Steppin' back in time!

You know, I'd like to think I'm still in the young phase of life. I'm trying to convince my daughter that I too can sport skinny jeans and converse sneakers...I could pose as the "Jo Bros" older sister. In reality, I'm far from that phase. This senior took me back a few years because she was one of my 3rd grade students many years ago!


Molley hasn't changed a bit (and that's a compliment!). She is still as sweet as ever! Molley was one of the most responsible students I've had! She was mature then beyond her years!

Now, in her senior year, Molley has definite plans for her future. She's going to go to school to be a special education teacher. What a perfect fit for her! Anyone would be blessed to have her as a teacher!
Can't wait to get the rest of your studio shots soon! Thanks for asking me to do this. Tell the old crew that their former 3rd grade teacher would love to do their senior shots!

Trapped!

That title implies something negative, but I'd love to be trapped somewhere with the Trapp's! They are one awesome crew! You can tell a lot about a family during a shoot. (Sidenote: In case some recent clients are wondering, I've yet to have a family that sent off negative vibes).
I just love this shot of them laughing...it screams happy family with a great sense of humor!

Jake is the youngest Trapp. He's in the sixth grade. I loved the serious looks he gave the lens. The best part was it was all his personality...no forced grins...genuine spirit...genuine kiddo!


Julia is the older sis! Look at those CURLS! Really...makes me a little jealous...but they are beautiful! I was just getting her warmed up for those senior pictures in the not so distant future. Although, Shelley's been warming her up all her life! These kids know how to work the camera!


We had the best day for this shoot. The leaves were stunning and the kids had fun playing around in them (okay...big kid style!). Nonetheless, we had fun. Thanks to Barney and Shelley for inviting me into your world for a while on Sunday afternoon. You made a good day GREAT for me! I hope you enjoyed it too!

And then there were 3!

What a sweet, SWEET family I had the privilege to photograph yesterday! Matt and Laura are in love with that precious baby of theirs and understandably so! Jillian is every bit as adorable as her Aunt Melissa says she is!


Jillian is just about a week younger than my own baby girl. She's sitting up, scooting, & playing with just about ANYthing she can get her little hands on - in this case, the leaves!

Matt and Laura wanted a non-posing shoot and it was great! They played with Jillian and I snapped the shots. Every so often, we'd square up for a "look at Jodee" shot.

Our scenery was exquisite! I hope to be back there this weekend for another shoot while the leaves and trees look so gorgeous!


I love meeting new people and working with them to create some lasting treasures. This experience was no exception! I had a great time hanging with some great folks and I hope you'll allow me to do this again as Jillian grows through the years!

The Gang

I'm so excited to shoot senior portraits! The teenagers are so much fun to work with! This girl isn't quite a senior, but a beautiful high school student with an exceptionally beautiful spirit!

Shelby hit the streets with my three kiddos for a fun evening photo shoot. She helped me with my own brood so I could capture of picture of the sweeties all together (a challenging feat it is!).

Ally was wonderful! She took her big sis role seriously as she helped tote the babies and cooperated with her photographer mom. I told her that evening that I hoped the light shining above her head wouldn't keep her from sleeping. She looked at me bewildered and then piped up, "OH! My halo I'm wearing today!" Yep, some days they are angels, but EVERY day they are gifts that I treasure.

Shelby had fun goofing and posing with us. I'm so glad we finally got together. Between her schedule and ours, it was tough.
Shelby, you are a special girl to me!

Wedding Bells are Ringing!

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis! They tied the knot on Sweetest Day this past Saturday. I think I was more nervous about the wedding than the bride. I've never shot a wedding before...yikes, but John's sister Angie (my dear, DEAR friend) encouraged me to do it! They were wonderful and the day went so well for them!


It was beautiful outside on a day that had an original icky forecast. I'm glad we got outside for a few.

The couple have been together for 10 years so the family was so happy to see this day come! They wed at St. Brigids in Xenia and celebrated in Beavercreek.


Everything was beautiful...especially the bride! The red dresses were gorgeous. I loved the red accent on the decor. Stunning!



Thanks for allowing me to share this day with your family. Angie, you're the best! Best wishes Michelle and John!

Duane and His Girls...all FOUR of them!

Amy, aka my better half at Oakview Elementary, and her gorgeous family met me for a windy and chilly post illness photo session on Monday afternoon. They were all (minus lucky Duane) recovering from the icks, but these photos don't show it! Aren't they beautiful girls...all FOUR of them! That's a lot of ladies under one roof...especially in the coming years!
Amy and Duane have been sweethearts since they were kids. I know - awwwww....it's so sweet! They have the formula for a great marriage. Lots of love, attention, and three healthy distractions to keep them focused!

