Just because it is winter in the Northeast doesn’t mean it is cold and miserable everyday.  Far from it!  In fact, I’d say that winters in Maine have been getting milder each year.  Not sure if I like the changing pattern, but it is what it is so I say we ought to cease the moment and enjoy each day, no matter what we wake up to.

This past Sunday the sun shone and we had seasonable temperatures.  Perfect for a winter photo session, even mid-day.  That’s the thing I like about doing sessions at this time of year – the sun is lower in the sky, which means the shadows cast are less harsh on peoples faces.

I believe this is the third year in a row that I have been lucky enough to photograph my friends’ family.  But this is the first year we included dogs to join in the fun.  It was hard to resist their two 5-month-old Red Labrador brothers.  Lots of energy and lots of cuteness!  Thank you, Kirstie, Kerry, Justine and Carly for a fun couple of hours.  I hope you enjoy your preview.  Can’t wait for you to see the rest!

How many clicks of the shutter does it take before you have all eyes facing the camera!  Lots! As you see, it can be done!

Sweet Lily, who had no clue she was playing Cupid!  Such a wonderful ol’ dog.

The pups decided to ‘style’ their own segment of the photo shoot.  They said “you like candid?  We’ll give you candid.  Catch this shot!”  And I said, “okay.”

Kirstie’s real estate head shot.

This is my favorite part – photographing the girls with their horses.  All the images are candid.  The only direction I gave was where the best lighting was located.  My goal was to portray the relationship they have with their horses.  How that played out was up to them.  I’d say there’s a lot of love here, wouldn’t you?

This is Otis and he belongs to Carly.  However, during this past year of eventing she rode the above horse, Teddy.  For anyone who is looking to buy a beautiful, well trained 7-year-old horse, Otis is for sale.  Contact me and I will put you in touch with the owner.

This is Justine with her horse, Giovanni.  I’d say they love each other!  The two of them won championship in their division at the Downeast Finals in hunter-jumper competition in 2011.  (I hope I got that right!  If not, let me know!)

“A lovely horse is always an experience…..

It is an emotional experience of the kind that is spoiled by words.”  – Author Unknown

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Winter finally arrived here in Midcoast Maine.  In fact, it arrived all over New England.  The weather reporters called for a mere 1-3 inches along the coast, but I’d say we got a good 6 inches of the white fluff, topped with a coating of sleet.  The best part of the day is when my daughter said “lets go out and do a photo shoot.”  I was beyond thrilled!  Sometimes it’s like pulling teeth to get her to do a shoot with me!  She wanted to use her old tree swing she made a few years ago, which I thought was a great idea.  Most of these are candid with a few poses thrown in.

Cody is trying to help her with the swing!  Such an Aussie, always needing a job!

Do they EVER stop texting!!

“No, mom, we don’t!”

Alright, so now that you’ve seen how fun winter photo shoots can be, who’s going to be the first to schedule one with me?  Remember, I am offering Off Season Rates now through the end of April.  That’s a $100 savings!!  It gets better.  Schedule a photo session between now and January 31st and I will include an 11×14 of your choice from your session!!  Contact me now and lets get started!!!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Winter is here, or at least that is what the calendar says, but for those of us who live in the Northeast, winter seems to be a bit confused this year.  One day it’s extremely cold, the next it’s a balmy 40+ degrees.  That’s okay, helps to save on heating costs.

Speaking of savings, I’m offering off season rates for photo sessions, starting NOW!  How much will you save?  How does $100 sound?!  Pretty cool, don’t you think!  I LOVE the light that winter offers and so I’d love to take advantage of that light.  I’m not into doing sessions when the temperatures are frigid, but there are plenty of opportunities when it’s mild enough – even in a “normal” winter.

So lets do this!  Pull out your colorful hats, scarves, mittens, sweaters, sleds, skates and lets have some fun!  Animals are most certainly welcome, and encouraged.

My off season rates (125.00) are good only through April 30, 2012.

Look at how much fun winter sessions are, and so beautiful!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Gosh, it’s December and I’m still doing photo sessions!  Very exciting!  And as you will see in these photos, no snow, and the temperature was in the 50′s, making it feel like early fall.

