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

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

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 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

I had some time between clients today so I took out my new camera – a Nikon D300s – and took some pictures of the beautiful apple blossoms and magnolia blooms.  I am so in love with this camera I don’t know how I’m ever going to want to use my D90, even as a back up!  But I will and it will be fine, but wow,  this new one is amazing!!  Check it out and see for yourself!

The first three images were taken before the sun was fully out.  The rest of the pictures were taken late morning.

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

It is always so much fun to work with couples who know how to have fun and have no problem expressing their love for each other. Catherine and Bob were all that, and more. Bob proposed to Catherine at the Breakwater Lighthouse in Rockport, Maine, which is where some of these photos were taken. We also spent time at the Amphitheater in Camden, Maine which is right behind the Camden Library. Such a gorgeous spot! They both love to read so it was fitting to do their session in a location that promotes literature. The cool thing is they will be getting married in a library. What a unique idea!!

Here is a sampling of some of my favorite shots from their session. Thank you two for being such good sports through it all! You are awesome!!

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

I adore all my animals equally, but each for very unique reasons.  My cat, Boo, is quite a character as well as very adept at melting hearts.  His personality is beyond wonderful.  I’m afraid one day he will walk right up to a wild animal, rub against them and ask them to be his friend!

Here is my little man doing what cats simply love to do best – grooming themselves in the warm sun.

I just love they way they can bend.  They are little furry pretzels!

All this bathing is so exhausting, I must rest a bit!

Oh my, what’s that I hear?  Most likely a hen, but it could be a mouse . . .

Okay, I’ll indulge you with one cute pose, but then I must get back to looking regal and grown up . . .

. . . like this.

A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.  ~ Ernest Hemingway

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

I absolutely love photographing children!  Given the opportunity, I would have children in front of my camera every single day.  I decided to go back and sift through the hundreds of child photos I have had the privilege of taking, and narrowed it down to a select few to highlight as a celebration of children.

I love their honesty.  I love how they have no fear of being exactly who they are in front of whoever they are with.  Because of this, the images I am able to capture of them are priceless, one-of-a-kind moments, some of which may never be repeated again.  People can go to Wal Mart, Sears, JC Penny or any number of indoor, controlled settings to have portraits of their children taken, but I can guarantee they will never give you the same results as I can get by following them around in an environment that is fun and familiar to them.

I am not out to create the “perfect portrait.”  Life isn’t perfect.  I strive to capture authentic, real life moments.  Forced poses and smiles are simply not my style.  So bring your kids out, let them play, get dirty, have fun and I will create memorable keepsakes for you to treasure for all the years to come.

The following images are just a few I have created for past clients.  Enjoy!!

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

I do love winter, yes I do, but enough already!!  Too much of a good thing takes away all the goodness!  Hmm, more snow tonight, plus ice and sleet and rain.  I think I’ll just revisit the warmer time of year through some past photos.  How about you?  What do you do to warm it up a bit during this seemingly endless season??

Think green and warmth and blue skies with  billowy clouds.

Just don’t think about black flies!!

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

Sometimes you have to be silent to be heard.  ~ author unknown

In the depth of Winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible Summer. ~ Albert Camus

Now that the darkest and shortest day of the year has come and gone, we have lighter days to look forward to!  But do enjoy the quiet of Winter, where our days are less hurried.  Find the hibernating bear within you and go there to refresh your soul.

Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius.  ~ Pietro Aretino

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home – Edith Sitwell

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

This has truly been the summer of summers here in New England – specifically along the coast of Maine.  Day after day after day, the sun has been a constant companion.  No complaints here!  What has been equally abundant for me are the incredibly beautiful families I have been so blessed with to photograph.  It is such an honor to be given the privilege of creating lasting images for each of my families to treasure for many years to come.

A few days ago I took a little trek not far from my home to meet this young family for a photo session at one of the sweetest places around.  Oh my, did we have fun!  The love and wonderful energy between them was amazing, which in turn made my job effortless.  I truly hope you enjoy your preview!  I am having a blast editing and can’t wait for you to see the rest!

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

Whew!  I’m finished editing the rest of the family session at Popham Beach!  There were a lot of images and I just didn’t have the heart to delete!  But it was worth it in the end.  Yes, I did delete quite a few, but I started out with a few hundred.  Trigger happy I suppose!!  Once again, this family knows how to have fun and knows how to express their love for each other.  Enjoy the rest of the preview!!

Now this family LOVED jumping, and they do it so well, don’t you think!!

