The Carr Family | Gifford Pinchot State Park Summer Session | York County Family Photographer

I have had the honor of photographing the Carr Family on a number of occasions. (Like this session at Blue Marsh Lake, and this one at Copper Mountain in Colorado. ) We have had more sessions together, but I’m not sure if I ever blogged them. (Oops!) I always love the time we spend together - and it’s not just because Jeff and Ashley treat me to incredible dinners afterwards! (But I will not deny that I love that part, too!)

Last week, we met up at Gifford Pinchot Park, and walked along some of their favorite trails. Then we stopped at Simpson Park in Mechanicsburg to dip our feet in the water, and finally at a sunflower field near their home. We arrived at the sunflowers just as the sun was setting. It’s rare to find a sunflower field at golden hour that isn’t overrun with photographers (like me) and instagrammers these days - but we hit the jackpot!

Here is a selection of my favorite photos during our evening together. I can’t wait to do it again!!

The Mauro Family | Historic Shady Lane | Central Pennsylvania Children and Family Photographer

If you live on the east coast, you may have noticed that the temperatures have been a bit on the colder side lately.  I thought I would add some warmth to your hearts by sharing this fun session from November!  Now that holiday cards have all been sent out, it's safe for me to start sharing some of my end-of-year photoshoots that I've been keeping under wraps.

Thank you, Mauro Family, for driving out to Historic Shady Lane for your family photoshoot this fall!  I love the images we made together, and I hope you walked away with some amazing memories as well.  Whenever I photograph this family, I find that my mouth is sore at the end of the session from smiling and laughing so much during our time together.

This was such an incredible venue, and I definitely plan to go back for future sessions!  If you're ever in York, you have to check out this gorgeous gem!

 

 

The Jines Family | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the Jines Family!  I had the honor of capturing some lifestyle photos for them in their home outside of Philadelphia after Charlotte was born earlier this year, and I was thrilled when they signed up for a Christmas mini session!  Charlotte has grown so much since I last saw her, and she is developing quite an amazing personality!  She was my last client of the day, and I haven't stopped smiling since.  I hope you enjoy these fun previews as much as I do!

 

 

 

The Pittman Brothers | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the Pittman brothers!  This family was one of my first clients when I just started offering photography services, and I have had the honor of watching these two awesome little men grow up in front of my lens!  They are always so full of energy and joy, and I'm already looking forward to our next session together, whenever that may be.  Thank you so much for stopping by! 

 

 

 

The Bowman Grandkids | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the Bowman grandkids!  Their grandma reached out to me a few days ago because the planets were aligned and they all happened to be in town at the same time I was offering my mini sessions!  I'm so glad they were able to find the time to stop by my studio for some photographs!

 

 

 

The McNeil Family | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the McNeil Family!  This is my 3rd year in a row photographing their family, and I had a great time, as always!  These kids rock, and always put a smile on my face and in my heart.

 

 

 

The Dibeler Family | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the Dibeler Family!  These two adorable guys are packed with personality.  I have the pleasure of hanging out with them and their awesome mom and dad all winter, because we share a mutual love for snowboarding!  Thanks for driving all the way out here from Harrisburg!

 

 

 

The Gumba Family | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

Up now - the Gumba Family!  These guys always bring so much energy and laughter to my photoshoots!  I'm so glad they stopped by... and I LOVE that they wore matching Christmas pajamas!! 

 

 

 

The Shirk Family | Christmas Mini Sessions | Reading, Pennsylvania GoggleWorks Studio Photographer

I know with Halloween still a few weeks away, it's a bit early to start thinking about winter and Christmas.  The weather finally started cooling off to fall temperatures over the past few days, and where I live many of the leaves haven't even started changing colors yet.  However, due to a booked fall calendar, I had to offer my Christmas mini sessions a bit earlier than usual this year.  All of my sessions sold out for this past Sunday, and both repeat clients and new clients came to visit me from near and far.  (Some families were local, and some drove all the way out from the Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas!)  I had six different backdrops to choose from, and each of my sessions turned out great!  All of the kids were so much fun to work with - I even had to dodge snow balls that made their way right to my camera lens!  (These kids had great aim!)

I'm so thankful for my clients who made the time to drive out and visit me at my GoggleWorks studio in Reading yesterday.  It was such a pleasure photographing your children and spending time with your families.  I hope you enjoy these previews from your session.