I had a great drive down to Yarmouth to meet up with these two young men and their mom.  Donna showed me some portraits of her sons when they were much younger so she decided it was about time to have some current photos taken.  I love black and whites, so was super excited she wanted these to be in black and white as well.

I hope you enjoy your preview, and it won’t be long before the rest are finished!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

About 3-4 years ago I began to use a digital camera.  I knew nothing about the technical side of photography, but always owned a camera and loved being behind the lens.  I remember that I didn’t have much work at the time that first year I got my Nikon D40, so I decided to make use of all my spare time and teach myself to take pictures the way I envisioned them.

Everyday, early in the morning, I took the dogs out with me to feed the horses.  I brought my camera, too.  It was at that magical hour or two after sunrise that I learned all about light and how it gave meaning and depth to anything I photographed.  I could take the same exact picture three hours later, but it wasn’t the same picture.  At all.  There was no life, no energy, no feeling.

I finally understood why it was said that photographers were always on the lookout for that “perfect light.”  It was necessary to convey emotion.  It was the thread that wove itself around subject and its’ soul.

I have been photographing people primarily for the past three years, but this morning I yearned to go out with my camera.  To be in the golden light as morning was waking up.  Pies were in the oven, my daughter asleep, the animals were enjoying the freshly fallen snow.

I wanted to go back to where I started this journey.  To remember my roots.  To discover how far I have gone and how much more of this amazing life I have yet to discover.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I just met the sweetest family the other day who won a photo session from one of the auctions I have donated to recently.  I love to support the local community and I can’t think of a better way to do so than by giving, especially if I can give of my talents, which will serve both the cause and the recipients.

It was another beautiful, unseasonably warm day here in Maine for a photo session.  I know I’ve said this many times, but the light at this time of year is exceptional.  I have been so pleased to be doing sessions well into November.  I really would like to do them outdoors all winter, as long as it isn’t frigid.

Both Elliott and Arabella were such sweet little troupers.  I often wonder what goes through children’s heads when someone they don’t know shows up with a camera in hand asking them to do this and that.  For the most part they indulged me with a pose here and there, but I know it’s asking a lot of 2 and 5 year olds so I kept it as light as possible.  In the end, I’d say we got some pretty good shots!

Thank you, Emery and Troy, for sharing your family with me.  I hope your enjoy your preview.  I think we have a few jewels in there!

I think it’s important to include the animal members of the family as well, especially since they were so willing!

It’s the moments in between the moments that create memories that move the heart ~

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I have driven past this farm many times over the years and have always loved it.  I would think to myself that whoever lived there was very lucky.  They have a perfect water view with meadows sprawling out in every direction.  Come to find out that Wriggins Hilltop Farm is a family owned business, producing grass fed beef, all natural pork and all natural cabrito (goat) in a small farm environment.  Love it!

Alana, Tom and their two children were such troopers to brave the November wind, which seemed to be twice as strong because their farm is situated on a hill with no trees to brace the wind coming off the water.  But that didn’t stop us as we moved from one area of the farm to the next.  With fences, stone walls and a red barn, the possibilities were endless.

Thank you so much for this opportunity to create some family memories for you to relive for years to come!  Enjoy your preview!!  Can’t wait to finish the rest!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

“Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.” – Rumi

It could have snowed November 5, 2011.  It was cold enough to, but it didn’t.  However, the weekend before we had a typical nor’easter at a very non-typical time of year.  Didn’t matter because November 5 was bright and cloudless, albeit cold and feeling like it should in November.  With that being said, I marveled at how Catherine never once said she was freezing as we grabbed the remaining rays of sunlight to document her and Bob’s most special day.  Not only was their day special, as all weddings are, but their chosen location set them apart from any wedding I have ever photographed.

Catherine is a soccer coach, which means her summer and early fall schedule are spent on a soccer field, leaving no time to squeeze in a wedding.  Bob works in construction, and in Maine you have to make hay while the sun shines.  November made sense to them.  So where do two people who are madly in love with each other who are madly in love with books get married?

The library, of course!  What! you say?  Yes, The Skidompha Public Library in Damariscotta, Maine to be exact.  It was beautiful.  It was perfect.  It was amazing!  Here’s the lineup: wedding at the local library, reception at the elegant 1812 Farm in Bristol, and a 1967 black and white Camaro . . . need I say more!  Yes, one more thing – Bob & Catherine, you are awesome and I wish you a lifetime of love, fun and fond memories!!  Enjoy your preview!

