If you’ve been following my blog lately, you’ll notice this is the second 2011 senior I’ve photographed that has brilliant blue eyes and naturally curly hair, and my second session in rural Lebanon County (Sarah and Ben’s wedding was my first). Megan’s mom is my cousin, which would make Megan my 1st cousin, once removed, if I have my genealogy terms correct. Anyway, Megan picked an awesome location to shoot at – Mount Gretna, PA. Mount Gretna is a tiny little town in Lebanon County that has heaps of charm and character. It’s also a great place to take pictures in the middle of the road without getting hit. After you check out some of my favorites from the session, you’ll want to click on the gallery to view everything.

I have to give a big shout-out to Megan’s mom (and my cousin) Michelle, for holding lights and helping to carry my gear around!

Megan, it was lot of fun to work with you! Best wishes for your future, and I’ll probably see you at Thanksgiving! The complete gallery is here.

I first met Micah through his parents at our church. Micah and I actually played together in a band a few times… him on the drums and me on keys. During that time I discovered him to be sincere… the day he and his mom met me for pictures, he was sincerely against any sort of photography. I’d like to say it was my keen sense of humor that won him over, but that would be lying. Maybe it was my lack of humor, or the fact that I just kept snapping pictures and wouldn’t give up. Seriously though, he had some great expressions and was really fantastic to work with. We divided the session up into two mini-sessions: pictures for his mom, and pictures for him. I think you’ll be able to tell which ones belong to which session.

This is a picture of Micah and his mom Kim.

Micah definitely perked up when I had him bring out the skateboard. I was just impressed that he didn’t laugh in my face when I suggested that he do an Ollie. I don’t even know what that is exactly, but it sure looked pretty cool when he did it.

These images have the colors really amped up, and I love the green of the bridge in the background. Graffiti at no extra charge.

Micah, thanks for the great times – best wishes for your future!

Sometimes it takes a lot of convincing for me to change my mind. Ernest is one such person who can convince me. He seriously lives up to his name. In fact, 4 and 1/2 years ago,  Ernest convinced me that I was capable of photographing his wedding with my (then) shiny new Canon 20d. He told me that I could do it, and that he’d still be my friend afterwards. I tried to tell him no several times, and he countered each of my attempts to avoid the wedding. Like I said – he’s an earnest guy!

Fast forward to the present, and I walk into his house a few weeks ago. There on the counter above the kitchen sink was a framed photo I took of them on their wedding day. It always feels good to see my photography displayed in one clients’ homes. I don’t know what you’d call the photos below – they are in the style of my engagement sessions – lots of romance and affection on display. I had so much fun at Barbara and Ernest’s farm in Halifax, PA. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Funny story – Ernest and Barbara have tons of cats around their farm, and they are all very affectionate. Between snaps, one kitten came right up to them and started meowing… Barbara had to lovingly toss him out of the way before we could continue.

Something you just can’t do in the city…

This shot below is probably one of my favorites of the session. I love how relaxed they both look.

Ernest asked me if I had a time (and light) for one last picture. After I replied, he ran inside and brought out this chair. Evidently, it’s been a heirloom passed down through many generations. I love their old-fashioned pose on the left.

Thanks guys for a wonderful evening and say hi to all of your cats for me!

This past Tuesday evening found me taking my tiny Honda Civic up a winding dirt road in a small town in Juanita County. As I was bouncing up the road, I determined that I should have taking my wife’s 4WD – she’s always right! The road bends and I immediately see a beautiful house and what looks like a kid’s paradise. I see rope swings. I see a pond. I see a wooden ramp in front of the pond. Just by the looks of the surroundings, I knew I would enjoy the evening. Enjoy it, I did.

I was hired to shoot some baby portraits as a gift to the family from a close relative. Titan (cool name, by the way!) was born just a little over a week ago. He was interested in two things – warmth and sleep, as most newborns are:

However, once I was there, we all decided to do some family portraits. Notice that Titan still sleeping peacefully. That takes some skill, especially with me flashing lights and gabbing incessantly.

We headed outside their house for some pictures of Titan with each of his siblings:

We then headed back inside for pictures of just Titan. These last three were my absolute favorites in different ways: The first, because I now really want a sheepskin rug to sleep in like that. It looks really comfy.

This second one, because I play piano myself. Photographically, I love the different textures all in the same photo.

Lastly, just looking at this picture relaxes me. Not that I suck my thumb or anything.

I had a blast with you guys! I’ll have to stop by again to get pictures of Hunter nabbing some huge air off of that ramp.There are a lot more fabulous pictures to check out right here.

Jess is one of the worship leaders at the church I attend, and she and her husband Brian have one of the cutest little babies ever – Naomi! I had a ton of fun with them this past Saturday morning. It’s always a blast to watch a little baby grow and begin to smile and sit up, etc. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

I love to just come into a family’s home and take pictures of the family having fun!

Boys… watch out for this little girl…

My favorite “artsy” photo… shot through an Ikea coffee table my wife and I also own….

Probably my favorite from the session!

More pix online at http://www.toddg.net/toddg/pines/.