It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

One of my most favorite things about Christmas here at the studio are the holiday cards. I love the creativity that I am able to use in each different design and no two cards are ever alike. Sometimes it is a bit of a challenge but that challenge is what keeps things exciting and new. If you've scheduled your holiday session, don't forget to ask about our unique holiday cards. We're sure they will be something treasured by each and every person who opens your envelope this season.

It's The Holiday Season

It's the holiday season here at Photography With Love and we've never been busier. Santa frequently visits our studio so be sure to get your holiday session scheduled soon. Deadlines to ensure Christmas delivery are December 10th for images and November 24th for jewelry and handbags. We hope to see you soon.

Little Boy Blue

This latest session was scheduled as a family session - family pets included. We always enjoy meeting all the family members, and in my humble opinion, no family is complete without a dog or two. The temperatures were a bit brisk but Fall's canvas is nearly at it's peak and this is my favorite time of year to take pictures. We played around on a bridge and some railroad tracks before heading to the City's park for a friendly game of catch with the dogs. I was most captivated by Garrett though - he had the sweetest disposition and there was just something about those eyes. He was such a trooper giving me plenty of smiles along the way.

All I Want For Christmas Is.....

With Christmas just around the corner, we here at Photography With Love are busier than ever with our jewelry and purse parties.

Here's how it works:
The hostess provides a list of invitees who will be scheduled for a block of time to come to my studio to have their picture taken for a custom piece of jewelry or handbag. After the session, we sit down together, design the product and just a few weeks later you are showing off your latest and most treasured handbag or necklace.

This is a party though and a party is not complete without food, drink and fun so not only do you hang out with me in my studio for a bit, but you also get a chance to socialize with the other party-goers. It's definately a good time had by all.

I'm Gonna Love You Forever and Ever

As my wedding season is coming to an end, I was really looking forward to spending the day with this couple. We had a terrific time during their engagement session and I knew their wedding day would be no different. From the moment I met these two, I knew they were in love and I really wanted to capture that love in my pictures. There were so many different and unique aspects to this day....from the bride getting ready, to the groom's gifts, along with the the grand entrance into the reception, not forgetting the doggy treats on each table and finishing with a photo booth - it was all so much fun! Thank you for sharing your special day with us!

Wide Open Spaces

This evening's session was a bit breezy but perfect in every way. We spent the evening relaxing on the farm exploring barns, bins, and beans and managed to get some really nice pictures in the most natural of settings. Photography this time of year is my most favorite...the colors are fabulous and the temperatures are invigorating. I'm definately looking forward to the rest of my Autumn photoshoots; and hopefully, you are too!

Snakes and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

This evening's session at the IMA was full of fun....potty breaks....giggles and 3 energetic little boys. These kiddos kept me running and laughing most of the evening. After about an hour and a half of snapping though, I think I managed to wear em' out. Thanks for smiles!

What's In Your Back Yard

Tonight was a beautiful night for an engagement session and as a result, I was able to capture some beautiful images of my couple. We took a leisurely stroll through their back yard gardens resting from time-to-time along the banks of the pond. I shot everything from traditional to artzy and all the while, my couple laughed and loved every minute together. Thanks for the smiles Kiley and Kevin. I can't wait to see you again in October.

Weeds, Glorious Weeds

I have been laughing non-stop since Saturday from my experience at this latest wedding. First off, this couple was amazing. In spite of the heat, we spent most of the day outside and I didn't get one complaint.

While the bride was busy making herself gorgeous, Mike pinned on the groom's boutonniere, straightened his collar and began the session. The first thing we noticed about the boutonniere was it's pungent odor, wilted leaves and all the thistles that grossly protruded from it; but, in the world of photography people do all kinds of things for all kinds of reasons and who are we to question them....after all, they have been maticulously planning this day for months.

We get about our business of shooting pictures and are well into the day before finally getting around to the finer details of the attire such as the boutonniere, cuff links, bridal gown, bouquet, rings, veil, etc. It was the bride who first made the comment about the boutonniere....(FINALLY, this poor thing was on it's last leg and all I can say is thank God the groom didn't have ragweed allergies)! Anyway, after a few phone calls, it was discovered that the boutonniere was a practical joke and had my poor, hurried groom stopped to take a minute to read a note initially attached to the mass, bundle of weeds, he would have apparently discovered that minor detail before ever pinning it on.

So, a note to all my grooms out there who might be asked what they want on their wedding day; when you ask for dandelions, you might just get....dandelions. Oh well, these are the things that make memories for a lifetime and I know this couple is off to a great start!

Willy Nilly Silly Ol' Bear

"Wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in that enchanted place on the top of the forest, a little boy and his Bear will always be playing".

I had such a wonderful time on Monday evening taking this little guy's picture. He had the sweetest, most gentle (and a little bit serious) disposition. His smile, which reminded me a lot of a rose bud, was enchanting and his eyes, with those amazing eyelashes, bounced with each flash of my bulb. I will see Cyle again just before Christmas and I can't wait to watch him with Santa, a frequent visitor in my studio around the holidays.

Pretty In Pink

This was my second session with Hadley and I was just amazed at how much she had changed from her newborn session a mere 3 months ago. Aside from being a lot more alert this time around, she had a personality and smile that melted my heart. As you can see from this picture, she is just a doll. I can't wait to see her again for her 6-month session.

It's That Time Of Year Again

Can you believe summer is half over? I can't! Where has the time gone? I had my first senior session this weekend, a sure sign that back-to-school preparations are under way. I'm running some great specials if you book your senior session with me now through the end of August. Call or e-mail today to take advantage as space is filling up and time is running out.

