Perhaps it's the gelato I had this afternoon or the bellinis I've been making at home, but my Italy trip from 2005 has been on my mind. I'm getting ready to open my own Etsy store and the first things that will go in it will be some photos from that trip.

Just one more cute sequence with Ashleigh and George.

Notting Hill

If you've looked through previous posts on this blog you'll notice that I try to make my sessions personal, incorporating special elements that are unique to the person I'm photographing. For example, returning to the sites of Sarah and Brandon's first date, Missy and Johnny's engagement, or just hanging out with Teresa and Richard. Remember Ashleigh wanted to do something like that final scene in Notting Hill? Well, there is a bit more to it than simply picking out a cute pose. One of the reason's that movie is so special to them, is that it was the first movie that Ashleigh and George saw together. Years later, when George came to visit Ash in England, the made a special trip to that area, as sort of an homage to that date.

After hearing that sweet story I thought it would be wonderful to build the entire theme of their session around this theme of Notting Hill. The challenge is to create the look and feel of a quaint London neighborhood here in Lexington, Kentucky. Not that my town isn't quaint, but it's also not England.

Ashleigh and I kicked around a few ideas and thought perhaps a picnic, then maybe wondering the Gratz Park area. The whole plan sounded perfect. Besides, I fully support any suggestion that also incorporates food in my sessions. Remember for Sarah and Brandon, we went for ice cream. ☺

So on a beautiful sunny morning, I got to join Ashleigh and George for a little Sunday brunch.

Ashleigh picked all the perfect details to make it really a special time for the two of them and not just a photo shoot.

I still have many more to share, but this will have to do for now. Remember I'm supposed to be on a break. (ha! yeah right.)

more Ashleigh + George

When Ashleigh and I first talked about what she wanted for her maternity shoot. She said, "Do you remember the final scene in the movie Notting Hill? I want to do something kind of like that. "

Since it has been many, many moons since I recalled watching that movie, I actually had to look it up and I found this...

Oh yeah...It all came flashing back to me Julia Robert, Hugh Grant. American movie star falls in love with an Englishman that owns a bookstore, or works in a bookstore, or maybe just frequents bookstores. Something like that, but the plot of the movie really doesn't matter. These final minutes of the movie are all that were really relevant to me. We can definitely do something like that.

So here is our version of that final scene.

There is actually more to this story, but you're just going to have to wait until tomorrow for that bit. Ashleigh and George week continues. Stay tuned...

Aug 24

I wasn't sure how this would out, but I have to say I kind of like it. At first I though the sun would ruin it for me but the more I look at it the more I'm thinking it works.

(PS. I think Ashleigh's shirt is too cute.)

win some loose some

So the results came out around 3 o'clock on the Pioneer Woman Photography contest.

Sadly my photo was not chosen by Ms. Drummond as the winner, but I have to say I that if this had been judged by the audience, say like American Idol, I think I might have won. No hard feelings though. I'm just thrilled that my photo was even chosen and the feedback I have received has been amazing. The narcissistic side of me kept checking back and reading all the comments and replies to the post. I'd sit in disbelieve of all the wonderful things being said about my work. I almost felt like Sally Fields, "You like me. You really like me."

Thank you again Ree Drummond for picking me as a finalist. It was a honor.

| Ashliegh + George (+ Pierce) | sneak peek |

feeling famous

If you've looked through the past posts of this blog you already know I love this photo. I entered it in a contest on the Pioneer Woman website. PS I love Ree Drummond. The theme of the contest is Love.

I made it through the first round, and so many lovely people have said such sweet things about this little of photo of mind. It's a nice way end week.

Here's a link to the rest of today's photos. About 20 are chosen per day for a week. I'll keep you posted if I make it to the finals.

Albequerque

Aug 11

Aug 10

Aug 9

I'm thinking it might be fun to do themed weeks. It was never my intention to do this, but I kind of like how last week morphed into a week about babies and children.

This week, I'm thinking Converse. (It's my thing.)

Of course I reserve the right to change my mind at any time.

Cole

Abby's rock-star brother.

Abby

Riley at the park 3

Something to make you smile for the weekend.

Riley at the Park 2 (aka boy in a bubble)

Riley at the Park 1

more motherhood

Keeping with the baby theme for this week apparently (or a"parent"ly.) :-)

the other parents to be

In a few short weeks this lovely couple will be new parents too.

Hernandez babies everywhere!

And baby makes three

From just last summer....

Congratulations Patrick and Liz , and welcome Christopher Lee (born just yesterday.) I can't wait to meet you.