My Family's Sofa Session

Sometimes it's important for the photographer to turn the lens on herself.  We have so many (so many!!) photos of our girls, the gardens, and even our beloved dog, Bear.  Yet, there are few actual photos of me with my family.  This should remedy our photo wall and albums for a little while.  I'm already picking out Holiday greeting cards from the photos posted here. Oh, and a nice big print, too!  I just wish we had Chelsea here with us for this shoot, then our family photo would be complete.  But, she's working hard on her education and reaching for her career goals at Mansfield University, so, we'll give her a pass - this time.  (Miss you, Chels! So proud of you!!). 

If, by chance, you haven't seen my most recent Focus on Local article featuring Glass Upholstery and our extraordinarily beautiful, newly reupholstered sofa, you can click > here < to be taken directly to the story.  It's a decent one that you won't want to miss!  ;) 

So, I had this thought.  Hmm, what if we take the "new" sofa out to a field to use for our photo shoot and then possibly offer mini-sessions for client-friends doing the same type of thing.  I've seen other photographers take vintage furniture outdoors for their client shoots, and I just adore them.  But, I'm not sure how likely this will be - since this piece of furniture is quite heavy.  I really don't know how I feel about doing this type of shoot again with this gorgeous sofa.  You tell me!  Let me know what you think in the comments section below.  Yay or nay?  If I have enough interest I just may talk my guy into lugging the sofa outdoors once again, or twice.  :) 

Getting warmed up here.  I began by taking some shots of Kurt with the girls at first - checking the light and the set up.  After that, I set up the camera on the tripod and used the 10 second timer shutter release so that I could literally run and jump in the shot!!  Whew!  It was a bit of a workout, but fun!! 

Thanks for viewing, my friends!  This was a memorable photo shoot for me, and made even more spectacular by incorporating my great aunt Helen's ornate, antique sofa which I have lovingly inherited.  Life is good.  

Love and light be yours,
Barb    

Focus on Local goes Yokel!

Hear ye! Hear ye! Get your local news from the Tri County Record!  

Turn to page 17 - a special Agri-Business Issue published this week. There you will find my 1st Focus on Local project spotlighting B & H Organic Produce (Hartz Natural Food Store)!! 

I learned some great facts while reading the special section.

Did you know that Pennsylvania's number one industry is agriculture with $5.9 billion in sales?!  I was pretty amazed by the statistics in print.  I did not know that farming contributes an estimated $3.25 billion to our local economy (farm sales, employment, taxes, service industries). Staggering numbers to think about. . .

I'm doing a happy dance! 

The Tri County used 2 of my photos and just about my entire write up!  You can imagine how humbled, shocked, excited, nervous, and completely thrilled I am to be published in my local newspaper ~ more reasons to celebrate local economies!! 

Be sure to pick up your copy of this week's Tri County Record!

If you happened to miss the blog post - please click on this link:  http://focusonlocal.blogspot.com/2012/02/let-projects-begin.html

Now, my friends, I'm off to the frame shop! ;)

All the best, 

Barb

New Blog Love | Focus on Local

Hey there, friends!  There's a new blog in town.  Won't you do me the honor of giving it some love, please?  Check it out:  http://focusonlocal.blogspot.com/ 

If you will recall I had mentioned in an earlier blog post that I am going to pursue a new project - Focus on Local - and, well, I have begun the pursuit!! :)  I put the spotlight on one of my very favorite small businesses in my local area.  I do hope you'll stop by, hang out, and leave me a comment - which are always appreciated and eagerly read!! :)

Thank you, friends.

Here's to new endeavors, and local economies!!

Love, 

Barb

p.s. Some of you may recognize this winding lane to pure, natural goodness . . . Have you guessed yet where I started my projecting?  

Hop on over to the Focus on Local blog and give it some love, please. Thank you kindly! :)

Focus on Local | Berks County PA Photographer

I've been contemplating for a while now on how to give something back to my community. If you know me, than you know I'm usually a little cheerleader in support of local economies. I get frustrated with myself because so many times I want to reach out and purchase something from my neighbors, my local small businesses, and reinvest in whatever way I am capable. But, … there's that "but" that I wish I didn't have to use at all, but … finances being what they are, well, I'm not always able to meet my lofty goals. I realize how important goals are though. Let's just put it this way, I feel sorry for my husband because he has to live with me and all my visions of grandeur. ;) (poor guy). 

I believe I found a very interesting photography project for myself, and any other photographer that needs a little inspiration as well. Okay, so here's my intention. As my way of giving myself some creative stimulation as well as highlighting local *mom & pop* businesses, I plan to visit, observe, and photograph local establishments. After my visit, I will eagerly upload my work and publish a handful of photos along with a few highlights, offerings, and a general idea regarding my experience (with permission, of course!). 

After my browsing fun at the Mill Property in Morgantown, PA this past Sunday, an establishment that I was once affiliated with, I began to think that this could be a great project for myself and it might prove worthy to local businesses. I'm going to give it a go, at least. I don't have anything to lose, only to gain in perspective, creative energy and the possibility of reinvigorating my neighbors' and friends' businesses. 

I am really looking forward to Focus on Local projects. 

Won't you join me? I'd love to follow your reflections and artwork, as well.

Of course, I will continue to pursue other areas of photography, namely children & families, as well. I am looking forward to seeing your shining faces, too!! :) 

Your comments are always appreciated. I'd love to hear your reactions regarding Focus on Local from y'all!

If you have a local business in mind, and live in the Berks County area, please pass your suggestion onto me! Thanks kindly, friends.  

Here's to new endeavors! Happy projecting. 

and thank you for stopping by :)

Best wishes,
Barb