Lindsay Docherty Photography

Eat, drink, and be scary!

2009-10-31T14:13:00.000-04:00

'Tis the night - the night
Of the grave's delight,
And the warlocks are at their play;
Ye think that without
The wild winds shout,
But no, it is they - it is they.
~Arthur Cleveland Coxe

Melissa + Phil: Intimate Outdoor Wedding

2009-10-13T20:26:00.001-04:00

Last month I had the absolute pleasure and honor of photographing Melissa & Phil's intimate wedding held at a friend's house near Doylestown, PA. I was one of only 11 guests there to witness their union.

Melissa was a joy from day one. She is cheerful and spunky and we realized we had a commonality – cheese and Narberth. We both love cheese and she actually worked at the cute little cheese shop in downtown Narberth, just a few blocks away from where I live. She was all smiles and looked glorious on her wedding day.

Melissa and Phil opted to see each other and spend time with their guests before the ceremony. This couple wasn't going for the traditional approach to this day. It was fantastic because it was all about how Melissa and Phil felt about each other and how they wanted the day to go. To that end, the first at the ceremony site was Melissa being escorted by her two sons. The guests came down in twos with the last arrival being Phil, escorted by his youngest daughter.

The ceremony was short but heartfelt and included a traditional Irish blessing, "The Wedding Prayer" by Robert Lewis Stevenson read by Phil's daughters, and a lovely ring ceremony.

The ladies in attendance took an impromptu dip in the pool immediately following the ceremony. The group of them cooling off their toes with that stunning backdrop was too good to pass up!

We had a short session of formals so that we could grab pictures of Melissa's and Phil's children that were able to attend.

(Didn't I tell you Melissa was fantastic?!)
The food was beautiful! The wedding was masterfully catered by Earl's in Peddler's Village in neighboring Lahaska, PA. The presentation was perfection.

I also must make note of the simple yet rich setup of the "reception". Rusty Thomas of Rusty Thomas Designs created the blue and white presentation. It was a one part East Hamptons, one part Country Living, and all around impressive. The long table had a white and cobalt blue thickly striped tablecloth running its length with hurricane candle holders, crisp white linen napkins, clouds of pastel blue and lavender hydrangeas, white chiavari chairs, and cobalt blue tealight holders and wine glasses. Everything fit perfectly.

The night was perfect. The day was perfect. We got the puffy clouds we wanted in the daytime with cheerfully sunny weather and a nice, mild evening. You couldn't have asked for better weather.

The night closed off with dancing, Melissa's smile captivating all of us, especially Phil.

Thank you both for such a great time and really fantastic wedding. And thank you for allowing me to share your loving vows.

Phil: Melissa, today I take you for my wife. I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve all of your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind, and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
I, Phil, take you Melissa, to be my wife, to share the good times and hard times side by side. I humbly give you my hand and my heart as I pledge my faith and love to you. Just as this ring I give you today is a circle without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of incorruptible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring, I thee wed.
Melissa: I, Melissa, pledge my undying love to you, Phil, as I invite you to share my life. I promise to be kind, unselfish, respectful, and trustworthy so that together, our dreams of a beautiful future can come true. To this end I call upon all present to witness that I take you Phil to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live.
I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, my faith in our strength together, and my covenant to learn and grow with you. With this ring, I thee wed, and with it, I bestow upon thee all the treasures of my mind, heart, and hands.

Photography Promotions for this Fall and Winter

2009-10-01T12:21:00.001-04:00

Fall time is coming up. Wedding season begins to wind down and family portraits start ramping up for the holidays. I like to get family portraits in as early as possible so that I can be sure everything is perfect for your holiday cards and gifts. There are a few things in the works that I want to let you in on.

1) I'll be in the San Francisco Bay Area of California October 1st through October 12th for two weddings. If you'd like to schedule a session with me during that time, it will only be a $250 sitting fee (normally $325). This is for old and new clients alike so let your friends know if you think they might be interested.

2) For my Philly area buddies, I'm offering a $275 sitting fee for weekday sessions in October and November. Again, this is open to previous and new clients and I'll be posting about it on my blog soon.

These SF and PA portraits can be any kind of sessions too: high school seniors, couples, trash the dress, family, maternity, children, pets... The sessions will generally be in the early evenings when the light is the best and can include outfit changes. We'll head out to a beach, park, city street, home, or whatever place is important to you. Shoot me an email at lindsay@lindsaydocherty.com or give me a call at 415-515-3575 to go over details.

