Just a scheduling note that the fall is the busiest time and is booking quickly.  I have VERY limited openings for September, esp newborns.  August and October still have a few dates available.  I am still undecided on doing a day of mini sessions.  If I do, it will be a flat fee to include the CD.  If you would like to send me an email and butter me up, I may consider it lol.  If I get enough, the date will be Oct 23 (only returning clients can book a mini). 

I am going to be on vacation from July 24-Aug 3.  I will be available on email to book sessions and answer questions but will not be placing orders or editing during this time. 

Will share more later this week from this beauty, but this one is my favorite:

There is something so beautiful, so natural about an expecting mother.  Something different about the look in their eyes and flush to their cheeks.  Capturing this family gave me some serious thoughts on doing it again!!

If you ask me what age is best for a newborn session, 5 weeks would not be my answer lol but we were anxious to capture this lil guy before anymore time went by.  It is always so amazing how quickly and how much newborns change.  D did not have any plans to fall asleep for me but he was still adorable to capture.  I really look forward to capturing him again on his beautiful property as he grows!

If you follow my blog, you’ve noticed that Christie and I swap sessions and are good friends.  I always love seeing her girls!  It’s hard always being behind the camera so I was thrilled when Christie wanted to be captured WITH her beautiful girls.  Sabrina warmed right up, she is such a great age, i just love her!  I love that Christie refers to T at times as ‘blondie’ and ‘butterfingers’ hahaha she has so much personality and is ridiculously adorable. 

I had the pleasure of meeting big sister last year and was thrilled to meet and photograph their new addition.  She was a perfect model, sweet as can be…

Earlier this year I had this amazing epiphanie that I was going to run the NYC marathon.  My dad ran it twice and was planning to run it the month after he suddenly passed away.  This is what I was going to do to remember him, to honor him, possibly start a tradition.  I told my husband and he said he knew this day would come (really? LOL).  He was excited since he ran races before we got married. 

Funny how things happen because my sister also started running around the same time!  If you know us, this is just crazy LOL You have no idea how lazy I am, ha!  I make my husband drive around a parking lot twice just to make sure we are getting the closest spot.   But… we registered for our first race as a family.  April 17… the jersey shore running club’s marathon relay. 

So… sometime in March I start running.  WTF was I thinking?  This running thing is just not for me.  2 miles was a struggle.  Then I got a sinus infection and let my training (if you could even call it that) lapse.  I think I only ran in those 2 weeks before the race and I was SORE after each run.  My longest run the week of was 3 miles… my leg of the race was 4 point something. 

But… we were running as a family, my husband, my sister and a few friends to finish out the 5 person team.  That in itself would have had our dad ridiculously proud. 

Race day came, we were up bright and early and all a bit nervous.  This was my first race.ever!  We are placed in the first leg because I predicted a safe 10min/mile for the team.   So then I see a sign… tiny course change, they extended MY leg another half mile, of course, REALLY?  I started to panic!  I barely thought I could finish 4, much less close to 5.  Luckily my husband kept me calm (by lying to me LOL) and saying something about him being pretty sure it’s the same distance as the sheet said just a new handoff.  It helped to hear it even though I was pretty sure at the time he was lying!

Well we not only finished, but we kicked some major butt and

it.felt.amazing

Our team (FOXES) – after my dad finished in 3 hours and 35 minutes!  We were one of the first teams to cross the finish line because I completely underestimated our pace.  The boys ran a ridiculous pace and my sister and I held our own. 

I didn’t run for a few weeks and then we registered for a 5K for the end of May.  I finished that in 30 minutes it felt great.  My kids were waiting for me at the finish line and we participated in the family fun day.  Kayla also ran her first 4 and under race and I’m confident next year, she’ll be in the top! 

This past Saturday I ran the Sheehan Classic in Red Bank (5 mile) and finished in 49 minutes.  In October, my husband and I are running the Atlantic City Half Marathon.  And next year… my goal the NYC Marathon. 

Really, if you asked me last year, I would never in a million years say I was a runner.  Even when I started, I began to question my sanity!  My runs are still a struggle, but boy you feel great when you are done. 

I’m smiling now writing this thinking of all the friends who have been such a wonderful support.  A fellow photographer friend is very inspiring.  Not only is she a ridiculously talented photographer, she is a great writer and she is an inspiration.  Check her out HERE.   

There is something really wonderful in the running community.  To be honest I used to think you all were freaks, but now I’m honored to be one of you.  The words of encouragement and conversations about training just makes you feel great.  When I think I can’t do it anymore, I can reach out to a great group of people who will tell me YES YOU CAN.  Take one day at a time, one run at a time.  Some days my knees hurt a lot more than others.  Some days I need a great playlist to push me through.  It really helps to have a training schedule, for me the best part of running is going to my calendar and writing down my time beacuse I finished the run I was supposed to, even if it was a struggle.  There is just something so amazing in actually doing what you say you are going to do.  Something that ignites inside when you push yourself physically and finish.  The feeling of crossing a finish line too is very fulfilling.  I never run for speed, my only goal is to finish. 

So dad, thank you.  Thank you for running, thank you for the inspiration and comfort I find holding onto your marathon medals.  If it weren’t for you, there would be a 0% chance I would have ever, in a million years started running.   Leave it to you to find a way, from heaven, to get me into something that has really made an impact in my life in just a short time.   I feel inspired.

This little one is so incredibly loved.  She just reminds me of a sweet little princess.  She is going to be a beauty, no doubt.  I got spoiled too… I got to cuddle and feed her while mom and dad got ready.  

Do you think we had any trouble with Miss Sofia smiling?? 

What a joy…