Authentic You Photography Blog

Lauren

Char — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:13:15 +0000

Most if us get a little nervous with one camera being pointed at us. Not Lauren. She had six and didn’t mind a bit.

Bubbly and laughter. This is Lauren. And adorable outfits. Love the orange coat!

The following photo makes me smile. This is what Lauren put up with! Deanna got in touch with me awhile back and we planned to meet this winter. My thought…hey, why not add to the experience and invite a few others?!! Meeting with other photographers always inspires me. I always learn. Thanks to Deanna, Jess, Michele, Jolyn, Tiffany and ever so fabulous Lauren for a good time!

A little of this and a little of that…

Char — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:43:46 +0000

So you like words? Wanna make something fun?

Go Wordle and create. This is what Wordle created by grabbing words from my website. I love collages…

And let me share a few of Megan.

Megan is a sweet senior. These photos were taken before all the snow hit and the sun was still warm. It is coming again, right?

Words that describe Megan? Pensive, patient, friendly, and caring. Always putting others before herself.

She loves expressing herself through words or quotes.

The best way to pass free time? Friends, bowling, and ice cream, of course.

Megan has a lot going on…she is a swimmer, on student council, and made homecoming court.

After graduation Megan plans on attending college for Communications/Public Relations and definitely swimming.

And one more tidbit of info on this Thursday…

Do you like taking pictures? Lots of people do and we all want to learn. Check out MCP actions. Believe me, there is a wealth of knowledge here including business advice, posing tips, editing tools, and interviews with cool photographers. And better yet, some of it is even free. Whenever I take the time to stop by, I am always reminded I need to come back more often. Lots of good stuff. Happy Thursday!

Seriously, I love these things…

Char — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:14:36 +0000

Stripes – I always gravitate to stripes. They just get me and I get them.

Converses – always. And the best part…they go with anything. Really.

Purses – the perfect add on. Ya know, you can never have too many. Bring on the color.

Boots – I am loving these ankle high cowboy boots. So chic, I think.

Hair pieces – Oh, they look sweet on photos. Jut adds that little “pop” of something to a photo. I am pretty sure I could not pull off the heart clips, but I am absolutely certain they would be perfect for senior photos!

Ruffly skirts – Something about them is divinely perfect. They make me happy.

Gray – Do you go through color spurts? Right now, I can’t enough of gray. Love the muted shades of gray that are so easy to pair with bright and bold color.

Accessories of all kinds. Yes, pretty please!

Forever 21 – Fashion without going broke. Amen.

And my crazy four year old. This is the best smile I could get from him. I seriously love him! Smile.

Chuck & Valerie

Char — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:04:59 +0000

Let me tell you a little about Chuck and Valerie…

It was love at first sight….from the day they met, they knew it was going to be something more. She says. “I love Chuck’s sense of humor the most. He can always make me smile. He is very passionate and caring for those near him, is hardworking, goal orientated , and driven.” Valerie is in the third year of nursing school. Chuck was enlisted in the USMC for four years and served in Iraq. Currently he is working at home and eventually plans to go back to school. Any free time Valerie and Chuck have is spent together or with family and friends.

I met with Valerie and Chuck late in the fall in one of my favorite rural locations. Here is just a few photos we caught…

So pretty and genuinely sweet as can be….

Handsome

Char — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:31:45 +0000

Just because these brothers are handsome and because I like the light, and really…because I wanted to say “Happy Friday”…

Let me share a few photos.

Meet Matt…

And little brother Jake…

And big brother Jared.

These photos were taken last fall on this family’s beautiful farm.

Super weekend to you!

Seniors

Char — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:50:10 +0000

I was going through 2009 senior images and fell in love with them and their pics all over again.

I love my seniors. Love what they bring to a shoot…fashion, laughter, and a zest for life.

There is no way I include all my favorites, but here is just a few for the girls.

A heartfelt thank-you to my ever-so-fab seniors!

Abby…

Kelsey…

Alex…

Gabby…

Alexia…

Alexis…

Shannon…

Andrea…

Brittany…

Chelsea…

Gabby…

Heather…

Kelsey…

Kelsi….

Lisa….

Lisa…

Shannon…

Morgan…

Valentine…

Char — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 11:31:21 +0000

Dr Suess says…

“When you are in love you can’t fall asleep because reality is better than your dreams.”

Okay, Dr. Suess!

I was in the mood to play with color. Color makes my senses come alive. Bright and bold shades. Kinda feels similar to walking into a coffee shop. The rich, aromatic smells lighten my step. Before I even sip on the caffeinated mug of brew, I am feeling perky. Color gives me a jolt…I love it.

Happy Valentines to you! XOXO

Brothers

Char — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:23:12 +0000

This is the time of year that I have a chance to slow down, plan for the coming year, take in a workshop, bake cookies…chocolate chip of course, and take sibling’s school photos.

Little brothers.

This is Brandon. Brandon is my youngest sibling. He has a heart of gold and will do almost anything for you.

Mischievous…of course. Stubborn…uh, huh.

This is Jordan. Jordan is 14 and likes to think he is 18. We have all been there…it passes, right? Okay. He is an excellent babysitter and does so quite often for me. In fact, my kiddos have learned all kinds of useful info from him…like how to jump ramps with skateboards, to hang on tightly when you go for Gator rides, where to hunt for crows, how to build and then jump pillow towers in the living room, and Play Station strategies.

No really, they are growing up so fast and I love having my boys play with their big uncles.

This is Brandon’s “picture” smile and seriously, it was almost impossible to break it. It’s like a mixture of “I am kinda bored and I really don’t want to smile too big and look cheesy” smile.

I really do love my little brothers. Happy Monday.

Day in the Big City…

Char — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:55:23 +0000

Texture and color from the big city…mmmmmm.

Girl friends. God knew I needed them.

They understand me. Quite possibly better than I can myself. They push me forward. Watch my back. Ask me to trust them. Don’t flatter…will say the tough truth. Ask me to live with Life. Let me vent. Give me perspective. Tears, anger, laughter, highs and lows…we have shared it. Over the phone, late night McDonald fries, at the park with the kids…we put into words “our issues” and somehow we walk away “all better”. Seriously, these girls are such a significant part of my life.

Ann is the queen of quotes and she shares them and I love’em. So this one ended up in my inbox yesterday…

“Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars.” Henry Van Dyke.

And with it were her words, “I am a firm believer in the little things of life. For the little things, are indeed, the big things of life….if we have the eyes to perceive them as such. Rejoice then , for the chance to live.”

So have a super weekend. Snow. Lots of it is in the forecast. Yes! And the Superbowl. Smile.

Valentine Cards…

Char — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:59:32 +0000

If you happen to be in Lancaster Friday evening and you happen to want cool valentine cards and you would like to support Haiti, check this out…

Thanks to Nicola and Carrie for organizing! See more info and fun details on Facebook.