Little L Photography

Love it.

2011-08-18T12:35:00.000-04:00

Some families just BRING IT.

And I love every second of it.

Little princess.... and her pumpkin sister.

2011-07-21T11:13:00.000-04:00

After a shoot with their 'normal' clothes these kids' mom busted out their fall festival costumes... and they were so perfect in a park full of orange and yellow leaves.

This might be one of my FAVORITE photos ever.... it just seems so magical. A little princess in the fall woods....she even showed us some of her 'princess moves'. Love her!

How is it July already?

2011-07-13T11:12:00.001-04:00

How is it July already? I'm already starting to think about Fall (especially since it's SOOO hot). I love this family photo from last fall... taken at an apple orchard in the area. What a fun setting!

Trouble on a Tricycle

2011-05-12T14:03:00.000-04:00

Meet Keeghan. He loves his daddy. He LOVES the movie cars. And I'm really glad his mommy brought along his tricycle... because it looks really cute in this photo.

What a family!

2011-04-15T13:43:00.000-04:00

This family is the most hysterical I've had the pleasure of photographing.. We have one quiet older brother, one SASSY middle sister, and one energetic little brother! Getting them to all sit together was difficult- but I am always surprised how well the older two love their little brother.

And if you didn't know, I LOVE red hair. LOVE it.

Their mother made an awesome gift using these photos- she had one printed on a blanket for a grandparent. It looked great and I'm sure it is a gift ANY grandmother would cherish.

Mom, daughter, and dog!

2011-03-03T19:22:00.001-05:00

This shoot was a Christmas surprise for dad, and reportedly he LOVED it. In fact, I was in his office for work a few weeks back and he proudly showed me the framed prints on his desk. This is a family that LOVES their daughter, and their dog!

Emmy is moving on to that teenager stage so she had to make some silly faces but in the end you can tell what a close bond she and her mother have. I love love love mother/daughter shoots.. I wish I had more photos of me with my mother.

And I think EVERYONE loves this photo... oh, Belle!

Fall in the Park

2011-02-16T15:09:00.000-05:00

So, in 2010 I had an AMAZING turnout for my park picture days... and some amAZING shots!
These two started my day with such PERSONALITY! Love love love them! They made shooting effortless.

I can imagine these two shots hung right next to each other on their wall.

Eva

2011-02-07T09:53:00.000-05:00

More new babies who are NOT so new anymore! This little girl is the THIRD girl in the family.... Their house is awash in princess figurines already...

Cady

2011-01-31T08:55:00.000-05:00

So I guess the Little L winter break is over! I did my first shoot of the 2011 on Saturday AND I'm back to school. So I guess maybe I should try to blog all of 2010... hmm..

We'll start with my favorite little darlings... well, their new little sister, Cady (don't you love that name?). She's not so new anymore.. in fact she's heading towards her first birthday. (yes, as usual I am WAY behind)

Missing sunny days!

2010-12-26T21:14:00.005-05:00

I hiked through a client's lawn full of snow today to get to a shoot. And I still love winter.

But I also love these summer photos with Kenley in her sandals and sundress.

2010-12-26T17:54:00.000-05:00

I'm back! (and really behind)

2010-11-24T11:05:00.002-05:00

So, I know you all have been on pins and needles waiting for my next post (just kidding, no one reads this blog!) . And as usual, I'm really behind on posting. Really, really behind. Like this shot of two sisters in the spring. Yeah, there is now a THIRD sister. THAT's how behind I am.

Just wanted to take a second to say HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I am thankful for having such an amazing fall. Many of my families showed off their photographs and then friends saw them and called me and so fall has been very, very busy. Which is excellent, but also a little bad because I was completely booked and had to turn away a few families due to my crazy schedule. It taught me a lot about how I will handle next fall.

For one thing, if you want photos for holiday cards or gifts, they need to be shot in October or November at the LATEST. I hand re-touch every photo you receive, so that takes some time. Add that on top the fact I am editing after my full-time job and my part-time schooling, I have been editing in every available second to get photos back in time to be printed and gifted.

I am happy to say after many amazing shoots I am done shooting for this fall! To everyone who came out... THANK YOU! The reason I do this is because I love the kids and families I work with... if I didn't, I wouldn't be doing this. Keep in touch and let me know (well in advance) when you want your next shoot. Still pleased from one friend who emailed "LOVE the shoot... next shoot is in April". Love it! THAT is planning ahead.

Enjoy your time with your families! They're all growing so fast!

Not a kid...

2010-09-16T15:44:00.002-04:00

So I don't know if you knew this, but I take pictures of grown-ups, too! Mandy asked me to do some headshots of her and the day was pretty grey but the diffuse light just made her beautiful skin look even more creamy and perfect... We had a ton of great shots, a lot of variety (adults move how you tell them to, it's so EASY!) and I just love love love love this one.

It's raining today so I had to reschedule a shoot, and as soon as we worked out the new date I slapped on some pajamas and I am not moving from my house any time soon. But I MIGHT just use this time to edit a heavenly newborn shoot.... hmm...

Mini Mike

2010-09-01T16:00:00.004-04:00

A long, long time ago (ok, a few months, but it seems long) I shot Sean and fell immediately in love with this kid. He looks like a tiny version of his dad (I think) and he is always very connected with the camera. And to top it all off, it is easy to see his parents ADORE him. I couldn't ask for a better family to photograph!

2010 Heart Gallery

2010-08-15T12:49:00.002-04:00

I had a lovely two-week vacation from EVERYTHING and now I guess it's time to get down to business for fall. Including catching up on a bunch of shoots I did forEVER ago!

Last year I started volunteering with the Pennsylvania Heart Gallery. It is a moving exhibition of professional photographs (that's where I come in) of children that are looking to be adopted. Last year I profiled Devon, Kelvin and Nakii .... and of the three, two are still looking for homes... it breaks my heart!

This year, I had a brother/sister pair- Stephanie and Anthony. What a duo! Stephanie is very outgoing, very protective of her brother, and wants to be a model. She already is amazing at posing... and was cracking me up! Her brother Anthony is full of energy and has to be reigned in from time to time by his sister. He had a great time exploring the park.. but when the shoot was over he was ready for some ice cream!

I absolutely loved the photos I got of the two... they were great to work with. Every year I wish I could do MORE for the Heart Gallery and I look forward to working with them again next year.

Check it out here!

Lazy July

2010-07-14T20:30:00.002-04:00

I've been really really lazy lately- I guess it's the heat. I am not a warm-weather girl whatsoever. I come home from the Eagle pretty much exhausted every day... and my air conditioning situation is not the best so I've been relaxing and reading (or re-reading) a lot of books this month. I've also been showering about twice a day (or bubble-bathing).

When I think about it, maybe it's best to conserve energy for the fall. Fall is going to be wicked around here with work, school, shoots.... I need a nap just thinking about it.

Don't you just love the little pout up above? I've been talking to this little guy's parents about a shoot this fall with leaves and hay bales and general fall awesomeness...

Happy 5th Birthday!!

2010-06-27T11:48:00.002-04:00

Can you believe that Sammy, the inspiration for this very photography business, turned five this week!? I can't! And he's still one of my very bestest models.

Love you, Sam!

2010-06-21T11:03:00.004-04:00

I simply love love love this family. And I hear they're providing me with a new little tiny model soon sooo... love them even more!

Dr. Carly

2010-05-23T20:35:00.003-04:00

Hey guys! I have been pretty busy with my 'real' job but school is over (and I'm not taking a summer class this year!) so I am going to be tinkering with my blog and updating my website in the next week or so.

In doing so, I've been looking through some old work and I feel like I have been growing so much in my photography and editing that I am really pleased.

I've had some really beautiful shoots lately that I will be sharing once I have everything set up.

And to tide you over, here's one of my favoritest photos I've taken lately... of one of my favoritest kids ever.

Naughty toddlers....

2010-04-29T22:39:00.004-04:00

Well, things have gone downhill, people. All my babies are growing up and becoming TODDLERS. And they are fast, people, realllllly fast. Especially this little one above. She's turning two and the very definition of mischievous. Luckily she's also super cute and has an adorable little voice. Sigh. I can't believe how quickly they're growing up!

By the way, Happy Birthday Abby! I am sorry Paulie and I have to miss your party but look for a present that a special helper is delivering for us!

PS Don't you just LOVE tights on little girls? I can't handle the cuteness. Hers had tiny little buttons at her ankles. CUUUUTE.

Glee!

