Uxue ~ Class of 2022

Uxue is our exchange student from Spain. Much like everything else we do, we made a life changing decision pretty last minute and life has been a bit of a whirlwind since then! The kids have asked several times over the years to host a student. Having a large family with limited bedroom space made hosting a challenge so we never really followed through on it.

In late August after wrapping up Emily’s final senior session we were driving home & she asked me about what happens to to the kids that get approved for an exchange program but do not have a family that selects them. At that moment my heart sank. I thought about the hard work these kids have put into the selection process and how heartbreaking it must be to not get chosen. I then thought about the bedroom in our house that sat essentially empty now that the kids are older. Finally Emily went in for the kill & pointed out that since she was a senior this would be her final opportunity to host. Later that afternoon we would begin a whirlwind 6 days of paperwork, cleaning, organizing and preparing to open our home for a year to Uxue.

We have just slid past the one month part since her arrival and it has really been one of the best decisions we have ever made. Uxue is like another child that was being raised by us, just in Spain. She has fit right in since day 1. I know I will be a hot mess come June when it is time to return her to her parents …. but for now I’ll enjoy this ride!

If you have ever considered hosting a student or want to know more, let me know!

Hunter ~ Class of 2022

Sometimes when trying to figure out a location for senior photos it is really easy since you have sweeping mountain views right from your front door! This is the case with Hunter. I had photographed him at the same spot when he was younger and it was great to visit him once again! Even making sure to grab some shots in the same spots as previously for those all important side by side comparisons that you know we all love!!

Riley ~ Class of 2022

I really love to photograph seniors, they are sort of my favorite thing! This little bit of time I get to spend with them at the beginning of them charting their future path is just so precious. And I love to give them portraits that represent who they are …. for Riley, that meant shooting on ice skates for the very first time. I have spent plenty of time on skates throughout my life, but holding my precious camera in my hands WHILE skating brought it to a whole new level!!! Plus as I opened the box to put on my skates I discovered Rachel’s skates in my box …. so I was performing in skates a size too large! BUT it was totally worth it capturing Riley on ice, a place he loves!

Nick & Nicole's Big Day

Earlier this month we traveled to Amherst, MA to the Inn on Boltwood to capture Nick & Nicole’s big day. After nearly a year of waiting after needing to postpone their wedding from last fall because of COVID, the new date was set for Nicole’s grandparents’ wedding anniversary.

The Inn is a rambling old property located in a very quaint New England town. The perfect setting for a late summer intimate gathering. The weather was nearly perfect to compliment the perfect setting as well.

They finally said their “I do’s” under the warm September evening sun before dancing the night away under the stars …. even with a little special performance as well!

Lily ~ 2021 School Photos

I have been taking Lily’s school photos for several years now and it has been such a pleasure watching her blossom into a beautiful & confident young woman! We have visited a variety of locations over the years & this year she chose Comtu Cascade Park which is rapidly growing into one of my favorite locations! I love how we can get both natural shots along with an urban feel! If you look closely in the shots below you’ll see we got two different looks from me just shooting in different directions!

Britney ~ Class of 2022

The weather certainly gave us a run for our money during Britney’s Senior Session at the Bartonsville Covered Bridge! The morning had been beautiful … then some dark clouds rolled in … there were a few rain drops as we got started! I hoped for the best that the rain would stay away … thankfully it did and just as we were wrapping up her session the sun came out in all its glory and rewarded us for sticking through with with some awesome sun infused images at the end!

Megan ~ Class of 2022

Sometimes scheduling conflicts create opportunities. I was going to need to push back Megan’s session back by 15 minutes … but I also offered her the opportunity to come do her senior session at Hapgood Pond. I had never been there & wasn’t completely sure what I’d be walking in to but I was up for the challenge and it did NOT disappoint! The setting was the perfect place for this late summer session!

Bryan ~ Class of 2022

I met up with Bryan at the new Comtu Falls Park downtown. It is such a great park overlooking the beautiful rocky falls of the Black River! The location is a perfect balance of natural and urban setting that makes a pretty magical setting for senior portraits!