Madison is the oldest and in the third grade. She was awesome at the photo shoot! What a super big sis. She was so tired of smiling by the end because she kept grinnin' as we snapped away hoping to catch smiles from everyone at once.

Molly is the middle lady. She looks like her momma with that blonde hair. Molly started big ole' Kindergarten this year and I'm sure is doing great! Her mother IS a primary teacher after all!



Mallory, the birthday girl, just turned 3. She started preschool this year and I can only imagine she loves every minute of it.
All three girls are full of life, blessed with love, and have a wonderful road paved for them by Duane and Amy. What a great family! I'm so blessed to have Amy in my life!

Slam Dunk!

He's 6'6"...so it only makes sense that this Fairmont Senior is a basketball nut! Kevin has high aspirations for college ball and he's already receiving some bites for his talent! How exciting for him!!!



This was the first time I met Kevin and I was impressed. He's a great guy and was a lot of fun to shoot. His mom had explained that he wasn't into getting his picture taken (like most teenage guys), but Kevin played right along with me!

We did some studio shots, then ventured downtown for some casual pictures. Finally, we made our way up to the park so I could get some action shots. Nothing like having to perform for the camera!


Good luck, Kevin, as you rev up for the season!

Jammin' with Jackson

This little guy is so blessed to have Nikki and Jerry as his mom and dad! Look at those baby blues! I had a lot of fun strolling around Lebanon...well a small part of it...with this family.

You can't see her in any of the photos, but Nana is close by to help with wardrobe changes and smiles. I think all families should travel with a Nana!


Jackson turned a year old this past June and is on the move to discover what life has in store for him! I know Nikki can keep up because I've taught school with her and know of her magnificent talents with the little ones. But Jerry needs not be outshadowed - the songs flowed freely from those lips of his. Of course, they were to make Jackson smile. I have to wonder, though...is there a spot on the Wiggles opening up soon?
Thanks Nikki and Jerry! I hope we can have this adventure together again as Jackson grows up!

Double the Fun!

Another beautiful late afternoon spent at Cox Arboretum! I had a great time with not one, but TWO Philpot families! These two brothers and their families joined up to get some family photos taken for Christmas. They had never been to Cox Arboretum before, but if they ever go again hopefully Brandon will be able to find the parking lot and not just veer off the road into a his own parking space! ; )

Brian is the older brother (not by much I should add). His beautiful wife, Shelly, is one of those women who seems to do it all! Brian bragged about all the great things she somehow squeezes into her life along with being a mom to their boys, Joshua (a Kindergartner) and his little brother Jacob.

The cousins had a great time exploring Cox Arboretum. They saw fish, turtles, bugs...you name it!





Brian's brother, Brandon (Coach Philpot to the Waynesville folks) and his wife Meghan have a beautiful family too! Let me just say that these boys know how to pick their women! Meghan is also one of those girls who does IT ALL! Amazing!!! Their little girl Emma is a sweetheart! She's a second grader this year and was PERFECT for the photo shoot! Love those little models!


Kellen is the little brother in this crew and he did a great job! He enjoyed checking everything out! Love his "cheese" grin...ear to ear!



Thanks to the Philpots for sharing this time with me and all of my equipment (thanks for helping lug it around!). And special thanks to Meghan for organizing this - so glad the weather finally decided to cooperate! I had a great time with all eight of you! Proofs are coming soon!

A Fav!

This crew is one of my favorite families in life! The Swartz family is so special to our family. We've known Dave & Melody for years from our church and I have so much respect for my fellow mom of three. Melody is the kind of woman I strive to be...organized, dedicated, and no-nonsense....well - on the serious stuff at least. Now game playing and socializing is a different story!

Maddie is the oldest of their three children. I could fill this blog with so many great attributes about this girl. She's bright, articulate and one great soccer player! She's inherited her mom's competitive spirit and has the skill to match. I had a great time seeing her play in a recent tournament. Intense!


Nathan and Caleb are the younger siblings. Nathan is a 2nd grader and we have the distinct honor of teaching him in life group on Sundays. I can see a mix of mom and dad in him. What a great kid!

Rounding off the trio is Caleb...the young cute guy seen here. All I can say is FUTURE LADY KILLER! Watch out Dave and Mel!
Thanks for sharing this time with me at Cox Arboretum...it was fun working with you!