2010-04-13T23:17:00.004-04:00

I can honestly say this was the hardest shoot of all time. Tiny twins and their toddler brother... but really the first shot is one of my favorite shots of all TIME. The light, the cutenicity of those kids, the bear hat.... I mean, I love it. LOVE it!

It helped that halfway through we got reinforcements (grandma and grandpa).

I know their mom loves this shot of big brother, and I do too... it shows his mischievous personality...

The title of this post refers to the glee I felt when I saw that top shot, and also the fact that GLEE is back on tv! I do not know what it is but I absolutely adore that show.... part of it is my absolute, undying love for Lea Michelle. Her voice is incredible.

Anyway... the weather is lovely. People are having babies all over the place. Business has started picking up a little, so it was time to finally post these photos which are still from last year! I know, bad blogger! But I never claimed to be on time with my posting. Love you guys!

Winter is over! Yay!

2010-03-26T10:50:00.002-04:00

The weather is getting to be soooo nice! I have a bunch of shoots coming up in the next few weeks so I guess it's time to post the last couple of winter shoots... one of which is this one of Kenley. I absolutely LOVE her hand-knitted scarf and hat (a gift from one of our VERY talented knitter friends). The colors are gorgeous! And of course, Kenley is pretty gorgeous herself!

I swear she gets cuter by the minute.... you should see her hair right now, it is a total mess of curls!
And she definitely inherited her mom and dad's amazing smile!

I am pretty excited about Spring! I usually like cold weather but this winter was just exhausting with shoveling and heavy coats and salt everywhere.... I took my bicycle into the shop to get it tuned up and I hope to ride it more this year (my dad said that they would be surprised to see the oldest un-ridden bike in the world). Even when it's gloomy outside, like it is today, I am cool with that.

School has been going well this semester, I am taking a one-night-a-week psych course (NOT my favorite subject) but it feels very light after all the intensive studio courses I had been taken. I DO miss the Sharadin building (the arts building at KU) and I imagine I'll be back in there this summer.

Snow Snow Everywhere!

2010-02-17T21:25:00.004-05:00

So, if you live in the area I am guaranteeing you spent a good portion of your life on snow removal last week... I spent a lot of time at the Eagle photographing snow and I never thought I'd say this but... I am TIRED of snow! It's exhausting! I like winter but... this is too much!

So maybe this two adorable faces will brighten up your icy winter day! You guys should recognize two of my favorite children.... and since they see me all the time, they are some of my BEST models!
This shoot was total chaos- but in the end one of my favorite shoots ever... tons of different shots, facial expressions.... and some totally adorable outfits! (hey, I helped pick them, I swear!)
Every time I look at a photo of these two I cannot help but think how much I love these guys. They are really really awesome kids and I even like their mom a little, too. Haha! Keep warm out there, people! And next fall call me BEFORE you rake your yard... aren't the leaf colors beautiful?!

Happy family

2010-02-03T13:50:00.006-05:00

I met this family through my job but wasn't surprised when their internet-savvy dad contacted me to do some photos for them. I loved working with them because they are really FUN and their love for their two little boys is evident.

We took a more casual approach and I shot them while they ran around a park near to their home. Their older son Christian is a total HAM and was very easy to shoot, while their younger son Jackson has the most precious little face so HE was easy to shoot, too!

Even when Christian got tired of the photo shoot his parents knew exactly how to get more smiles!

Still looking back....

2010-01-25T12:04:00.004-05:00

Still working on blogging everything from last year yet... but this is a good time.. I haven't been shooting much (for Little L, I am always shooting for the Eagle, of course). It's nice to have a break and I've just started my spring class so I am settling in with that. For once I am taking a non-studio course so I am back to reading text books and taking notes.... it feels so weird!

I have started setting up shoots for the spring so if you're interested make sure to let me know!

Anyway, you've seen this little guy before... his mom asked me if I could take some shots of his baptism and I was all for it... I don't think she expected me to go so paparazzi on her! I can't help it, whenever I shoot an event I shoot everything that moves! And this is something I think they will cherish for a long time to come. They have a beautiful service at her church.
The whole family (Sarah hiding in the corner but looking so pretty!)
Everyone's favorite... (I swear he's a really good big brother).

I hope you are all inside and warm and cozy on this truly miserable weather day. So far today I am but I work tonight so I'll have to start bundling up soon!

January....

2010-01-06T11:49:00.008-05:00

OH, January... your weather is awful. So cold and windy this year! I love pictures of kids all bundled up in their tiny scarves and hats but at the same time I am pretty happy staying inside in the heat around this time of the year.

This year I did a few shoots in my hometown while visiting my parents- this is one. Adelyn is an ADORABLE baby.... very smiley... and very pretty.... look at those eyes! The weather wasn't perfect that day, so we spent a lot of time on her parent's very pretty porch and in her nursery.

Loved this wicker bench.

She has some crazy cute expressions!

A little tentative...

Dad arrived home just in time for a family portrait...

In her nursery.

So, after a busy fall things have slowed down substantially, which I am okay with. I've been working on my crafts and getting in some good relaxation time... but I am ready to start talking spring sessions so drop me a line!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2009-12-23T00:14:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone! I hope you are having an amazing holiday season and you are getting to spend lots of time with the people you love!

I am particularly joyous because I get to spend time with my family because I am off for a couple of days from the Eagle.

This is my Christmas card this year- Baby the guinea pig is the last of my guinea pigs.. and one of my best models. She is getting up there in age, has a reoccurring chin scab I can never get rid off, and a large tumor (on the left side of her face as you look at her) so I knew I had to feature her this year. I handmade her hat and beard (see it?) because I think Photoshopping is just TOO easy! :)

I am sending you my best wishes for a lovely holiday- keep safe and give big hugs to all your loved ones! Talk to you soon!

Total loss of sanity!

2009-12-13T20:51:00.005-05:00

When I agreed to shoot these five young cousins I had NO idea what I was in for! They all had fabulous personalities... that took them in four different directions (not five, only because one couldn't walk!) After I got home I had to sit down and just have a little 'quiet time'! But as always, as soon as I uploaded the photos and started checking them out I was REALLY happy! It was definitely worth the effort!

The coordinating parent brought a wagon (a GREAT idea! It is always great to have a defined SPACE for the kids to be!) and also talked to the other parents so the kids were all in pink or green! I LOVE this idea! Picking two colors and having the kids in a variety of patterns and shades brings the picture together without being too matchy.

See what I mean about the different personalities?! But I really like that they are all just being THEMSELVES....

She was a hard one to catch!

Just adore this guys ROUND head! Isn't he the cutest?!

Ms. E... I can't believe how much she has grown up! She is a very patient big cousin!

K-Looking naughty!

V-My best model... had a ton of pictures of her that I liked!

It took a lot of juice boxes, moving kids, a few run-around breaks, and a couple kids almost in the creek, but we got some great shots!

I also love that they planned WAY ahead- these are for Christmas but we shot them in September ( I think?) so the weather was beautiful... they had plenty of time to get prints, custom framing, and wrap everything up.

Ok, yes, I am way behind in my blogging. Outside today it is miserable... icy and wet... isn't it nice to look at these and see the green grass, short sleeves and dream about nice weather again?

Come see me Saturday!

2009-12-03T23:52:00.007-05:00

Does your pet Cockatoo Nipsy prefer a specific brand of mirror and bell for this holiday season? Does your poodle Dottie require a very special toy from Santa this year? Does Flipper the goldfish insist on telling Santa JUST which sparkly castle he wants in his bowl? Well, have I got the solution for you!

Bring your pet to the Wyomissing Petsmart THIS Saturday, December 5th from 11-4 to make these requests known and get their picture taken with Santa! By an AMAZING photographer!

I'll be there volunteering to help the One by One Cat Rescue with their pet pictures with Santa fundraiser. Even though they are the reason I have Linus, I have forgiven them, and want to tell everyone to come out and support the amazing work they do! I look forward to seeing all of your smiling faces!

And, as always, please NEVER buy an animal! If you're looking for a cat One by One can find you the perfect companion of any type! All of my amazing pets are rescues including my beautiful himalayan Lulubelle seen above (sorry, the costumes and studio lighting will not be available Saturday!). She has been with me for FOUR years now and I have loved her every single moment of those years. Now, Linus.. that's another story....

Anyway, please come out and support One by One on Saturday!

I forgot to mention that if you can't make it on Saturday, the fabulous Susan Angstadt will be doing the shooting on Sunday (same hours)!