If anyone else wants to get in on the action, I still have some openings for my mini sessions being held on Friday, November 3rd!  Click here for more information or to book:  http://carriekizukaphotographyllc.bigcartel.com/product/winter-christmas-studio-mini-sessions

First up - the Shirk Family!  I have been photographing Abbi since she was a newborn, and it's such a joy to be able to watch her grow up.

 

 

 

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!

Annabella's Baptism | Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church | Berks County Photographer

Last weekend, Annabella was baptized at the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, PA.  This was the first Greek Orthodox baptism I have observed, and it was such a beautiful ceremony!  There were so many stunning details and traditions to photograph and observe.  I could have spent hours photographing the interior architecture of the church alone!

After the ceremony, the celebration continued at Dan's Restaurant in Green Hills.  The food was incredible, and the decorations were simple yet beautiful.  I could tell that special attention was taken to make sure that all of the children in attendance had a wonderful experience!

I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to photograph Annabella's special day!  Here is a small selection of photos from her baptism and luncheon.

A Snowy Session with Akina | Berks County Family Photographer

You may have seen my recently blogged snowy session with Mika.  If not, be sure to check it out!!

Well, before we left the house for that photoshoot, Akina (my youngest daughter) asked to come along with us and have a quick session of her own!  I was ecstatic!!

The three of us ventured out into the deep snow together, and shot for as long as we could tolerate the cold.  They were both troopers in the cold and wind, but Akina was a beast!  When you see what she was wearing, you'll understand.  She was sporting long underwear and snow boots under her dress, but her arms were completely exposed - and she was totally fine with it!  I actually had to scold her to put her jacket back on and zip it up after we were done with our photos!  (Oh, how I miss my fearless and carefree childhood!!)  We were probably only outside for about 10-15 minutes total for both photoshoots, but it seemed so much longer than that!

Here are a few photos from Akina's snowy session.  Enjoy!  (Thank you for this late-winter treat, Mother Nature!)

 

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.

Douglassville, PA Family Session | The Gumbas - Part 2

Back in July, I met up with Sarah and her three amazing sons for a family session at St. Peter's Village.  Her husband wasn't able to join us for that session, so I offered to stop by and capture a few photos of the entire family at a later date.  That second photoshoot came to fruition last week!  Their property is the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot, so I met up with them (and the spunky Australian Shepherd that they recently rescued) at their home in Douglassville.

Sarah and Frank showed me a photograph of a family who had previously lived in their home, dated 1900. They thought it would be fun to recreate that image with their own family, and I agreed!  After we captured that photo, we walked around their property for a few more family shots.  As always, my time with the Gumba Family was filled with smiles, laughter, and chasing the kiddos around on their four wheelers.

Here are a few of my favorites from our time together.  This is my third session with their family, and their love, energy, and incredible sense of humor and "realness" has easily made them one of my favorite families to capture!

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.

Berks County Personal Session | Akina

Tonight, just because I felt moved to do so, I asked Akina to grab her violin and hop in the car with me.  We drove down the road and I stopped as soon as the light felt right.  We got out, got my camera ready, and she played her violin for me for a few minutes.  Here are some photos.

Watsontown Backyard Wedding | 2nd Shooting

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of second shooting for the talented and SUPER nice Julie Hagenbuch.  If I had to name three things that stood out to me most that day, it would be: 1) Jillian and Nick's love for each other, 2) their love for all of the children in their lives, and 3) PUPPIES!!!  Here are a few of my favorite images from their day.  You might notice that all of these have a bit of a "film" look to them... since I edited these just for fun, I decided to follow my heart and tweak my typical editing style a bit.  I hope you enjoy them!  I'm looking forward to shooting alongside Julie again soon!

Big thanks to Julie Hagenbuch for asking me to second shoot for her!  I had a blast working alongside her!

A Rainy-Day-Just-For-Fun Shoot

A week from today I'll be celebrating my 19th wedding anniversary!  I can't believe how quickly those years have flown by.  With my anniversary on my mind, and being trapped inside because of the rainy weather, Akina and I decided to unpack my wedding dress and have some fun.  I hope you enjoy the results of our impromptu 5 minute photoshoot.  I love love love how these turned out! <3

Boulder, Colorado | The Hulslander Family

While I was in Colorado in May, I had the opportunity to meet up with the Hulslander family and update their family portraits!  This time, we met up at the University of Colorado, Boulder campus.  It's always great to reconnect with my high school pals and their children - especially when they are as animated and fun as Theo!!  It has been incredible watching this little guy grow up over the past few years, and I'm looking forward to more sessions together on my future visits to Colorado!!