Emily ~ Class of 2022 ~ Saint Gauden's Session

For Emily’s final senior session we headed to Saint Gauden’s National Historic Park. The setting was beautiful for both her choice of dress she found while shopping in Keene with friends (it twirled like so many of the dresses she adored as a child), and for the pink flowy dress that struck my fancy! Everything at Saint Gauden’s is beautiful …. the home, the gardens, the outbuildings and the forest! The area has a little something of everything and is perfect for just about every kind of session out there! I did take a little different approach to this session …. instead of savoring the warm light of golden hour we headed out to experiment in late morning. The skies were mostly overcast that morning, which provided a different sort of challenge …. but at the end of the day Emily rose to the occasion and rocked her final session ….. now to choose her favorites …. which might be the hardest battle yet!

Timmy ~ Class of 2022

Timmy chose to have a downtown session with me for his senior portraits. I really enjoy walking through downtown exploring the nooks and crannies that make a beautiful portrait location. Springfield is so much more beautiful than you might think … especially with the fabulous new Comtu Park!! I have some suggested locations for you when you book a session but I’m always open to anything and thinking outside the box for new locations! The most important part of any location however?! Its you! The location is just a bonus!

Timmy is a multi-sport athlete … participating in football, wrestling and track …. and he likes to jump & climb on things too … I loved too many of his photos to feature those in here too but there are in the gallery for mom!

Kenneth ~ Class of 2022

Perhaps the title of this blog would be more accurately stated … Kenneth …. King of the Mosquitos! Whew, the mosquitos were thick this evening … it was crazy for sure!!! Kenneth managed to smile between bites and defending himself against their pesky bites for his session! Note to self, carry bug spray in the future!

Congratulations Kenneth on making senior year! I hope you have lots of fun!

Aidan ~ Class of 2022

Oh Aidan, where do I begin? I’ve known you since before you burst into this world almost 18 years ago …. you & Emily represent a visual reminder at just how long I’ve been working as a paralegal at Brady/Donahue. I’ve watched you grow from a little boy … into a big brother … through those fun filled teen years into the confident young man ready to tackle this world! (Plus I’m pretty sure we can drop you right into the 80’s & you would totally be at home!). You are destined for great things & I’ll be enjoying watching you continue to blossom!

Emily ~ Class of 2022 ~ Take Two

This past Thursday I had planned to finish up Emily’s senior portraits but the weather gave that a big no thank you! When its 90+ degrees with crazy humidity, it is not the time for a long senior session with multiple outfit changes! Instead we swerved for a quick session in this adorable yellow summer time dress with a super cute straw hat!

Logan ~ Class of 2022

Oh Logan …. I’m not really sure just when it was I first met you, but I am sure that you were quite small …. and that it felt like just yesterday! It’s hard to believe you are headed into senior year …. but it has a pleasure watching you grow and navigate this crazy world! You have grown up & become a man right in front of my eyes but please don’t ever let go of your silly playfulness … the world needs more of that!

Kathryn & Alex

I’m honestly not even sure where to begin with this blog! The food trucks (yes FOOD TRUCKS), the honor of capturing the wedding of a brother to a prior groom or the unmistakable JOY that just radiated from Kathryn on her wedding day!

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, it is such an honor to be able to gather once again with a family to celebrate the wedding of another loved one. This feeling will never ever grow old! A few years ago I captured Alex’s brother Ben’s wedding to his lovely bride Sarah. In a break from wedding tradition they fed their wedding guests wood fired pizza and pies at their reception and totally won me over! Little did I know in a few short years Kathryn & Alex would rise to such an amazing culinary challenge!

Kathryn & Alex welcome the The Rollin’ Rooster food truck to nourish their guests …. and let’s just say YUM!! I could have eaten 6 times! They also broke from the standard cake tradition and hosted Sisters of Anarchy ice cream to replace it. I mean first ice cream and second home made ice cream! Talk about a great way to change things up! If you haven’t had the opportunity to try either of these yet you need to!

As you check out the sampling of images for the day I am sure you will notice the look of total joy on Kathryn’s face. I was so struck throughout the day at her amazingly bright & joyful light that radiated from her … as I was editing I was finding myself just smiling back!