Thanksgiving Week

2009-11-22T20:33:00.004-05:00

Am I the only one that is stunned how quickly time is going? In just one week it is my birthday! How is that possible? Seriously? And how is it possible that I am so OLD? Just kidding. I realized I forgot to add a photo of Kenley's birthday invite until now so I thought I would just quickly put it up and say, as usual, how busy I have been!

This past week was the last week for wet clay in my ceramics class... which meant I was there every day or night and at work all the rest of the time. I got NOTHING but ceramics done. The one shining exception was Thursday night... of COURSE I went to the midnight premiere of New Moon with Nicole! We had an awesome time. I cannot say enough about the downtown Reading IMAX theater... it is our favorite theater and we purposely go there every time we see a movie.

This week will be pretty weird, work for two days, off for one, work for two more days (including Thanksgiving...) and then off for FOUR for my birthday. Yay!

Crunch Time

2009-11-10T20:50:00.006-05:00

I was just over visiting this particular baby and she was out of her mind laughing and smearing spaghetti in her hair. What a riot! As hectic as my life is at this moment, it was nice to have ten minutes to sit and laugh with her and her mother. And scarf some leftover Halloween candy. Can you believe Halloween is here and gone? And with it... Kenley's first birthday.

Cole and I did this shoot in early September for her party invitations and I am just really behind and finally getting to posting it. It is starting to get really crazy with the end of the semester at school, work, and the light going so early in the day. I want to say that with so much going on I've been having trouble working with people's schedules to do shoots and I have to apologize. As most of you know, I have a full-time job and go to school and I do my best to accommodate everyone, but sometimes there is just NO squeezing room... and the next few weeks are definitely that. But PLEASE if you want to do a shoot contact me early! I will do my best to squeeze you in. I love seeing you and your kids! I swear!

Even when they're little monsters like this one!
How can you not love those eyes, though?! I still am stunned that it has been a YEAR since she was born... she is starting to walk and is just all-around a real character. I can't wait to see what she is like in one year.... two years....

Same story... different day!

2009-10-28T16:23:00.006-04:00

Why is it every blog entry I am talking about how busy I am!? I guess I like being busy. I am just such a terrible blogger! I have a BUNCH of great photos to blog..I better get to it! So these two ADORABLE kiddos were possibly my best models yet. The day was hot (it's been awhile) and BUGGY yet these two were just TOO cute for words. It also helped that their mom used to work at a photo studio and was great at getting Gabriel's attention by jumping around... shaking toys... and even Kaleb pitched in at times! What a good big brother.

I can't get enough of those weathered white fences...

LOOK at how his little feet are crossed! Soooo cute!

These two are such good brothers...

I am happy to say I've been shooting some new families.. (not that I don't LOVE my original families) but it is so fun to see how different all the kids are and just the interactions between them.

Melissa, I'll shoot these two anytime! They are such dolls!

A Day Off.

2009-10-01T14:43:00.012-04:00

So I am relishing a very lovely day off. It has been really rare for me to have a free day around here with school, work, and the kid photography thing going on this fall. But I'm really HAPPY with all the shoots I've been doing and I LOVE ceramics class. It just gets a little crazy.

Today I had a hair appointment with my LOVELY stylist, Ashley W. at Lords and Ladies, Douglassville. She is amazing. Go see her if you want great hair. Seriously, she is the best I have ever had and I ALWAYS love going to see her- it's both her personality AND her skills. And when I think up stupid ideas to do to my hair she will straight out say "NO". I heart her big time.

Princess MeowMeow Lulubelle III had a haircut today, too (my Himalayan cat, for those of you who do not know). I tell you, the people working at the Ken Grill pet parlor are miracle workers! She comes back smelling amazing, so clean white, and with two little bows behind her ears (today they are Halloween bows... CUTE). She's not too fond of the experience, but she really needs it from time to time... she has the longest hair ever.

Ok, so blahblahblah... on to the pictures! I can finally post these! One of my co-workers approached me to photograph his two grown children for a special gift for his wife for their anniversary. After a couple scheduling issues we got together and he just recently gave her a framed print... I heard she loved it! YAY! I looooove when my photography is used in creative ways and also when I get such amazing feedback!

Ryan is pretty quiet... but he was really patient. I think he looks a lot like his dad.

We met at Valley Forge, since Sarah goes to school in Philly, and I was headed to spend the day in King of Prussia anyway. I hadn't done any portrait photography there, so we did have some long drives around the park looking for good things. I love the rickety old fences.

Sarah is obviously the ham of the family. I have a feeling she and I would get along pretty well.

We found this super cool space! I am in love with it.

Anyway I can now check BLOG POST of my list of things to do today. Next on the schedule- some crafting and laziness before I'm in for yet another long stretch of school/work/LittleL. Every Friday night I'm shooting football, so pray for good weather! And you can check out some of those photos at the Gridiron Gallery.

Ok, I'm missing out on some super relaxation time. Got to go.

Announcement!

2009-09-15T20:13:00.003-04:00

Yeah, yeah... I know I'm behind as usual. This fall is already proving to be QUITE busy and I'm exhausted! I'm getting too old for this... ha.

So I just wanted to share my favorite Joey photo and the announcement I did for him (well, I guess more for his parents, but you know what I mean). The hat is hand-knitted by his mom (who is an amazing knitter) and I loved the colors on it. Joey graced us with the perfect little yawn for this picture, I knew it was going to be a great shot for the announcement.

I cannot believe how long it has been since I did this shoot. I bet he's getting pretty big, huh, Lisa? They grow so fast!

Which reminds me I SHOULD be working on a birthday party invite for a certain baby... and WAIT until you see what her mom and I dressed her in... back to Photoshop. For a few more hours. Sigh. I love the shoots.. but the editing kills me!

Baby Joey

2009-08-31T18:44:00.005-04:00

I am happy to report that Little L Photography is doing fairly well right now. I sometimes feel like I need to be shooting all the time, but then I realize.... wait, I have a full-time job and I go to school. I really don't have THAT much time on my hands. But I DO love the babies and kids. I've found that a lot of photographers that photograph children were inspired by their own kids, but I don't have any. I just really like them anyway.

This adorable boy above was born recently to a co-worker and I was so excited to meet him!Even though he is sleeping in this picture, he was the most awake baby I've ever met at that age. He is gorgeous- look at all that hair! I also loved the bright colors of his home... there was one room I want to move into. We snapped a bunch of photos, including his older siblings and the dog, but still this is my favorite.

Anyway, if you're thinking about a shoot but not sure please let me know, my fall schedule is getting hectic already. This fall's class is ceramics (I am really looking forward to it) and I will be shooting football every Friday (maybe not looking so forward to it). The days just keep filling up.

Joy's Brilliant Cake Idea

2009-08-13T22:27:00.008-04:00

Katie is one! To celebrate Joy wanted a photo shoot, and she brought along a little cake and a candle (*note: she did not light it). After we got some cute photos we busted out the cake.... and let's just say... Katie was INTO it.

Um.... am I going to get in trouble for this?

Such beautiful eyes....

Cakebaby.

Joy calls this the "You don't know how long I've waited for you..." shot. Twilight reference for all you non-Twihards out there. I laughed for about twenty minutes after that.

Just goes to show I am willing to work with any idea... and it's fun to mix the shoots up a little. Joy, Alison, Katie and I had a great time on the shoot... and then a fabulous lunch at Chick-Fil-A!

So proud!

2009-08-10T10:59:00.009-04:00

Alison and her sister are two of my best customers, I imagine I'll be taking their pictures on a regular basis forever. But sometimes Alison maybe doesn't want her picture taken so much. Sometimes it is just not in her plans for the day. She probably has an important date with Yo Gabba Gabba or her princesses that her mother and I just don't know about. We always get SOME photos... but... maybe not a whole LOT.

So I was pretty surprised the other day when she was the most phenomenal model- I was so proud of her I had to give her about fifty hugs! LOOK at that gorgeous smile! And HOW grown up she is getting! I can't believe it.

Checking out the flowers.

She gave me lots of 'poses' including this beauty... and don't you love a peely old white picket fence?

This is my absolute favorite! I LOVE it! I hope her mom loves them as much as I do.. but I almost died with happiness when Alison decided for once she was in the photo kind of mood!

The shoot was really for her little sister's first birthday... and that went awesome, too. I'll post it later this week!

I've been getting some calls lately for more shoots... if you're interested just shoot me an email or call!

Free Time!

2009-07-31T17:30:00.003-04:00

Well, what do you know... I have some free time! I finished my summer class and now I have some time for shoots. I've been definitely letting everything slide the last few weeks in lieu of drawing, drawing, drawing!