Catherine, your dress was exquisite and the only thing it needed was you, which made it even more exquisite!

As the ladies spent hours getting ready, the guys did their thing so they could bring the “chariot” to the waterfront for photographs.  Very cool, I think!

They wrote their own vows.  I love that Catherine is “fine tuning” hers in the library.

A few candid shots before the ceremony.  This is the ring bearer and his dad.

The first look for both Catherine and Bob.  Such a precious moment.

Some of the girls from the soccer team.

Catherine, you totally rocked this Camaro!!

I think you two just gave new meaning to a library.  A very romantic location to be wed, indeed!

I love how all the tables at the 1812 Farm were set up with flowers and books as the centerpiece.

Note the Camaro cake behind the big cake.  And guess what the cake top is made from?  Take a closer look below.

For those of you who live in Maine, you should be able to guess right off.

First dance.

Marriage is the golden ring in a chain whose
beginning is a glance and whose ending is Eternity.
~ Kahlil Gibran ~

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Children reinvent your world for you.

~ author unknown

I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a warm, sunny afternoon in November than with two young mothers and their babies.  For Derilyn, this is child number three.  Her beautiful son, Madox, is four months old.  For Lea, this is child number one and sweet little Tabitha is two months old.  It was fun listening to the conversations.  It made me realize that all mothers have a universal language, mulling over topics like sleep, or lack of sleep.  Feeding habits.  Diaper changes.  Bathing.  How to reintegrate back into the world with a baby glued to the hip.

Two months hardly seems like any time at all, but there was such a noticeable difference between these two little cherubs.  Tabitha is just waking up to the world around her, while Madox seems to have been around the block a few times already.

I hope you enjoy this little journey of candid moments!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. 

It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. 

~Elizabeth Stone

What a fabulous November morning to meet up with Virginia, Chad and Ava for a photo session at their beautiful farm.  The light was incredible, as you can see, the air was warm – no snow storms this weekend, unlike the last few days of October!  I haven’t seen Ava since May, when we did a secret session with just mother and daughter.  It was a surprise gift for fathers day.  My, how she has grown!  Not only does she look older, but she is talking in full sentences!  Not even two yet!  I hope you enjoy your preview and I especially hope you will find the perfect image to use for this years Christmas card!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I’ve learned that when you live in Maine, don’t count on the weather forecast to be accurate.  It was supposed to be a partly to mostly sunny weekend, but I know we saw more clouds than sun, and we even had some rain showers – at the time of this session, as a matter of fact!  Even so, we packed in a lot of giggles and plain old fun and excitement during our session.  It doesn’t really take much to make a wee one happy, and I’m telling you, can this little guy smile and laugh!  Abby and Mark, you are very lucky to have such a happy child, who is obviously loved to pieces!  I’ll hush now and get on with the show!

This black and white image is one of my favorites of the trio.  I love candid photos because they really capture authentic moments.  Plus, it isn’t easy to get a toddler to hold still for a posed shot, at least not for very long!

What a face!!  I just smile every time I see this!

“No, I want to run into the ocean!  No more pictures, please!!”

Thank you Abby, Mark and Ethan for such a fun time in Pemaquid.  I hope you enjoy your preview.  Stay tuned, there are more to come!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Within the quiet pulse of morning

a faint tune hums.

And there,

beneath the burning cloak

of autumn

a fiddler – disguised as shadow,

plays.

~ Darlene Terry

I was driving to the dump this morning and noticed something new along the way.  I stopped the car on the way home, got out and what a joyful surprise awaiting me.  I call it a sweet bit of magic, and only 5 minutes from home.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

This year the Damariscotta Pumpkin Fest happened to be on my birthday.  Well, at least one of the days landed on “my day” but the Pumpkin Fest spans several days around Columbus Day weekend.  It felt like summer, with temperatures reaching 81 degrees!  I decided I was going to focus on street photography rather than taking photos of every single carved and painted pumpkin as I have done in the past.  I did take some pumpkin shots, but since I had my 85mm lens on and there were hundreds of people milling around, I wasn’t able to get in very close.  But that’s okay, I’m pleased with the outcome.

