:: Ashley Reherman Photography | Blog ::

:: i heart faces photo challenge | family fun ::

2012-01-17T20:14:00.000-05:00

...yep...another challenge from I Heart Faces...have you checked them out yet??

:: i heart faces photo challenge | best face of 2011

2012-01-10T14:14:00.001-05:00

...well this was definitely a hard challenge...I have so many to choose from!!! I truly wish I could enter more than one, but since I can't, here she is...

**be sure to check out i heart faces...such a great resource for photographers, both pro and amateur

:: A New Year's Homecoming ::

2011-12-31T11:36:00.001-05:00

...Welcoming home a soldier seems like the perfect way to say goodbye to 2011!! That's what happened the other night...LATE the other night at BWI. Operation: Love ReUnited provides me with some of the most amazing opportunities, and while I'm technically there for one family, it's truly a gift to be able to see so many soldiers come home to their families. True heroes, every last one of them!!

WELCOME HOME!!

I'd be remiss if I didn't thank my very special assistant...my mom. So happy I could share that experience with her...I love you mom.

she was not so sure about Santa

**The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense**

:: hitched ::

2011-12-22T16:21:00.000-05:00

So I was on the blog the other day and realized that I haven't posted any new pics since October! WHAT??!! That's ridiculous. This fall has been so busy that I don't even know which end is up anymore. I'm so thankful for the craziness...but it is crazy! Anyway...I have a bunch of senior pics to share but this post is for the wedding I did a few weeks ago. So happy for these two! Just the sweetest people...I really enjoyed them both. And once again I had the help of the lovely Krishna Hill of Kaptured by Krishna...we always have a good time =) It really was a wonderful wedding and I feel priveleged to have been a part of it. Congratulations!!!

:: Furry Faces...I Heart Faces Contest ::

2011-12-13T16:58:00.000-05:00

Every now and then I like to enter into this wonderful group's contests. Such a great resource for photographers! Check 'em out...I Heart Faces

:: Operation: Love ReUnited on the Today Show ::

2011-11-25T11:19:00.000-05:00

...and one of my pics made it!! I absolutely love this organization and I'm just so thrilled that they did a segment about it...and what a bonus that they used one of my pictures for it! SO honored! If you don't recognize it, it's the one of the beautiful blond hugging her husband right after he walked through the doors at BWI...it's actually on the link =)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

:: SURPRISE!!! ::

2011-11-21T22:45:00.000-05:00

...my wish is that everyone have a surprise party thrown in their honor at some point...EVERYONE! There is nothing like the feeling that everyone in the room wants to be there FOR YOU...to make sure that you know that you are loved. How amazing is that? I've never had one thrown for me before...until this past weekend. My sneaky family arranged this whole thing over the past 5-6 months without me knowing a thing. And, as you probably already figured, I know everything!! (haha) Well, I did anyway, until this. Lucas and I went to NY this past weekend under false pretenses...I thought we were having Thanksgiving and maybe a little birthday dinner. Nope. No Thanksgiving. No stuffing or turkey or mashed potatoes...just a room full of people in a beautiful restaurant lying in wait to scare the bejesus out of me =) It was beyond overwhelming!!

I can't explain the love an gratitude that fill my heart. I am just about a week shy of 40 years old...this weekend taught me that I have gathered some pretty amazing people into my life in the last 40 years. I am beyond lucky. To those who were there and those who couldn't be...I am forever grateful for your place in my life and adore you all. To my amazing family...thank you for giving me this gift of love. You are my heart.

...a goofy picture of me...but I think it shows my absolute SURPRISE! (I'm not going to share the ugly crying pictures that follow...I was definitely overwhelmed!!)

:: lucky number 7 ::

2011-10-26T10:35:00.000-04:00

...this past weekend I had the pleasure of photographing 7 families down in Virginia. Yep. 7. That's a lot of families!! Thank goodness for the help of my lovely assistant and client/friend who not only arranged the entire thing but also stayed with me throughout to help things move along smoothly...and that they did. It was an absolutely beautiful day, which seems to be a rarity here in the mid Atlantic. What a fantastic group of people...I'm so lucky to have met them all. Here is your introduction to the fab 7...

:: i heart faces photo challenge | let them be little ::

2011-10-25T11:29:00.000-04:00

i heart faces weekly photo challenge this time is called ...let them be little... such a cute idea! You should definitely check out their site...such a great resource for photographers!!

beauty overload...

2011-10-14T07:44:00.001-04:00

...so, as I mentioned in the last post, I've had a LOT of catching up to do with this crazy Maryland weather. We have had so much rain in the last two months...I feel badly complaining about it knowing what Texas and Oklahoma are going through, but enough is enough! I wish I could just send it down there. Anyway, with all of this rain came many postponements...sometimes in the middle of a session. So this past week was really beautiful and I took advantage of it. I had to! (ps, it's raining again) Because I've had so many seniors in the past week and a half, I'm going to show you a few of my favorites from each of their sessions. These girls make my job so much fun! Enjoy!!

{H}

{D}

{B}

{T}

{H}

{E}

OpLove, baby...

2011-10-13T19:46:00.003-04:00

...holy cow it's been a long time since I've written/shared. That should give you an indication of just how nutty it's been around here. First we had what felt like ages of torrential rains which caused me to have to postpone several sessions, then the clouds parted and I had to fit all of those sessions in with the already scheduled ones. PHEW! It's been a long week and a half. (Of course it's raining again...figures) I'm going to do a couple of posts but combine sessions in them. So this post is my Operation: Love ReUnited one. I have two families that I'm including in this...one is a mom and her two young girls whose daddy is currently deployed and the other is a family with three young children whose daddy is preparing to deploy soon. Both are absolutely wonderful families and, I'd like to think, new friends. Take a look...

**The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense**

I asked her what song she was singing and she said "I love my daddy"...go ahead, you can cry

Daddy was actually able to schedule leave to be home for her delivery

family #2...about to deploy...

a quick way through the pumpkin patch

well, they're not all looking at me, but such is life with 3 young ones!!

:: coming home ::

2011-09-20T18:41:00.000-04:00

...in my short time volunteering for Operation: Love ReUnited I have met some of the most amazing people. Today was no exception. {T} and I have been emailing for months about photographing her husband's homecoming. By the time the day finally arrived I felt as though I'd been talking to a friend...scratch that...I HAVE been talking to a friend. This was my first homecoming shoot and being the sap that I am, it was right up my alley!! I can't even begin to describe the experience of waiting there with this beautiful, anxious, excited woman who so desperately wanted to see her husband walk through those doors. They've only been married for 2 years and he's been gone for 6 months of that. To see the look on her face as she saw the love of her life walking toward her, home safely, was just an experience I will never forget. Their embrace instantly erased the 6 months of worry and heartache felt by both of them. True love. I am so fortunate to have met these two extraordinary people.

