I've been working on the editing process for a few high school seniors. Even though little is required, my eyes are starting to bug out so I'm off to Manhattan for the day with one of my dearest friends. I'll give my eyes a rest from the computer and soak in the sights of NYC.

See you soon.

Until then, enjoy these smiling faces.

You don't know your beautiful

I think most pregnant ladies feel they are not looking their best in the 9th month. But don't hold off pictures for that reason because they can prove otherwise.

In between a bout of stormy days and high heat I was able to do a few maternity photos at sunset of my beautiful friend. It was still really hot but luckily there was no rain. We went to local grounds not far from our houses that provide a variety of backdrops. I have scouted most of them out since some are off the road a bit but we ended up finding a big patch of black-eyed Susan and caught the light just before it set in the apple orchard. How perfect to help tell the story of a baby born in summer sun.

(And yes, that's a One Direction reference in the title. We hear it a lot in this house.)

A little of everything

I'm here! It's been a really busy couple of weeks. I won't bore you with the details because I know that everyone is busy. I don't want you to think that I think I am the only one. How selfish that would be! So how are you all? I can't wait to take time tonight and read the blogs on my sidebar. I have missed catching up.

Some possibly interesting tidbits of the past week:

Blair lost her first tooth! Uh oh. Tooth fairy came! I had to go check...

I finally decided on a paint color for the kitchen. Let's see, that only took a year and 5 months and 30 paint sample pots.

I had a photo shoot marathon before the good weather went away. Crazy but fun.

The bank accidentally closed our accounts but reopened them when we went in to see what was wrong. Because of their mistake they gave us a cash bonus. Kinda like a signing bonus when you go into the NBA or something. It wasn't a million bucks but it wasn't expected either. We were really shocked and happy. Now if they could just straighten out our direct deposit we'd be more happy! It's still floating around in cyberspace...

I found a bunch of old maps, between 1939-1944, in perfect condition for 50 cents. Fitty. The colors are gorgeous. I can't wait to show you them. My first plan was to make cards. But after opening them up, I may not bring myself to cut them up. We'll see. I still have other ideas. One being plastering a wall with them as wallpaper. Yes, there are that many.

Ok, I'm off to Book club this morning. Have a good day!

Marathon sessions...

Week of the fair and senior portraits

Our weekend was filled with work and hardly any play except for a few photo sessions. One of them was for Senior year photos for this beauty. We had a great time at a few favorite locations. Our next session is in fall when the leaves are changing. That should be even more fun and will offer a whole new look.

I'm off to work at the Etown Fair this whole week, everyday from 10-10. I love hometown fairs and all of the blue ribbon festivities. I'm hoping to break away to snap a few pictures and watch the kids on some rides and play with the animals at the little petting zoo area. It's going to be a great week!

Amidst that I may have a little time to show you a Friday find and another light fixture make-over. Until then, you can find me at the fair, if you're in my area!

Enjoy a sampling of Maddi's pictures and have a blast today!

My history of running and a new blog

Jon along the route. Picture by Alan Campbell

So we ran a 5K on Saturday. Our first ever. It was the Amish Country Bird-in-Hand Half Marathon/5K.

We're already looking to the next and have set goals to make better time.

There was a gentleman who was about 80 years-old that I could not catch. He was not far ahead of me but no matter how I tried, I could not close the gap. He was my inspiration. Picking him out of the crowd was easy as he wore bright orange hunting gloves.

You see, I am not a runner. I played tennis and basketball during school years , which involved running, but I never set out to run distance. I ran with my college roommate a bit also. I had to run two steps to her one because of her 6 foot frame and long legs. She looked fabulous as she glided along the track.

Jon is a runner although I don't think he started out in love with it either. He gets in about 6 miles a day now. In the Army he was used to running and got me going with him. It seemed easier when we could run along the ocean in California. Time was forgotten as you breathed in the sea air. Jon was always encouraging me to keep up the pace and had words of praise when I would push to finish. And on Saturday, he met me as I was in the home stretch and cheered me on the same way. That made me so happy.

I remembered one day I felt winded and a little weak as we jogged. Jon encouraged me to keep going but I just couldn't. The fog rolled in on Monterey Bay and we slowed to a walk and talked. This happened with each attempt. After a few weeks and one trip to the Dr. later, we found out our first baby was on the way. That was a good reason to be sidelined.

That baby was now home tending to the others for us.

I have quickly become addicted to the invigorating feeling that a run gives. I hope to keep it up and one day, as a spry 80 year-old, I'll beat out those little 40 year-old kids.

What is your form of exercise? Anyone like to run?

Any advice on how to keep the motivation to exercise?

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Now about the new blog...

I have been really fortunate lately and have had steady business with photography. Each time I feel a little stronger in my ability. Thank you for trusting me!

The website is taking a little longer to finish than I thought so I decided to at least do the blog portion of it rather than post the session reviews here. So, if you're interested in seeing recent work, you can head over to http://www.lmontgomerystudios.blogspot.com/

Once the main site is finished, I'll merge the two for one cohesive look.

Thanks!

Fun family of four - photo session

Until I post my photo sessions on the official website, I will have to make you suffer through another one here. Although it won't be suffering when you look at this gorgeous family.

It wasn't hard to photograph them for obvious reasons but also because they are our friends and are simply one of the nicest families that you could meet. They both jump at the chance to help anyone and never ask for anything in return. Being a close knit family who enjoys being together makes it fun to be around them. Those personality types just draw you in and make you feel comfortable and I love that about them.

**Until the editing software is installed, all photos will remain unedited.

A family in love - photo session

When this family first talked about photos, they warned that they were not the "posing" types. The kids weren't anyway. That's OK I said, we'd go completely candid and see what we get. I think that it's great to capture images when kids are, well, just being kids.

And when you factor in parents who enjoy seeing them run free
and are happy and play right along with them,
you get to witness a beautiful family in love.

** Until the photo editing software is installed and working, all images remain unedited.

A question, an answer, a photo

In response to a few questions over the weekend,

these are just some of the things I like in a photograph.

Naturally textured backgrounds

"Out takes" that to me are my "in takes."

Genuine moments

Architectural features.

And of course the subject matter!

Let them be and follow - a children's photo session

When I photograph children there is no telling how long they will tolerate me so I always go in with some sort of plan. Those plans are usually gone the minute we start. I bring an arsenal of props for interest and other secret weapons but ultimately I just follow them along and work very fast, my fingers adjusting the settings as quickly as I can.

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to photograph my friend's little boys, one who just had a birthday. I always encourage parents to get in to the pictures also so I was happy that Amber was willing to do that. You never know what sweet memory you will make through a photograph.

My whole goal is to capture kids as naturally as new surroundings afford them and just let them be. That plan will always produce something good.
These boys were exceptional and are about the most well behaved little guys I have ever met. And their mom? Well as you can see, she is naturally beautiful, whose beauty is only enhanced by her goodness.

This is just a small sampling of the day.