I’ll start with the Pumpkin shots.

And here is a child pumpkin, which I thought was sooo cute!

My favorite part of this event is the children and adults dressed up or just the expressions on their faces as they wait for the parade to begin or while they are watching the parade.  Of course, those in the parade are also fun to see.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

When do you get to be a grown-up? she said.

When you can read & write & lie without laughing, I said

& her eyes got big

& she said she didn’t know it was that hard.  ~Story People

I was looking through photos this morning from six years ago and I noticed how much you have changed. How can six years be so transformative? How did you go from shorter-than-me, always full of questions (yes, you asked more questions than I ever did!) to this young woman who now questions my questions? How are we suddenly standing at the crossroads of preparing you to go off to college in two years when it seems like yesterday you read to me for the first time?

You have a car now. You are driving yourself to work and school and to your friends homes.

And as I watch you pull out of the driveway, driving a car that totally suits your personality,

I wonder about the dreams that lay resting in your heart.

The dreams only you know about,

for they are still so big and unreal

that you dare not wake them up yet.

Even you know it’s too soon.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

“i wish you could have been there for the sun & the rain & the long, hard hills.

for the sound of a thousand conversations scattered along the road.

for the people laughing & crying & remembering at the end.

but, mainly, i wish you could have been there.”  ~Story People

I have not seen my sister in six years.  She just left today after a sweet five-and-a-half day visit.  She is five years younger than me but we were always connected at the hip until I moved to the East Coast in 1981.  Now we are connected in our hearts.  Oh my, has it really been that long?!  The two of us had grand plans as teenagers.  We were going to live far in the hills in a log cabin.  We would grow everything we ate, sit around in the evenings and spin wool, knit and sew our clothes.  We would marry mountain men and raise our children together.  We would grow old in each others company, have long, grey braids and sit in rocking chairs sipping herbal tea and reminisce.

Maybe some day we will do the last part together.  It is too late to do the rest.  When we do get together it is always the same – the feeling that no time has divided us, almost as though one of us just went out for a few hours and then walked in the door to continue where we left off.

The following photos are of my beautiful sister.  For both of us it brought back so many memories of when we lived at Long Beach in Washington state.  We would photograph each other and play in the ocean.

The next day we went to a local apple orchard to do a few shots .  What a magical place.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I just love doing photo sessions with people who love to have their photos taken!  It really makes our time together fun and the images I’m able to capture will be treasured for many years to come.  The Smith family was a blast!  I felt instantly at home when I met them, their location and the late afternoon light was perfection, and I’m very pleased with the end results.  I sure hope you are, too!  This is just a handful of the images, and there are more to come.  I hope you enjoy your preview!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

At this time of year it is easy to fall behind in keeping up with posting my sessions on the blog.  But I try!  So much work and not enough time, but no complaints here.  I am grateful, to say the least.  I am especially grateful to have the opportunity to meet such wonderful people from all over the United States who seem to gravitate to Maine for a summer vacation.   Molly and David, you have such a beautiful family, so full of good humor and love.  Thank you thank you for giving me the pleasure of meeting your clan and spending a few hours photographing all of you.  I had such fun and I believe these images portray the fun you have with each other.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

There are not enough wonderful words to describe Pascale and Kirk’s wedding day.  The weather is an important factor and it was beyond perfect.  Pascale got ready at her parents house and can I just say that the view was breath taking.  The Wilson Memorial Chapel at Ocean Point in East Boothbay created a serene mood for their ceremony.  The stone chapel is a beautiful, old landmark and the ocean was just a few feet away.  After some photos were taken we all headed into Boothbay Harbor to the Chowder House where Pascale worked for several years.  And just a couple of hours before sunset we went to the fabulous Botanical Gardens where a lobster bake was held, a live band, dancing and simply enjoying the company of their guests, some from as far away as Switzerland, which is where Pascale is from.

There is so much that goes into planning a wedding, up to a year or two for most couples.  But when the big day arrives I can tell that both the bride and groom, as well as their parents and bridal party, are all in a bit of a daze.  There is so much going on, schedules to meet, last minute this and that, I am sure by the end of the evening they look at each other and wonder how it all slipped by.  Insert photographer.  I know one of my biggest jobs is to document all the little moments so they can look back and remember how beautiful their day was and how every hour planning was worth it, times ten.