3) This is a big one... I'm offering a discount on wedding coverage on available dates this upcoming winter. If you are a procrastinating couple or know of one, contact me asap. November 2009 through March 2010 weddings will get $500 off their package and 6 extra sides in their album (worth $294).

So there you have it. Big things are coming in with this chilly weather.

See you soon!

- Lindsay

p.s. You might want to become a fan of Lindsay Docherty Photography on Facebook - I post deals there before they show up on the blog.

Ashley + Kevin: a Not Engagement Session all over Philadelphia

2009-09-09T20:36:00.005-04:00

Some go the traditional route of engagement then engagement session then wedding... No one ever said that was the way you had to do it!

You might remember Ashley from a modeling shoot earlier this summer. She came back for more but brought her main squeeze, Kevin with her for some not-yet-engaged engagement pictures. She and Kevin are moving to Atlanta and they wanted to be able to bring a little Philly with them to their new home. I adore this couple. They are so much fun. Ashley is beautiful and so relaxed in front of the camera and Kevin is simply awesome with a quick wit and a great smile.

We had a fantastic extended "engagement"/couples session that took us all around the city.

We met up at 30th Street Train Station. This spot was important to them because they had spent a good deal of the last few years apart while Kevin was in DC and Ashley was up in Philadelphia. 30th St. Station held a special place for them.

Our next stop was Delancey Place. It was just a beautiful tree-lined street in Old City (or is this Center City?) that Ashley loved that felt supremely "Philly" with its beautiful townhomes.

Onwards to Rittenhouse Square!

Then we stopped on Broad Street in front of City Hall for a little bit of affection. Ashley knows this spot well since we practically stopped traffic there a few months ago.

And how can you do a true Philadelphia engagement session without a quick stop off at Love Park? I told you they were fun!

Kevin recommended this field with a view of Philly's skyline so we could get both city and a bit of green. They changed into their Georgetown Hoyas garb as tribute to their alma mater.

We wandered down the classic Ben Franklin Parkway for some shots with the flags and City Hall again in the background.

We got to our final stop at Swann Fountain in Logan Square (which is a circle, strangely enough) while we still had some light and amazing clouds. They were down for getting wet and I was absolutely tickled pink. Ever since I learned that people could actually get into these public fountains I knew I had to get pictures of it!

I love this series…

And this final picture is easily one of my favorites from the day. So hot, so tender, so comfortable, so in love!

Thank you both so, so much! I cannot wait to shoot the wedding, whenever that may be!

A man is not where he lives, but where he loves.
~Latin Proverb

Jessica & Lou: wedding at Valley Forge Military Academy

2009-08-11T21:47:00.004-04:00

I had the honor of photographing the truly beautiful wedding of Jessica and Lou at Valley Forge Military Academy. Lou had gone to Valley Forge but the couple had met about four years ago in Corpus Christi. The proposal happened in Cancun when Lou surprised Jessica after telling her that they were going to the Jersey shore.

We met up with Jessica at the Dolce Valley Forge Hotel to snap some shots of a few details and to document the getting ready process. Jessica was a doll. Not only was she just sparklingly gorgeous, she was sweet as pie. Her smile was infectious.

We made our way to the Valley Forge Military Academy grounds to take some more portraits before the ceremony.

It was the first time I had been to a wedding at VFMA and just adored the huge chapel there (officially Alumni Memorial Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion). All of those windows and high ceilings made the place so bright and airy. And you couldn't help but say "awww" upon seeing the flower girl and ring bearers.

The ceremony was capped off by a sword arch and bubbles outside.

A few more formals before heading over to Eisenhower Hall. I loved the reception room! The checkerboard floors, the big chandeliers, the huge windows on all sides… Love! With such beautiful surroundings, Jessica and Lou kept things simple with candles and a sprinkling of fuchsia dendrobium orchids around the room.

The beautiful couple danced their first dance to the classic Unchained Melody.

It was a fantastic evening and they let me take them outside for a few minutes to catch the "sweet light" before sunset.

It was a great evening. People were cutting up the dancefloor. Jessica and her girls broke into song for Build Me Up Buttercup.

A magical day that ended with a sparkler sendoff.

I am so happy for you two. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day!

I need your love
I need your love
Godspeed your love to me
~ "Unchained Melody" Righteous Brothers

August Desktop Images

2009-08-01T10:00:00.000-04:00

Every month I feature new images for download for you to use as your desktop background. Click to download it and see it at its huge size and resolution.

I guess this month's images could fall under the category of architecture. Most of these desktop images are from nature but these were some sights that I found to be beautiful for one reason or another. The first image comes from the courthouse in Media, PA. I was wandering around adorable downtown Media with a good friend on a beautiful sunny day with fantastic clouds. The courthouse seemed to be positively glowing. It may not be the Parthenon, but I liked it!

The second image came from several jam-packed buildings near Times Square in New York City in early July. I loved the repetition and lines and reflections in the windows. And of course I love that they look all grungy.

Enjoy!

*Please note these images are made available for personal use only.

“The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization.”
~ Frank Lloyd Wright

Teaser: Child Portraits at Haverford College

2009-07-05T22:46:00.002-04:00

Warning: absolutely stunning eyes (and eyelashes) ahead! You've been warned.

Just a few teaser images from my shoot tonight with D…

I'll do a full write-up once I get through them all, but I wanted to share just a few pics of this sweet (and active!) toddler from today's session at Haverford College.

Enjoy!

Happy Fourth of July

2009-07-04T19:27:00.001-04:00

Wave your little flags, watch the sky for fantastic colors, and eat yourself silly among friends and family!

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.
~Erma Bombeck

July Desktop Images

2009-07-01T13:41:00.001-04:00

Every month I feature new images for download for you to use as your desktop background. Click to download it and see it at its huge size and resolution.

I visited Valley Forge National Historical Park a few weeks ago on a scouting mission for a project. I went during "golden hour" and the place was list up beautifully. There's really no better time for lovely, sun-drenched pictures than the hour or so before sunset. I try to schedule all of my shoots around this time so that I can get this gorgeous look. Photographers refer to this as "golden hour" or "magic hour". It's easy to see why.

Enjoy!

*Please note these images are made available for personal use only.

A kind of golden hour one remembers for a life time... Everything was touched with magic.
~ Margaret Bourke-White

Erica + Tristan: A Secluded Wedding in Berkeley

2009-06-27T17:00:00.002-04:00

I absolutely need to blog about Erica and Tristan's wedding! It was a stunning affair in Berkeley, California at the Brazil Room. I really love their color choice of chocolatey browns and vibrant reds and oranges. I shot alongside the talented FC Wong.

I'll let the pictures mostly speak for themselves!

The boys met up with the girls at the awesome and colorful antique Tilden Carousel nearby. I love the look on Erica's face as Tristan helps her out of the car.

The venue was gorgeous. The ceremony was held on the outdoor grounds on a hill overlooking Tilden Regional Park. It was really like we were the only ones around for miles. Nothing but trees and a beautiful wedding. How perfect is that?!

The group there was a lot of fun. We had some great dancers out there on the floor.

Thank you for having me at your fantastic celebration. All the best to you both!

"A friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths, fields your fears but fortifies your faith, sees your anxieties but frees your spirit, recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities."
~William Aurthur Ward

Sunday Snapshots around Philadelphia

2009-06-11T12:38:00.006-04:00

I had a friend in town last weekend and we definitely did the touristy Philly thing. Thankfully he showed up during the window of absolutely great weather and I was able to proudly show off where I grew up, some classic Center City Philadelphia spots, and some of my favorite places in the area.

Here are a few images from our day in the city. We started out at the Independence Visitor Center of course and took the Phlash around. I could not get over the incredible clouds that hung out with us all day.

We stopped off at the Reading Terminal Market and enjoyed some really delicious vegetable lasagna and took in all the sights, sounds, and smells.

He got excited about the Franklin Institute (who wouldn't?) so that was our next destination. If you grew up in the area, how many field trips did you take to the Franklin Institute?

Here are a few more of that stunning sky as seen from outside of the Franklin Institute. (Philadelphia City Hall to the southish and The Inquirer Building to the eastish.)

We came back to square one after a day of walking and wandering. (That's the Bourse Building.)

We had big plans for going out dancing that night but were just too pooped to consider anything but watching movies and reminiscing.

It was a fantastic weekend that also included brunch at Carman's Country Kitchen, a driving tour of Lower Merion and Narberth, 4 slices at Peace a Pizza (baked ziti is still my favorite), a visit to the Independence Seaport Museum, a leisurely drive through Valley Forge National Historical Park, scrumptious cheese and chocolate fondue at the Melting Pot, an introduction to the largest mall on the East Coast, and the purchase of some very strange shoes (for him, not me).

Sadly, there were no Wawa hoagies, soft pretzels, water ice, or cheesesteaks. There's only so much Philly one can learn in a weekend. Maybe next time…

I love Philadelphia. I was shocked at what a great city this is. For me, it is the cat's pajamas. I love everything about it. I love where I live. I love the people. I have been met with such kindness and affection here.
~ George Dzundza

Jenn + Matt: a Catholic Wedding in New Jersey

2009-06-03T13:00:00.000-04:00

Last month I photographed a beautiful wedding with Faith of Faith West Photography. The couple was the stunning Jenn and dapper Matt. They had a lovely ceremony at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Merchantville, NJ. I loved that they had a bagpiper!

After some serious getting lost looking for a park, we scrapped the idea and headed towards the aquarium for some fantastic shots of the couple with the Ben Franklin Bridge in the background. I let the pictures speak for themselves…

I just adore that long cathedral veil. It may be a pain, but it makes the most beautiful pictures! Jenn was absolutely adorable. She was all smiles and loved being a model for us. Her laughter was contagious.

I took a quick shot back at the aquarium while Jennifer and Matt rested for a few seconds against the Philly skyline.

The reception was held at Camden's Adventure Aquarium in a big dark L-shaped room. The two inner walls came from a floor to ceiling shark and fish tank. The tables were adorned with tall branches and hanging candles and orchid blossoms. The entire scene was quite a sight. The couple even hosted a sundae bar for guests towards the end of the night.

A truly special part of the night came when Jenn danced with her father, a musician, to a song he had written just for her for that day.

I loved the intricate swirly details on their cake.

At twilight, we took the couple outside for some shots while the sky was turning from that creamy purplish into night.

It was a great day with great venues and a truly sweet and easy-going couple. All the best to you both!

The arms of love encompass you with your present, your past, your future, the arms of love gather you together.
~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

June Desktop Images

2009-06-01T11:11:00.001-04:00

Every month I feature new images for download for you to use as your desktop background. Click to download it and see it at its huge size and resolution.

Summer is in full swing. The days are getting longer, the sun is shining more, everyone's outside, and there's just a summertime bliss hanging in the air. Living in San Francisco, I had missed this. I had missed my seasons, especially the warm, sunny ones. I now have sundresses and I intend to make full use of them. Go on, have a picnic…

Enjoy!

*Please note these images are made available for personal use only.

In summer, the song sings itself.
~ William Carlos Williams

Sunday Snapshots at Penn Treaty Park

2009-05-30T20:07:00.001-04:00

Just some lazy day snapshots from my perfect weather picnic brunch at Penn Treaty Park.

The really nice breezes blow through my body and into my soul.
~Astrid Alauda

Two Very Different Venues for Philly Area Couples

2009-05-26T11:35:00.002-04:00

I go to networking events in the area when I can. This month brought me to two very different but extraordinary venues that I wanted to share. I can imagine either of them hosting a fantastic soiree. I'm truly kicking myself for not bringing my camera, but I'll post links and you'd better believe I'll have it ready next time.

I attended the Brides.com event for event professionals from the Philadelphia and South Jersey areas at the FUEL House in Philadelphia. It was originally constructed in 1902 as the Girard Corn Exchange Bank and served as the home to MTV's Real World Philadelphia series. When it's not hosting fabulous events, it is the scene for exhibitions "to aid the launch of successful artistic careers by creating a truly unique and singular forum for the display of art." F.U.E.L. is an acronym for Fostering Undergraduate Exposure on Location.

Next door to the Betsy Ross House in Old City, the venue at 249 Arch St. boasts an open floorplan of oak floors, fantastic columns, and floor to ceiling windows. I loved the exquisite mezzanine level marble wrap-around balcony that looks below. The centerpiece to the scene is the enormous crystal chandelier hovering above it all. It can hold a maximum of 450 people. I think this captures the place perfectly,

These stunning architectural details are housed in a multi-tiered structure, creating an intimate yet opulent space where classic form meets modern function.

I could easily see this space transformed into a posh reception hall overflowing with white hydrangeas everywhere and black and white damask accents or simple all white living room setups for guests to socialize. Maybe a hint of Tiffany blue too! I'll leave that up to the wedding planners.

The other event was the Professional Wedding Guild May luncheon held at the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove. Built in 1762, it was the historic home of artist, naturalist, and writer John J. Audubon. Most of it remains unchanged and serves as an educational center, museum, and bird sanctuary.

The rental space includes over 200 acres of fields, woods, rolling hills, hiking trails, and all around green serenity. They have a brand new all-wood pavilion for dancing and dining for up to 250 guests. But it was the 19th century bank barn with its exposed wood beams and high ceilings and old cracked and textured walls that did it for me. Just lovely for a ceremony or cocktail hour. Jeffrey Miller Catering is the exclusive caterer to the venue.

A complete 180 from what I can imagine with the FUEL House, I can see a wedding at the John J Audubon Center covered in rich red and orange hues with a casual almost-country feel. Big wreaths of magnolia greens and flower girls with gerbera daisies. Maybe perfect for the bride and groom who opt for the seersucker over the Italian silk. Then again, I'd love to be proven wrong!

I would love to shoot a wedding at either of these fantastic venues. Check them out and let me know what you think!

Happy planning!

Mother's Day in MD

2009-05-15T15:04:00.003-04:00

I spent last weekend with my mom for mother's day and thought I'd share some pictures from my time there. She lives in historic little Berlin, Maryland which is right outside of Ocean City, MD.

My mom has quite a green thumb and spends all of her free time in her glorious garden. She can tell you all about everything in there too. And it's this ever changing thing - she is constantly replanting this and that. She tells me it's already changed since I took these pics. Take a look…

We went into OC for a day to check out Springfest and the boardwalk. I was a complete glutton, eating my way through boardwalk fries with vinegar, ice cream, and an apple pie caramel apple. Ah, beach food…

It's pretty awesome to have a mom who lives at the beach. I've been so far away the past few years that I haven't been able to make good use of it. But you'd better believe that I'll be there a lot more this summer now that I'm on the east coast!

“More than any other, this boardwalk brings back that exhilarating teenage sense of summer-vacation freedom and possibility. Throbbing with energy day and night, fueled by Thrasher's fries soaked in vinegar (a true delicacy), the 'walk' features cool reversible benches that flip back and forth, depending on whether you want to gaze at the Atlantic Ocean or the passing parade along the boardwalk itself.”
~ Steve Millburg

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T09:30:00.000-04:00

I am in Ocean City, Maryland spending the weekend with my wonderful, amazing, beautiful, smart mother.

I'd write more, but I'm off having fun with mom!

“My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.”
~ Mark Twain

Rain, rain, go away!

2009-05-07T17:07:00.001-04:00

I'm all for the green, lush gardens and no water restrictions, but it has rained every day of May so far. I even heard that this is a record number of rainy days in a row for Philly and I'm ready for the sun!

Remember what this was like?

Don't worry, it'll come again. Until then, we'll have to make do with our rainy days.

Being the smart cookie I am, I finally went out last Sunday and bought myself a pair of wellies! In between showers today, the wellies and I went out for a little photo session…

And I got a few shots of the garden too.

“The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.”
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

May Desktop Images

2009-05-01T10:15:00.000-04:00

Every month I feature a new image for download for you to use as your desktop background. Click to download it and see it at its huge size and resolution.

Wow, I can't believe that I've already been here for 5 months. I still feel like I'm getting used to everything. The weather is still nutty but oh how I love Springtime in Pennsylvania. The past few weeks everything has just opened up. I've been driving all over the Main Line for photo sessions and have seen all this lushness everywhere. Happiness is having the doors and windows open and a light breeze blowing through the house. Add my new flowers (pansies, daffodils) right out my window and I'm one happy gal!

Enjoy!

*Please note these images are made available for personal use only.

"The world's favorite season is the spring.
All things seem possible in May."
~ Edwin Way Teale

the Marshalls: a Family session at Haverford College

2009-04-29T16:28:00.003-04:00

Two Sundays ago I met up with the Marshall family at Haverford College for a photoshoot. We had Sarah and Brad and their three children: Caitlin (14), Adam (4), and Amelia (2.5). They had won the session at an auction in February at the Gladwyne Montessori School, where Adam is a student. Amelia's sweet little springtime outfit was handmade by one of Brad's realtives (I think it was his mother…).

We missed out on the sunny weather that we saw a few days prior but the overcast skies made for perfect soft lighting at the gorgeous school grounds.

We started out around the pond and the old weathered shack right there.

I love Adam's expression and pose in the picture of all three.

We then wandered over to a little spot with daffodils and little yellow flowers. We got some of just the girls.

And just the guys.

Our last spot was on a little path on the far side of the pond. It was nice and secluded and just perfect for some relaxed family shots.

Once Amelia had had enough, Brad and Sarah took a second at the end for a few shots together.

And I had to include this one of Adam, who was full of smiles and energy the whole time!

What a beautiful family! Thanks again; I hope you had a great time!

“Family is the most important thing in the world.”
~ Princess Diana

Best Mother's Day Gift

2009-04-27T13:15:00.005-04:00

I don't need to tell you that Mother's Day is coming up. It is now just two weeks away – May 10th! I should have made a post about this earlier, but things have been really busy around here lately.

Listen up, daddies… There is no better gift for this holiday than photography. Surprise her with some fantastic pictures of you and your little one(s). Celebrate motherhood by giving her something that represents it completely – you and the kids!

Trust me on this one…

My turnaround for portrait sessions is usually two weeks, but if you're willing to step on it, so am I. Book a session for this week. If you can place an order soon after viewing the pics, I'll be able to get the prints back to you before Mother's Day. That's how much I love you. Let her know how much you love her.

Email me at info@lindsaydocherty.com or call 415.515.3575.

"Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad."
~Anne Geddes

Heather: Senior Session in Grapevine, TX

2009-04-25T12:00:00.001-04:00

I know that my beautiful cousin Heather has been eagerly awaiting these pictures. After doing the family session with her brother and parents, Heather and I made a stop at this awesome field for a mini senior session.

As you can tell, the light was spectacular and Heather just shone! We got there just at the right time for golden hour.

Heather is currently a junior at Marcus High School in Flower Mound, TX. She's a great student, a fantastic tennis player, works part time as a hostess, and is even a founder of the SMOSS club (which stands for "Students Making Other Students Smile").

Check out those bright blue eyes. Wow.

We did a quick change into a cute little dress for a different look.

I am trying to get Heather out to the northeast to check out some of the local colleges. I would love to have her in my neck of the woods.

Heather, thanks again for coming out and playing with me! I hope you had as much fun as I did!

A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.
~Coco Chanel

the Connollys: a Family Session in Grapevine, Texas

2009-04-22T10:30:00.002-04:00

I was in Texas last week visiting some of my awesome family. In return for the trip of pure rest and relaxation (including a pedicure), I promised them a fun family photo session.

So Val, Pat, Heather, Andrew, and I took off to the Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center in Grapevine. The place was amazing. It had four and a half acres of indoor gardens and waterways.

I love this one of my aunt and uncle. It is one of my favorites of the session.

And I love these of my family.

They had a cheesy saloon setup inside the resort. Because really, what's Texas without a saloon? I just couldn't help myself.

The resort had some really cool backdrops. It was sort of modeled after the Riverwalk in San Antonio but with a few twists.

I love Heather's hair flip!

We walked all around the massive gardens and I'm sure we even missed some parts. We then took some shots in the bowl-like grassy knoll that was part of the property. The light was just perfect.

My Aunt Val even turned the camera back on me with my cousins. I look positively evil but, then again, I was tickling Andrew.

It was a fantastic to see them again and I had such a good time! We had a barbecue, played charades, sat by the pool, and they even got up extra early to eat breakfast with me the morning I left. I have a great family! Stay tuned for my senior session with just Heather!

Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.
George Burns

Tim + Charlie: Father / Daughter Session in Media

2009-04-19T10:00:00.004-04:00

Hellooooo cuteness!

I encountered an almost illegal amount of adorable last week when I photographed Charlotte (Charlie) last week at Tyler Arboretum. The day started out grey and drizzly and, while it's not ideal weather for a photoshoot, I was looking forward to seeing Charlie in some boots for some fun puddle action. As fate would have it, the sky opened up as soon as I met with Tim and Charlie for some fantastic sunny skies.

And since it had just rained, we got some great puddle jumping action!

And sometimes you just need to take that tiny path into the sunlight and smell the flowers.

Really? Can something be this cute?

We were apparently pushing our luck when we went over to Rose Tree Park. Big puffy clouds turned into an overcast threat but not a single drop til we left the park. We had just enough time for loving on daddy and running around as a two-and-three-quarters-year-old should!

I brought some bubbles for a grand finale. Those wide open fields were just perfect for chasing bubbles!

You can't say I didn't warn you of the cuteness that is Charlie! Thank you Tim and little ladybug for a fantastic afternoon!

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. ~Walt Streightiff

Smile a little today

2009-04-18T10:50:00.003-04:00

I simply had to share this. It's only about 20 kinds of awesome!

Perhaps you and some friends should get together, choreograph a little ditty, and show up at 30th Street Station for a flash mob type display. Just let me know so I have my camera!

Oh, and in case you somehow missed this one from a prison in the Philippines...