I've already done one AMAZING shoot (that will be edited and up sometime next week) and I have a few coming up! Yay! And because every post needs a picture here are my two little buddies awaiting my arrival- Ms. Grouchy Face and Mr. Sunshine.

The darling Miss Katherine

2009-07-17T18:40:00.007-04:00

Facebook is cool. I know, I'm a nerd. I have MySpace and I never got into it. The layout doesn't appeal to me, it looks cluttered and it's really hard to FIND people on it. At least, it was when I used to use it. I just logged in to check out my message box (first time in like, forever) and there was this amazing message:

i hope its ok to say that you might be the cutest girl i ve ever seen

Um, thanks person I don't know! Yes, let's meet up! I want to be with you forever, your poetry has touched my soul.

Then I got Facebook and even though I'm not an addict (I have never played Mafia Wars OR Farmtown) I kind of love it. People that I would never really get the chance to catch up with just appear, and we can say three sentences to each other, or we can go back and forth for an hour on chat. People I really LIKE.

So what does this have to do with anything? Well, first of all, LittleLPhotography has a business page on Facebook so you can be a fan (and come be my friend, my name is Laurennie). Second, that is how I reconnected with Miss Katherine's mom!

Kelly is a friend from high school, she was two years older than me in school but was on the tennis team (go Bolts, ha!) and in the band with me (she's a trumpet). And after we talked and caught up on Facebook we scheduled a session in our hometown- Littlestown, Pa. (not even kidding). They don't live there anymore, and neither do I, but our parents do and it worked really well with my schedule (I was in town for an awards ceremony).

So now to the good stuff! Katherine is an ADORABLE child. She doesn't mind strangers (raised in a church, I guess she's used to it) and she has SUCH a personality. And as everyone knows, I LOVE red heads!

BABY SUNGLASSES are awesome! Look how she pushes them up!

I love her in green and I love the polka dots- she also had on these adorable green crocs with little faces on them.

Always exploring! And even though she had just learned to walk she also SCOOTS really fast. I was really excited to see Kelly again.

This shoot was forever ago! I have been pretty busy with personal stuff this summer- and as always, my classes take so much time. Which reminds me... I should be drawing right now. Back to work!

A week off from everything (almost).

2009-07-06T20:31:00.005-04:00

I hardly picked up a camera all last week (this was my favorite shot when I did). I didn't go to work, I didn't shoot... but I did have to draw for my class. But that was nice, too. One day I just ditched the beach and stayed in the house all day drawing by myself.

It was glorious.

But I'm back and I joyously had today off as well. I had brunch with my mom, class, and then I ran around doing errands.

SO HAPPY to be back! I love my home!

I love this picture of my boyfriend, Paul, and his niece, Ariella. They are so cute.

Sammy's 4!

2009-06-22T10:50:00.002-04:00

HAPPY Fourth Birthday, Sammy! I stopped over Saturday to drop off Sammy's present (a Handy Manny DVD) and he was so superexcitedaboutlife. Today is his actual birthday. I can't believe he is four! He is at a great age right now (well, maybe a littttttle hyper) but it's fun to hear the things he comes up with and as always, to see the big smile on his face.

And then there's this one.. LOVE the glasses, Esther!

OOHHHH so EXCITED!

2009-06-16T23:49:00.009-04:00

So, I just posted the other day about my favoritebookofalltime The Time-Traveler's Wife. This is not new news.

The news is...the trailer for the movie has FINALLY been released. I saw on another blog someone saying it looked terrible... so I tentatively watched it and I think its looks great.

I mean, like Twi, I will like it no matter what. But already TTW has a great cast... I think Rachel McAdams is the PERFECT Clare and Eric Bana is a great Henry, too.

So who is coming with me to the premier August 14? Can't wait!

Watch it. Love it.

I keep him around for a reason....

2009-06-14T23:25:00.004-04:00

Can I just mention that Paulie is the most amazing brilliant genius of all time? Not ONLY is he cute, he fixes alllll my computer problems.

One question: Blogger, why you playin' me like that? You know I don't roll HTML.

Bookworm.

2009-06-13T18:35:00.017-04:00

(Random outtake from Kenley's easter shoot... because every post needs a baby picture!.....love those chubbbby arms! and gorgeous eyes!)

I'm just getting over one of my mini-obsessions... Jane Austen. I had never read any of her books (which is surprising since I love that time period and I'm a HUGE reader), so I bought this beautifully-bound leather book with seven of her books in it and just started readingreadingreading.

Esther LOVES Jane Austen so after I finished Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility she leant me the movies. So it's been a LOT of Austen around here... And we had an Austen chat the other day... I think it soothed Esther's soul after a rough day.

I think I'm taking an Austen break for a while, though, because the books are starting to blend together (except P&P which so far is my favorite... helloooo Mr. Darcy!). Anyone have some good book suggestions?

For my upcoming vacation (I won't say when because then you'll come and rob me... or so media outlets report) I ordered a couple books from http://www.half.com/ . I highly recommend it. All the books I got were about a dollar with about three or four dollars shipping. I got a big stack and then if they get wet I own them so I won't feel bad. I shop there for dvds and video games and books...

I got Anna Karenina.. it was a recommendation from Susan. It is super-long so it will take me like at least a couple days to read! I love a good THICK book because I read too fast! And I love a good love-story.

Just in case you were wondering, my favorite book ever is The Time-Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. It is a MUST read.

I also got Atonement by Ian McEwan. I saw the movie while I was in Las Vegas and I really liked it (very hot library scene) and I read Saturday by the same author and liked it so I am interested to read this one.

I also got a more 'fun' book.... Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner. It is the sequel to Good in Bed, which I loved. The character Cannie is sooo endearing.

I'm also planning on borrowing some of the Sookie Stackhouse series from Joyzy. She has been RACING through it, so it must be good, and my parents are in LOVE with True Blood, the tv show based on the series, so I guess I need to catch up. They LOVE anything HBO and constantly forget us poor folk can't afford the premium channels.

I LOVE reading. And it looks like I am finally out of my Twilight rut! Put some suggestions in the comments!

And also please suggest WHYYYY blogger never works right for me?! I have to edit posts a thousand times because there are all these random spaces or LACK of spaces and it is driving me INSANE!?! Is it because I use Internet Explorer? HELP!

Rainy days...

2009-06-04T21:01:00.004-04:00

Today was one of those not-so-glamorous photojournalism days. I drove to Spring-Ford for two softball games, they were delayed two hours (I'll admit.. I enjoyed that part.. I went and got some cheeseburger sliders at Applebee's) and then I shot in in the rain for about six hours (I ended up shooting a baseball game and a softball game). And I'm tired. And I'm cranky. But now I'm home in my pajamas and about to craft something and it's so NICE to be curled up in my little pink apartment.

Poor Kenley, being my own child (well, the closest thing to my own) is being neglected! Nic and I did a mini-Easter shoot in her ADORABLE easter ensemble about a thousand years ago (I mean, EASTER) and I never even posted it! She is growing soooo fast and she gets cuter everyday. She is a gorgeous baby. I love her.

Heart Gallery 1.3

2009-06-02T20:11:00.009-04:00

Nakii was my outgoing guy... he was thrilled to be out and about... he liked having his picture taken... he was a real ham. And he was up for anything.

Nakii.... go sit over there. Now look this way. No now look that way.... he did it all... while chatting about his interests, his school... this kid can talk!

The one up top was my personal favorite as well as his caseworker's. I love the BIG Nakii smile.

Nakii, however, prefers the closed-mouth smile.

That's probably why he picked this one as his Heart Gallery photo! I like it, too. Overall, shooting for The Heart Gallery was a great experience... everyone was friendly. I will definitely be participating next year. I'll let you all know when I hear where the Heart Gallery is going to travel to this year... maybe you can go check it out.

CHEER for today: As usual, I am behind on my posting. Maybe it's because I have been watching the New Moon trailer over and over thinking about how excited I am that it looks WAY better done than Twilight was (not that I didn't like Twilight, because I did). November 20th!

JEER for today: There suddenly are teenage boys hanging out on the porch of the house behind my apartment at ALL times of the night. Talking loudly.

"No that is not how it works... we have NO say in our parent's love lives!" just drifted this way. You're right, kid. So go inside and play your Playstation. "YOU don't like the fact that you have to share the SPOTLIGHT... you're sharing the spotlight THREE WAYS." I could seriously type the whole thing. "Does she SMELL funny?!? THE only thing she has ever done you don't like is have your dad's attention!"

