At Last...

She has been a dear, dear friend to me for over 20 years...

She's the friend who, when I was an absolute mess in college, months after my little sister died, let me crash in her dorm room....no expectations, no judgment...she just opened her door and her arms to me...

I was angry and afraid and I pushed everyone away...I was not an easy friend...

however, she's not afraid of difficult...
she's not afraid to get in the trenches...
she has a HOPE and a deep, deep assurance that surpasses even common sense...

As she walked with me during that journey of grief, I watched her and I leaned on her strength...

If only we had known then what the future held...

She waited patiently for her Prince Charming...many college friends got married and she participated in many 'a "ring down"...and when those same friends started having children, she was there with words of encouragement and excitement...and still she waited...

He did come though...

I was pregnant with baby girls #3, waddling into the pew to watch them exchange vows...and I was so, so thankful to see someone cherish her so unconditionally...it's what she waited for and so deserved...

But, the waiting wasn't over...

It's been 5 long years of hopeful anticipation...and a roller coaster of emotions...I wouldn't be able to do it justice...to explain the journey they've been on...and yet, she and her husband have stayed the course...I can't imagine the depths of longing, the pain of disappointment that they've had to endure...

I don't understand God's plan...however, He DOES have a PLAN...and in HIS time...WOW...the outcomes are beyond our wildest dreams!

This little guy made his appearance in early December and just a few days later, he belonged to a forever family!


Their joy was uncontainable...(is that a word?)  it doesn't matter...you get the idea...

And OH to see them look at him, LOVE on him, hold & cuddle him...he is theirs completely and wholly!


This little guy will be L.O.V.E.D....he already is...he is their miracle...their long awaited dream come true! How appropriate that he showed up at Christmas too :)  What a sweet reminder!

I was honored to kiss those sweet little cheeks and snuggle him close...I love his sweet expressions when he is awake...his wide eyed wonder...he is just content in his Mommy's arms.

They will be amazing parents...of that I have no doubt...



Thank you friends for comin' out to introduce this little guy...thank you for sharing just a bit of that happiness with me...I love your family...and I'm just so, so happy for you!!!



Read more...

JULIA:senior

I remember my senior year of high school.  

I don't EVER remember looking as beautiful and confident as this gal, however...

She has a personality as beautiful as the sparkles you see in her eyes in these images!  I loved her poise and just overall excitement of what lies ahead.  It's always such fun to discover where these seniors are heading...their hopes and dreams of the future...

I have no doubt that Julia will bring beauty and happiness to any situation!







I loved that little sis got to tag along...so inspiring to see sisters love each other so genuinely...




Read more...

Dogs in the Blog

 Have you seen that Disney show?

It's actually quite ridiculous, but my girls seem to enjoy it from time to time...it's slapstick humor, so I get it...

okay, not really, but let's just be honest, it's better than a lot of other stuff they could be watching...and so every once in awhile I turn and see a talking dog attempting to type on a computer...very "doogie howser-esque"...and then it takes me back to the days I had a crush on the young dr....

I digress...

I can now understand, having a sweet pup of my own, how much a part of the family pets become...I love to be able to photograph EVERYONE...it's LIFE together anyway...and you don't want to leave them out!

I've enjoyed getting to know them more, as our girls attend the same school :)

Hope you'll enjoy just a few snapshots from our time this fall!





Read more...

Leaves...to SNOW!

I loved the unexpected Snow Day today (although if I am to be honest, it wasn't really warranted...the roads were pretty much okay all morning and until about 3pm)  Yet, I'm sure the walkers were very relieved...out here in the "country" we get a little spoiled by our bus rides...so I don't mind one bit, if they feel it necessary to cancel school for their sake :)

I feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel...my Christmas cards just might arrive in time for me to send them out BEFORE Christmas...

It's been fun to look over this past year...and I have a list a mile long of back logged blog posts that I need to finish up...

I can't believe how much can change in just a short amount of time...we went from rusty reds, bright yellows and crunchy browns to pure WHITE today...

Therefore, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed remembering my time with this family...At the time they were taking care of two little girls that brought such joy to their family...what an incredible example of God's love!



 
  

Read more...

Tis the season...

The Christmas season is upon us...A time where many of us spend much more quality time with family than usual...and to be honest, I wish it could be like that all year round. 
 
We typically get out the old scrapbooks of past Christmases and the old Christmas cards...and we comment about how everyone has grown...I see the faces of my baby girls and wonder where the time has gone...
 
It's family moments like these...ones that are captured for all time, that help me remember...
 