Welcome home Captain...welcome home!

{T} busied herself by helping out a wonderful organization that greets incoming soldiers...Operation Welcome Home Maryland

After a pilot receives his first flight wings they cut them in half and give it to their significant other...so sweet

Can't you just feel her anticipation??

you try to shoot a homecoming and not get teary...I dare you!

I love this

:: smile ::

2011-09-15T20:57:00.000-04:00

...this beauty has an amazing one! Yep...another senior. Not just another senior...another fabulous senior! Miss {E} is just the sweetest girl...and smart and beautiful and and and... We had so much fun together. I always tell my seniors that we WILL have fun. There's no reason not to! When you're having fun and laughing and being goofy you end up with some great, authentic photographs. Perfect!

:: rainy days ::

2011-09-13T10:02:00.001-04:00

...seems as though we've had a years worth in the past month!! Thankfully, today is a beautiful, sunny day...just in time...I thought I was REALLY going to lose my mind! That many rainy days in a row is just depressing. How do people in Seattle do it? Being a natural light photographer, the rain definitely gets in my way. This amazingly beautiful senior had to have her session split between 2 days. The first day we didn't get a whole lot in before the skies opened up on us (pretty comical actually...we were probably 50 yards from my car (the top of course was down) shooting on a bridge with this old chair I have...you can imagine how hard we were laughing as we ran down the street with the chair, get it in the car, jump in and wait for the top to go up as it's POURING). So back out we went on Sunday. Skies of course were threatening and we did get sprinkled on a little, but thankfully we were able to fit it all in this time. She was such a great sport. So here are our 2 days worth of photos...I think we did a pretty good job considering the weather!

:: DAY ONE ::

:: DAY TWO ::

:: senior sweetness ::

2011-09-02T11:27:00.001-04:00

...seriously. Now it's not a joke anymore. I officially have the best seniors with the most amazing eyes. These girls have made my job easy!! Miss {K} is wonderful...that's all there is to it. She is sweet and smart and beautiful and yes, has stunning eyes. We had a lot of fun on our outing and I think we came out with some pretty remarkable images. She did such a great job!! Enjoy your preview Miss {K}...I hope you love it!

:: the OpLove trifecta ::

2011-08-23T20:48:00.003-04:00

...yep...had my 3rd Operation: Love ReUnited session yesterday...okay, I had my 2nd AND 3rd yesterday!! This was my evening session. And another cute, cute baby! Daddy is being deployed in about a week so he wanted to get some family pictures with his fiancee and 3 month old son before he departs. Such a sweet baby and he looks so much like Dad (sorry Mom...it happened to me too). Here you go {A} family...I hope you enjoy your preview.

**The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense**

even the same expression as Daddy!!

:: baby face ::

2011-08-22T22:24:00.001-04:00

...Operation: Love ReUnited shoot #2...this little one's daddy is deployed so Mommy decided to surprise him with pics of his little boy. SO sweet!! I get to meet such great people! Love it. So here you go Mama...your little one...we'll call this The Many Faces of Baby {O}...

:: the eyes have it ::

2011-08-20T22:30:00.003-04:00

...one would think that I have "must have beautiful eyes" as a prerequisite for my clients. It's getting ridiculous...seriously. This sweet girl is right up there with the best of them. Crazy. Anyway...here's my beauty for the day...the lovely Miss {W}...

:: fleeting beauty ::

2011-08-20T14:07:00.002-04:00

...there is beauty in every day...it's a matter of making the point to seek it out. Sometimes the most exquisite part of the day will only last but a moment. The sunflower will wilt, the sun will set, the hummingbird will fly away...I consider myself lucky if I'm able to catch a glimpse of something deemed too beautiful to last but for a short while. Go out and soak in the warmth of the sun on your skin...close your eyes and let it take you away. These few moments in your day can make such a huge difference.

:: i heart faces photo challenge | beautiful eyes ::

2011-08-15T19:44:00.004-04:00

I'm not usually one to enter challenges or contests, but when i heart faces decided on a beautiful eyes photo challenge I knew it was time! You should definitely check out their site...such a great resource for photographers!!

:: honor thy father ::

2011-08-13T23:23:00.005-04:00

...as a new member of an amazing organization called Operation: Love ReUnited I have been chomping at the bit to get my first shoot with them. Normally the volunteer photographers in this group take pictures for military families whose loved ones are deploying, already deployed, or returning home. Today was my first shoot, but it wasn't the norm...this was an exception to the rule. Today I met the most amazing family who honored their fallen loved one with a remembrance ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery. 2 years ago this week this family lost their son, husband, father, friend...an unimaginable tragedy. I can't begin to wrap my head around this loss. Their daughter was not even 2 years old...her memories of her father will forever be tied to Arlington. I watched as this sweet almost 4 year old girl led another little girl over to the headstone and told her "this is my daddy". Absolutely heartbreaking. But through all of this heartbreak rose a strong, loving, beautiful group of family and friends...forever bound by their love for this hero.

**The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense**

a fitting tribute for this Irish family

making Daddy look perfect

the best friend

Daddy's girl needed a little break with her bunny

a Guinness in tribute

this is also his birthday month

a little Mommy/daughter time

Here are a few random shots of Arlington

so many new ones

visiting a friend

this one broke my heart. those two were part of a group that were visiting a soldier for his birthday. they all stood around his headstone and sang to him.

**The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense**

presenting....

2011-08-11T23:04:00.002-04:00

...the lovely Miss {S}...what a beauty. Again...I'm the luckiest photographer ever! This beautiful senior happens to be the twin sister of another stunning senior I photographed a few weeks ago...perhaps you'll recognize her in one of the pics =) These girls...all of them...have been so amazing to work with. I'm not kidding. Not just blowing smoke. It's been a surreal experience for me. I'm so lucky to have a "job" that I truly love. Lucky. Lucky. Lucky. Here is the beautiful {S}...enjoy your preview...

a little fact about the town we live in...this is the home that John Wilkes Booth grew up in...weird

the twins =)

:: i {heart} seniors ::

2011-08-06T17:21:00.001-04:00

...I'm sure this comes as no surprise since I keep saying it!! I had another amazing one yesterday. Seriously...these ladies are making me feel like I was a big ole slacker in high school. Okay, maybe I was...okay, I definitely was. I swear these seniors are go getters...scholar athletes and beautiful to boot. Not fair really. I mean, you shouldn't be given THAT many awesome qualities. Leave some for the rest of us...sheesh! Miss {A} is all that and more. And man was she a good sport. Come to think of it, they've all been good sports...makes my job so much fun! I think that's why I like seniors so much. They just want to have fun and do something different. Me too! Go figure. They may have to put up with my chattiness and self diagnosed photo shoot A.D.D. (squirrel!)...but they seem to have almost as much fun as I do. I hope they do anyway. So here you go Miss {A}...your preview...

the cross country star!

