Whether I realize it during a session or not, every family that we meet leaves an impression on us. Even after the craziest sessions I find myself sorting through images and realizing the impact. It's in all of those imperfect moments that a family really shines—when they're not looking at the camera or giving their best smile, but enjoying each other—and I feel that they've taught me something. That's the easy part, just taking in the lessons. The hard part? Trying to put those impressions into words every time I write about a family's session. This family is no exception.
The [A] family found us through a referral who, oddly enough, has never had a session with us (but we hope to remedy that soon). We had planned for a sunrise session, but it started storming the night before and we were afraid that we'd have to postpone. By some kind of miracle, we woke up that morning to find the bluest skies and not a drop of rain. The park we wanted to go to for our session doesn't really have a parking lot, so we met at a lot nearby with a little park attached to it. There were some flowers and trees, so we decided to walk around and look for nice backgrounds before going to our original location. We actually spent most of the session at the small park because it turned out to be a great spot!
Following this family around was such a breeze. Mom and dad were all smiles and laughs, and the love they have for each other and their little girl was... well, you can see it radiating from the images. Even if I can't put my lessons into words, the images will show you the fun we had that early Sunday morning.
Here's a little preview for the adorable [A] family that we got to meet last Sunday. Enjoy.
By Vicki | Posted on 06/19/10 | Posted in Shoot, Family | 1 Comments | Post Comment
Mary Ellen : That little girl is a doll! Beautiful pictures as always. 06/21/10 10:28am
A couple weeks ago Dan and I were able to put down our task lists and deadlines (for the most part), and take a little trip to New York City. We were mainly there to celebrate the wedding of our friends, Sonya and Eddie—you may remember them from their Save the Dates, but since Dan's birthday and our anniversary also fall in the month of May we decided to extend our stay. Our hotel was in a wonderful, little historic district within walking distance of the reception, and even though we spent a lot of time relaxing (me) and working (Dan) in the hotel, we also took some time to see the sights and eat delicious food. Oh my, THE FOOD. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. There were tourist spots that we didn't get to see, but that simply means we'll have to plan another trip there.
The first place we visited—besides the baggage claim at LaGuardia Airport—was Sonya and Eddie's apartment. Eddie took us to the top of the building, and the next three images are what we saw. It was an amazing view. I see some new wall art in my future.
On the second day of our trip, we went to see a taping of the Jimmy Fallon show. Cameras weren't allowed, but I have great mental images of the Rockefeller Plaza and the guests. The full show is online, too, if you want to watch it and see us in the audience. We were sitting in the fifth row, smack in the middle, and Dan was wearing a light green shirt.
Next is the church where Sonya and Eddie got married. The camera came with us to the rehearsal, but not to the wedding. I can't even put it into words, but their rehearsal and wedding were fabulous. They did a tremendous job with the details. If the sun would ever come back to Cincinnati, I could take pictures of the stationery pieces we worked on with them. I'm excited to post everything.
Normally I don't post images of myself because 1) I'm behind the camera, or 2) I never like pictures of myself. This time I'm included in a few shots that I actually like, and I'm so glad that Dan took this one in Times Square. I don't have the best expression, but I can't get over the movement. I can totally remember being there with the hustle and bustle and lights.
We also visited Central Park on our way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There were some beautiful bridges and trees.
This is the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art). It was pretty neat to visit in general, but my favorite area was the modern art. As much as it fascinates me that jewelry and statues were made centuries ago, I'd much rather see paintings by Dali, modern sculptures and funky furniture. I would've liked to visit the Modern Museum of Art, but we'll have to do that next time.
After the MET, we walked down Madison Ave. (hello shopping district!). We eventually ran into the cube Apple store. It's an underground store made from a LOT of glass. This was the view from the elevator, looking up to the ground level. Starting at the top and going to the right, you can see people on the stairs. It's a good thing that both Apple stores we visited that week were sold out of 3G iPads. We would've had a major decision on our hands—to buy an iPad or not to buy an iPad...
Overall it was a great trip. I'm glad we took the subways and walked everywhere, too, but it was ex-haus-ting! I could get in shape in no time... as long as I don't see any gelato shops.
By Vicki | Posted on 05/19/10 | Posted in Personal, Travel, Shoot | 4 Comments | Post Comment
Tom Tanner : Amazing pictures!! 05/21/10 6:33pm
Susan Craig : Great shots! You guys really captured some beautiful parts of the city!! Isn't it an amazing place?! Can't wait to go back again! 05/20/10 12:37pm
Lisa Edwards : LOVE it!!! Beautiful pictures!! 05/20/10 11:32am
Michelle Adams : GORGEOUS! I love the 2nd shot! I'm going next month and you've made me even more excited to get there!!!!!!! 05/19/10 10:09pm
Kale's session is one that we looked forward to for many reasons, even before it was scheduled. We've known his family for several years, and we've recently been able to see his creative talents and the person he is becoming. It's equally shocking and inspiring to see some of his Facebook updates because he has such a great faith and wants to share it with everyone. Sometimes I find myself wondering where in the world he came from, and other times I'm just speechless—in a good way.
The location was another reason Dan and I looked forward to this session. We started indoors with a serious smorgasbord of textures and colors. After that, the weather was nice enough to check out the (mostly) abandoned buildings next door. Throw in Kale's fun ideas, some trespassing, a little climbing, and trekking through the snow, and you have one hilarious and memorable session.
Oh, and I can't forget to mention the cool shoes. His had purple on them, but I wonder if they come in turquoise...
If the authorities come looking for us, we have proof that Kale entered first! Funny enough, Dan and I both work for the company that used to be here. If we were caught, Dan's plan was to flash his company hat and jacket to say, "Hey, we work here!" HA!
After Kale sat in the metal piece (on the right), we asked him to climb on top of it for the shot on the left. It was a HUGE, cone-shaped thing. I think it was worth it, but I wasn't the one 10 feet high on a rocking metal cone.
Kale: We're blessed to know you and to capture such an important part of your life. We can't wait to see where life takes you next.
Thanks for bringing your ideas to the table, and for trying some new things. Hope you like what you've seen so far. :)
By Vicki | Posted on 02/27/10 | Posted in Shoot, Seniors | 1 Comments | Post Comment
Mary Ellen Ricketts : OMG! My sons are handsome! 02/28/10 7:37pm
I thought it would be fun to stop by tonight and show you an image from the session I'm sorting. We had a senior session with Kale this weekend, and if you keep up with our Facebook or twitter then you've already heard what a rad guy he is. Our session involved some jumping, sliding, and even trespassing! Here's a little sneak peek for Kale until his official blog debut. I can tell that choosing favorites is going to be tough!
By Vicki | Posted on 02/21/10 | Posted in Shoot, Seniors | 2 Comments | Post Comment
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Kale Ricketts : I love it! It's so awesome! HA! Can't wait to see the rest of them! Whoop Whoop! 02/22/10 3:59pm
Compared to the fall, things have certainly slowed down for us in photography land. It's a welcome change, and time that we're taking to recharge our batteries a little. While we're busy with other things, I wanted to show the fun gifts that we gave to some of our 2009 clients.
First up: photo calendars. We chose a favorite image from each session and paired them with color-coordinated 2010 calendars.
Each calendar was printed and then mounted on foam board.
Looking for stamps of your own? Let us know because we can help. There are a handful of places to get them, but so far we've used stamps.com without any problems. If you make stamps, send along a picture so we can see!
By Vicki | Posted on 02/14/10 | Posted in Design, Gifts | 1 Comments | Post Comment
Mary Ellen : Boy that is one cute baby! 02/18/10 10:05am
If you followed us over the past year, and subscribed to our new blog feed, you have been added to Santa's Good List! (Wouldn't that be nice?) But really, you may have noticed some things posted recently that you've seen in the past. I have been backdating some of our 2009 work for those who haven't seen it yet. That's why, even though we just launched this blog on New Year's 2010, there are archives for months in 2009. I think that my backdating is done for now, but I may add more as I have time.
Otherwise, we're getting settled into this new space and will post more new things soon. One thing I'd like to do is a "get to know Dan and Vicki" feature. If you have any burning questions about us—individually or combined—leave them in the comments. I think it'll be fun. Ready...GO!
By Vicki | Posted on 01/21/10 | Posted in Random | 1 Comments | Post Comment
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If you are like me, you want to be cautious when donating to a cause, especially one that is so well known. Because of this, I want to tell as many people as I can about the Jean R. Cadet Restavek Foundation. I can only vouch from a third person perspective, but I'd like to share a good friend's testimonial about this organization. She will include donation information at the end of her message.
Dear Friends,
I don’t typically send e-mails with such a broad harvest of my address book, but this is something I feel very passionately about.
You are more than likely aware of the current shocking events occurring in Haiti. However, you may, or may not be aware of my tie to the Jean R. Cadet Restavek Foundation. I have been involved with the Restavek Foundation for a few years volunteering help with efforts here in Cincinnati, as well as making a trip to Haiti in August, 2008, along with my sister-in-law Sue and my niece Katie. Katie returned in February, 2009. The foundation has been working with children in and just outside of Port au Prince, Haiti for the last few years. The foundation was founded by Jean Robert Cadet, a former slave in Haiti, to help children in restavek (slave) conditions to attend school, and overall improve their quality of life. In fact, the organization’s founders and leaders, Raymond and Joan Conn, have been in Haiti since just before the earthquake struck. Jean Robert rushed there to assist with rescue and relief. While fortunately all are safe, they have been communicating via email, describing how gruesome and desperate a scene it really is. The recent turn of events have created both fear and heartache for many, including those trying to make a difference in this impoverished country. However, while much is grim, those same people are only further inspired to do more. Here is the most recent piece of communication we received from Joan Conn which depicts some of the efforts that have already begun as well as some of the fears:
“We are glad to report that we have found 6 of our staff members. As of yet, we have not located any of the children. We had a container that we have been trying to get into Haiti for months with much stress and complications, it actually arrived to the compound where our office is located the morning the quake hit. We have over 70,000 meals in the container, which was possible through the Go Cincinnati project last May which they will distribute. We know that the Nazarene compound where our office is located is standing and in good condition. This is where we are going to set up camp. Fuel is becoming a HUGE problem. The generators will not function which means loss of communication completely.”
I travelled with Joan and Jean Robert a year ago to interview children and enroll them in the foundation’s child sponsorship program. This trip was one of the most heart-breaking yet rewarding things I have ever participated in. One of my closest friends is adopting a little girl from the sponsorship program, and I was lucky enough to share a hotel room the week of my trip with my friend Kelley and her daughter Valerie. The hotel where we stayed (and Joan and Ray kept an apartment) is decimated, and approximately 200 people were killed in its collapse. Due to the extended adoption process, Valerie is still in Haiti, but I am very pleased to share that Joan and Ray located Valerie on Friday and she is safely with them. But many more of the children in their program remain to be found, and once found provisions for their care will need to be made. While there are many adults and children in need of help, I am particularly concerned for these kids who are at the bottom of almost any priority list that may exist besides this foundation’s. The conditions they lived in prior to this tragedy were beyond words, I cannot even bear to fathom their situation now.
I have spoken with some of you who have asked, “If there is anything I can do, please let me know.” Some of you have spoken about your own plans to give and do what you can. There are many organizations through which you can give to this tragedy. If giving money is something you are planning on doing, I would like to encourage you to give to an organization with which you can trust and believe that your full contribution is going to those in need. I can personally vouch for the Jean R. Cadet Restavek Foundation and can assure anyone that their donation will completely and directly go to those in need. The foundation is a grassroots and hands-on type of organization that is run by a group of people who have proven success in operating at maximum efficiency, with minimal waste. Please check out the foundation’s website at www.restavekfreedom.org. In case you are interested, here are some of the ways in which you can give:
By check via mail
Jean R. Cadet Restavek Foundation
11160 Kenwood Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45242
By credit card via phone (this eliminates some processing charges)
(513) 530-9844 or (513) 475-3710
By Credit Card via the internet
www.restavekfreedom.org
Go to the donor page. You specify under “other” that you would like your donation to go to relief efforts.
Please feel free to pass this on to your family and friends who are interested in donating to relief in Haiti. Again, I can assure you that your gift will be used to the max if you were to choose to give through this organization. I am happy to share more details or answer questions you may have. Thanks for caring in whatever way you may choose to respond.
Warm regards,
Carole Landgrebe
By Dan | Posted on 01/17/10 | Posted in Random, Charity | 0 Comments | Post Comment
It's no secret that I love snow. It always brings back memories of snow days and my mom's snow ice cream. So, when I heard that we were getting the first White Death of 2010 last week, I was ready and waiting. I happened to work from home the second day of the storm and was able to get some shots through the windows. I may love the snow, but I had no desire to bundle up and brave the cold that day.
By Vicki | Posted on 01/10/10 | Posted in Personal | 1 Comments | Post Comment
Kal : I love snow more than I love summer! 01/16/10 7:20pm
Aaron and Susan had to wait three days after their due date, and endure many (MANY!) hours of labor, before meeting their little one. She was perfectly happy staying put, and with the freezing weather of the Midwest I don't blame her one bit. But she finally arrived, and we got to meet her this past Sunday. I'm happy to introduce you to Miss Claire...
Besides vetoing a couple of poses, she was really content throughout the afternoon.
Look at the tiny, pink boots!
And the details in her nursery...
She somehow knew exactly when the cameras were pointed at her face, because this was her reaction. :)
Aaron and Susan: thank you for letting us meet Claire and hang out with your little family. We can't wait to show you the rest of the images.
By Vicki | Posted on 01/05/10 | Posted in Shoot, Newborn | 1 Comments | Post Comment
Judy : Great pics! What a good-looking kid! 01/11/10 3:22pm
By Vicki | Posted on 07/19/10 | Posted in Shoot, Family | 1 Comments | Post Comment
Lisa Edwards : Great Photos!!! Cant wait to do ones like that :) 07/20/10 10:55am