Brett - winter light

Today was an anomaly in terms of the typical Northern Ohio winter. It was just mild enough to make stepping outside without a full bodysuit possible, without it chucking it down with rain! As if to capitalize on this miracle, there was some gentle sun just waiting to be photographed.

I grabbed my favorite male subject and headed to the local trail, where I've spent quite a bit of time over my six years living in Bowling Green. Having a really handsome model to work with is awesome because no matter what you do, it looks good.

The best thing about this model? He's my future husband! That's right, folks. You're looking at Mr. Motography. I can't say he was thrilled about standing out in the cold while I snapped away, but he is such a good sport. Oh, and that beautiful ring... that's mine, too :)

This is an old note that Brett left next to my toothbrush in my old apartment over two years ago. Can you see the toothpaste that I spilled on it?

Rachel and Stephen engagement photos

Rachel and Stephen are a lovely, albeit geographically complicated, couple. Ready for a heck of a journey? Try and follow this.

Rachel was born in Boulder, CO, and then raised in Pittsburgh, PA. After attending graduate school in northern New York, she transferred out to San Jose, California in order to work for IBM.

Stephen grew up in Europe. Switzerland, to be exact. After high school and university (the college system works differently over there, but I'm pretty sure that's how it happened), he moved to the US to explore some job opportunities. Where did he happen to end up? Why, San Jose, California, of course.

At one point, these two were even staying in the same hotel and had no idea! But eventually they found each other and bonded over a serious love of coffee. Now, they even work for the same computer software and engineering company out in CA. Two serious peas in an engineering pod.

I shot Rachel and Stephen on a trip to Pittsburgh. Stephen's family has been to visit them in California, but never trekked out to see Rachel's hometown. The couple wanted some photos to show his family where she grew up, and the city where they were considering having the wedding. We headed up Mount Washington to the very top, to a beautiful point where you can see almost the entire city.

Now THAT is the way to show off your hometown to the in-laws.

 

One final shot of the city. What a view! Thanks, Rachel and Stephen!

Eli - 5 months

Meet Eli.

Eli is perhaps the most relaxed 5 month old I have ever met. He'll hang out just about anywhere, do just about anything, and look darn charming while doing it. Maybe that's because he has a big family - he's used to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whatever it is, he is an adorable little guy with a sweet and easy-going disposition.

Shooting Eli with most of his family in the room was less than successful at first. But then his mom happened to put him down on the carpet, where he suddenly transformed into a supermodel. The rest of it was a piece of cake. A very, very cute piece of cake.

One of Eli's big brothers, Jacob, even got in on the action. He's a little charmer, too. (Although he has an affinity for high-pitched screaming.)

Thanks for playing with me, Eli! And a big thanks to your family, too!

Amy and Todd engagement photos

Today's shoot was a little different than what I'm used to; less fur, more smiling, and more diamonds. Not too shabby for a cold day in December.

Amy and Todd got engaged in July of this year, when he spelled out "Will you marry me?" in glow in the dark stars on her wall. How cool of a story is that?

Their wedding isn't until October, but Todd is currently living all the way down in Dallas for his job, so they wanted to get some photos while he was home for Christmas. It was a rough day for shooting - chilly, cloudy, and bleak - but the winter weather didn't stop these two from having a great time in the park.