:: senior week ::

2011-07-30T20:50:00.001-04:00

...that's what it's feeling like...and I love it! Here's yet another beautiful, smart, sporty senior that I am so lucky to photograph. These girls have made my job SO easy!! Miss {C} tolerated my craziness...always a bonus. Such a great girl...and part of a duo...next week you'll meet her twin sister. Here's the lovely {C}...enjoy the preview...

:: senioritis ::

2011-07-29T18:24:00.002-04:00

...I feel like I'VE got it!! I am so loving these senior shoots...they're way too much fun. This one did not disappoint. What an awesome chica Miss {E} is...just love her. Such a great personality, so freakin' cute, a natural beauty, an amazing student and an awesome soccer goalie...she's the real deal I tell ya! We laughed a lot...always a good sign for me. I hope she had as much fun as I did. Here is your preview girlie...enjoy!!

this adventurous one got right in that water for me!!

:: Happy 235th USA ::

2011-07-04T14:14:00.002-04:00

...an amazing collection of individuals representing nearly every place on the globe. I wonder what our forefathers would think of our United States? Did they ever dream as big as it's become? Could they imagine anything beyond the East Coast? Did they realize that what began as a small collection of colonies would someday become 50 glorious states spread over thousands of miles? The visionary genius that brought together a new country is just beyond my comprehension. How amazingly brave they were...a trait that has been passed down from generation to generation and can be seen in the eyes of every person who commits their life to keeping us protected and safeguarding those freedoms that we've come to feel entitled to. Here's the thing though...we're not entitled to it... it's a work in progress that we each need to have a vested interest in and work for. Entitlement scares me...it makes people lazy and apathetic. We all need to realize that it is an ongoing battle to preserve this fragile democracy. 235 years worth of blood, sweat and tears selflessly given by a countless number of noble men and women have kept this mighty yet delicate republic standing strong in the face of unspeakable adversity. We complain...a lot...about the state of our union, but when it comes down to it, there is no where greater than the melting pot we know as the United States of America.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

:: life IS a beach ::

2011-07-01T17:05:00.002-04:00

...I sat on the beach yesterday as my son and his friend (my 2nd son) took on the waves of the mighty Atlantic. Okay, maybe not so mighty compared to those of the Pacific, but fun for sure. Anyway, as I sat there basking in the fact that I was in my happy place, I began to wonder...would the beach hold the same allure for me if I lived there? Would it be one of those situations where you totally take for granted the place that you're living in because you see it every day? As I closed my eyes and listened to the waves crash against the beach, children screaming with delight, and seagulls laughing from above, I thought about how centered and tranquil I feel when I am there. Truthfully, my perfect beach moment came when I went for a walk and not even a 1/4 mile away from where we set up camp it was absolutely empty. Most likely because it was beyond the lifeguard's duty area, but for me...that was perfection. Just me, feet in the surf, pools of water swirling around me in an almost dizzying dance...perfection. While the sounds of children enjoying their experience are wonderful, I actually prefer to only hear what the ocean has to say. Sounds silly, right? It's true though. It speaks to me. It's as if the water rolls in with such force to take away whatever is weighing me down and leaves with those worries allowing me to just be. How often can we do that in our every day lives? I'm pretty sure I can speak for most of you and say almost NEVER. That's the power of the happy place. Even if for a short time, we are able to let go of the weight of the world that we shoulder on a daily basis...I truly believe that is essential...life changing if we can figure out how to accomplish this regularly.

So the answer that I came up with is yes...the beach will always be my perfect place, whether or not I live there. For now, I am happy that it is within a reasonable distance so that day trips are possible. And someday, I hope, I will live in my happy place.

:: a heartfelt thank you ::

2011-06-29T14:08:00.002-04:00

"This nation will remain the land of the free, only so long as it is the home of the brave" ~Elmer Davis

How do you begin to thank someone for well over 20 years of military service? How do you look his children in the eyes and say I'm sorry that you didn't have your father around for a good deal of your childhood, but, selfishly, I'm glad that he was defending all of us? How do you explain to his wife, who bore the brunt of his absence with such grace and fortitude, that it was for the best? The answer is that you can't. There are no words. Don't get me wrong, you should absolutely try, but there are no words adequate to thank a family for their sacrifices over the years. LTC Blakeley's retirement ceremony was last weekend and I'm beyond honored that he asked me to play the role of documentarian. I have had the pleasure of photographing this family for several years now and I just love them. It broke my heart when they moved away so you can imagine how elated I was to hear that not only were they planning a retirement ceremony in Gettysburg but that they wanted ME to be a part of it. I am truly humbled by service members and their families. For those outside the military, their sacrifices are too great to even comprehend.

Thank you Blakeley family for all that you have sacrificed for the rest of us. You are truly amazing.

"Gold is good in it's place, but living, brave, patriotic men are better than gold" ~ Abraham Lincoln

...his wonderful parents...

...it always amazes me when someone can speak in front of a crowd...I do NOT have that gift...

...the family...

...I came across this really cool old car in Gettysburg...you know I can't pass up something with awesome details!!

:: sugar & spice ::

2011-06-16T15:52:00.001-04:00

...have you ever had those moment when you meet someone (or in this case 4 someones) and even though you don't know each other at all, it just clicks? That's what happened at my shoot yesterday. These four incredible women were so familiar to me it was as if we'd always been friends. Maybe it's because their friendship with each other is so easy...I'm not sure. So these 4 have been friends since 7th grade and even though they are now scattered around the east coast, they still manage to be the best of friends and there for all of the major milestones in each others lives. (makes me think of the movie Now and Then) So this milestone is the first baby of the group. And what a beautiful baby she is!! Obviously I had a wonderful time getting to know all of the women...even the newest member of their amazing group.

I think she's telling me exactly how she feels about me!!

the first daughter...Maddie

**yawn**

little toes

an open letter to my 14 year old son...

2011-06-14T17:19:00.002-04:00

Dear favorite child of mine,

As you step closer and closer to adulthood, I feel there are a few things that I should share with you...(if you don't stop rolling your eyes you'll never be able to read it!!). First and foremost is that I love you. Unconditionally. More deeply than you can possibly know. That being said, when it comes time for you to leave our house, if you don't call me once a week - at least - I will disown you. Okay, not really, but keeping in touch with those you care about it is beyond important. I know, I know...you still have 4 more years until college, but what you will come to realize is that life lessons are learned every step of the way. You'll never stop learning and growing as a person, at least that is the hope.