I like to advise my clients that while planning their wedding days to plan for their best day but accept that things will go wrong. Just focus on both parties making it to the event & the rest is gravy. I want my couples to experience the joy & beauty of their wedding day and be just as happy at Kathryn (and Alex!). And if you want to make me joyful too … you can’t ever go wrong with food trucks!

Turner Family

One my greatest honors is being asked back to photograph a family as they grow. The Turners are fun repeat customers several times times over throughout my career and I loved meeting up with them once again as they gathered their adult children for a brief pause of time before they all headed back out in their own directions once again! Mother Nature tried to throw us a curve ball but we worked fast & faced her head on to get these portraits done!

Emily ~ Class of 2022

First, can we believe I’m here talking about shooting my baby girl’s senior photos?! Sometimes it takes my breath away how fast time really does go.

For our first session of her senior portrait experience we explored downtown Springfield. As we have been back at traveling sometimes you can really miss how interesting what you see everyday really can be. I love the vivid colors shooting in an “urban” location can bring to portraits … the red bricks of a building, the grey of concrete sidewalks and the multi-colored murals can really bring a pop to your photos!

10 Year Anniversary Session

I admit it, I have been woefully neglectful of my blog for the past year & a half. So many times I think about it & realize I should hop on & blog but other things in life step in the way & I don’t come. This is will start to change today!!!

Meet the Coen Family! Liz & Kevin are both amazing people that spend countless hours with our teenagers helping them finish their high school education careers at Springfield High School. Kevin is also the adventurous soul that guides the graduation ceremony ship into port year after year …. and I have to admit the last two years have been harder than hard with ever changing guidance & recommendations. (Here’s hoping next year’s ceremony will be much less stressful for everyone!)

Liz & Kevin have recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary & came to me for a combination of family session & couples session! We had so much fun capturing everyone throughout the summer evening …. and really capturing just what 10 years of marriage looks like!

Let Your Athlete Be Dressed for Family Photos!

Dear parents .... let your kids be dressed for family photos!

I'll admit it, I'm often here telling you the value of family photos ... especially as your children grow into their teenage years ... but I do not take my own advice! The last time we took anything close to a family photo that included us parents was when I pulled out the tripod shortly after Chase was born in 2012. In recent months we have "updated" that photo twice ... during Ashley's senior nights (huge shout out to Kate Garaffa (soccer) & Marie LaPlante (basketball) for capturing these moments for my family as well as the other senior families on these teams). While I truly treasure these images of our family ... let's face it ... if I'm going to hang a 16x20 framed print above my couch I'd prefer Ashley to be wearing something other than an athletic uniform!

I know that as parents of teenagers - especially the teenage athlete - finding a moment to commit to taking a family portrait takes a lot of creativity! And while golden hour provides gorgeous light to capture these images, so often kids are practicing or playing a game when it happens. I have been on the sideline capturing kids playing sports in this light ... or driving home from a game when it happens!

While investing in a full hour plus session during golden hour with everyone in perfectly coordinated outfits is certainly ideal, for so many of us families of teenagers this ideal is realistically is not obtainable.

So here is your permission .... it is ok to miss golden hour! It is ok that you have 19 minutes available Sunday at 11:37 AM! It is ok that you are just happy everyone is in clean clothes! And its ok that the location is on the side of the road on your way to an event!

I'd love to work with you to find that precise moment in time to capture this precious time with you. I'll show up on the side of the road at 11:37 AM on a Sunday to freeze time with you before your teenagers sprout their wings and fly into their next great adventure ... and if we're lucky, I'll even get a reluctant smile out of them! Who knows .... maybe I'll even listen to my own advise and carve out a piece of time this spring or summer to do the same!

Aldridge Family

I donate gift certificates to family sessions here and there for some local charities. My favorite benefit, beyond giving back to the community which has so generously supported me, is being able to meet new families that I may not have had the chance to meet otherwise. Such was the case with the Springfield Rotary Club’s Penny Sale this past October. Nicole’s mom won the gift certificate for a full session and promptly gifted it to her daughter and her family. I had a great time meeting and capturing this gorgeous family!