Short And Sweet

For this wedding, my couple decided to keep things simple and sometimes simple is very sophisticated. My mother always taught me that often times, "less is more" and for today's nuptials, I completely agree. Everything from the dress to the cake was kept short and sweet; except for the long honeymoon in Hawaii. Congratulations, enjoy the sunsets.

Union Station

Today was my first visit back to Union Station in downtown, Indianapolis since 1987 and things have certainly changed. What used to be a shopping center and popular teen hang-out has become a grand hotel and banquet hall which is an amazing venue for a wedding. The old architecture of the building and rustic train cars provide for a spectacular setting!

Lights, Camera, Boone County

This year's 4th of July theme brought all the elements of Hollywood right here to Lebanon, Boone County; and this holiday photoshoot was no exception. Can you imagine the surprise I felt as this Hollywood Icon stepped into my picture? "Beam me up Scotty."

Sweetness

Meet Miss Maddy. I spent about 1.5 hours with her and fell in love. We started with birthday cake in my studio and ended with flowers in the park. I could have taken her picture all night long but I had to let her get back to her daddy, especially since it was Father's Day. Aside from Miss Maddy's adorable blue eyes and her sweet little smile, she has an amazing laugh; and, she laughs at everything. These pictures truly say it all...sweetness in it's purest form.

Love Is In The Air

With wedding season in full swing, I've been spending a lot of time shooting engagement sessions. I'm always amazed at the very creative ideas that my clients have incorporating their engagement pictures into their wedding day. In addition to the more traditional ways to use pictures such as slide-show video productions and invitations, I've also seen photo guest registries and picture candy. I find myself making mental notes of the endless possibilities for the day my children walk down the isle.

My Playground

My playground for the weekend was the Mavris Arts and Events Center located downtown, Indy. I've been looking forward to this venue as it provided new and different opportunities with the Indianapolis skyline and the many trains that run up and down the tracks nearby. This particular shot was actually much harder than I had originally thought it would be. Slowing down the shutter made it very difficult to keep my bride and groom in focus but I think my amazingly talented husband finally got it figured out. I hope to return here one day to perfect this particular shot. And until then, CONGRATS to you, Kelsie and Zach, your day was amazing!

Lazy Days Of Summer

Just before the ground was tilled in preparation for the yearly bean and corn crops, we went on one last romp through the weeds of grandma and grandpa's farm. Thankfully, I had my camera in tow and managed to get these few pictures of my daughters. I'm not sure which was more beautiful, watching the sunset as the dust rolled over the fields; or, the images depicted here, but either way, it was the perfect end to the perfect day!

Thought I'd Share

These are just a few of the spreads from one of my latest albums. The collage is a surprise, complimentary spread that we always add to the end of all our albums. It's our little way of thanking our clients for sharing their special day with us.

As I had posted earlier on this couple, it was our first themed wedding and we had a blast with this shoot. For me, the album designing is one of my most favorite parts about doing wedding photography. Our clients pick the images for their album, and I turn them into art. Some albums are more challenging than others but that's all part of the job. Hope you enjoy!

Where's Waldo

Meet Waldo, the Love family cat. He's a pure-bred Ragdoll. Wally (as we affectionately call him) has been raised by our family dog, Scout and the two are best of friends. Mr. Bo Jangles, another one of our family cats, is also one of Waldo's pals.

Although I'm not a cat-lover at heart, Wally has definitely won me over. He is the sweetest kitty and a little bit frisky too. I'm probably partial, but I think he's just about the puuuuur-tiest cat I've ever seen!

Here's Looking At You

For those of you who are following my blog, you've probably read that Seniors from the Class of '09 are keeping me very busy with commencement exercises just 11 days away. As if I weren't already a wee bit overwhelmed, Mother Nature decided to pour out some massive T-Storms today as I had scheduled one of my final sessions. No matter the chaos though....we've made it our top priority to make sure these kids have pictures and plenty of them. Congratulations graduates of 2009 - you look marvelous!

You've Got the Cutest Little Baby Face

This little guy was all smiles! He let me take his picture for well over an hour before showing any signs of exhaustion; and as many of you can imagine, this is tough work for these tiny tots. I can't wait to see him again in August for his 6-month session and all I have to say is....move over Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, there's a new celebrity in town!

It's Never Too Late

We managed to squeeze in this photoshoot amidst all the rain, cold temperatures and high winds that have been sweeping over Indiana here these past few weeks. It was a short but sweet session with alot of great images to choose from. This Senior graduates in just over 2 weeks so it's crunch time. As a matter of fact, we have several Seniors who have waited until May to schedule their, last-minute session - what's up with that?!? Hmmmm, this gives me a potential marketing idea....stay tuned.....

Rain, Rain Go Away

Would you believe me if I told you that it was raining cats and dogs during this shoot. These folks were total die hard. I must confess, I was skeptical but they did not want to reschedule....something about living out-of-state and not revisiting Indiana for awhile...makes sense to me. I would never have guessed in a million years that we would have gotten the shots that we did though . I am quite pleased with the outcome! The rest of my weekend is pretty low-key. I was looking forward to spending the day in the yard with my flowers....looks like I might be building an ark instead.

Back Home Again

As many of you know, Mike and I hail from Lebanon, Indiana; yet, we haven't taken wedding pictures at a Lebanon venue for nearly a year now. With our latest couple, we were finally able to return to our old stompin' ground. The weather was beautiful but a little too windy for my bride so we utilized the natural light that was afforded us in the bridal suite of one of Lebanon's local churches.

Often times, during our Lebanon weddings we bump into a lot of familiar faces and this day was no exception. It was great seeing so many of those folks that I run into at the local grocery store, work place or city park. It's one of my most favorite things about living in a small town. I can be myself here in this small town and people let me be just what I want to be.