Welcoming in August

Happy August to you, friends!

Turning the calendar early this morning to welcome August's arrival, I'm reminded of many things.  First, the fact that none of us (that includes me!) want to admit, but … summertime is waning.  

So far, it's been a beautiful one, absolutely gorgeous.  And I hope the remaining days will be much the same.  Our weather in the northeast has been rather cool, with lower humidity than in past years.  For that I am grateful.  We've barely run our air conditioning this year, and have had our windows opened more often than not - thanking the electricity gods for a break!!  I love having the windows open to listen to the sounds the locusts, birds, grasshoppers, hummingbirds, neighboring bullfrogs, all make.  It is significant of summertime to me.  Well, that and watermelon! ;) 

And it's not over yet!  There's still lots of fun to be had!!  My August calendar is full of great things coming up!   

On that note I want to share some news with you.  

Workshop Announcement: 

I am planning to have a dSLR workshop for beginners wanting to learn how to shoot in manual mode.  This workshop will be held in my backyard on Saturday, August 9, set to begin at 11am.  I have space for 5 dSLR owners to attend.  I'm really excited about this workshop.  This is my first go at this so, for the 5 that are able to join in, you are my precedent for possible future workshops.  We will talk about aperture, ISO, shutter speed in a relaxed environment - (wear comfy, "play" clothes as we'll probably be on our knees in my flower beds!) and have a potluck lunch, too.  Participants are asked to bring along a dish, dessert, or salad to share with the group.  It is my hope that this workshop will encourage you to overcome any feelings of apprehension you may experience when using that big, beautiful camera you spent a small fortune on!  ;)  We will cover the basics for you to gain more confidence in your photography skills.  I am asking for a minimum donation of $25 to attend this backyard workshop.  A part of your donation will go towards Tiny Sparrow Foundation - a non-profit organization that pairs up families with children who are facing life threatening illnesses with professional photographers in order to offer them a "Picture of Hope" family session.  Your generosity is appreciated and will inspire hope for such families.  I am a proud member of Tiny Sparrow Foundation, as well.  

To secure your spot in this fun, relaxed, informative, hands-on workshop, please email me for further details and information:  my3girlsphotography@gmail.com

Deadline to enroll is Wednesday, August 6.  Thank you!!  

2 Free Tickets for a Longwood Gardens session:

Fall is around the corner - and that means family photography sessions!  If you have a gift certificate to redeem, a credit from a winning drawing, or have any interest whatsoever in scheduling a session with me this September, October, or November, please contact me ASAP!  The fall schedule will be full before we know it, and I want to be certain that everyone has enough time to schedule their family's fall portraits.  As of now, I only have 2 dates left in September!  The first family to contact me to secure a session at Longwood Gardens (preferably before the end of September), will receive 2 free entry tickets to the gardens (a $36 savings).  I want to give them away!!  Longwood Gardens is an amazing location for a session of any kind!  It's one of my very favorite places on earth, chock full of wonder and terrific photo opportunities.  

Family Mini-Session Dates Announced:

Fall dates for family mini-sessions are as follows:

Saturday & Sunday, October 18 and 19 at Springton Manor Farm in Glenmoore.  A beautiful, sprawling, picturesque 300 acre demonstration farm, where you will see farm animals, Penn Oaks, a demonstration barn & agricultural museum, a small pond, trails, heritage murals, scenic views and more.  Plus, some of the most fantastic trees I've ever seen!!  I will be taking 2 families per day.  The price is $175 (for a family of up to 6 members), includes 30 to 40 minutes of personal session time, an online gallery of 15 images, your choice of 5 high-res digital files to keep and print on disc, and a $35 print credit to be used with your gallery.  

Saturday & Sunday, October 25 and 26 at Conrad Weiser Homestead in Womelsdorf.  This park is rich in history, dating back to the 18th century; a rural countryside dotted with the surviving period stone houses and traditional farms. The Conrad Weiser Homestead includes period buildings, and a new orientation exhibit, on a 26-acre Olmsted-designed landscaped park.  Two large monuments, a gazebo, the Weiser Family Cemetery, and a pond are also located upon the site. Again, I will be taking 2 families per day.  The price is $175 (for a family of up to 6 members), which includes 30 to 40 minutes of personal session time, an online gallery of 15 images, your choice of 5 high-res digital files to keep and print on disc, and a $35 print credit to be used with your gallery.

For the families that confirm their date of photography with me on or before August 15, will also receive an additional $25 gallery credit towards your favorite purchases.  That goes for any type of session you choose.  I love my client friends and I look forward to our time together - coming up!!  

For now though, let's continue to enjoy these beautiful summer days while we have them.  I know I am!!  Cheers, friends!!!  

sneak peek | Jen & Chris engaged!!

I had the opportunity to do a little hiking yesterday at Antietam Dam / Falls with my newly engaged family-friends, Jen & Chris.  Lucky for me, I will also be their wedding photographer!  I am over-the-moon with excitement for this opportunity, too!!  You see, I have known the bride-to-be ever since she was just a teen when I first met my husband's family.  Now, she's all grown up, a college graduate, self-sufficient, an employed professional and soon to be wedded wife.  It's a big thrill for me to see her so happy and in love!!  

Jen & Chris - here's a quick sneak peek from yesterday's shoot.  Thank you for choosing such a beautiful, interesting, diverse location.  I had a great time with you both, talking wedding plans, and making engagement photos together.  I am super happy for you both!  Best wishes & Congratulations on your engagement!!  I am looking ahead with terrific enthusiasm to your Big Day!! 