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

I can’t say no to my daughter when she asks me to take photos of her and her friend.  “Kara is coming over on Sunday so can we do a photo shoot on the Round Pond water front?”  YES!!  Early evening, sunshine, water, boat docks and two young beauties – perfect!  She’s growing up so fast, I want to document as much as she’ll let me.  I’ll edit that pile of other pictures tomorrow!

I love that they can still be inquisitive and not be shy about enjoying the moment.

Oh my, there is a combination of little girl and young woman in this image.  Precious!

I thought this was pretty cool.

I think this is my new favorite one of Annabelle.  I love the color version too, but I really love the black & white.  She’s standing in water.

Some day I’ll put up the color version, but right now I’m in a black & white mood for a few of these images.  I’m finding the darkness under piers make very dramatic backdrops.

This one and the next I was waiting for the girls to come out of the tide pools (they were looking for little crabs) so I sat on the rocks with my long range lens and clicked away.  I love how dramatic the above one looks, and the one below I love the reflections.

Yes, they let the crabs go!

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

A couple of weeks ago I had an amazing time with Lea and her horses, watching them play and documenting the day.  It had been six months since my last visit, which doesn’t seem possible at all.  Time does seem to fly faster as one ages.  All of these images are in color because I couldn’t resist how brilliant they were.  I hope you will see the incredible connection between Lea and her horses.  I am always in awe when I see them together, interacting, experimenting, trusting.  Enjoy the show!

I love the details.

So simple but I really love this.

The light in the forest was so beautiful.

Lea always keeps the horses on their toes.  I’m sure they wonder “what is she doing now!”

I’m in love with how this turned out!

I love how unique and intimate this one is.

The eyes say it all.

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

I have always been a morning person, at least in my adult life I have.  I’m in love with the light that morning delivers, in a way unlike any other time of day.  Yes, I love the golden hours before sunset, but morning is usually draped in dew and this creates a magic that is so pleasing, especially behind the lens of a camera.

This image reminds me of the childrens book, Stella Luna.  The leaves look like bat wings.

There are times when eyes are not necessary, like here.

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

Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night.  ~Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters of Rainer Maria Rilke

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.  ~Proverb

And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.
~Percy Bysshe Shelley, “The Sensitive Plant”

Spring has returned.  The Earth is like a child that knows poems.  ~Rainer Maria Rilke

If you’ve never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom.  ~Terri Guillemets

People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball.  I’ll tell you what I do.  I stare out the window and wait for spring.  ~Rogers Hornsby

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

This post is inspired by the Shutter Sisters.

I love all the seasons as each one offers its own beauty. Color is everywhere, even in the dull gray of winter.

There is something so endearing about horses in their winter coats.

There is a certain glow in the early morning during the winter months. It makes everything warm and magical.

Even though this isn’t focused, I still love the action and the light.

And I love the colors during a snow storm found happily playing in the pasture. They are, of course, in the form of four-legged furry creatures!

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

There can be no great love than the one shared between a child and its parents. I had the privilege and honor to witness such love, and even better, to photograph some very tender moments.  It also gave me a chance to practice using textures and vintage actions.

When you have brought up kids, there are memories you store directly in your tear ducts.  ~Robert Brault

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

I am continually awed by how light can either make or break a photograph. Yes, I have gone out with my camera on a cloudy day and the images captured were beautiful. They even glowed with a particular light found only on cloudy days.

What I love, however, is the sunlight that exists towards the end of the day or the first couple of hours after sunrise. “The golden hours.” The magic of light.

The cradle rocks above an abyss, and common sense tells us that our existence is but a brief crack of light between two eternities of darkness.  ~Vladimir Nabokov

In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.  ~Aaron Rose

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

Winter has become one of my favorite seasons. I know that sounds crazy to a lot of people. Yes, there are plenty of days throughout winter that I dread. Even despise. I can say that about all four of the seasons. What it boils down to is I don’t care for the extremes that each of these seasons can sometimes be possessed by.

What I love so much about winter is it allows me a chance to regroup. To catch up on my life. To initiate change. To slow down and evaluate. To drink in the quiet, still voice of nature.

I am not idle during these months of darker days. I am outside a lot with my animals, watching them play. Enjoying the lack of biting insects and sweltering heat. Winter has a certain charm that for some must be understood to appreciate. It took me many years to come to this place of appreciation. As January creeps deeper into the cave of winter, I follow, knowing there is light on the other side.

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

My daughter inquired last night why I don’t put pictures of her up on my blog.  I was surprised by the question but answered to her, “you always said NOT to put any of your pictures up, that’s why!”  She replies, “well you can now; I like what you’re doing.”  I love feedback like that, especially from my opinionated daughter!

