Griffel Family (Chester County Children's/Family Photographer)

My second session on Saturday was with a good friend, her husband and adorable twin boys. Back when I was an elementary school teacher she was one of my most gifted student teachers and we soon became friends. It has been such a joy to see her become a successful teacher, wife and mother. And it was even more of a joy to get to capture some special moments for her and her family this past weekend.

The boys, though identical in appearance, have such unique personalities. While one was all about smiling and looking at the camera, the other avoided it like the plague. But, I love a good challenge!

Except for the gnats that I mentioned in my previous post, we had a great time and I am sure the boys took a lovely nap later on.

Griffel Family...enjoy your sneak preview!

Maxim Family Preview (Chester County Family Photographer)

Saturday was a beautiful Spring day and my first session greeted me with smiles and enthusiasm. The Maxim family was such a joy to be around. Their boys are precious, and so cooperative even at 7 months and 2 years old. Though there seemed to be a bit of an issue with gnats during my sessions this weekend, they took it in stride and had fun playing and enjoying themselves in the ways they usually do when there isn't a photographer around.

I'm sure you will agree that their love and joy is evident. I know I say this all the time, but I really do have a wonderful job. Who wouldn't want to spend their time capturing such precious moments!

Maxim family...enjoy your sneak preview! So much more to come in a few short weeks.

Baby Luke (Chester County Newborn Photographer)

I cannot tell you how much I have been looking forward to photographing this little guy. Why is he so special you ask? Well, that's simple...he's my newest nephew!

He is the sweetest little thing and his mommy and daddy could not be happier to have welcomed him into the world. It makes me smile just watching them with him. He has that wonderful baby smell and just loves snuggling up. Love it!

Spending time with him makes me so much more eager to meet our own baby boy. As my sister in law says, "The boys will not only be cousins, they will be friends."

Baby Gabriella (Delaware County Newborn Photographer)

Recently I had the pleasure of traveling down to the area where I used to teach elementary school, to meet a precious baby girl named Gabriella. She was one of the most cooperative newborns I have had in awhile, because she slept nearly the whole time I was there.
She had the most beautiful skin and dark, silky hair. It was obvious why her family was so deeply in love with her.
What a pleasure it was to work with this lovely family! I am so thankful the snow did not manage to keep me from "our date."

"M" Family...enjoy the preview of your session!

Need A Smile Giveaway Winner

As many of you know, in December I held a giveaway. This giveaway was special because I wanted to gift a session to a family that was truly in need of a smile.

I received many nominations, and they all touched my heart. It was not an easy decision to make because there are so many great families out there that have dealt with tough circumstances in the last year or so. But, a decision did have to be made and I am proud to say that the winning family was the Lupo Family.

The Lupo Family has three energetic, beautiful children and their mom (the family photographer) has made it her mission to cover their walls with images of the joy they have experienced together over the years. Before Christmas in 2008, their digital camera broke. Mrs. Lupo was thrilled when she found out that her husband's company gave all the employees a digital camera as an early Christmas gift. As usual, she would be able to take their traditional Christmas picture in front of their tree using her tripod and the camera's timer.

They deeply treasure that picture today because sadly it was one of the last pictures with their much loved husband/father. At the end of January last year, Mr. Lupo collapsed one evening. He was a healthy man with no signs or symptoms of illness or health trouble. Though his wife and medical personnel did all they could to try to revive him, they were not successful and he passed away. It was declared a result of heart arrhythmia. And, the hearts that were left behind were broken.

As you can imagine, the last year has been extremely difficult. This was a sudden blow to a young, happy family. The children were 3, 5 and 6 years old at the time of their father's death. Though surrounded by loving family and friends, the day to day struggle to adjust has been the biggest challenge. Mrs. Lupo continued to try to take pictures of important moments in her children's lives until their new digital camera also broke.

So, when our mutual friend Gail read about my giveaway, she immediately wrote to me about the Lupo family and not only their need for a big smile, but also for some updated pictures of their beautiful family.

I can't properly express how excited I am to meet up with them this Spring and do a fun, family session. Mrs. Lupo told me that she has never won anything and this certainly put a smile on her face. Yeah!!!!

Miss Callie (Chester County Children's Photographer)

Meet Callie! She is a vibrant young lady who has begun to do some acting and modeling work and needed to update her headshots.
She was SO excited to get her pictures done and I loved that enthusiasm. I think she will continue to do well because she has a terrific, fun personality and is very down to earth. And, personally I think she has a very a natural, Dakota Fanning type look.
Good luck Callie!

The "G" Family (Chester County Family Photographer)

This family has been SO patient in waiting to see their pictures. Becky (the mom) is the graphic designer that did my logo/watermark, etc. She did a wonderful job and I am thrilled with the results. We exchanged services and I met her family at Hershey Gardens at the end of October to do their family session. What a beautiful setting! Everyone had a great time and it was the perfect Autumn day.
Because it was one of my extremely busy times of year and they weren't in a big hurry for their pictures, she graciously told me she would wait until after the beginning of the year when things settled down.
So, finally, here is their preview. Hopefully it will make all of us feel a bit warmer (and probably even more eager for Spring).
Thank you Becky for being so patient and enjoy your preview!