Mike

Monday, I met Mike at the Lancaster airport for a portrait session. Mike flies helicopters for a living and wanted something to represent him. He pull one of the main helicopters out of the hanger to use for his session. I was able to sit in one for the first time and learn what everything was used for. We didn’t get to take one up, (darn it) but it was interesting! After we were done shooting, he showed me a special project. We went through another dark hanger and behind a secret panel to find wrecked helicopters that he was helping restore. He was standing there telling me about one that was almost finished when I saw this amazing light peaking in on him. So I had to shoot more.
Here are just 2 of my favorites for our shoot.

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Welcome to Leslie Gilbert Photography

It is finally here!! The new site!! It has been a long time in the making. I know the name change might be confusing for a while, but I think it is going to be an amazing journey of reinventing myself, my style and starting fresh! The blog is pretty simple. You can now search by categories if you are looking for something imparticular, or use the search option. You can now leave comments instead of the feedback button. The images are also going to be bigger. Yeah!! So, take a look around and let me know what you think!
Thanks to everyone who help me along the way. I have thanked you over and over again.
Special thanks to Jen and Steve Bebb who are the ones who gave me that little push to do this.
Brock and Dave, you guys are so patient and so talented. Thank you!!
And my family. You guys have put up with so much. It will be worth it, I promise! Ok, enough of the mush….check it out!

(All new post will be below here…keep scrolling)

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$1500 wedding giveaway!

That is right!! Want to win $1500 to use toward me as your wedding photographer? What do you have to do?
I am part of a great photography network site called Photographik.
They are conducting a contest to win $1500 toward the photographer of your choice. (me) 😉
All you have to do is go to www.photographik.org and in 500 words or less, tell your engagement story. They are looking for fun, creative or romantic stories. Once you write your story, upload a photo of the two of you and then tell all your friends and family to come and vote. The highest ratings win! Easy!!!!
So go now!! www.photographik.org

Deadline is December 1st.
Winner announced on December 15 th.

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Yes, I am a geek

So, last night I was on my way home from a shoot and I noticed that there was a ton of traffic in town. Once I got closer, I saw what everyone was slowing down for….
If you don’t already know, I live in Mount Joy and it is a very small town. So when something new opens or happens, it is a big deal.
Yes, Sonic is now open in Mount Joy! I am a geek. I did stop and shoot. But as you see, it wasn’t of just Sonic opening…they had some pretty hot cars in the drive in.
I did not stop to eat…they were only serving ice cream so far….
Honestly, I am excited. I have never been to Sonic and I know it isn’t the healthiest of choices, but guaranteed, I will be getting chili cheese tater tots…..

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Isabella at 10 months

Saturday, I headed back it Isabella’s for her 3rd shoot of her baby’s first year sessions. She is growing so fast and changing so much! She has really developed a sweet personality and is quite active! We stayed inside this time since it was so wet from raining the day before. But, she managed to get all over the house very quickly. Here are just a few…

Isabella’s Dad had her hand prints tattoed on his back. She loves to look at them.

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In my spare time…haha!

I find little things to amuse myself and others…..
I saw this on another photographers blog and thought I would do it…. it is quite funny. (and a little scary)
www.yearbookyourself.com

ETA: Liesa and Mark thought these were so funny, that I had to torture them too!!!
Hahahah!!!Me if I was around in 1966LiesaMark

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Nicole and Shaun…married

Holy Hannah! No lie! She came tearing in on Saturday and I thought it was going to be a complete wash out! Nicole and Shaun didn’t care one bit.
Liesa and I met Nicole and the girls at her house to get ready. I brought plenty of umbrellas! But, the rain was too bad to even try to attempt to shoot outside.
We ended up shooting in Nicole’s house which made for some fun shots of the girls. Once the limo showed up, we raced to the church to get set up. Nicole and Shaun were so cute during their ceremony, giggling constantly and there were a few choked back tears. Nicole almost couldn’t control her excitement before the first kiss!
We nixed all photos at the church so we could head to the Lancaster Country Club where we had almost the run of the place.
During the cocktail hour, Shaun’s Mom Katie, helped organize and place everyone since they had such large groups. She kept apologizing for taking control, but honestly, I appreciated it so much!!
I then snuck Nicole and Shaun around to photograph them alone. Then, the grand entrance to the reception began with blue and white pom poms right into their first dance. They had taken dance lessons for a while and it was beautiful!
Dinner was being served when all of a sudden, the sun came out. Nicole looked at me and asked if we could go out, but was worried about us eating. I said who cares about food, let’s go!! The winds were strong, but it was so worth it!! This totally made the day!! Then we heard shout from behind us and everyone was pointing to the sky. There, like the perfect end to the day was the biggest and brightest rainbow. What more could you ask for!!
Everyone then headed back in to eat and party. What an awesome day!!!
And now…..your show.

Reception Lancaster Country Club

Band Cruise Control

Cake Rosie’s Creative Cakes

Flowers All Things Beautiful

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Natalie and Emilie Part 2

I asked Natalie and Emilie to come back out on Wednesday night to shoot more for their senior session since we didn’t have too much time last week. I picked them up and we headed into the city for more of a relaxed shoot.

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Marina and Rich

I am not even sure where to start with Sunday’s wedding. My words are not eloquent enough to describe how I feel about Marina and Rich. Love doesn’t seem to be a strong enough word to describe these two. This day has to be one of the most perfect wedding days ever. Not because the weather was beautiful or the setting was amazing, but because these two are what love looks like to me.
Liesa and I shot their wedding since she came with me to NY to do Marina and Rich’s
engagement session. Right away, it was so comfortable like a group of old friends.
All the girls were in the Green room getting ready, but everything was very relaxed and Marina wanted to make sure everyone was fed, especially her Grandmother. This was a very diverse crowd since Marina’s family are all Russian. Granted, I didn’t know what was said most of the time, but I think I got it! Rich was in the house as well with the groomsmen, but he was playing Martha Stewart as one of the girls said, setting up all the last minute details. We did eventually get him getting ready.
Marina was breathtaking and so elegant which made photographing her so easy. I couldn’t take a bad shot if I tried!
This was the first time we had a ceremony at the new site at Cameron Estates. Wow! As if this day couldn’t get photographically better! I get goosebumps every time I look at the ceremony. ( I hope you do too!) There were tears and smile throughout.
Afterward, we grabbed a few family shots and then I was able to take just Rich and Marina around. They were up for anything again and left it all to me. I had to take a shot with the iphone again just to continue from the engagement session. Thanks for playing!
The reception was held in the main house and was very intimate. Only about 50 people. Toasts were given by their Fathers. Marina had to translate for hers. So cute!
After dinner, the first dance and cake, everyone headed out on the porch for more dancing. I had the chance to work with 2 of my favorite guys! Matthew from Occasions DJ’s and Joey from Big City Video. They are both incredible to work with!
In the end, Marina and Rich headed through the sea of sparklers and off to Aruba! You both are so wonderful and I wish you incredible love and joy!!! Have fun!
Here is your show…..

Ceremony and Reception : Cameron Estate

DJ: Occasions DJ

Wedding cake: House of Clarendon

Video: Big City Video

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