Always be kind. Always. Even if there is someone who really rubs you the wrong way...be kind. You do not have to be friends, but you do need to be polite and respectful...despite what the other person may be acting like. One of the biggest lessons that I have learned so far is that you NEVER know what's going on in someone's life. A lot of people deal with unbelievably difficult situations that most people never know about. If someone is grumpy or hateful don't rush to judgement and just assume that that's who they are as a person. Always be kind. Hold the door for people. Smile. Say please and thank you a lot...and mean it.

Be generous. Generosity does not have to be measured in monetary increments. Be generous with your time, with your compassion, with your knowledge...be generous with your heart and all of the love you have to give. Think of those less fortunate than you and figure out a way that YOU can help.

Allow yourself to love. Undoubtedly your heart will be broken at least once, but you can't let that keep you from the joy that comes from loving someone and being loved in return. I like to think that each time you love with your whole heart, even if it gets broken, it grows even stronger and allows you to love even more deeply. On the flip side, know when to let go of a relationship. Do not let someone feel a false sense of security just because you're afraid to hurt their feelings. Trust me, the hurt feelings will fade with time, being honest is always the best way to go.

There's a good one...be honest. Always. Lies are like poison...they will eat away at you and cause you far more pain than the truth ever would have. It's just common sense really and something we have told you a million times...but it's true.

Dream big. You are capable of so much more than you will allow yourself to believe. We all are. There are many things in my life that I look back on and regret not taking a chance on...don't let that happen to you. Learn from my mistakes and be bold and confident and try lots of different things, even if you're not good at them...ESPECIALLY if you're not good at them. Try try try. Life is way to short for regrets. We are not guaranteed tomorrow so take advantage of today and all of the wonders that it has to offer. You will fail at everything you don't try. It's just like we tell you with baseball...we have NO problem with you striking out, as long as you swing the bat. If you stand there and watch strike 3 you've missed an opportunity. Yeah, maybe you will miss it...but maybe you won't. You'll never know unless you try.

Stick up for the little guy. You have been dealt a very fortunate hand in life. You are a very smart, loved young man who really doesn't want for anything (meaning food, clothes, education...I know, you still want that longboard...FOCUS, that's not what I'm talking about) and you need to realize that not everyone has been so lucky. There are bullies in the world and you need to protect those who cannot protect themselves. I don't care if it's someone you've never talked to before...if you see something happening that you know is wrong...do something. I'm not saying that you should fight everyone's battles, but people need to know that they have someone on their side...looking out for them. And when you come across those bullies, realize that they are actually hiding from something. There is a reason that they need to make themselves feel bigger and better than someone else...it does not make it okay, but try not to judge.

You are starting high school this fall. High school! That's unbelievable to me. For me, high school was one of the most difficult and most wonderful times of my life. It's all what you make of it. Get involved. Play sports. Join clubs. Don't limit yourself to a small group of friends...be friends with everyone. Study hard but also have fun. You need to find that balance so that you can have as many opportunities after high school as possible.

I love you. You ARE my heart. You are without question the absolute best thing I've ever done in my life. I'm so proud of you every single day. You will be an extraordinary man and I'm so blessed to be able to help guide you in this incredible journey. You have big things in front of you young man, go get 'em.

Love Always,

Mom

5-4-3...

2011-06-06T22:02:00.003-04:00

...some see those numbers and think count down...I think double play. Yep...baseball season is in full swing and I LOVE it!! Don't get me wrong, I love the hard hitting craziness of football and hockey, but there's something about baseball that just speaks to me. Okay, not in a weird {I'M HEARING VOICES} kind of way...you know what I mean!! Turning a double play, watching someone hit their first homerun, an amazing play at the plate...it's just a way of life in our house. We are so fortunate to live outside of a pro sports city. It's hard NOT to get caught up in it. And let me tell you, there is nothing like being at the extraordinarily beautiful Camden Yards. It amazes me every time...especially when the sun is setting and the lights have come up...it's perfection in my book. If you ever get a chance to see a game in our stadium you absolutely should take advantage of it. You won't be disappointed (and don't forget to grab some of Boog's BBQ on Eutaw Street!!).

I also want to send a special thank you to the lovely Rita of CoffeeShop Designs for helping me upgrade my blog. She did an AMAZING job. I'm still working on getting it finished, but it's certainly on it's way.

heat wave...

2011-05-31T19:16:00.001-04:00

...and family pics make for a pretty quick shoot! Especially when there are kids involved. This is a family that I took photos for a few years back and really just thoroughly enjoyed them. SO excited that they wanted more pics!!! So when I arrived at our location yesterday at 5pm my car read 97 degrees...97!! And the humidity was horrible so the heat index was well over 100. That's just crazy. No one should have to be out in that. This family was so wonderful....the kids did an amazing job considering the sweltering conditions. At the end of the shoot we decided that it might be cute to do some shots with ice cream...a better idea in theory I suppose. The ice cream melted almost immediately, dripped all over mom and dad, and the kids wanted water way worse than they wanted ice cream. Note to self...80 degrees or under for ice cream shoots. Oh well, we tried! Thank you thank you thank you "S" family for being such good sports under less than ideal circumstances. I hope you enjoy your preview...

can you tell that these twins are the best of friends???

yep, mom and dad are stunning

now THAT'S a group hug!

funk...

2011-05-18T18:34:00.001-04:00

...that's the word that describes my mood this week. Funk. And not like cool, George Clinton funk...more like Eeyore, rain cloud following kind of funk. Funny since it's actually been raining all week. Hmmm...maybe it's not all in my head! No, it is. I know it is, but I can't snap out of it. No matter how hard I try I feel like there are some days that I'm just barely keeping myself afloat. Of course I do have a 14 year old to take care of so I turn it around as best as I can when he's home, but while he's at school...game on. I think it's this profound sense of lack of control over events, major events, that are starting to shape my life. For 2 months now we've been waiting to find out what is going to happen with my husband and the impending deployment of some sort. We've not been through this before. Ever. Sure, he was active Army for about 8 years, but there was never anything other than schools and field exercises...we were SO lucky. Now, as a member of the Army Reserves, it looks like the time has come. The problem is that there are so many options of what could happen. He could go here or there or both for 6 months or 12 months or 2 different 6 month mobilizations...it seriously makes my head spin. Just when I think "this is it, this is the plan", everything changes again. It looks likely that at least part of this mobilization will be in Afghanistan...could be this year, could be next year...could be 6 months, could be a year...see what I mean??? It's dizzying to the point of being nauseating. I have friends, brave, wonderful women, who go through this once every couple of years (sometimes more often!). This is their life. I don't know how they do it. I truly don't. I can't seem to function in all of this uncertainty. It's not as much about where or for how long, it's just a matter of not having any sort of answer. Funk. Funk. Funk. My child starts high school this year. Funk. I'm turning 40 at the end of this year. Funk. My husband is being taken away. Funk.