Pascale and Kirk, thank you so much for entrusting me with your day.  I had such a great time!  You both have a lovely family and I feel blessed to have been a part of one of the most important days of your lives.  I hope you enjoy your preview.  I cannot wait for you to see the rest!!

When Pascale showed me her wedding dress she also pointed to the dress next to it, which was her mother’s wedding dress.  I nearly lost my breath and I just knew I had to photograph them together.

On the day of any brides wedding, there is an aura of magic floating around.  I feel like every princess fairytale that was ever told comes to life, and it is most vivid on the face of the bride.  Pascale, you are absolutely stunning!

Pascale and Kirk see each other for the first time on their wedding day.

Their sweet son, Jackson, brought them their rings.  I might add that Jackson was a charming young man the whole day through!

Pascale said that one of the things she absolutely wanted to do after the ceremony was ring the church bell.  And ring the bell they did, several times in fact!

Is this not the most adorable family!!

I just loved the ocean theme they had for the reception.  All the little details were perfect!

Dear Pascale and Kirk,

may all the many years ahead of you be filled with passion, love, abundance in every way,

but most of all, may your days be filled with humor, even when difficulties arise.

Laughter will see you through.

Much love, Darlene

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

“Summertime,

and the livin is easy . . .”

I had such a good time with Christine and her family a few days ago.  We spent some time at Pemaquid Lighthouse and then to Little Beach, which is just down the road from Pemaquid Beach.  Unfortunately Pemaquid Beach was covered in huge, tall mounds of seaweed, which Hurricane Irene stirred up as she traveled up the coast last Sunday.  As you will see in these photos, the weather was perfect, the children played and I began to realize that these last few weeks of summer are slipping away fast.  Time to get out and enjoy as much as you can, especially while you can go barefoot in the warm sand.

It can be a challenge to have everyone looking at the camera for a group shot, but to tell you the truth, I kind of like it that way.  Don’t worry guys, I have more shots in the tree when all eyes are on me, but I thought I’d share this one instead.

And sometimes in a group shot not everyone will feel like smiling, and that’s okay, too!  This is life and I am a lifestyle photographer.  It’s important to document the laughter and the tears, which makes this a perfect portrait of three sisters!

I hope you enjoy your preview, Christine.  There are definitely more to come!  I hope you had fun in Maine and I truly hope Texas is much cooler when you get back home!!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Getting married on the coast of Maine is a very popular idea, and why not!  It’s gorgeous, romantic and magical and can be found in a wide range of locations.  Pemaquid Lighthouse in one such location, where Nestor and Sabrina decided to celebrate their love for one another.  It was a sweet, simple ceremony – just the two of them, the officiant and two of their friends.  Of course, at Pemaquid Lighthouse, where it is open to the public, there were numerous bystanders witnessing as well.

The weather was divine, considering we had a rain and wind storm just a couple of days before.  In fact, I’d say their timing was perfect because less than a week later Tropical Storm Irene paid us all a visit.   After the ceremony we went to a few local spots to take photos, capturing the taste of Maine and having a good time along the way.  Thank you Nestor and Sabrina for sharing with me your most special day.  I really had a lot of fun with you!!  Enjoy your preview and stay tuned for more to come!

Fort William Henry, just around the corner from Pemaquid, in the little town of New Harbor, Maine really lends itself well as an ideal location for creating timeless, romantic photos.

Nestor and Sabrina wanted to have some photos taken where there were lobster boats, so I took them to a little gem of a place, well hidden from the main roads.  We were still in New Harbor, just the opposite direction from Fort William Henry.  Back Cove is one of those places in Maine tucked away in a quiet little nook of it’s own, but even though it is small and peaceful, it is still a working harbor full of rustic charm and I’m certain there are centuries of stories floating among the waters.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

~ Kahlil Gibran

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I had the pleasure of photographing Carrie and her two dog companions, Holly and Derby, in Belfast, Maine yesterday.  They stayed at the sweetest cottage right on the water.  Even the name is quaint – “Daylily Cottage.”  The above photograph was actually taken towards the end of the session, when we were able to get both dogs in the same place at the same time!  Holly, the chocolate lab is only two years old, and very well behaved I might add.  Derby, who I kept calling Bentley for some reason, is seven and, of course, much smaller with less energy.  I thought this was the perfect image to introduce all three of them to you.  Carrie, I had such a great time meeting you and your pooches, and doing my best to capture all the action!  Photographing energetic dogs is very much the same as trying to capture all the moments of toddlers, which I love!

