Climbing Trees: family style

“Don’t mistake predictability for peace: some of life’s most important moments are born of chaos.” (p.89 Dec. issue of Whole Living magazine)
This group family session had a hurried, clock watching feel about it. We had to hurry in order to do 3 different mini-sessions, and quick, get all the kids to smile, look at the photographer, and please cooperate! Getting everyone arranged just to meet at this beautiful location on the Brandywine River at the Brandywine River Museum http://www.brandywinemuseum.org/ was a to-do, let alone making sure our timing fit into everyone’s nap time, game time, travel time, lunch time... time, time, time: keeps on ticking – doesn’t it?!

After I reassured everyone I had some good shots, and it was okay to breathe again, we all enjoyed this family moment. I was able to step back a little and get some fun, candid shots of everyone enjoying one another and the wooded area near the river.

The kids threw rocks in the river; some even slid down the mud bank on their behinds, and explored the area a bit, getting muddy and one with nature – love it! They even climbed on a rather large tree that had fallen; allowing their senses to absorb the natural beauty they were surrounded by. This is the sort of session I rather prefer – relaxed, natural, in the moment, enjoying one another and not so rushed. {Our next session together will be less stressed, and hurried – I promise!}

Even though this was our first meeting, I felt a particular connection with these girls...

I have 3 lively girls who also like to explore
and climb ...

and are known to get dirty, on occasion.

and make cute, funny faces...

and love one another to pieces. They let their mom and dad join them too.They love their Pop ...and here's Mommom and Pop with all their grandchildren.
Such a sweet family...
This little 2 year old showed his Mommom how to cover her ears at the
sound of a distant siren passing by.
Priceless.

Boys will be boys ... Oh, just wait until they can really climb!

Thank you all for such a nice time. It was great to meet you and your family.

Wishing you all God's blessings this holiday season, and always.

All the best,

Barb

The Power of God's Grace...

This is what I have learned…
To be forgiven is a tremendous gift from God...

In a recent Sunday school class, that I co-teach, the lesson was about forgiveness. The kids were talking about how they know to say they’re sorry when they “trespass” against a friend or loved one. My co-teacher, who was running the class this particular day, also stated that if we tell God we are sorry, He will forgive us; a much larger concept for Preschoolers to grasp. The class finished up without much fuss or fanfare, and we all went about our lives, however, I felt a deep stirring in my soul. This theme of forgiveness keeps crossing my path lately, and I am drawn to express my feelings with you.

I was not raised in what some would call a traditional Christian home. Sure, I learned the Golden Rule and to avoid hurting others and to be honest, at whatever cost. But I did not know Jesus – very well. I knew of him, but I was not taught his teachings directly, only indirectly.

Other than some special nights when I stayed at my maternal grandmother’s, and slept beside her in her bed while she recited her rosary prayers, I did not recognize prayer or the gospel. My parents did not believe in forcing religion on my sister and I the way it was forced on them. I should mention that we did go through a very short period of Sunday school classes, but once my parents found out that we were skipping the class and hiding out in the backyard of the church, our classes ended abruptly.
I came to know Jesus during a rather stormy, transitional time in my life: The time leading up to the marriage of my husband, Kurt. This was a second marriage for me, and, well, let’s just say, that my 1st experience with marriage left me with huge battle wounds – emotionally, physically, financially. Albeit I had the support of my family and friends, and their love pulled me through, I still felt an emptiness inside my soul.

Knowing that I definitely, no-way, no-how wanted a repeat performance of my 1st walk down the aisle, I turned to the church. I visited many churches, searching for the right fit. I found my way at a local community non-denominational church. This church and the members therein provided me with a safe haven for self-discovery, awareness, knowledge of the scriptures, and a chance to be reborn in Christ. I was baptized, again! Yes, as an infant I was baptized, but it didn’t feel real to me. It’s the sort of feeling you might get if someone built you a shell of a house, and then said to you, “okay, now you finish it on your own without tools or know-how.”

The incredible feeling of forgiveness and love washed over me the moment I stood before the congregation and the healing waters were poured over my head. It was a peace I had never known before. It was a miraculous feeling. This power that was offered to me has changed my life forevermore. I am extremely grateful for my faith, my family and my God. Jesus Christ is one awesome teacher, healer, and builder of faith-filled homes. ;}

This Thanksgiving I am reminded of the forgiveness that has been graciously, generously, unconditionally offered to all of us. With an overwhelmingly grateful heart, I accept!

Peace be with you, my friends,
Barb

p.s. Thank you K & J for the honor of attending, witnessing and photographing your sweet baby girl's baptism. I am blessed by your friendship.

p.s.s. Here's a sweet melody that I adore; give a listen!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYgZMjW0TTE

Full Circle

Life has given me a distinct honor. I remember when this young lady was born, and now she is a mama! On occasion, I even babysat her when I was a teenager and she was just a toddler. And here she is - all grown up, Master's degree, married, and motherhood. Wow! {Not that I am getting any older, or anything ;} So, when she contacted me to photograph her pregnant belly, I was overjoyed! This little lady is one of the sweetest souls I have ever known. I count this experience a unique blessing among blessings in my life.


At the time of our session, she was 38 weeks along in her pregnancy. Now.., I hope it wasn't the amount of walking we did, the poses, the stretches, the photo shoot in general that spurred baby to come along two days later, but that's what she did! Whew! Just in time! I am grateful that newborn baby girl, A.R., at least waited for us to have the opportunity to capture her mama's beautiful belly before bounding into the world! So, thank you, A.R.!

this was the 1st shot of bare belly

a little friend who stopped by ...

I love these glowing faces...

Hey, Nanny & Poppop joined in the fun too!

Oh, my gosh you are parents now... ! It's not sinking in yet.

Give me some time for the reality of this to absorb.

I had such a wonderful time with you. Your energy shines!

All my love,

always,

Barb

Jeff and Rachel Engaged!

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

{Love} is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,

it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.


{Love} always protects, always trusts, always hopes,

always perseveres.

{1Corinthians 13:4-7}

Thank you for placing your trust in me to capture your adoring hearts on this
bright fall morning. Love completely surrounds you both!
Congratulations Jeff & Rachel!

All my love,
always,
Barb

Cameras, dogs and Halloween?!

Sounds sort of tricky, doesn't it? The thought of cameras, dogs and Halloween in the same sentence doesn't exactly mix, does it? At least it sounds peculiar to me. But it couldn't be further from the truth! I met this lovely couple on Halloween to have a photo shoot together, using my camera {and the illustrious 50mm lens} while I got to know them and their sweet dog. I won't tell you where we met, rather, I'd like for you to guess! I couldn't get over all the photographers and dogs that were also enjoying this fall afternoon at our "secret" location. Look for clues. Please leave a comment on my blog with your guess! I'm not "tricking" you, but I will count your comment as a "treat!" Come on, don't spoil the fun! :}


And, I'd just like to say that spending an hour with this couple and their canine was sincerely both an honor and a treat! Such a handsome looking pair, fun, and incredibly photogenic! Take a peek at them and let me know what you think...

peek-a-boo...

reflecting on each other...

what a good dog he is... :)

Oh, no! This one is sure to give our location away!

and this one too!

{I gave this a paint daub effect ... what do you think?}

Have you guessed yet?

Be sure to leave a comment below!

Thank you, my new friends, for a delightful Halloween afternoon.

I am grateful to know you, and your sweet puppy.

Give him a scratch behind the ears for me!

It's my wish that you will treasure your photos always. I certainly will!

Truly yours,

with friendship, always,

Barb

O, Christmas Tree, O, Christmas Tree ...

A Special Invitation for you! With love, from me

YOU’RE INVITED to start off the Holiday season with TWO great offers!

First offer – Book a mini photo session

(30 minutes or less; roughly 15 personally edited photos to be viewed/purchased on my SmugMug gallery)

with me at www.yocumbrothersnursery.com
Yocum’s Christmas Tree Farm while you wander their sprawling acres, choosing your special tree {Douglas fir, Concolor Fir, White Pine, Blue Spruce} to be freshly cut for you.
All trees, all sizes are $20.
You pick, they’ll cut.Hot chocolate, hot dogs and fresh cut wreaths also available!
I’ll capture your family together enjoying the fresh air,
filled with the pungent fragrance of Evergreen all around. Let me photograph you and your family taking part in the timeless tradition of hunting and gathering the perfect fresh-cut Christmas tree, representing home and hearth and happiness.
{Santa hats not included ;}
My special mini-session is only $75!
Sessions begin Saturday, November 27 and run every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of December {excluding Dec 12}, ending Dec. 19.
Contact me today to schedule your mini-session now!
Second Offer – Order your Holiday greeting cards through my professional gallery at SmugMug and I will donate 30% of all my profits to UNICEF www.unicef.org/
The United Nations world charitable organization that advocates, educates, and cares for children of all nations, promoting the advancement for the cause of humanity.
“UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized.”
I hope you’ll take advantage of my special offers!
‘Tis the season to be merry!

Happiness to you, my friends,
Barb

Bridges of Family

Being a photographer allows me a unique perspective of how to connect with others. I am finding that there are many levels to this new relationship. I have to be willing to read body language cues, comfort levels, humor, temperaments; all in the spirit of attempting to get a real sense of this person in front of my lens. What I find most interesting are the great relationships that are formed right before my very eyes. I can see why photographers fall in love with this "hobby!" ;}

Speaking of new relationships. I'd like you to meet some really super people. We spent a cloudy, overcast afternoon at the Reading Public Museum last weekend. Even though the weather was somewhat dreary and chilly for us, we managed to keep each other in warm company, with smiles a plenty!

Here's a shot of the whole crew together ...

We all couldn't help but swoon over this precious little one ...
such a sweetie ... I was hooked at first glance ;}

Thank you friends for such a memorable time. You all were so patient with me,

dealt with my corny jokes and even gave me a "funny face" picture!

You guys are so fun! I am very grateful to you.

Your shining smiles will stay with me forever.

With love, always,

Barb