I love her many expressions and I’m quite surprised she’s allowing me to put a couple of these up.  Enjoy!

I just love this one!

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

I absolutely LOVE the Fall season!  For me, the colors signify accomplishment and a brilliant end to the busy, full days of Summer.  I love the turning maple leaves, but even more, I love the opened pods of  milkweed.  For the past month as I drive to and from town, I’d scout the roadsides for the first signs of this amazing plant.  And today, on my way home from a massage session, I actually had time to stop and photograph some.  I was hoping for the sun to be shining because I love how the light illuminates the cottony white.  The sky was overcast  but I love the results anyway.  The problem I’m having is choosing a favorite.  One may wonder, how many images of a milkweed one can take?  After all, a milkweed is a milkweed, looking just like the last milkweed. Wrong! I’d love to hear from you which image you like best.  Just leave a comment at the end of this post to tell me.  There are 16 images and I’m going to post them in the order that I photographed them, so you won’t think they are in order of preference.  Enjoy!!

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

Wow, it’s been a busy couple of weeks!  I like busy!  I have so much editing to do on the recent shoots I’ve done, but I thought I’d combine a preview of two senior portrait sessions.  I photographed one in the Pemaquid area and the other in Rockland.  Both were fun and equally unique, but what I especially enjoyed is the fact that these two young adults are a symbol of the future.  Very inspiring!

For all you high school seniors out there that have not had their portraits done yet, there’s still time!  I’d love to be the one to shoot some memories for you.  Contact me HERE.

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

Each time I do a photo session I realize how blessed I am.  I love what I do!  Combine that love with the opportunity to capture the essence of family makes my love for photography increase tenfold.  Thank you Stella and Erin for entrusting me with your girls, allowing me to create keepsakes for you to enjoy for all the years to come.  The images below are just a sneak peak of your day.  Enjoy!

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

I’ve been busy lately, even in all the rain we’ve had.  At least our wells won’t go dry and our gardens won’t shrivel from lack of moisture!  They may get moldy and attract an army of slugs, but no, they shall not shrivel.

On the first day that the sun did finally burn it’s way through the seemingly endless canopy of clouds, my neighbor and I built a small yard for the hens.  They are only 2 months old, which is a bit too young to wander around the property, but they seem quite content to go in and out of their coop.  Here are a few pictures of them.  I have Golden Comets and Plymoth Barred Rocks.  I really love their feather patterns.

Annabelle just graduated from the 8th grade and below is a picture of her all dressed up.  My baby is turning into a beautiful young lady!

And last, but certainly not least, is a picture of my son, Nijel.  He’s a hard one to get pictures of because he’s either at work or off doing his own thing.  However, he does like to hang out with the chickens, which is where he was when I captured this image.

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

I know that daisies are a common flower, found scattered in practically every field from east to west.  I love them for their simplicity and for the way they bring back memories of childhood.  I love how they seem to last forever, even after they’ve been sitting in a vase for days.

As a photographer, I have become aware of light in ways that I never was before.  I am especially attracted to the light that shines during the golden hours of the day – around dawn and dusk.  The different seasons have their own special light, and believe it or not, I find late winter to have some of the most spectacular light.

The following images are certainly not from winter, but just from a few days ago.  And they are daisies, illuminated during the golden hours.

These are not daisies but I couldn’t resist!

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

Utilizing available light is one of the most precious joys I find in photography.  Normally I prefer to shoot pictures during the two different “golden hour” times of day, which are early morning, just after sunrise, and evening, before the sun sets.  Yesterday, however, I was at a friend’s house in the afternoon while the sun was blazing high in the sky.  They have a magnificent field of lupines and I just couldn’t resist photographing them.  I adjusted my camera settings to ‘spot metering’ and I decided to shoot towards the sun so the lupines were back lit, creating a magical feeling with the glimmering light in the distance.

The following images are from the lupine field.  The first one I did a color treatment called Golden Vintage.  I really like the effect – very ethereal.

This next image is the original, which I also love.  The colors are more true, but I like the above image for its magical qualities.

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

There can be no greater love than that between a girl and her horse . . . or so it would seem, especially to the young girl.  My whole life I have felt nothing but pure love for horses.  It didn’t matter that I never had the privilege to own one or even live near one.  But I always loved them and would fantasize of the day I would have one.   My dream has since been realized and my belief has been proven true . . . there can be no greater love.

I think the following images depict such love.

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