Last weekend, my son Jason graduated from Kings College and was commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corp. as an officer on the very same day.  Wow, what a weekend.  First the excitement of graduating from college.  Then within an  hour after graduation, he was met by a Captain in the U.S. Marines and was sworn in right on Kings College campus.  Jason had already completed his basic training last summer and will be attending Officer Training School starting in late June.  He went in as an officer because he feels he wants to lead.  The screening process the Marines use to look for officers does not come easy. 

We are proud to have him serve.  I am proud of him because he graduated college cum laude.  I will miss him terribly, but we all know that a child's time with us is only temporary.   He has bigger dreams.

With proud older sister Ashley.

Jason on right being sworn in by the Captain.

Jason getting his first salute from a Sergeant (enlisted).  He must salute Jason because he is an officer.

Close up of Jason in his uniform.  

donna

Friends:
May has been a bit busy and I have to apologize for not posting sooner. My son Jason graduated from college and accepted  his commission to the Marines.  More on that with photos coming!

Anyway, while editing a recent wedding, I came across a photo that just drew my eye back to it several times.  The more I looked at it, the more interesting it became.  The bride's name is "Nina" and was truly wonderful to work with.  Their was a moment where she put her head down and seemed to be gathering her thoughts.  I turned and saw this great moment and just had to capture it.  Its all about her day and it came together wonderfully.  She looks so beautiful and peaceful that I had to post this image.  So few brides take a moment to reflect upon months of planning.

Take care!
d

Friends:
I am sure that if you look back at your high school senior photograph, your impression of yourself will be less than positive.  Frankly, I hate mine!  At my school, we had to use the "contracted" photographer that the school hires.  It wasn't until I started traveling to do on location shoots all across the U.S. that I realized that their was a  huge market out there for high school senior portraits.  Almost all states (except Pennsylvania) allow high school students go to the photographer of their choice and submit a photograph to the yearbook for publication. 

So, a few years ago, I mentioned to a few of my clients that I would do "senior" photography.  Wow, what a break out!  Parents and seniors are realizing that they want a real photograph of their graduate of what they look like and not a stiff cap and gown.  They also have figured out that for the money, they can get far more at my studio PLUS way more personal attention.  Not being the 273rd student on the photographer's list in one day is something to think about!

I try to take my high school senior photography session a little deeper than most portrait sessions.  We do changes of clothing and different locations.  It is so cool and we have so much fun.  Why wouldn't you want a photograph of your graduate laughing, having fun and being themselves?

Below is a great example of a session a few weeks ago of high school senior Andrea Young.  You would never know that it was one of those really cold dreary mornings!  But, we made the best of it and the outcome was some terrific photographs to add to her memory collection.
Enjoy!

Every year, I have the honor of photographing many young boys and girls for their Holy Communion.  It is such a joy to see all these little folks all cleaned up and busting with excitement over the upcoming ceremony and party afterward.  Its like a mini wedding! 
I am posting a photograph taken last week of two of the most beautiful twin Chinese girls of which I have photographed since they arrived in this country at 8 months old.  Now, at the ripe age of 8, they are receiving one of their sacraments.... Holy Communion. 
Enjoy!

I sometimes think that when winter arrives, we all go into a "fog" so to speak.  Day in and day out we go to work and not think about our surroundings.  We run into the office, run into the market, out to the car and try to get enough motivation to walk as much as possible.  It isn't until spring of every year that I notice a change not only in my spirit, but others as well.  I think spring makes us feel like we are starting fresh all over again for some reason.  A new beginning. 
Outside of my studio there is a wonderful cherry tree that blossoms in the middle of April.  When it does, it takes my breath away at it's beauty.  It just brings me such a sense of calmness to look at this great beauty.  The blooms only last for about a week or so.  Breathtaking is a word that comes close. 
I usually don't blog on trees and you may think it a bit odd.  But I think that sometimes you have to look around for the beauty in everyday life.  A few years ago I attended a convention during the blooming of this tree and missed it completely.  I found myself bummed when I got back.  Silly huh?  It makes me think that it is and always is the little things that count in life.  When this tree blooms every spring, I am reminded of that.  True joy for just a week.  What is your true joy that will make you happy this week?

Dear Friends;
I just returned from a week away in Cape Cod.  No, it wasn't a vacation.  Being in this business requires continuing education.  Many photographers feel that they learn the trade and never have to move forward.  I, on the other hand, feel that one is never to old to learn new tricks.  Whether it is camera related or lighting or computer, you have to stay on top of your game.  So, off I was in Cape Cod at the New England Institute for Professional Photographers for a week long course on refining some cool digital tricks.  Every minute of the five days I was there was sucked up by learning leaving basically no room for just plain rest.  However, I did manage to squeeze out about a half hour to go outside the classroom to the local town to check out some of the cool surroundings.  Geez, I could have spent days just photographing the great things!

Anyway, here are just two cool things that I came upon.  I always believe that each photo should tell a story.  Old buildings and old wagons could hold many stories.  Enjoy!

Way cool!
d

Okay friends, I have to admit I am a "Hillary' fan.  When it comes to who has the most experience in this tremendous job interview, I have to admit it is her.  Last night Hillary came to Fairless Hills to speak for about 30 minutes.  I grabbed my daughter Ashley and we went over to the old U.S. Steel sight in Morrisville.  She and Gov. Rendell arrived about 7:30 and the crowd was on fire!  Ashley and I got a front row spot because we were there early.  (As in really early!)  This is the second time I have seen her in person.  Years ago, when I worked as a newspaper photographer, she was stomping for her no child left behind program with Tipper Gore.  Even then, when I listened to her, I thought she had star power.

The warehouse was packed with Hillary followers, groupies, supporters, senior citizens, labor workers and just folks who wanted to perhaps see the next president of the United States.  The only thing that was a bit disappointing was folks who brought children.  Hillary needs votes to win this.  The more adults in the room, the better.  I really think that unless you are of voting age or close to it, by a few years, then you should be home in your pajamas. 

A few shots that I took.  Soooo many to choose from!

Hillary and the Gov of PA

At the end of her speech, she made her usual rounds signing signs, books or whatever.  I told my daughter to write something on her sign to grab her attention.  She wrote, "This village supports you!"  When Hillary came out, she pointed to Ashley's sign and gave her a thumbs up!  Way cool.  Then, after she came down the line shaking hands, she stopped at Ashley's sign and said, "Now that's a cool sign!"  She allowed me to take a photograph of her and Ashley (see below).  My daughter was now floating instead of standing!
Enjoy!

Just a small amount of press!



The crowd.

Ashley and Hillary after Hillary signed Ashley's poster. 

So thats about it!  Stay well and stay tuned!
Donna

Hey Gang!

In the past two weeks I have had to go to some recent website which represented some local business folks.  Yikes!  Their photographs looked a bit old!

Okay, so this was not one of them!  But as a photographer, this is what I equate this to!  This led me to offer from March 15th through March 30 the "Business Person Special".  Thats right.  Get your finest outfit out and call the studio.  Normally, we charge $125 for the session and for your first copyright free image is $200.  (A copyright free image means you can do whatever you want with it and not have to worry about getting asked if you are allowed to reproduce this image.  We give you the image on a CD).

From March 15th through March 30th, if you come to the studio (with an appointment), I will photograph you and drop the price of your first image to only $100!.  Each additional image after that is only $25!  This is a huge savings!

So, here are the clear indications you need a new head shot photograph:

1.  Your hair is bigger than your head.

2.  You have hair in your first photo and you have 25 percent less hair now.

3.  Your photograph is more than two years old.

4.  You had all your teeth and now you don't.

5.  You thought that image taken by that "other" photographer was "groovy".

6.  You were 30 pounds lighter and are hoping to be there again soon.  (Uh huh!)

7 through 10.  People look perplexed when they see you in person.  Why?  They have no clue who you are based on your web photo.

Thats about it!

Call the studio quickly to arrange for your appointment.  We will walk you through what not to wear!

Donna    

Hey Friends!

March is here!  What does that mean?  Well, I always like to think that March 1st is the winter turning point.  January and February are always those months where you kinda hate to venture outside the house because of the bitter cold.  Over the past few years though, we have had quite a few snow storms around the first week of March.  This year, not so. 
Things I like about March:
1.  People seem to be in better moods.
2.  Weather, weather, weather.  Let me repeat... weather is better.
3.  Philadelphia Flower Show
4.  Restaurant Week in Philadelphia
5.  My daughter's birthday (brings back lots of great memories)
6.  Spring break.  My son is home (for the last time.  He is a senior.)
7.  Did I say weather?  Oh yea...... great walks.

Thats about it. 

On that note, I took a few hours off and went to the Philadelphia Flower Show with my friend Michele Corbman.  It was a relatively warm day and we walked from her studio to the Flower Show.  I brought my point and shoot Canon G-9 camera just in case I saw something cool.  I have to be honest friends, I was not impressed with this year's s how.  Just because the theme was New Orleans, didn't mean that every other exhibit had to have some sort of musical instrument with water squirting out of it.  I had absolutely no desire to take one photograph!  However, I am posting a "forced" photo I took just for the blog.
The crowds were not at their heaviest because we went after 3:00.  However, we had to work our way around many strollers. 

Here is my one photo.  Not a great one.  But I felt i should show you a breath of "spring"!
Enjoy.
d

Friends:
All brides (and grooms) look stunning on their wedding day.  Here is a clear example of just that.  Allison and Nicholas were married this weekend in Delaware with a beautiful reception at the Hotel Dupont in Delaware.  I love old Hollywood photographs.  Allison looked so glamorous.  You have to agree that she is quite stunning.  Her and Nicholas make a wonderful couple and there were very few times during the day that their smile wasn't making the room brighter.

Who can argue with this?
Donna