Here, I’ll show you what I mean!  Hope you enjoy your preview!

Carrie, you had this wonderful look of adoration on your face many times yesterday as you were watching Holly play in the water.

For a brief moment, all three in the same frame!

“Look mom, I’m on one leg!”  I think they’re dancing!

A white picket fence wraps around the front yard, which is right above a rocky beach.  Fabulous view!

Derby was quite pooped at the end of our session and moms lap was just the perfect resting place.  Isn’t he the cutest!

And this photo is my favorite from the session.  When I first saw it I actually got a little teary eyed.  The look of contentment and love on both faces is just so perfect.  I can’t wait to finish editing the rest of your photos, Carrie!  Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to create some lasting treasures for you to enjoy, forever . . .

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I had the pleasure of meeting a very sweet couple last weekend -  actually family as they have a ten-and-a-half month old boy, who is beyond adorable!  What’s even more exciting is I will be photographing their wedding next month!!  I can hardly wait.  From the bits and pieces they told me about their day, it is going to be loads of fun and so full of beautiful details.  The ceremony will be held at the Wilson Memorial Chapel in East Boothbay and the reception will be at the amazing Boothbay Botanical Gardens!  Here is a glimpse of Pascale and Kirk.  Are they not a beautiful couple!!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I finally made it to the Botanical Gardens in Boothbay Harbor, Maine last week and all I can say is WOW!!  What a beautiful place to spend the afternoon, but unfortunately I was only there for an hour.  I was taking some photos for The Lincoln Home with some of the residents who were there doing a nature walk and picking some flowers to make beautiful floral arrangements.  It was Annabelle’s day off from work so she decided to come along, mostly because I said we could go to the Maine Mall afterwards to do some school shopping!

I don’t have all the photos edited yet, but here is a glimpse.  If you haven’t been before, do take the time to go see this amazing place.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Oh my goodness, Dezarae, you are beautiful, and to have you surrounded in this awesome summer light in a field just amplifies your beauty!  Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to come out to create your high school senior photos.  I know having this done wasn’t the highlight of your summer, but I hope you will be pleased with what I’ve done so far!  Ya know, Dezarae, you really ought to do this more often – you are very photogenic!

More to come, but I promised Mom not to overwhelm her with too many choices!!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Wow, what a day!  I don’t know how many hundreds of people showed up at Stones Edge Farm in Newcastle, Maine for their annual Open Farm Day, but I would venture to guess 1,500.  There seemed to be a constant sea of people enjoying the festivities of the day.  There were horses, goats, Bernese Mountain dogs with 6 puppies, alpacas, vendors, wood fired pizza, horse carriage rides and a play area for the children.  Definitely the place to be for families with children and the weather Sunday was perfect!

I’m going to just let the photos tell the story of the day; I think you’ll get a much better idea.  Enjoy!

There was so much puppy love, I believe it is safe to say that the Bernese pups stole the show!

Of course, 8 week-old puppies do need their sleep, and what a perfect cool place to do so on the stone foundation.

Sleeping pups or not, the ever curious hands persisted.

For me, my favorite part of the day were the children, and there were lots and lots of them.  Yes, I was in photographer heaven!

What’s a summer festival without a lemon-aide stand!!

Since we’re on the topic of food, Harvest Moon wood fired pizza was amazing!!  The best pizza ever!

Horse carriage rides by Margaret Sproul and her Halflingers.

This is Trixie, a miniature horse who looks like a mini Fjord!

Some of the vendors.

Beautiful products made with alpaca fiber – a must see, and what fabulous gifts they would make!

Here’s Ricki Waltz with 3 of her alpacas of Two Sons Alpacas.

And we cannot forget little 17-day-old Madox here with his grand mother.  Yes, Derilyn just had a baby, her Bernese had pups 8 weeks ago, and she and her husband (2 other children as well) hosted a mini woodstock event on their farm!!  What will they do next year??!!