Okay...bright side. My wonderful child has made it all the way to high school. Bright side. I've lived long enough to make it to my 40th birthday. Bright side. My husband will be doing a job that in the end is bigger than any of us and is a selfless act of bravery. Bright side. I do realize that every situation is shaped by the way that you look at it and approach it. And while this week seems to be my wallowing in self pity week, it will give way to weeks of gratitude and pride. I do think that we need to allow ourselves the whole spectrum of emotions that come along with any event, big or small. It's okay to be sad, angry, hurt, scared...just don't let it run your life in the end. Sometimes we need to give in to the funk and give it it's due...and then, with any luck, cast it aside for brighter days.

:: BEL AIR HS 2012 SENIOR REP ::

2011-05-13T16:22:00.004-04:00

...meet Annie...have I mentioned how crazy it is that I get all of these unbelievably gorgeous high schoolers???? Well, it is! I mean COME ON!?! Must be in the water around here. Annie and I met for the first time yesterday before her pictures and I could tell right away we were going to get great ones. And such a sweet girl. She's been cheerleading since she was 5 so she is comfortable with herself which is a dream for me (actually, all of the girls were wonderful in front of the camera). Once again, I am so lucky to be doing what I do. Truly. So here's the lovely Annie...

Hair and Makeup courtesy of the fabulous Marisa Graham of NVS Salon and Spa

:: C. MILTON WRIGHT HS SENIOR REP ::

2011-05-13T13:03:00.002-04:00

...something funky is going on with the blog...my original post about this has mysteriously disappeared. WEIRD. Crazy internet. Anyway, once again, here is my beautiful country girl from C. Milton Wright HS...meet Sarah =)

:: PATTERSON MILL HS 2012 SENIOR REP ::

2011-05-11T13:38:00.002-04:00

...meet Sydney...my 2012 Senior Rep from Patterson Mill High School. Wow. Just wow. She is an absolute stunner...AND, more importantly, she is the sweetest person! She's quite the smarty pants too...Hello??? National Honor Society!! I feel so lucky to have met this extraordinary young woman. She truly is a gift to us all.

Hair and Makeup courtesy of Marisa Graham of NVS Salon and Spa in Bel Air.

now that's just funny =)

the family that plays together...

2011-05-10T14:15:00.003-04:00

...stays together! And this family LOVES to laugh and play...such a great dynamic between all of them. I just adore families that can be goofy...makes my job extra fun! So here you go lovely {H} family...enjoy your preview...

can't you hear mom and dad saying..."yep...those are our kids!"

daddy's girl

like I said...goofy

mama's first baby

this was her Mother's Day wish...to get pictures with her family

faves...

2011-05-09T12:08:00.003-04:00

...I'm trying desperately to play catch up with both professional and personal pics. I figured that since these were a few weeks old I should probably get them up! Wonderful friends of ours decided to make a quick weekend trip to DC (from Cleveland!!) -- we were SO thrilled to be able to spend time with them. It's so rare to find a family that you love so dearly...every single one of them. We started off as neighbors in Alaska 15 years ago and to this day they are some of our most favorite people on the planet. love love love...

our beautiful capitol

an interesting way to walk the mall

this one is fearless! They bought these lollipops with actual scorpions inside...notice that the BOYS didn't give it a try. Made me a little nauseous...

my most favorite monument

the WWII monument

i heart this family...

2011-05-06T11:05:00.001-04:00

...I truly, truly do. Mom was our real estate agent when we moved here almost 7 years ago and we've been friends ever since! I worked along side her for 6 years until this photography "thing" sort of took over. I bought my first digital camera back in the spring of 2005 and she was my very first paying client. So, in a sense, she is responsible for getting me off my bootie...I am forever grateful. Her family is one of the most loving, generous families I've ever known and I just adore them. I hope you enjoy your preview {S} family...xoxoxo

new meaning to family tree =)

eeewwww....you guys are GROSS!

my beautiful friend...

2011-05-01T19:07:00.001-04:00

...was so kind to trust me with her pictures. It's pretty unnerving to have your photo taken...especially when you're the only one in it. To be able to feel comfortable and allow yourself to let go a bit is quite a feat. I will readily admit that I am NOT a good subject. Nope...hate being the subject actually. I think my lovely friend surprised herself when she started to actually feel more at ease. It's intimidating to have that lens in your face and she did a remarkable job! Well, it helps that she's stinkin' beautiful too!! I'm so sad that she will be leaving us soon...I wish her so much love and luck and just peace in her new adventures. {L} you are truly a ray of sunshine in all of our lives...

we do laugh together...A LOT!

...baby {S} and some family fun...

2011-04-30T14:52:00.002-04:00

...so I'm loving this whole photographing babies thing...I get to have a little baby fix every now and then...perfect! Yesterday was an oh-so-proud auntie with her month old niece and then we joined the rest of the family for a few more snaps. What a fun group! And all of them are just beautiful. Kind of annoying actually =) I won't hold it against them TOO much! But seriously awesome family. Great energy to be around...so glad I got to spend some time with them...

you know I LOVE me some baby feet!

doesn't get much sweeter than these two

what an awesome big sis

Mama and her babies

grandpa's just a tad proud of his new granddaughter

cousin cuties...

2011-04-16T22:54:00.001-04:00

...a few days ago I had the unique pleasure of photographing a group of cousins...SO cute! Two 9 year olds, a 6 year old, two 3 year olds and a 2 year old. BUSY....but I think we did a pretty good job! Like I said...CUTE!

...twins! And if you're wondering, they're not identical =) haha

...is there anything better than the relationship between a daddy and his little girl??

...this little one was NOT a fan of me or my big camera...so I told him I wasn't taking his picture, I was taking the rock's picture...that seemed to work...so cute!

...don't you just want to hug him?

slapshot...

