they're so much better when we're together - St Mary's County

"you really ARE a photographer."
meta exclaimed, after she viewed my website for the first time..,
"i mean, you have to take sean's senior pictures next year and we really need a family portrait and i have to have christmas cards... we have not done any in years...."
we spoke about how we wanted to set it all up in between exuberant calls from the sidelines to our girls playing on their high school soccer team. one day i picked my daughter up from the farm and as i meandered slowly down the long, curvy, tree-laced driveway and laid eyes on the pond and her beautiful red-roof home, i knew that i had to shoot them right there.. it was just perfect...a photographers delight.

time passed and we scheduled and canceled several times as the kids, work, family, travel, hair scalping (her son shaved all of his hair off for a bet) and life just seemed to make it impossible for the two of us.. but persistence prevailed and finally i was able to travel down to their farm to capture them together.. all together, before the oldest goes off to college..

we had a lot of fun that day on the farm and i think these pictures reflect the love they hold dear for one another and the fun, joy and laughter they share in each other's presence.

thanks meta and jim for trusting me to make this happen for you. i can't wait to see the canvas.

here are a few of my favorites and their slideshow. come back later to view Sean's senior session.







the guys and their truck!

Sonoma- just a few more

As I promised.. Here are a few more from our weekend trip to Sonoma and Napa Valley California with our friends William and Phyl. Did I mention that it poured buckets of rain for the entire weekend.. we didn't care because that's what umbrellas are for.. right?

So we spent the weekend taking pictures of each other. We both have multiple kids and are never in front of the camera anymore, especially as a couple.. it was so much fun trying to create for ourselves what we create for others all the time. I left my big camera at home because I knew I would turn the trip into one big photo shoot. I was trying to relax. As it turned out, I grabbed Williams camera more times than necessary just because I saw something beautiful..



I love that Tuscan style!! and Italy too..






I have no idea why but windows and doors make me happy too. I'm sure it means something..







One more of Phyl and William..



So put Napa Valley on your list of things to do... it really was a lot of fun.. not to mention the wine!!!! (smile)

YOU inspire ME!

With all of the things I had to do this Holiday Season.. posting just got past me. So, for this year I've decided to make it part of my business to post more of what I do on a weekly basis. Deep in the crevices of my computer lay many pictures that have never been seen but by the client themselves. Many of you who ask, "is there anything new at Whimsy this week?, I need to go to the site"! thankfully, I get it.. I obviously need to post more if you are asking for it. Right? There are many of you who stalk (in the most friendly way) my blog just for the pure enjoyment of the pictures. Some have confessed that they like the stories that are told about the people whom I capture. Some come here to show a friend or family member my site. I'm not a boastful person and never seek to toot my own horn thus I have (quite honestly) been amazed at those who find my writing special at all, as I have a habit of putting double periods at the end of sentences and running them into east creation. I only try to go back and correct the double periods and run-ons for the sake of my kids and perhaps a teacher that may look and think that they have an idiot for a mother..

Truth be told.. YOU inspire ME! to be my best.. to bring it on every shoot.. to find the something different in your smile or laugh.. to find the spark in your story.. to erase the "I don't look good in pictures", from your vocabulary.. to put a little bit of happy in your day when you see my images (if that is at all possible).. YOU inspire ME!! and for that I am grateful, peaceful and happy.. So, go ahead and come back often this year as I will be here more often just to but it down as I see it and perhaps in the process put a little smile in your heart.

And since a photographer's post is just not a post without a picture I thought I'd kick off the new year with this: as I am like most women and 99% of the time do not like to see myself in pictures (just keeping it real).. I thought I'd start this year off with Eric and I so that you can get to know me as I get to know you..

Eric and I went with some friends before Christmas and drove through Napa Valley, California.. here is one that our friend William, who, as you can see, works things out with a camera in his hand, took of us.. (I know it is a run-on..)

Although Eric would rather have teeth removed than be on my blog I have to let you know that HE is the LOVE of my life.. the ANCHOR of my ship.. the KEEPER of my heart.. and truly one of the most awe inspiring people I have ever met.. I'm so glad to have him in my life and I thank God for him each and every day..

This one makes me smile..



more from Napa later..I'll be back soon..