Can you tell Dakota simply adores her baby brother!  And grandma, too!

Here’s big brother, Chase, towards the end of the day, and you can tell it’s been quite a day!  Behind him is a blur of several hundred bales of hay to be put away, which he helps with.

Speaking of blur, I adore these two photos, taken at the end of the day when I’m sure many who were here all day will attest that after several hours in the July warmth, life is but a dream . . .

Stay tuned for next year’s event.  If you are interested in joining the ever growing family of Maine people who make a living creating Maine Made Products, etc. come join us next year, which I’m sure will be even bigger.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

It was such a hot, humid day last Friday, even at 9:30am when I arrived at Connie’s house in Camden, Maine to do a family photo session.  I think it was in the mid 80′s but the air was thick and very warm.  But that didn’t stop us!  The children were real troopers and oh so adorable!  Take a look for yourselves ~

Meet Winston, a very sweet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  Connie tells me they were bred to sit on laps to keep you warm!

The children did very well considering how hot it was, and as you can see, in the end they were done! Thank you so much for sharing your family with me, and I hope you enjoy your preview!!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

It isn’t everyday I get a call to do a photo session on an island along the Midcoast of Maine, so when the phone rang and the request was to do just that, I couldn’t help but get excited!  I also couldn’t help but to proclaim how much I love my job.  There are so many locations I would never have the opportunity to go to, and it is you – all my dear and wonderful clients – that have made it possible for me to do so.  And it isn’t just the locations I get excited about, it is all of you, yes, my wonderful clients, that I would otherwise never meet if it wasn’t for the fabulous fact that I have an amazing job with many, many perks!

We had the most perfect day for a photo session.  Blue sky, a gentle breeze that kept the heat from the mainland under control, and a lovely couple with the most charming little two year old boy I have ever met.  He was so adorable, and luckily quite easy to distract, especially when he had an agenda that was much different than ours.  Anyone who has ever had a two year old will understand!

You have to agree that they are quite the trio!

The views from their little rocky beach were fabulous!

Plenty of exploring to do in the tide pools.  The tide was still a bit high, so I bet there were many more treasures once it became low tide.

I hope you had a memorable time while visiting Maine and that it becomes one of your return vacation spots for years to come!  I also hope you enjoy your photo preview – more to come soon!!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

There is nothing more precious than new life.  It is miraculous that something as tiny as two cells can eventually become a beautiful, vibrant living being.  I am sure the siblings of this precious baby are simply in awe.  They watched their mother transform over the months, watched her belly move in a way they have never seen before, and then suddenly, one day emerges this child – their little brother.  Their eyes were glued to him, especially “big sister!”

Thank you for inviting me to capture these first sacred moments of the life of your son.  What a treasure of memories!!  Enjoy your preview!!

Love the flurry of activity here among the ever content baby.  I’m telling you, he is very happy!

. . . and then there were five.

Oh my goodness, the love here is so sweet!

This is why I love my job . . .

No words here between these three, just a lot of “awe”

We did manage to pull big brother away from the computer long enough for a quick photo!

And here is grandma.  Now I see where the beauty is coming from!

Some daddy love ~

I adore this picture!

And to end, we must all appreciate these sweet, kissable cheeks!  A well fed baba!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Adorable.  Absolutely and without question!  Need I say more . . .

Her dimpled chin is so cute!  I’m including both color and b&w versions.

That’s it!  Not bad for a 5 minute session!!  If I had more room to work with I could have gotten more, but hey, it was spur of the moment at the parade ~

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I think the Round Pond Parade on the 4th of July is one of the biggest highlights of the summer here in Maine.  At least it is for me and what I would guess for thousands of others who gather together on this day in a very tiny town on the coast.  The images below will have to tell the story because I am way too tired for words!  Enjoy!!

I decided to add a handful more.  So much easier to do after a night of sleep!  So the images below were added 7-5-2011

Great location to raise funds!

Love to see the dads involved to promote a local diaper business!

Oh how I loved these bright heart shaped baloons!

What a gorgeous float, with such creative costumes so full of color.  Great job!

The “Tacky Tourist” group come every year.  So unique and fun!

Always a water fight at the parade!

And last but not least, a very sweet wannabe fireman!!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits