I went to Ryan and Karren’s a little before First Tuesday started to do Rayna’s first photos. I hadn’t seen her since she was born and I can’t believe how big she is!
Karren was worried she was going to be in her fussy stage when I got there, but to her surprise she was perfect! Gotta love that hair! Just like her Dad! Sugar Ray wanted to be part of the action too…..

Every first Tuesday of the month, 7 of us get together for dinner to catch up on each others lives. Many of us have been friends since Middle and Highschool. Others married into our close knit group. I have to say, I look forward to this night every month because it is kid free and worry free. We can just sit back and enjoy each others company. Last night was way over due because, last month it snowed and we postponed. But it was a special first Tuesday b/c Karren and Ryan became new parents in January. One thing that is nice about our little group is that we are always there for each other. When one of us pops out a kid, we go to their house bearing lots and lots of food! I am still stuffed from last night! Ryan has always joked and called our group the “Player Haters” because some of the Husbands think we sit around all night and complain about them…..I wouldn’t say all the time…… 😉
So, Burke got Rayna a t-shirt and she is now an honorary member!Back to front: Christy, Burke, Karren, Angie, Chrissy and Rayna, Heather, Me

Maybe, it is because I always have the camera in their faces….or it could be that they are just my kids??? This is what I get when I want to take pictures of my rugrats. Thanks Kobe!

Do you know how to make a photographer uncomfortable? (except me) Take their picture. That was the theme last night!
About 9 photographer’s gathered at Katrina and Eric Sollenberger’s studio (Beyond the Moment) in Lititz and then headed to a private opening at the Perfect Blend.
Katrina arranged for them to open especially for us. She also had little goody bags filled with Wilbur Chocolate. Yummy!!!
After dinner and dessert, we headed back to the studio to relax and talk since many of us were just meeting for the first time.
Those in attendance were: Me, Joel and Rita Wiebner, Matthew Tennison, Kris McElligott, Katrina and Eric Sollenberger, Todd Spitler and Kristen Kaufman.

Mmmmm cake!Inside our goodie bags! I think these were devoured right away.That’s a little scary Kris!RIta and I were picking on Joel that he looked like he had a purse on the way back! Sorry, Jole’ I had to! ( I spelled this way on purpose)Katrina and EricThe Wieb’s

That’s better!

There are times when life seems to be trying to get your attention…
Little hints are everywhere, but it takes a good swift kick in the pants to tell you to wake up.
So, I thought I would share this with you all.
This is what I am talking about

Last night, myself, The Wiebner’s, Jeremy Hess, Matthew Tennison, and Kris McElligott went down to New Jersey for a huge get together of photographers that are part of the DWF. (Digital Wedding Forum) I love long road trips because you find out so many things about people you never knew. We always have a great time traveling together. But I am not sure they will want me to drive again….
These gatherings are always great opportunities to talk to new people and get inspiration from those we have looked up to.
It was graciously held at Cliff Mautner’s studio. What an incredible space! I got to see old friends and make new ones and have a blast! Here are a few..
The Wiebners should have some on their blog soon.

Douglas Benedict, Rita, Mark Gardner, me and Joe CraigMatthew’s famous hand talking.

Pick a winner Jeremy?

As I had posted previously, I had the opportunity to document Brennan’s first year in the world.
With most Baby’s first year packages, I put together a book to highlight every session. Here are a few pages from Brennan’s.

Last night, a horrible fire ripped through a row of homes and businesses on Main St. in Mount Joy. We heard the sirens and knew it was bad. It seems like our town keeps taking one hit after another, but we will pull together to get through it.
I headed down there today to see exactly what was gone…..
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims.

One of the things I love the most about being a wedding photographer, is the close relationships I form with my clients. A relationship that makes them come to me whenever there is another event in their life that they want documented. I am always honored when a couple calls me to say ” Hey we’re pregnant! ” “Can you do our pictures?” Then to have them tell me they want me to do the baby’s photos once he or she is born.
I photographed Renee and Brent’s wedding almost 4 years ago and now they are expecting their first child! I was so excited when Renee called to tell me. So here are a few from our session last night. Look for Baby E’s first photos around the beginning of April !! Congratulations!

Wow! One year ago, Brennan came into this world and I am so truly blessed to have been a part of his first year! 3 years ago, I photographed his parents, Ken and Cindy’s wedding. So, when I ran into Ken last year and he told me Cindy was ready to pop, I knew what I wanted to do for them.
Last night was Brennan’s first birthday party. What a special time it was to celebrate with all of the family. Ken’s parents flew in from California to be there for their first grandson’s birthday. Cindy’s parents and brothers were there as well, although, the men seemed to disappear around kickoff time…..
So, with that, here are some of Brennan’s 1st birthday pics to finish off his Baby’s first year. I will put up his complete book soon.

Brennan at 1 month4 months8 months