Polo Cornell vs Darlington

Cornell vs Darlington | Darlington PA

The Railroaders Daughter

My Niece, The Railroaders Daughter

Jay Maisel says 'that in order to take better photographs you have to become a better person'.  That's a pretty powerful statement.  One that bears more than just a passing thought.

It's the opening of your heart that allows you to drink fully of the human experience.  We are given opportunities daily to expand our views.  Choices to harden or soften our focus and understanding.  We can acknowledge or embrace the views of others.  We can share in the miraculous experiences of life.

We can open up our hearts to other people and we can let them into to our hearts.  Let them see who we really are.  Not hide ourselves away in fear that if we let people in that we somehow we will not be enough.  That we will show everything and be found lacking.

For me the word "Namaste" is such a beautiful one word mantra that helps me on my path.  It means "the spirit in me acknowledges the spirit in you".   It reminds me that all creatures deserve respect. That we were created in love...and in love we must walk.

What about you...do you have a mantra that reminds you to stop and breathe and acknowledge?

Serendipity at Kemland

Serendipity at Kemland Farm

Surprises wait just over the horizon.   I was waiting for the Combine to make another pass at Kemland Farm in Volant, PA this past Sunday so I could get a picture of the sun setting over the back of the machine and floating into view comes this ballon.  At first I felt a stab of jealousy, for what a wonderful evening to be floating in the clouds.  Then I was thankful as they came lower and closer to be given the opportunity to take this shot.  Serendipity is a photographers best friend.

Skywatch Friday around the World.

Being Authentic

I could spend hours sitting in pasture fields.  | Equestrian Lifestyle Photgrapher

I've have tried to stick with some sort of format for posting...with no success.  Upon giving a little thought as to why that is, a conclusion has been reached.  I didn't feel that this blog was an accurate representation of who I've become.  It stopped feeling authentic to me.

That's a problem...obviously.

What does feel authentic is being able to write and share photography as I feel inspired to do so.  Whether that is a photograph made for a personal project, a street photography shot, or something for a client.   It makes no difference.  It moved me in some way and if it moves me, if it fires the muse, I want to share it.

Solution...

I'm bringing this blog back into focus.  Focus on me.  My journey as a human being, as a artist, as a lover of life.  The images that I will post here will be the images I love.  The ones that move me.  That inspire me to dig deeper...make better images.  The ones that make me laugh, cry and think.

If your interested in seeing more of my work you will be able to check out both personal projects and work for clients on my website.  I have Galleries and I will be building Portfolios as well.

Milestones

Jordan and Haper | Newborn Photography Session | New Wilmington, PA

I always feel honored when asked to photograph a significant moment of someones life.  The opportunity to ask through my lens..."Who are you?" and "Where are you going?".  The chance to capture the most authentic aspects of a relationship.

The above image is the epitome of the relationship between Jordan and his newborn sister Harper.  A soft tender moment between siblings that will forever stand as a testament of Jordan's love for Harper.  Of how happy he is to have her in his life.

I hope that I have many more opportunities to photograph this little girl as she grows.  But I think that this image will always mark a major milestone in my creative journey.  That sometimes.. when something is at it's most challenging.  That God intervenes and things come together.  That the opportunity to capture a truly beautiful portrait will come.  The subject will show you his heart.  Hard work and the anxiety will bear fruit.  Your vision will manifest into something greater than you anticipated and your client will have an image that will portray some of the miracle of life.  And that some part of themselves that is hidden from the rest of the world will be revealed.

I believe that great images come from somewhere else...somewhere outside of artist.  Gabrielle Boiselle who I had the great honor of shooting with last June said that "great images come not from the artist....but from God".  I have to believe that as well.

Blue Skies Forever

Fishing on the bass pond.

I love water shots.  They are great opportunities to let your eye roam around and see the image within the image.  Thanks to Skywatch Friday

The Shadow Side, New Wilmington PA Pet Photographer

Clarice, Irish Jack Russell Terrier

Amazing light can happen anywhere.  This photo was taken on the floor of my office.  I love shooting from the shadow side...not just for dogs but people too.

Autumn Visit To The Woods

Autumn Visit To The Woods

Something so incredible happens when I head out into the tiny patch of woods that is left on the farm.  It always feels as if I could walk and sit and think forever here.  Sometimes I go without my camera just to take the opportunity to soak in my surroundings to sit and view this marvelous bit of creation without having to do any actually creating myself.

On the walk back to the house I have simultaneous conflicting emotions.  Sad...that I can not morph into an animal and live my life scurrying up and down the oaks, burying acorns and getting ready to hibernate for the winter.  Happy...that my muse has lead me to just where I needed to go to recharge my creative energy and enjoy the creation of higher power.

Peace be with you.

New Wilmington PA Senior Session

Maryah DeTiberiis, Senior Portrait, Wilmington Area School District, Class of 2012

One of the things I love about being a Photographer is the opportunity that I have to meet a variety of people.  Finding out what they love and how they like to spend free time so that we can brainstorm a great session.  Talking and getting to know them gives me the opportunity to learn, not only about them but to learn more about myself.  To view the world through their eyes.  What an incredible gift that is.  With Senior Portraits I also get a look into our future by meeting the individuals who are going to be shaping our world in the near future.

As you can see from the wonderful light and color on this photograph of Maryah we are in the midst of Fall in Western Pennsylvania.  If you would like to book either a Lifestyle or Senior Session with me and take advantage of the wonderful foliage I still have a couple of dates available.

Maryah, you are a beautiful young woman.  I am so honored to have been given the opportunity to photograph you at this stage in your life.  I can not wait to see how the world unfolds for you! 

P.S. Please don't forget to get me that French phrase....I see the need to be able to mutter it to myself when I find my mind straying from my work....and I believe it will sound so much more chic in French!