This family, with 3 boys, had much fun this fall...We spent some time while the sun was coming down, before the leaves had even changed their color...but, the boys played and laughed..even mom and dad got in on the fun!
 
They were relaxed and genuinely enjoyed their time together...
 
I was privileged to meet them...and I love the memories they created!
 
 
 


Read more...

Quiet Contentment :)

Some of my biggest encouragers often come from those quiet, behind the scenes personalities.  I'm not talking about introverted or extroverted people...I've learned that lots of people can be a little bit of both and really it's just about what energizes you...
 
I'm mostly talking about the personalities that aren't self-seeking...the ones that find joy in watching others not just succeed, but they find such contentment in showing love to other people. 
 
It is this way, with this family...especially MOM :)  She has been a quiet encourager to me for such a long while.  I doubt she even realizes what her sweet comments and little notes have done for me over these past years!
 
I loved getting together with them again...those sisters may differ in their own personalities, but you can see their genuine care for each other...
 
it's evident in their whole family!!!
 
what a blessing!!!
 
 
 
 
 


Read more...

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!!



The last Snapshop Class of 2013 is next Saturday!  In case you missed it or had questions about what we do...

check out the workshops tab in the linkbar first off !

During the first part of class we learn about "seeing life through the lens"...lots of examples of how to tell the story of your family with your pictures...techniques you can use to showcase your kids and the special moments in their lives...

Eventually we break for some yummy snacks and a chance to peruse all my printed keepsakes for my own family, while I give you my suggestions for online storage of your photos, lens suggestions, slideshow productions, printing and more

Lastly we cover the basic technical aspects of every DSLR camera (be it Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc)  They all use some main components...once you learn how they work together...you can start making your camera do what you want it to do, instead of just getting "lucky" with shots every once in awhile!

I'm getting booklets and notes printed up this week and I'm sewing away on those camera straps for my earlybirds!  can't wait to see you...The holidays are coming...it's a perfect time to practice and document the highlights of 2013 for your family!!!

Contact me asap!!! ctphotomemories@gmail.com

Read more...

Last Call...

Last call for the SNAPSHOP class on Saturday,  November 16th from 12:30 to 5pm... (there are still a few spots available)

This is the last class for the year...I'm busy sewing up camera straps and planning a menu...

I've added more examples and practice guidelines to my slideshow and instruction...

The booklets are printed and waiting to be bound so that they can fit easily into your camera bag to take with you whenever you are taking pictures...






Don't miss this opportunity to bring your knowledge of your incredible camera up to speed with it's abilities...All DSLR camera have basic components in manual settings that YOU can control to make your camera do what you envision (instead of just getting lucky with a few shots here and there)

The class is already less than 2 weeks away...contact me ASAP to reserve your spot!
ctphotomemories@gmail.com

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!!!

See the "workshops" link in the linkbar above to get even MORE information about what is covered in the class!!!  I'll be emailing participants soon with a short questionnaire so that I can be sure to meet you where you are in your learning!!!

Read more...

OH how i miss this...

For those of you that know me well...this will not come as a surprise...

I'm an extrovert by nature and am energized by people...

But, I've been so anxious to get everyone's pictures to them that I have bypassed the blogging in order to use my time more efficiently...

The thing is, that's a big component of the whole reason I have these photography sessions...I love telling stories and describing relationships...I love meeting people and trying to capture their personalities in photos so that I can string the images together with words that help you imagine being in my shoes...

And, let's just face it, I LOVE talking too :)

Therefore, NOT blogging for awhile has been a bit of a bummer for me... I have soooo missed it over these past couple weeks!

Soooo...I'm trying to carve out time to get a few posts...I have a list a mile long, so I will be blogging way past the time that the editing has finished...but that's okay :)  I love the memories that the pictures conjure up...and I hope my clients feel the same way!

I photographed this family's new little one...oh, a little while ago...he's not quite one, but goodness sakes he just grew like a weed!!! 

This mom is gentle and sweet and introspective and it's almost like walking into a hug...

does that sound cliche'?  I don't mean it to sound that way...she just has that way about her that puts you not just at ease, but you are just able to let the pretenses go...

they waited for this little guy...even though they had to journey through some heartache along the way...but, I think that their love is so evident...their bond, their commitment...their perseverance and strength is just felt when you are around them...



 
He just makes me all kinds of happy...and I think they feel the same way too!
 
 
It was so wonderful to see you all again!!!  Thank you for coming back :) 

Read more...

Coming soon...from a womb near you :)

Okay, the title of this post is incredibly corny...
 
It's been a long day...you'll have to forgive me...
 
I don't think I've ever been this busy during the fall season, but oh it gets me so happy that so many families are investing in "documenting life"...they are taking time out this crazy busy season to make sure they get pictures that aren't just "SMILE and say CHEESE", but focus in on important family moments...
 
in this family's case...in a moment that is soon to change their family dynamics forever :)
 
I enjoyed my time with them...they have a natural ease in their family...
 
Every family has a different "dynamic"...mine can be dramatic at times...I'm an extrovert who talks A LOT...2 of girls get that from me...my middle one is more like her daddy...so to be with our family you're apt to see highs and lows and loud and quiet...all at the same time...
 
This family had a relaxed way about them...their little guy loved to explore and run, but there was this very laidback, introspective side to them all as well...it was relaxing and fun...
 
I loved how they all interacted...their soon to arrive little one is going to be welcomed into a loving, gentle and solid family!
 
Congratulations!!!
 






Read more...

Dads ROCK!

Okay...so I could break into song with some ole rendition of a Randy Travis or Shania Twain song...and I could go on and on about their doppelgangers...
 
I've done it before...
 
I could go on and on about her flawless skin and the fact that everytime I take their family pictures I have to compose myself and try to NOT be jealous at the beauty that just IS...
 
I could write paragraphs about the cuteness of these children...how their daughter has a special place in my heart as she is the oldest sibling in a family with just brothers...how she has a spark all her own and how I have watched and seen in her that desire to just blossom and shine...
 
OH, you could be reading this post for hours, let's just face it...
 
therefore, I want to just tell you about one thing...
 
it was a small, passing moment during our time together...that would have otherwise gone unnoticed, but...
 
I didn't let it...
 
This Dad made a comment...
 
a beautiful, thoughtful, heartfelt, protective, courageous, meaningful comment...
 
it just centered around that sweet girl that I mentioned a few sentences above...
 
I stopped what I was doing and I called him out on it...
 
I'll be blunt and honest here...there aren't many dads in our current culture that have this kind of courage...the courage that it takes to go against the stream...go against what our society says is "norm"...
 
He was watching me snap pictures of his kiddos, particularly his daughter...he was recognizing how grown up she has become in just this past year...I think her striking beauty caught him off guard and it welled up.....and that integrity, that protective nature...that DAD heart caused him to just make a comment that was against status quo...and it came from a moment where he could imagine his daughter in the future and how he wanted to guard her heart and cherish WHO she is...
 
The conversation that followed...the exact words aren't what really matters here...
 
What impressed me was his involvement in her life...his desire to demonstrate to her that her worth is about WHO she is and not WHAT she wears or HOW she looks...(he already knows that she's beautiful)
 
It was just evidence to me of a family that cherishes the heart of a person...
 
It is a joy to know them...
 
And they must have gotten it somewhere...and on this day I didn't have to go far to find out...because I had the opportunity to meet the extended family on both sides...
 
what an honor and privilege to be in the presence of such genuine people! 
 
Thank you all, for allowing me time with you!
 
 
 
 








Read more...

Shy Cute :)

Is there such a thing as "shy cute"...
 
Sometimes I have these ideas in my head and I can't seem to find the right words to describe the feeling...let's see if I can do it this time around...
 
What do I mean by "shy cute"??...because, in my mind's eye, this family is ooooozing with it...
 
Mom.Dad.brother.sister....EACH ONE OF THEM!!!
 
They don't even know it...they don't even realize how beautiful they are...from the sparkle in their eyes, to the way they look at each other...
 
they each have this sweet way of just sort of getting ready in front of the camera, it's a little shy and tentative at first...and then we start talking and I'm just trying to get them to think of something other than the fact that there is this big ole camera snapping pictures...and all of a sudden the edges of their mouth start to go up and their eyes get that little twinkle and you can almost feel the "happy" that is bubbling up inside of them...
 
and then it just appears...
 
it's simple.sweet.classic.
 
BEAUTIFUL!
 
By the end of our time together, they had demonstrated all these sweet corners of their personalities...smirks and laughs...coy and rambunctiousness...gentleness and genuine care...
 
It's the whole package with this family...and I thoroughly enjoyed romping around the park with them!  THANK YOU for allowing me to SEE you so truly!
 
 


 

Read more...

Blog Archive

How can I reach you?

The best way to contact me is either through Facebook Messaging or emailing me at ctphotomemories@gmail.com

I can't wait to hear from you!
"Teach us to number our days, (savor the moments) so that we may gain a heart of wisdom" ~Psalm 90:12

  © Blogger template Shush by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP