest with you. My favorite images are the ones that capture Louie’s adventurous spirit, energy, curiosity, and personality. And the images that capture the way Amanda and Luis parent him with love, understanding, a firm gentleness, and the most amazing combination of patience and humor. What made this session magical was the way Amanda and Luis gave Louie the freedom to be himself - the freedom to wander, to be curious, and to explore boundaries - the freedom to be a kid.
So, I’m going to split these images into two categories: 1) the images that are usually the ones to make it onto walls and holiday cards, and 2) the images that capture a more realistic version of life. I love them all, but the latter are the ones that are my hands-down favorites. Look at them and you’ll probably see why. (For the record, the “real life” photos are the ones that I would personally choose to put on display on my walls!)
Without any further delay, here is the Murillo Family - version 2019. Thanks again for this opportunity, Murillo Family! But mostly, thank you for the smiles, memories, laughs, and opportunity to reflect on my own parenting adventures. You two are crushing this parenting game.
Here is the first set of images: (I’ll call this The Pinterest-y Collection.)
And here is the second set: (I’ll call this The Real Life Collection.)
Tabitha + Jason | Blue Marsh Fall Engagement Session | Berks County Wedding Photographer
Tabitha and Jason are getting married next Halloween, and they wanted a moody fall vibe reflected in their engagement portraits. We met up recently at one of their favorite spots around Blue Marsh Lake and we absolutely killed their session. (I might be biased, but I bet you’ll agree with me after viewing this selection of images!)
Mother Nature was definitely on our side that evening, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that! We had the most stunning golden hour light, followed by a breathtaking sunset. I really feel like this session was gifted to me for making it halfway through my annual busy season - not only was the weather and light perfect, but Jason and Tabitha are so naturally cuddly and adorable - I feel like they made it too easy for me! (I’m definitely not complaining.)
While we were together, I also captured a few photos of some of their dearest family members who tagged along to help out. Tabitha and Jason have so many cheerleaders excited for this wedding to take place - I don’t know who is looking forward to it the most! And, you can add me to that list! I know their wedding day is going to be absolutely fantastic.
Without any further delay, I present to you Tabitha and Jason (and a few of their closest loved ones). Congratulations again, and I’m so thankful that we found each other! I know we’re going to make an amazing team.
Deciduous Life | Clothing Brand Commercial Shoot | Pennsylvania Photographer
I recently created a few images for my friends over at Deciduous Life. Click here to get your hands on some of this merchandise, as well as other awesome stuff.
Kirstie + Troy | Snowy Blue Marsh Lake Maternity Session | Berks County Family Photographer
Kirstie reached out to me a few months ago, wanting to book a snowy maternity session to celebrate her and Troy's growing family. This session was originally supposed to take place on a day when there was no snow to be found, and the only signs of winter were the high winds and below freezing temperatures. It would have been a brutal day to hold an outdoor photoshoot. So, we decided to take our chances and reschedule for two weeks later. Luckily, Mother Nature delivered snow a few days before our session, and the temperatures were cold enough all week that the snow actually stuck around for a while. We met up at Blue Marsh Lake, and the weather was perfect on that particular afternoon - we were gifted with reasonable temperatures, zero winds, and amazing golden hour light. Kirstie was absolutely stunning, rocking her maternity glow! (Troy was a great sport throughout it all as well!) I’m still in awe of Kirstie’s ability to change her outfit mid-session in a pickup truck and hike through the snow in her fashionable shoes! (I think she’s a ninja in disguise.) They are going to be the most amazing parents to this lucky little girl!! I’m so honored that they asked me to capture this wonderful time in their lives. I had so much fun creating these images with them, and am thankful that my husband agreed to come along and assist us that afternoon.
I hope you enjoy this little glimpse into their photoshoot.
Tara + Joe (+ Delaney + Darla) | Blue Marsh Engagement Session | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
Wedding season is in full swing and I've been so busy that I've slacked on blogging lately. I am determined to get caught up, so be prepared to have your newsfeeds filled! Now starring on my blog are Tara and Joe and their fun-loving (and incredibly well-trained) pups Darla and Delaney! We met up at the Stilling Basin at Blue Marsh Lake, one of their favorite places to hang out together. What was supposed to be a warm (or at least mild) spring session ended up being unseasonably cold and windy! They were such troopers, though, and I love how their photos turned out. I can't wait for their wedding this fall!
Here are a few samples from our session. Enjoy!
The Mest Family | Sunflower Children's Mini Session | Berks County Pennsylvania Family Photographer
A few weeks ago, I met up with these adorable kiddos at a sunflower field near Blue Marsh Lake. They wanted to surprise their daddy with some updated photos on his birthday, so I've been sitting on these for a little while so I wouldn't ruin the surprise. I received permission to post these now, and I'm so happy that I can finally share their smiles and personalities on my blog!
I have photographed the Mest Family a few times now, and I have loved every single session. This family is so much fun and is so loving and positive. And, let me tell you about this brother and sister duo - they are so full of spunk and energy, and they love hugging each other (even if just for a few seconds)! It's really a pleasure to be around them.
Thank you for driving out to see me, Mest Family! I hope your daddy loved his birthday surprise.
The Miller Family | Sunflower Field Family Photoshoot | Berks County Portrait Photographer
A few weeks ago, I met up with the Miller Family at a sunflower field near Blue Marsh Lake to create their family portraits. The weather was on the warmer side that evening, but the light was incredible, we had blue skies and puffy clouds, and we had the entire place to ourselves! I love when that happens during my photoshoots!
This family was one of my first clients when I went into business, and it was truly an honor and pleasure to photograph them again a few years later. They are so fun and kind, and I smiled during their entire session. They have so much love for each other, and are so full of positive energy. It's always a pleasure to be in their presence.
Thank you again for this opportunity to create portraits for you, Miller Family! I had a blast reconnecting with you, and am thrilled to share a few of my favorite photos from our time together.
David's 3 Year Session | Blue Marsh Lake | Berks County Children Photographer
David and his mommy are starring on my third "catch up" blog for the week! I have been photographing David since he was a newborn, and several times since then. I feel so lucky to be able to watch these children grow and interact with them as their incredible personalities develop! I really feel like I have the best families as clients!! It's easy to forget that this is my job when I'm having so much fun. It sounds cliche, but it's true!
Here are a few of my favorites from my April session at Blue Marsh Lake with David and his mommy. We took these just in time to celebrate David's 3rd birthday! I hope you enjoy them!! As you can see, his personality just shines through in these images.
The Maulick Family | Blue Marsh Family Session | Berks County Photographer
This is the second installment of my scheduled make-up blogs! Today I present to you the Maulick Family! We met up at Blue Marsh Lake in early April to create a few photographs in honor of Kinley's 2nd birthday! I had the honor of capturing her newborn, 1-year cake smash, and some other photos, and I knew this session was going to be a blast! She has such a fantastic personality, and with such an awesome mom and dad, it's easy to see why!
Here are a few of my favorites from our session. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
The Deely Family | Berks County Family Photographer
I've been so busy lately, I completely forgot to blog a few of my early spring sessions! I decided to catch up on them, and first up is the Deely Family!
Rory was my very first newborn client, and I have had the honor of photographing her and her family multiple times since then! It has been so incredible watching her grow up. Her mom and dad are some of the nicest, most genuine, most fun people I have ever met. I feel so lucky that this family came into my life, and that my photography has brought us closer together.
Here are a few of my favorite photos from a session we had at Blue Marsh Lake this past March. Rory and her unicorn friend wanted to get as close to the water as possible, and it made for some great shots! Rory's grandpa even made his way into a few photos!
Big thanks to the Deely Family for driving out this way all the way from the Lehigh Valley for our photoshoot, and for waiting out the rain so we could create these photographs!
Blue Marsh Lake Family Session | The Carr Family
I met Jeff and Ashley a few years ago when my daughters joined the Ski Roundtop Race Club snowboard race team. Jeff has been an amazing coach and mentor to my girls over the years, and whenever we see him and Ashley together on the mountain, you can just see him light up. Seriously, they are perfect together!
Fast forward to last March when their incredible family grew by one. I had the honor of capturing Luna's newborn photos, and during our entire session I saw that glow on Jeff's face again - but it was even brighter this time.
We got together again last weekend for Luna's six month photos, and you could see it again.
Ashley and Luna are his world, as he is theirs. It has been such an honor photographing their family the past year, and I am looking forward to many more sessions with them. Thanks, Carr Family, for driving to Blue Marsh Lake all the way from Harrisburg!! I can't wait to see everyone again on the snow! Until then, here are a few of my favorite photos from our morning together.
The Mest Family at Blue Marsh Lake
Early Sunday morning, I met up with the Mest Family at Blue Marsh Lake. When we arrived, the sky was overcast and the mist was still forming on the surface of the lake - it made for some really nice lighting at the edge of the water!
This session was originally planned for Julie and Andy and their two children - but Julie's sister was out of town, and Julie asked if she could bring her nephews and mother along to surprise her sister with some pictures of her children and their grandma upon her return. I was happy to oblige! What a kind, thoughtful gesture!!
I had such a great time chasing these kiddos (and grown ups) around Blue Marsh Lake! They have such fun personalities, and it is obvious that they share a strong bond. Here are a few of my favorites from our session.
Community Over Competition | Headshot Swap
Last week, I hung out with a group of very talented and kindhearted photographers from Berks, Lancaster, and Lehigh counties. We decided to meet up at Blue Marsh Lake for a headshot swap. I'm so thankful for all of the photographers I have met over the past year who are less interested in competing and more focused on lifting each other up so we can all be successful in this industry. Here are a few of my favorite photos from our time together. Thanks for a fun evening, everyone!!