2011-04-10T21:03:00.001-04:00

...Growing up in upstate NY (Schenectady to be exact) I learned to love hockey at a young age. My father was (and still is) a professor at Union College and I LOVED going to the games. Loved. As in obsessed!! By the age of 9 I could tell you which players played on which line and, although a pretty quiet and timid child, I had a tendency to let the refs know when they blew a call. I still have several years worth of signed programs and even a broken stick from one of my favorite players. I can still rattle off several of the players' names and numbers...obsessed. So when my aunt told me about a charity hockey event that she wanted me to go to with her I jumped all over it. Hockey AND charity...how could it get any better?? I'll tell you how...there were 3 teams that played a 30 minute period each against the Washington Capitals Alumni team. Names like Peter Bondra, Alan May, Sylvain Cote and Yvon Labre were on the program. Impressive! Now to the even better part...the first period was played by USA Warriors Ice Hockey...a team comprised of US Military personnel wounded in defense of our country. They are set up solely for charitable and educational purposes. You should check out their WEBSITE ... truly inspiring. The second group was the USNA Alumni team and the 3rd team was Firefighters & Police Lines. All of these wonderful people were there raising money to fight childhood cancer and multiple sclerosis. Amazing!!!

before the games started there was a scrimmage between two kids' teams: The Baltimore Saints and the Washington Ice Dogs. The Caps Alumni players were on the ice with them, helping them every step of the way. Really neat to watch!

like I said, these guys are amazing

this man skates with TWO prosthetics. Two. How inspiring is that?!?!

During an intermission there was a quick game for the "older" set. These teams are comprised of players over the age of 55 and let me tell you, they can move!!! AND, there was a woman on one of the teams! LOVE IT!! By the way, the name of one of the teams is the Geri-Hat-Tricks...

then it was Navy's turn

watching players like Peter Bondra play was so incredible. They truly do love the game and make it look completely effortless. They skate better than I walk!

this fan was NOT impressed

and then the firefighters and policemen had their shot

oooh baby...

2011-04-05T21:49:00.001-04:00

...seems like I just took maternity pics for this family...OH WAIT, I did! And now I present (drum roll please)...the newest addition...baby {B}!! He is absolutely perfect. SOOOOO cute and sweet and I just wanted to hold him forever. I think that maybe Mom and Dad were afraid I'd never leave =) Anyway, here is the adorable preview for new Mom and Dad and wonderful big brother...

:: love little toes ::

:: sweet sweet big brother ::

:: rock on ::

:: CHECK IT OUT ::

2011-03-29T08:55:00.004-04:00

Ashley Reherman Photography is currently in search of Senior Rep Models for the 2012 graduating class. There will be ONE rep for each high school in Bel Air, Maryland and the surrounding areas (ex. Jarrettsville, Fallston, etc.).

:: A Senior Rep is a spokesmodel from a high school that helps to promote Ashley Reherman Photography by using their own awesome senior photos. Ideally the senior rep has a wide variety of friends, is involved in their school and is an outgoing person who is not afraid to be in front of the camera.

:: The criteria ::

A sense of style, fun and excited to be in front of the camera
Be a high school junior graduating in 2012
Go to high school in Bel Air and surrounding areas
Agree to tell friends and classmates about Ashley Reherman Photography and share your pictures with them
Have parents/guardians sign a model release form
Agree to only represent Ashley Reherman Photography and use only the images we capture as your senior pictures

:: The good stuff ::

The spokesmodels will get 2 FREE sessions (one spring and one during your senior year)…this includes multiple locations and outfit changes within a 2 hour(ish) period ($260 value)
50 rep cards to pass out to other seniors and friends with your pics and my information
A proof book of your images
Web sized images for Facebook
$20 print credit for every senior who books a session with me using your rep card or at least saying that you sent them…this is unlimited so, for example, if you bring me 10 seniors you get $200 print credit.

:: Your first session must be done during the month of May. Your second session is up to you! I like going to new places and being adventurous so if you want to be a senior rep you’d better be ready =)

:: This is an opportunity for us both to have fun and benefit from the experience. You get great senior portraits and I get awesome new images for my website, blog, Facebook and other marketing materials.

DON’T MISS OUT ON A GREAT OPPORTUNITY!!

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 20, 2011…REPS WILL BE NOTIFIED ON APRIL 21st

:: Below are the questions that need to be filled out to apply. You can copy and paste them into an email…when you are finished email it to ashley@ashleyrehermanphotography.com with the subject Senior Rep. I’m SO excited to hear from you!

Application for Senior Rep Class of 2012 for Ashley Reherman Photography

First and Last Name:

Date of birth:

Email address:

Your high school:

Graduation year:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:

Parent/Guardian Name (first & last):

Parent/Guardian email:

Do you have your parent’s/guardian’s permission to participate?

What activities, both in and out of school, are you involved in? (clubs, sports, etc.):

Hobbies/Interests:

Do you have a job? If so, where?

Favorite clothing store:

Favorite Band:

Favorite TV Show:

Favorite Movie:

Favorite Restaurant:

Will you be willing to promote Ashley Reherman Photography to your friends and classmates by sharing your senior rep cards and posting your pics on Facebook?

If you or your parents have any questions PLEASE feel free to email me or give me a call

17 years ago...

2011-03-23T13:48:00.001-04:00

...so many lives were forever changed. While the majority of Americans won't remember the accident, those that were involved will never forget. The tragedy at Pope AFB on March 23, 1994 still holds a vivid spot in my mind. Of course, I was on a train from Albany, NY to Fayetteville, NC at the time of the accident and had no clue how significantly my life would change once I stepped off that train. I was simply going down to visit my new boyfriend during my spring break. Jason was a lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne and of course LOVED to jump out of planes...a fact that was more than a little concerning to me. He had a jump scheduled for the day that I was arriving...I jokingly said that he had better be there to pick me up at the train station since he had gone on and on about the seediness of that area of town. Imagine my surprise when I make my way out of the train and he's not there. Okay, so I figured he was late and after about 14 hours on a train I did not find it amusing. As the platform cleared I noticed a uniformed man walking toward me..."Are you Ashley?"...my life was never the same. This young lieutenant who stood before me was trying to explain the events that had gone on while I sat on that train. My mind was a blur and all I heard was "crash", "burned", "hospital", and "but he's okay". I was in such a fog that my first thought was that this was some sort of practical joke since I had made a point to say "you had better be there". There was no joke. In fact it was so far beyond anything I could fathom or had encountered in my life at that point that I just sort of followed him in a haze of disbelief. I had never had any sort of dealings with the military before this. It was never a part of my life. I have to say, the tight-knit community that is the Army (and I'm sure all of the other branches as well) is truly amazing and awe inspiring. These people had never met me, yet they cared for me as if we'd known each other a lifetime.

As we headed to the hospital I was terrified. I'm not known for my ability to handle hospital type things. I'm not a blood and guts kind of girl...I'm the one who gets grossed out by all of that. And yet there I was, headed into a hospital bay full of injured soldiers...one of them with a familiar face. He was burned. His face swollen and peeling, his hands wrapped as well as his back. He certainly did not look much like the person I had seen a few times before. As I looked around all I could see were wounded soldiers. Some were missing limbs, one was missing an ear, many were burned...it was surreal. Suddenly I'm thrust into this completely foreign situation and realized that it was on me to be strong and supportive and nurturing. His parents knew nothing about me...didn't even know I existed...and there I was having to call his mother to give her updates on his condition. Being what I would come to know as "typical Jason", he told his mom that he just needed a few Tylenol and he'd be fine. He had burns that would require grafts...I don't think Tylenol was the answer. So I had to tell her the REAL situation and that she should probably come out to be with him. So goes the first meeting of the parents. Again, a surreal situation. I felt like I barely knew this person except through months of letters, phone calls and a few visits and here I was in a position of caretaker. The odd thing was that it felt like it was where I was supposed to be.

My few day trip turned into a week during which I realized that I was capable of a lot more than I had ever given myself credit for. It's amazing what you can find within yourself when you have to. There was so much pain in that room and yet so much relief. 23 of their fellow soldiers died on that day...one would die almost a year later from his significant burns. I learned more about burns in that short time than I ever cared to know. I can't imagine going through that level of pain. Jason was amazing through it all. The bandage changes, the debreeding, the horrible pain both physical and I would imagine emotional...he was truly inspiring.

There are two moments during that week that truly stick out in my mind. The first is when President Clinton came to visit the wounded soldiers. I sat in a chair next to Jason's bed and the President stood behind me, hand on my shoulder, offering his condolences, praise and admiration. It was then that he asked Jason if I was his wife to which he responded "no Sir, this is my girlfriend". We hadn't really gotten that far in our relationship to talk about that, but I figured since he said it to the President it must be true!

The other moment was definitely more poignant and unbelievably moving. During that week there was a mass memorial service for all of those fallen soldiers. It was in what I think was a gymnasium and was overflowing with mourners. It was absolutely packed full and there were many people who had to listen from outside. Again, this was something that I had never experienced in my life. A memorial for a fallen soldier is devastating...a memorial for 23 is unimaginable. Family members cried out from different parts of the gym as the name of their loved one was called out. 23 boots, rifles and helmets graced the stage as a constant reminder of why we were all there. I sat next to my new boyfriend, knee wrapped, hands bandage, obvious physical pain coursing through his body...and watch as he stoicly honored his fallen comrades...most of them were from his unit. The most vivid memory of that day for me was during Taps...this amazing man stood at attention, quivering from pain and anguish, and paid his respects. It was one of the most touching moments of my life and something that I will never forget.

After that week I headed back home as he and his mom headed to Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas where Jason would undergo skin grafts on his hands and back. I think that intense, crisis situations can make or break both people and relationships. That incident defined us and sped up what was likely to have happened anyway. I moved down to NC to be with him in July of that same year and we were engaged that November. We've been together 17 years now and I'm thankful for every single one.

Green Ramp Disaster

PLEASE look at these beautiful children...

2011-03-22T19:51:00.001-04:00

...and forward this on to anyone you know. These are the niece and nephew of a dear friend of mine. Their mother took them illegally out of the country and their father has been fighting with everything he's got to get them back. After trying to do things as amicably as possible, he's been forced to file criminal charges. Somehow, a year ago February, she was able to take them out of the country WITHOUT passports. It's still unclear as to how she accomplished this, but the end result is the same...Stan has not had his children home for over a year. Any little bit that he's seen them has been because he has flown to Trinidad and was forced to 1-2 hour visitations while the court proceedings dragged on. Obviously this is not only time consuming but also extremely financially draining. He is a paramedic with a Baltimore fire company and is very highly regarded among his peers. All I'm asking is that you look at these beautiful faces and forward them on to your family and friends. Thank you SO much!!! If you click on the link below the pictures it will provide you with more information.

Anastasia, also goes by Ana

Gabriel, also goes by Gabe

http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PubCaseSearchServlet?act=viewPoster&caseNum=1142088&orgPrefix=NCMC&searchLang=en_US

...what a marvelous night...

2011-03-19T22:25:00.003-04:00

...for a moondance...

the girlfriend...

2011-03-18T21:44:00.001-04:00

...it's very weird to me that my son is old enough to have a girlfriend. Isn't he still 5??? Thankfully I really like her...otherwise we'd have a problem =) One of the bonuses of the girlfriend is I get to photograph a girl at my house! Yay for girls!! And she's a willing model (and a beautiful one at that) so I'm a happy camper.

my reluctant subject...

2011-03-15T17:54:00.001-04:00

...I'm sure it gets kind of annoying having a photographer for a mom. It would to me anyway. But, since I'M the mom (and I said so) I get to be the boss (or so I like to think). Actually, I had a fairly willing participant in my almost-14-year-old...he must have been REALLY bored. So here are a few shots from the proud mama...

...heartbreaker...

...I definitely did NOT look that cute in braces...

...and my lovely Emma B...

heart smiles...

2011-03-14T18:28:00.001-04:00

...that's how I like to think of the emotions that my pictures hopefully evoke. I've been thinking about how unbelievably fortunate I am...in many ways, but for the purposes of this blog I'm speaking of my "work". I don't really consider it work even though it is challenging at times and sometimes tedious when editing, but to call what I do work seems to minimize how deeply I love what I do. Sure, my feet hurt, my shoulders are sore (have you SEEN the size of my camera??), my back aches and I'm and thoroughly exhausted (especially after an event)...but when someone loves the "work" I've done for them it's all worth it. And, truth be told, I tend to have a lot of fun with whomever I'm with. I cannot stand up in front of a group of people and speak eloquently or even coherently, but I can relate to people on a more personal level which is, I think, essential when photographing anyone...from one person to a group of many. I am trying to capture not only a moment in time but the emotion that goes along with it. If I'm not open and friendly and welcoming how can I expect my client to be? My son always makes fun of me for the fact that I can make friends pretty much anywhere and will talk to anyone. I find it to be a gift that someone who I may not even know wants to share a piece of their story with me. I tell my son that there is no reason NOT to talk to people. Why not be friendly? It makes life so much richer. My life is amazing because of the people that are in it as well as the people who I have yet to meet...they are all a part of the fabric of my being and I am so thankful for them all.

My "job" allows me to be witness to moments in people's lives that are unforgettably joyous. How fantastic is it that these people have me document these times in their lives?!? I get to see people at some of the most important times of their lives...

...weddings...

...high school seniors...

...sports...

...pregnancy...

...heroism...

...engagements...

...newborns...

...bar mitzvahs...

I could keep going. It's mind boggling that I'm able to be a fly on the wall to all of these wonderful moments in time. I get to see the joy and love and kindness that flows out of these people who unknowingly inspire me. And they do inspire me on a daily basis. They make me want to just keep getting better and better at this thing they call "work".

it's almost time...

2011-03-13T20:38:00.001-04:00

...for BABY!! So excited for this family. You may recognize them...I shot their wedding a few years ago!