Oh, the drama. Back to editing!

Heart Gallery 1.2

2009-05-28T09:55:00.004-04:00

Kelvin was the second of my three Heart Gallery kids. He is 16 and non-verbal, so the shoot was slightly more difficult than the others. However, he did like being in the park and was particularly fascinated by the creek that runs through it.

He's a very handsome kid, as you can undoubtedly see.

I love this purple bench! I think it's the only purple one and it looked nice with Kelvin's yellow sweater.

This last photo will be Kelvin's official Heart Gallery photo!

WEBSITE! WEBSITE! WEBSITE!

2009-05-18T19:36:00.003-04:00

I am WAYYYYY too excited to announce.... MY WEBSITE IS UP AND RUNNING! YAY!

Go there and check it out immediately and be impressed by it's beauty! You know you want to!

http://www.LittleLPhotography.com

So I just want to give a little shout-out to my amazingly talented genius boyfriend, Paulie, who created my site (which I adore). He went above and beyond- adding stuff I'd never even think of. And the links are PINK! Congrats, Paulie, you are now my webmaster! Aren't you lucky??

Also I want to give a little shout-out to my friend Dave. His business, http://www.bluetreehost.com, is hosting my site. If you think I know what that means, you are wrong. That's where Paulie comes in. However, Dave also designs sites and in general is an excellent person... so give him your business (if you need that kind of thing).

Today I ran into Esther and the kids in Target. Have I ever mentioned how much I love those two kids? Sam always gets SO excited to see me and gives me these adorable toddler hugs that just seriously make me want to steal him. I don't know how those two got such amazingly cute (how many times have I used the word amazing today??) and interesting children. I mean, it has to come from Esther... hahahahaa.

AND lastly for today... as a newspaper girl I read several newspapers a day... some of my favorites are The Reading Eagle (duh), The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, USA Today, and of course, the New York Times . Today I was checking out USA Today and I came across this article and I almost cried. I just LOVE when people you wouldn't expect to have much sway in the world turn out to be able to do an incredible amount to help others.

READ IT HERE!

Heart Gallery 1.1

2009-05-11T22:56:00.007-04:00

I was really inspired this year to participate as a volunteer photographer with The Heart Gallery of Pennsylvania. It is an amazing program where professional photographers volunteer to photograph children who are up for adoption. After the session, the child gets to pick their photo and it travels around the state in an exhibition so that they can hopefully find homes.

I had known about the program from a friend (Jacqueline Dormer from the Pottsville Republican) but I finally decided to make the leap when I was engrossed in the story of Dani, a little girl from Florida who had found her home through the Heart Gallery there. If you haven't read or heard of Dani's story, PLEASE go read about her immediately! Her story is unbelievable..... http://www.danisstory.org/ .

I just felt like this was a way I could do SOMETHING good. It is hard for me to volunteer with most things because I have such a crazy schedule at work, but this was perfect! Everyone was amazing to work with... from Jenna, my HG contact, to the caseworkers, to the kids! And man, did I get three TOTALLY different kids to work with!

The handsome guy in this post is Devon. As we all know, I LOVE redheads (part of being a Little, it's required). Devon is a pretty quiet kid, but very friendly. My mother fell in love with him as soon as she saw his picture.... The one at the top is my favorite.

Devon is a little shy... but definitely an agreeable kid!
Devon picked this last photo as his official Heart Gallery photo! So this will be travelling around the state when the time comes. Apparently, I was the first to turn in my photos of anyone, and I turned ALL three in right away. I guess that comes after five years of working on a deadline, huh?

Here are a couple other links for you to check out:

The Heart Gallery

http://www.heartgalleryofamerica.org

The Pennsylvania Heart Gallery

http://www.adoptpakids.org/hgLanding.asp

Abby's Invite

2009-05-06T23:28:00.005-04:00

When I was in college I used to do some design for The Daily Collegian (man, I loved that paper). I would toil away into the late hours of the night as Tom (dearest Tom) would scold me for working so late but then praise my efforts. Ahh, waxing nostalgic for a second there.

Well, I still love designing things, and after Kenley's announcement turned out SO beautifully, I am always eager to do more. Beth asked me to do an invite for Abby's first birthday party and I was like, "SURE!" ( Mostly if you ask me to do anything photography/design-related I will be like "SURE!")

Abby's 1!

2009-05-05T10:46:00.007-04:00

All the babies are turning one... it seems like it hasn't been that long at all! Abby's mom asked me to do a minishoot for an invitation for her first birthday party... which was ducky-themed. I love Abby's little pigtail, and I also love the fact that she is a very happy baby.

She was a big fan of the stuffed duck.

I love that she looks like she is plotting something naughty in this one. Or maybe eating a leaf or dirt! Her mom and I had a hard time keeping her from consuming too much lawn material.

Loving on the ducky..

How do all the babies have such gorgeous blue eyes? I'm jealous! Happy Birthday, Abby!

Layoffs and Twilight.

2009-05-04T23:51:00.008-04:00

It's been a rough week. I think everyone at work knew we would be having layoffs, but the reality of it is pretty stark. Last Thursday we lost a lot of really great people... and a few that I don't really know how I'll live without. It is stressful and sad and just plain... hard. I'm one of the lucky ones who still has a job.

Today was especially difficult for me since it was the first week day I worked without Ronnie, one of our editors who I LOVE and was laid off.... he worked at the Eagle for 45 years. I miss you!

What does this have to do with Twilight? Well, I've read the series about a bazillion times since last November, when I first read them after seeing the movie for work (um, the books are way better than the movie... but I like the movie, too!). To me the books are like a blankie... a comfort object that makes me feel better. So I dove back into Twilight on Thursday. I carry it wherever I go so I can read a little when I'm early for an assignment or something. So far it's not working.

The photo at the top is my 'twi-lighting' in the studio....

I hope everyone that was laid off is doing okay... and that the economy turns around SOON. Go out and buy a newspaper today, thanks.

My favorite sisters...

2009-04-18T22:25:00.011-04:00

So I missed Alison's big Yo Gabba Gabba birthday party today. She's three. I can't believe it. Her mom put some pics of her through the years on her flickr and it is CRAZY to see how much she's changed! Joy can add this most recent shoot to the collection. I love it.

First, Katie in her crib. Remember the one from when she was first born?http://littlelphoto.blogspot.com/2008/08/meet-kate.html
Now look at her!

Alison was having no-photo kind of day... but she was cracking us up with her headband. And we got some good shots.

Miss Katie... so photogenic. And quite the roller these days.

We DID get some good shots of Alison...

Katie's serious look... I am always stunned by her blue eyes.

Alison's serious look... snapped this one REALLY quick while she was teasing me by looking and then looking away REALLY quick.

I love love love funny moments like this. Alison dragged this Disney blanket on the bed (which Joy was not so much in to) and we were all just cracking up.

AWWWW good sister sister shot!

Alison in her room... when she was still messing with me! And with a handful of pretzels.

I am so glad when I get to take pictures of kids throughout the years. It is so fun to see them grow and how their personalities develop. Alison's going through such a mischevious stage right now it makes every shoot with her pretty interesting!

Vegas, baby!

2009-04-06T20:44:00.015-04:00

Okay, how are all four of you loyal readers out there? Good? Great.

I'll admit I've been putting off this post for many reasons. For one, there are just TOO many great photos from Phoebe and Trask's engagement shoot. It was reallllly hard to pick.

Second, I had to edit all those photos for the blog. And I've been editing a LOT of photos lately. A LOT.

And third, BLOGGER what is it about you? Why can I never remember my login? Is is because I am an idiot? Yes, it is. Because for some reason I named some things LittleLPhoto and some things LittleLPhotography. And I am pretty sure the other day I told someone my blog address was LittleLPHOTOGRAPHY. And it isn't! ACK!

During Kutztown's Spring Break I took a little bit of time off from work and headed out to fabulous Las Vegas to visit two former co-workers (and friends, obviously) and while I was there we just had to do an engagement shoot! I have loved looking at engagement shoots on some of my favorite photographer's blogs and wanted to try it. And Phoebe and Mike were the perfect models. Seriously. So good. Would stand in a road when I asked them, sit on Freemont Street. Whatever I wanted. For reals.

The one at the top is a favorite of mine.

Phoebe pointed out this fortune teller wagon's inscription: Past, Present, Future. And this turned out to be one of my favorites.

Vegas, neon!

Sit on Freemont Street... okay... now look like you love each other!

More neon!