Congratulations, once again, Jen & Chris!!! :)

With warm appreciation and much love, 

 ~ Barb ~

disclaimer:  images are copyrighted by law;  images may not be duplicated without consent, and are the property of © My 3 Girls Photography and Barbara Liszcz.  Thank you. 

Winner of the Unique Caption Contest!! (video)

Thanks to everyone who played along by leaving a unique caption on the

a little fun … and a giveaway blog! 


Please be sure, if you haven't already, to "Subscribe by Email" below. That way you won't miss any of my blog posts! Another fun contest and giveaway will be coming in January. 


Gratefully yours,
Barb


P.s. Please don't laugh too hard at my awkward silliness in the video!! Although, a little laughter is okay ;) 

My NEW Look!

OH, MY Goodness!! I couldn't wait to share my NEW logo with you!! A good friend, whom I've known "forever," and fellow artist

Leroy Woodward created it for me! Check out "Woody's" artwork when you get a chance. He's filled with unending, amazing talents. Someday I hope to afford one of his original paintings. Still saving my pennies ;) 

Let me know what you think of my NEW logo!!

For more information and to view images of Leroy's artwork, please visit his website:  www.lwoodward.weebly.com/

Thank you, Woody! You continue to amaze and inspire me, my dear friend! 

I owe you many more dinners ;) Love you! 

Peace on, friends,

Barb

a little fun .. and a giveaway!

I felt the need to do something fun for my friends. How does that sound to you? Originally, I thought I would just share this little contest of sorts on Facebook for my loving supporters, but then I decided that I should share this with everyone, and not just Facebook world. :) 

Okay, so here goes… All you need to do to contribute to the drawing is leave your unique caption for my photo below (of my youngest daughter) in the comments section of this particular blog post. Go ahead; have a little fun with it, share your comment!  

The deadline for entries and to qualify for the drawing will be Sunday, December 4 by midnight. Your name will then be added to a hat and this little miss will pick the winner. I will announce the winner on Monday's blog post (Dec 5). To be fair to the unique entries already started on Facebook, I will add them to the comments section in order for everyone to read them! :) 

The winner will choose a favorite image from my Open Art Gallery and be given the choice between an 8 x 12 print, an 11 oz. black mug OR a mouse pad. :)  

I'd be grateful if you would please enter your email address below in the "Subscribe by Email" in order to follow all of my blog posts, as well. :) That way you won't miss the next giveaway coming in January!! 

Now, put your thinking cap on and leave your own unique caption in the comments section! Thanks for playing along!!

Jordan ~ high school senior ~

Now here's a bright, shining star. This young woman impressed me so much. A high school senior who is aspiring to become a nurse. Her favorite subject in school is science, and she's a softball champ with a gift for sliding and playing team catcher! Wow! Watch out world; this lady knows what she wants and goes for it!

Here are some of my favorite images from our session together at one of my alma maters and a possible beginning for Jordan's college career - Reading Area Community College 

love this one of Jordan and her adoring mom :)

It was such a pleasure meeting you, Jordan, and your mom and Barb, too! Thank you for allowing me the privilege to document a special time in your life. You may not know it now, but your high school senior year will be one that you'll remember for the rest of your life. So, make it great!! I know you are ;)

Best wishes to you in your chosen career of nursing. Work hard, and always do your best. You'll continue to shine that bright personality of yours. 

All the best, 

always,

Barb 

Derrick ~ high school senior ~

This guy is so photogenic, I tell you! He was a dream for this photographer! He made my job a complete joy! :) Thank you, Derrick, for being such a gentleman and for being crazy cooperative! For the record, you are the 2nd high school senior I have had the privilege of photographing (the 1st being my own daughter). I wish you every success in your last year of high school and as you embark on your journey towards college and the US military reserves, too. 

This session was extra special for me. I knew Derrick's dad, Rich G. when we attended high school together (all those years ago ;) at a small rural school in Berks County, PA. When he showed up as we were wrapping up our shoot, and I got to give him a big hug, it was as if no time had passed. Isn't it funny how our high school days stay with us, maybe as a distant memory, yet such a force. Rich was always a great guy with a very warm, welcoming smile and he still has that terrific presence about him. It was an honor for me to photograph his son, and to meet his beautiful wife, Carrie. Thank you, friends! Your gracious trust is a gift to me. 

All the best to you, my friends,

always,

Barb

Bridges and Family

I am getting caught up on my blog posts, finally. The past few weeks have been BUSY for me! :)) Whoop!! 

I'm happy to have all these wonderful opportunities to photograph friends and some family, too. 

Speaking of photographing family, here are a few of mine! 

Though we are related by marriage, these folks are the kind of people you automatically feel that you've known your entire life. 

I wonder if they remember the first time I met them. I sure do! My boyfriend at the time (now husband) took me to a Halloween costume party. I was dressed as an American Indian, and my crazy date was dressed as a nerdy, mismatched, goofus of sorts 

(and yes, I still ended up marrying him!). What a pair we were! And talk about nervous to meet his family! You betcha! 

My cousins through marriage, have been married for 33 years! Last month I was able to photograph them together as a couple, 

as well as, with their beautiful daughters. 

They are wonderful, generous people and I'm proud to know them all. :)

Here are a few of my favorite moments from our session together. . . 

Thank you, family, for a great time together photographing, laughing, telling stories (I still need to see that spooky picture you were telling me about!), and for putting your trust in me. I am grateful to you. 

Wishing you many more happy years together!! 

With love and gratitude,

Barb