Just love them! Seriously. I do. Anyway, they are going to add to their already beautiful family in just a few short weeks. It was truly wonderful to be able to spend more time with them...there is just so much love there...it's absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to meet the little one!!!

meet big brother {E}

...Lending a Hand for Gram...

2011-03-08T17:14:00.005-05:00

Last week my brother-in-law's 90 year old grandmother was robbed...in her home...machete held to her throat...phone lines cut...tied up...life savings, stolen...priceless sentimental items, stolen...her spirit, bruised, but not broken, and miraculously unharmed physically. This amazing woman has lived through so much in her life and now has been forced to leave the home that she's known for many decades. Her life has been turned upside down because someone thought that robbing a 90 year old woman of everything was a good idea. She was a child during the Great Depression and with the recession of recent years she was scared that the banks would go under and she'd lose all of her money...her life savings was at her house. What goes through someone's mind that makes them believe that this is okay? How do you make the decision to alter someone else's life? I'd like to think that there's at least a little remorse there, but that's doubtful. Here is an :: Interview :: with Gram...please watch and PLEASE...if you're in the Albany, NY area and have any information make sure you contact the police. I know that times are hard for everyone, but IF you're in the position to help even a little, you can make donations to:
"Lending a Hand for Gram" (this is how the check should be made out)
SEFCU
290 Saratoga Road
Scotia, NY 12302
(or if you're in the Albany/Schenectady area, you can drop a donation off at any SEFCU branch)

Again...times are tough...please only donate if you absolutely can. If you have any additional questions you can email me at ashley@ashleyrehermanphotography.com

Thank you SO much for reading Gram's story...please keep her in your thoughts.

baby fever...

2011-02-27T20:10:00.001-05:00

...nope, not me...sorry Mom. The beautiful {N} family just moved to our area all ready to add to their family of 3. Last week baby {M} arrived in QUICK fashion!! 11 minutes of pushing...he was READY! I think Mom, Dad, and "big" brother were more than ready as well. What a wonderful welcome to Maryland! Here is the ridiculously beautiful family of 4!!!

YAY I'm finally here!!!

woohoo for new...

2011-02-16T19:43:00.003-05:00

...I recently made up a sample wedding album which I am absolutely in love with! Keep in mind that there are many different styles and color combinations, this is just what I chose. They come in 8x8, 10x10, and 12x12...would also be great for baby pics, senior pics, event pics...pretty much anything.

leather or leatherette covers...can also have a cameo picture added

hairline gutter with lay-flat binding allows panoramas appear seamless

each page is rigid and substantial...

toddler & teens...

2011-02-15T21:09:00.001-05:00

...that's what my weekend consisted of...well that and a healthy dose of family and friends =) ... never a bad thing! First we're going to start of with the toddler. OH. MY. GOSH. Seriously. How can any child be so cute??? I took this little guy's photos when he was just 4 months old and now he's almost 2! How is that even possible??? And those eyes...don't even get me started. They are just ridiculous. So to start things off, here is little {F}...ugh...melts my heart...

meet Bean...

...and part 2...the teens. One in particular...my brother. I flew up to NY to photograph one of my brother's basketball games. He is the captain on the high school freshman basketball team. He's good. He's REALLY good. Actually, the whole team did really well...but I obviously have a soft spot for my brother. It's hard because we're 24 years apart and for his whole life I have basically been Lucas' mom (my son...a year and a half younger than him). But now that he's getting older we're starting to connect and I have to say I'm LOVING it. Okay, he might think it's annoying, but I find it fantastic. The poor kid has 4 older sisters who love to terrorize him. Now that he's over 6 feet tall he's starting to be able to take us on...a little anyway =) As much as I like to give him a hard time, the truth is that I really admire him. He has a drive and dedication to basketball like nothing I've ever seen. And not only that, he's an A student! I know, kind of aggravating to the rest of us! Watch out...this boy wonder is going places. I keep telling him that I'd better get tickets to the Final Four when he plays in it. As much as it pains him to hear it, I truly love my brother...he's just a great guy.

my handsome bro...(yes, he WILL hurt me for that...)

you guessed it...that's him

and again...

shockingly, that's my brother...AGAIN

and their fantastic coach

hey, it's my blog...I can put as many pics up of him as I want...so there =)

yadda yadda yadda...

2011-01-17T15:29:00.007-05:00

...I haven't rambled on in quite sometime so I think maybe I'm overdue. I was thinking today about how lucky I've been with the opportunities I've been given. Photography has always been something I LOVED doing. It's a sense of serenity for me...almost a spirituality of sorts. When my son was born almost 14 years ago, my passion kicked into overdrive. My child may be the most photographed child on the planet; well...at least on my block. Somewhere along the line I started taking pictures for friends - just for fun. I found that their reactions to the pictures gave me so much joy that I just wanted to keep taking them. The problem for me came when people wanted to start paying me for my "work". I didn't see it as pay-worthy...it was just something I loved to do. Plus the fact that with payment comes expectation and I'm TERRIFIED of letting people down. Seriously. It's a problem. To this day I struggle with feeling like maybe someone is going to figure out that I really don't know what I'm doing. Truth is, though, that if I look at where I started and where I am today, I kind of DO know what I'm doing. I try to look objectively at photos that I've taken. There are ones that I love and ones that I wish I had done better. The annoying part for my husband is when I look at a picture that I've done and say "that looks like a REAL picture! Like a professional one!"...to which he always says "they ARE professional...sheesh!". It's a hurdle that I'm still trying to overcome. I always said I couldn't take pictures for money...and now I am. I always said there's no way I could do a wedding....and, again, I am. There are so many things that I limited myself from because of fear. Don't get me wrong, it's still there...but now I try to push myself to see if maybe I CAN do something I didn't think I could. One of the greatest lessons I've learned along the way is this: Know your strengths and play to them. Acknowledge what you perceive to be weaknesses and don't be held back by them. There are areas of photography that I will not excel at...not because I can't eventually learn, but because they are not where my passions lie. Find what you love to do and don't be afraid to try it! You never know where it could take you...

...me at work...taken by Krishna Hill

this picture was taken by the lovely Krishna Hill of Kaptured by Krishna

f~f~f~f~frigid....

2011-01-12T20:01:00.007-05:00

...really. Not even kidding. The beautiful Miss {S} knew for months that she wanted to have her "fun" pictures done in the snow. Finally, January 12th, we got enough to actually cover the grass. As cold as it was (30 degrees with 25mph wind gusts!), I was really excited to do something out of the ordinary. I have to say...the snow and the beauty did not disappoint. Thank you Miss {S} for being such a good sport and for finding such great spots!

...I am in love with everything about this picture...

...meet Bear...her new puppy...

...beautiful...

...this picture makes me cold...