Everyone loves this one. It's my mom's favorite. Everytime I do a shoot I send the photos to the people and to my mom. Every. Time.

Smooch!

I swear there is just something about Trask.. he's photogenic. I already knew Phoebe was... but Trask really is, too.

Love it. Notice the gentlemen's club in the back left.
Yay! for purple patent leather stilettos. Maybe Phoebe's feet weren't so YAY but I bet it was worth the sacrifice.

So now I want to do more engagement shoots. Who needs one? Maybe just a couple shoot?

Leftovers

2009-03-13T11:35:00.009-04:00

I really haven't been shooting too much lately. Maybe it's the cold weather, maybe it's the fact that I'm back in school, maybe it's that my friends are tired of me and my camera!

Over the holidays ( I know, THAT long ago) Esther asked me to do some shots of her kids (you've seen them before, believe me) and their cousins....

It was cold, it was raining, and their house is just not... too large. So we had a conundrum. But of course we worked it out! And the light was just beautiful. Overcast days are a dream, honestly. Up top is Aleena (I hope that is spelled right!) who is just gorgeous. And even though everyone always wants a smile I LOVE her serious face. And pigtails. I love pigtails.

And of course, Ms. Saucy herself, Carly. She is such a little person at this point it is adorable. And she has a gorgeous smile...but you hardly ever see it. She has a trademark scowl. Love it!

Christopher! Love the freckles, love his serious look, and love how he watches over his little sister and cousins. I love red-heads, I won't lie.

The Samster at his look-out. Tough guy, huh?

The whole grouping. It's pretty hard to get four little kids to pay attention and take a nice shot but I think I like even more the things they do on their own. Carly coming closer with her toy cell phone and Christopher scratching his head at her. It's just more natural.

But of course we got a good one with everyone looking, too! That only required us to chase after Ms. Carly about a hundred times. Even with the weather working against us, I think we got some really beautiful shots of the kids. Everyone always worries about overcast weather, but a totally overcast day makes for some beautiful shots... and no shadows!

Coming soon: my engagement shoot with Phoebe and Trask in Las Vegas. So fun!

Not doing so well!

2009-02-12T12:20:00.004-05:00

So, remember that resolution to post more?!? Sorry! I'm still alive and kicking but just crazy busy. This whole art school thing is pretty time consuming. My first project had me working EVERY second I was not at the Eagle, but I really LIKED doing it. I just felt so rushed!

And it doesn't help that I keep getting locked out of my blogger account. I have so many passwords running through my head I can't handle it!

Since every post needs a picture, here's the Kenley... a Christmas shot. She is getting huge. She is as big as Katie who is three months older! And a snap of my project, below!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-09T11:17:00.008-05:00

Well, it's 2009! While I'm happy to say 2008 is over (it was a rough year, c'mahn), it certainly was not without merit. Let's look back on things that made 2008 great (in no particular order, these are just the things I'm thinking of right NOW):

1. Lots of new babies! Yay! Including the cross-eyed stinker up above. Because, really, who can have enough baby vomit? I certainly can't. Kenley makes sure of that.

2. This would be number one, if it wouldn't make me look like a total materialistic jerk... MY NEW CAR! Oh, come on, it's my first NEW new car ever and I love her like the day she was born. Cici Periwinkle, you are my heart. Ahh.. Ipod connectivity. Independent rear suspension... oh, let's be realistic, I just love her because she's beautiful.

3. Getting on track. I started this blog. I've been working harder at my photography. Oh, and yeah I am GOING BACK TO SCHOOL. Yep. I start Monday. Still working full-time at the Eagle, too.

4. Controlling my anxiety. I think I had my calmest year since I've gotten to Reading... due to:

5. Really awesome friends. As always I love my Ashi, I am so glad I get to visit Bethy in NY, and I love my Gmail convos with Joy and Nicole. They all mean so much to me, you have no idea. And if you ever need advice, need to yell at Gossip Girl on TV, or talk obsessively about Twi, those girls are clutch. And don't forget Jackie or Esther. Love you guys, too.

6. A super sweet boyfriend. I know I don't appreciate Paulie enough but he is kind of awesome. For instance, the other day I instant-messaged him EMERGENCY! NEED NEW RINGTONES! and even though he was busy with something ACTUALLY important, somehow three ringtones showed up on my phone later that night. Twi-tones, at that.

7. Still love my apartment. Sitting in its soothing, pink and white interior does something for me. I DO want my own house, but the day I move out of the pink palace will be a hard one.

8. Um, can't forget my family. I love them. I know everyone says they love their friends and family but mine are seriously THE BEST. I talk to my mom and dad on the phone ALL the time, and my dad will take the time to explain what kind of welder is best, or pick me up a fremel (that's a fake dremel, for all you uninformed folks out there) for Christmas. They are pretty cool.

9. My pets. Mostly, Lulu. Just looking at that ball of fur cracks me up beyond belief. I can't help but be partial, she's like the cat version of me.

10. Juicy bags. Come on, I'm materialistic. I know. But, WHO WOULDN'T LOVE a super-on-sale grey velour satchel? WHO? I don't know.

It's easy to sit around and be slightly miserable all the time and wallow in all the bad stuff... I do it all the time. It's a hard time for the newspaper industry and for everybody. But, when I stop and think about it, I know that I am honestly so lucky to be who I am.

So, YAY to 2009! Let's hope it treats all of us right!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

2008-12-23T09:40:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to say Happy Holidays to all three people out there reading my blog! Every year I dress up one of my animals for the Christmas card... and I don't photoshop! So Lulu was definitely wearing that hat.

Hope everyone has a joyous holiday season and 2009 is WAY better than 2008!

And maybe I'll even post more in the New Year. Ha!

Baby in a Basket

2008-12-08T19:47:00.005-05:00

It really doesn't feel like this shoot was that long ago... but looking at the fact that we had a newborn OUTSIDE makes me feel like it has been awhile. We took Kenley outside for her very first photo shoot and I loved the results.

Soooo sweet! The hat, which was a gift, is apparently made of soy. Apparently soy makes for a good photo.

Awwwww. That's all I can say.

Happy Birthday! (like, a month late)

2008-11-29T16:32:00.004-05:00

Carly turned one! And of course Sam was on hand to help unwrap presents.

Now, who could have bought a baby camera for her? (Nicole helped me pick it out and it is a pretty cute toy. It makes noises and flashes.)

Carly was the daintiest cake eater I've ever seen.

How was everyone's Thanksgiving? Mine was lovely. I went home to see my parents who I love very very much and had a great time. At one point I was looking through old albums of baby pictures of me and my brother... I guess I see where I got it from...

Announcement

2008-11-19T15:37:00.004-05:00

Nicole mailed them out so I can now post Kenley's announcement! I shot the photo (I'm going to put up more from the shoot) and designed the announcement. I really love how they turned out and I am especially happy because Nicole and Rob really gave me good feedback and helped me get it JUST right. Yay yay yay!

Almost caught up.

2008-11-18T18:36:00.007-05:00

Tiny clip-on-tie and little old chair= awesome!

I don't really do a lot of studio work with kids, I like to shoot them in natural light, but I still love this shoot we did with Sam.

Some old favorites..

2008-11-13T11:06:00.002-05:00

It's a dreary day in Reading... perfect day for staying inside curled up in a quilt. Let's just hope I get more done than just chilling on the internet all day.

Here's a photo of the Samster I love. Looking back to sunny, summer days.

Oh, how fast they grow!

2008-11-07T23:16:00.004-05:00

Still sifting throught the tobeblogged folder and happened by dearnieceCarly at maybe two months? She was just biding her time before taking over the world at this point... gathering energy.... planning her sneaky plans....

I am hoping that I can start improving my blog a little bit... I want the pictures to be bigger, and they never look as nice on the blog as they really look. In the real world they are vibrant colors that never seem as brilliant on the blog.

Gee, I wish I had a tall, handsome, computer-fixing boyfriend to help me.... :)

Ok, let's be honest here.

2008-11-05T19:12:00.006-05:00

I have a folder. It's full of photostobeblogged and it sits there getting fuller and fuller and then I take some really great photos that I really want to post and NOPE they're at the end of the line. So maybe we should catch up in our blogging, eh?

The election is over. The Phillies have won. Life will soon return to a more leisurely pace, right? Ha!

Well, I took some super-adorable photos of newnieceKenley and you're just going to have to wait to see them! I have a ton of other cute photos that are going to show up first.

Up top is dearnieceCarly wearing her birthday crown. I picked it up on clearance from BabiesRUs while shopping for something else entirely. I knew she had to have it. Before heading out to the parade (which is below this post...hmm..) she was trying it on. Love the photo up top!

And of course some great interactions with the big brother below. (He's always so helpful...)

Love these guys.

Introducing Ms. Kenley

2008-11-02T20:26:00.004-05:00

So I've claimed yet another adorable baby as my niece... Kenley Anna. She is a little over a week old right now, and this is a photo from her first day. I did a shoot that is SOOO adorable on Friday, but haven't even had the time to touch it since I was all over this place on my days off this week. I was in New York for a ballet and shopping, in Reading handing out Halloween candy, in Philly out for Halloween, in Cherry Hill for a dollhouse show, and in Pottstown taking Paul's niece to the movies.

It was a crazy weekend. Crazy fun.

Too busy having fun...

2008-10-28T11:44:00.002-04:00

So, I've been really busy. Isn't that what I always say? But I do have a bunch of pictures to blog and there's a new baby! So those will be up soon.. just not right now.

It's perfect weather right now for some beautiful shots (well, maybe not today, since it's pouring, but fall is a gorgeous time to shoot).

The shot above is from the Temple Halloween Parade... I dragged my favorite family with me. I love a good parade! Sammy had a really great time this year (last year I think he was a little overwhelmed) and afterwards we went out for pizza. It was maybe one of my favorite days of the year so far.

(The photo is by Ben, he happened by us on assignment and took a couple shots)

Halloween (this year)

2008-10-16T10:30:00.007-04:00

Hey, little giraffe! I am still in disbelief how grown-up Carly is. She is only turning ONE this month, and already she has a very distinct personality, and she's walking. She's going to take over the world, I'm sure. I took this photos before we all went to a Halloween parade, and Sam still didn't have a costume (see, parents just ignore you once you have a baby sister, I warned you, Sam).

Darrin just shoved him into his frog costume from two years ago ( I later got to pry it off him... wasn't the best fit).

It made for a lot of fun.

Sam was a crazy man, running around, tackling Carly. The interaction between the two is so great... I love to sit back and watch them. Carly makes some great faces.

I think this is the photo Darrin said you can really see what Carly is going to look like when she grows up. I feel like already she is a little grown-up, she just can't talk yet. And look at those lashes! Good luck when she turns 16.....

The Samster is really starting to talk. It make me so happy whenever he says "Auntie Warren".

One last Carly look for you. I love these two kids a ridiculous amount.

A little look back...

2008-10-06T12:03:00.004-04:00

It's fall again, my favorite time of the year. And nothing is cuter than a kid dressed up as a frog (or dressed up as ANYTHING-lets be serious). Sam's grandparents bought him this ADORABLE outfit for Halloween, and now that I'm thinking about it I think it was two years ago. Last year I think Sam was a pirate.

The day we took these photos was perfect, yellow leaves scattered on the lawn, crisp weather. And we got some really cute shots.

Even with all the cute, smiling pictures, everyone seems to love the one below the best!

Baby Mama

2008-10-01T23:38:00.008-04:00

Here are a couple of my other favorites from the Nicole shoot. The light was simply beautiful, and of course, so is Nicole! I imagine we'll be meeting her little girl (who I have lovingly named Fifi) any day now! Ok, maybe any WEEK?

It just shows that any nice, uncluttered space will work for photos. You just need the right light. We were taking these as the sun was going down in the afternoon and the light was golden and beautiful.

Oh, and you need a fabulous model who looks peaceful and happy. Yea, Nic!

A quick post...

2008-09-26T13:27:00.003-04:00

I'm really glad Nic and I found time to do a quick maternity shoot in the park near her house. It was a gorgeous time of day and the light was beautiful. It's the first maternity shoot I have really done and I thought it turned out really pretty.

It helps that Nicole is a fabulous model-Here's everyone's favorite photo...

Back with a few more next week!

How could I forget?

2008-09-22T18:32:00.003-04:00

How could I forget two of my favorite pictures from the last post?!? The one up top makes me laugh EVERY single time I look at it. Carly started to slowly tiiiipppp over and Sammy got this look on his face that was like what-am-i-supposed-to-do-i'm-gonna-get-in-trouble-for-this as she fell. In this shot he's looking at his mom waiting for punishment. Carly got slightly upset, we righted her and kept right on shooting. And Sam was relieved that he didn't get the blame. Esther and I cracked UP.

The one below is Sam giving Carly one of his patented cheek kisses. So cute. He did great in shots with her. Love these two.

Summer is over!

2008-09-18T10:02:00.007-04:00

So, I guess summer is over. And I'm okay with that. I'm a winter/fall girl. I love the chilly air coming through my window right this minute... I've started knitting again... and I can't wait to wear scarves and my Rocketdog boots. And knee socks! I wear knee socks all winter (but you can't see them because they're usually under pants).

Here is a shoot I did of my favorite kids earlier in the summer. Somehow it slipped my mind.

Curious Carly... I still cannot believe how AWARE and what a PERSONALITY she has at such a young age. What a handful.

My grinner, Mr. Sam.

Carly's normal cantankerous look. Love it!

Brotherly love... We did this shoot in a park near their house. It was convienient and the kids had a great time. And Esther and I were crawling all over the place trying to get these!

I totally forgot!

2008-09-14T21:54:00.002-04:00

I did a shoot over the summer of my two favorite children... and I never posted it! And soon Ms. Carly is going to turn the big one and I will be way behind! I am going to blog the whole thing later this week but for now here is a snap of my little buddy, Sam.

I love shooting Sam because he has grown up having Auntie Lauren around with her camera. He responds really well because he knows me and also because he is the cutest little guy around. I always get a couple good grins from my boy! It's hard to pick because there are always so many great and also goofy shots.

Family Portraits!

2008-08-29T09:43:00.005-04:00

It's been a long week at work, people! But it's slowing down and I got massive quantities of work done, so it wasn't too bad. I am still delighted with my new keyboard and mouse, and I am especially enthralled with my new PMachine (that's what we call a computer made by my boyfriend, Paul). It is so fast that it runs Photoshop with no problem, and I don't spend all day trying to edit photos. Glorious!

So, on with the show! Family portraits with young children can be pretty hard. But for these, little sister was asleep and big sister did a fabulous job. They turned out so well!

And, I don't know if she did this on purpose, but all their outfits were kind of tied together by big sister's dress. So, while they weren't wearing all the same thing (which who DOES that anyway?) they coordinated and the photos turned out great.

I hope the family will enjoy these photos for years to come. In just a few months we will look back and be saying, "Look how big Kate got already!".

More Kate!

2008-08-24T16:29:00.005-04:00

After a glorious, much-needed vacation I am back, and I am blogging! Unfortunately there was a large roadblock when I realized my keyboard no longer typed letters like N and P and would no longer SPACE. SOOO, needless to say, I had to get a new keyboard. I have had the worst luck with keyboards and mice, so I went and bought a nice Logitech one that will hopefully last me a LOT longer than the last few. And it's pretty cute, too.

However, I also cannot decide which of the family portraits we did are my favorite so I decided to put up some other photos today. At the top, Alison is being a loving big sister. She is very gentle with the baby, I noticed.

Look how tiny she is!

Alison wasn't too happy about the photo shoot at the beginning and clung to her dad, but she got in the spirit later and did a really great job! (A few fruit snacks helped). She even shared!

I'll be back later in the week with the portraits, I promise!

Meet Kate!

2008-08-15T12:03:00.008-04:00

So this is the baby we've all been waiting for! I headed over to take her photos on Tuesday and it was a great time! Today I thought I'd post some of just the little girl herself, and later on I'll put up some family portraits we did.

So sweet!

Her mom made the pretty letters- I just love her nursery.

Welcome to the world, Miss Katelyn! I am sure you will be seeing more of her around here.

New Baby! New Baby!

2008-08-02T11:17:00.003-04:00

Congrats to Joy and Dave! I can't wait to meet the new baby!

(And because every post needs a picture- here's her big sister with her first birthday cake!)

2008-07-31T23:30:00.003-04:00

Lauren! Where have you been! To be honest, I almost passed out when I looked at this blog and realized it had been ELEVEN days since I last wrote (or something like that). I guess I kept waiting for for the new baby and somehow she is still not here! Or if she is, she is arriving right now! For Joy's sake, I sure hope so!

But also I've been pretty busy. If you don't know already I have a 'real' job as a photographer for a newspaper and I've been on all-day projects all week. Mostly, Darrin and I were working on a story about wooden roller coasters, requiring us to travel all over to ride the coasters, photograph them, and interview people. A fun assignment, but a leeeetle tiring. And time-consuming. (Darrin is chowing down on a Phoenix Burger at Knoebel's in the photo above)

So, today I'm back to normal life. I spent the morning hurridly doing a million things, and then edited at work all night.

I will warn you- I'm going to be all over the place the next few weeks. But hopefully there will be a post of a littletinypreciouslittlegirl soon.....

The weekend.

2008-07-20T16:11:00.002-04:00

This Saturday was fabulous and relaxing. I helped my friend Nicole paint her bathroom, roamed around Reading with her, and visited my favorite kids (and their parents).

When I walked in Sam was sitting in this chair watching a dvd in the most beautiful light. He was getting annoyed because I kept blocking the dvd in my photography enthusiasm.

A kid that is not Sam

2008-07-18T11:55:00.008-04:00

This is a semi-recent shoot of my co-worker's son, Ben. He is the cutest little elf I've ever seen.... but fast. Real fast.

We had a storm blowing up when we were taking photos outdoors, and that made some really cool light.

Great expressions.

Love the red wagon.

And my ultimate favorite- his nursery! His daddy painted all those stripes. Helps that his dad is a designer.

Back to work!

2008-07-14T23:19:00.004-04:00

After my long long long time being sick and days away for the workshop I am back home and back to work.

The workshop was awesome and I met lots of new people. But I am still really glad to be home. Thought I'd say hello to everyone!

Here's some more Sam, and also one with my biggest fan, his mom. Isn't she so classic? She always ends up in the sides of photos. I wish she (and my other peeps) would learn to comment so you could read the wonderful things she says about me, but she does have her hands full.

2008-07-08T12:43:00.010-04:00

I recently did a shoot at a tea party at the Heritage Tea Room in Oley. The parties there are so adorable, and this one was made even more special by the host family!

Above, there are activities in the one room as the girls get dressed up.

They play a few games.

Then they move to the other room for an 'etiquette tea'. I absolutely love the hats!

The 'etiquette' part is a lot of fun, too. The girls have to give examples of good and bad behavior.

And, apparently, the food isn't too bad either!

At the end the birthday girl Grace got to hand out roses to all her friends as favors (this was her mom's idea). I gave the photos an old-fashioned feel to match the theme of the party.

So there's a nice long post for the day. I will be off for a conference for my real job for the rest of the week. I am hoping it goes well, since I am still fighting off the ends of this illness. Apparently, I have extremely high blood pressure, which was not helping anything!

Have a fabulous week!

More Samster

2008-07-02T12:49:00.002-04:00

What a week! I came down with the most ferocious illness and have been off work since Sunday. Usually I get lots done during my time at home but this week I've been incredibly non-functional. So hi! everyone, miss you, but I need to go lay down! I haven't even seen Paul in over a week!

Just thought I'd add a few pictures of everyone's favorite kidlet- the Samster! And, never fear- if you're tired of the same babies all the time, they'll be a few more hatching coming up- ONE in particular any day now! So I better get well fast!

Introducing... Alison!

2008-06-28T21:44:00.008-04:00

I think the best part of my photography is that, being a full-time photojournalist, I've learned to go with the flow. Yes, I have ideas of what shots I'd like to get of your child, but your child maybe doesn't have the same ideas.

The thing about me is that I want to capture your kid as they ARE, and this shoot with Alison definitely proved that.

I adore the first photo, which is also my blog header currently, because it was so unscripted but is also such a graphic, gorgeous photo. Alison's mom and I were resting after chasing her around the park (us old people tire quickly) and Alison started peeking through the bench. I thought the shoot was over, but I guess Alison decided differently!

Alison also loves to climb stairs all by herself these days, and these stone stairs are such a gorgeous backdrop.

Ms. Alison also wanted her Pooh bear, so of course we had to let him in (until we had to distract her with fruit snacks, because her mom didn't want Pooh in EVERY picture).

Alison was smelling the flowers when I got this shot- SO beautiful and calm.

But this shot IS the way I see Alison- a cheery, bubbly little tyke!

I really loved the way this shoot turned out. It was a great location (and there are TONS of great locations in our area) and Alison really guided the shoot.

I hope her mom and dad love them as much as I do.

Carly's first day out in the big world.

2008-06-27T21:12:00.012-04:00

I was really honored to photograph Ms. Carly on her first day in the world. Honestly, it is so special to see such a brand-new little teeny tiny baby. I immediately adopted her as my neice.

Smooch from the mom.

Sammy's not sure what to make of her.

Little tiny sleeping face.

Happy Birthday to my best model!

2008-06-24T23:16:00.008-04:00

I know I'm a little late, Sam, but just wanted to say your Auntie Lauren loves you even though you're far away visiting your 'real' relatives.

I am so proud of you learning to talk, being such a nice big brother and giving Carly kisses and hugs and grinning on command.

And though I'm sure your mom didn't appreciate it, the royal fit you threw when I left the other week really made me feel loved.

Here's a shot of you when you turned one... you've become such a big boy since then!

Grandma Savy

2008-06-23T23:23:00.007-04:00

I've been absentee once again. My grandma Savy passed away last week and I had to travel to the Pittsburgh area for her funeral. She was an incredible woman- raising all of her brothers and sisters as a child, and then raising her own EIGHT kids (including my mom). She was the toughest and hardest-working woman I know.

After her experiences during the Great Depression she was always giving, trying to get us to take home paper grocery bags full of toothpaste, ketchup, and other random things she had found on sale.

As I sit here writing I am getting a little teary. She got sicker and sicker in the last few years, so it wasn't a shock, but it is sad that my own kids will never know her. She was such a crazy lady! I have so many great memories of her.

The picture they used of her was one I took at a family event about three years ago, when she was still herself. I will miss her quirky personality very much.

I adore my 'niece' and 'nephew'!

2008-06-17T21:20:00.009-04:00

I had the chance to stop over and see the kids this week for a few minutes. I can't believe how fast they grow. Carly is crawling and I swear she'll be walking any minute- and she's only 7 months old! And Sam is starting to talk more and more.

My favorite moment was when Sam said, "Sammy good picture", and pulled over a chair and posed. He will always be my best model. He also loves to look at the pictures in the camera.

As usual, I couldn't resist taking a few photos. And, as usual, Carly was impossible to snap anything of- she's always moving!

Father's Day

2008-06-12T17:48:00.006-04:00

I'm spending some of my time off today working on a card for my dad. I have great parents and I appreciate them even more this year after all they've done. Everyone knows I love crafting and making cards but it takes me HOURS to do just one. My dad's is a little different than my traditional card.

Don't forget to send your love and appreciation to your father this Sunday!

Here's a little preview of my card featuring my most patient model: Baby the Guinea Pig!

Lauren A

I'm already slacking!

2008-06-09T22:08:00.010-04:00

Sorry, all my adoring fans, but I had an extremely busy week last week. Ok, no adoring fans? At least I know Esther is reading!

I swear I'm going to be a good blogger, though! It's just my regular job can be a little crazy sometimes.

And man, this weather is too much for me. After a ridiculously busy day at work, I bought a new air conditioner (so cheap), carried it in and installed it myself. So proud of myself as I sit happily blogging with a cat on my desk and the feeling of cool, delicious, air on my back.

Here's a couple of my favorite shots from Sammy's six month shoot. I cannot believe how big he is now. They grow up so fast! We did this shoot indoors and I love the soft look to everything.

Sammy was born, then Little L was born!

2008-05-29T11:22:00.011-04:00

A few years ago (wow, almost three already!) I unknowingly volunteered to take pictures of my co-worker Darrin's new baby. I didn't realize that I would gain a nephew, two great friends, and a passion for photographing children.

I've been documenting Sammy's life since then. His parents, Darrin and Esther, even provided me with a new model this year. (Carly- a girl- good work, guys!)

Esther has often encouraged me to start my own business, but I have to admit, I've been scared. So I've slowly been doing more shoots and each time I realize- I love doing this, and the pictures come out so lovely!

Next baby step- this blog. I am constantly checking out photography blogs of all kinds to see what people are doing. I love that blogs change- you can check back and see what is new, instead of a website where things stay pretty much the same. (And I will confess- I'm not a website-creating genius)

In the upcoming weeks I will be posting some older shoots (you'll be seeing a lot of Sam) and eventually some more recent ones. So check back here and see my adorable subjects, what a shoot is like, and if you like what you see send me an email. Your kid could be next!

Lauren Adele (littlelphotography@gmail.com)