CATCH ME IF YOU CAN . . .

Trying to keep up with your cousins! Funny that they are all running for the lifeguard! Two families came from Canada and one son from Texas and we met at Compo Beach with the grandparents. We played in the sand and splashed in the water. A fun time was had by all.

SWIMMING AGAIN

When I was a teenager, my dad was tired of me hanging out and reading all summer, so he offered me $25 to join the swim team. Changed my life! I became part of a community of kids, learned to swim better and by the end of the summer, I got the most improved swimmer award. Those are some great memories, working hard at swim practice, swim meets, hanging out and playing cards with the life guards on rainy days. So last week, I got my hand pass for Longshore pool, and now I go twice a week and swim laps and feel the breeze and hear the water lapping, and I am so happy . . .

SHERWOOD ISLAND SILHOUETTES

After these intensely hot days, I was so ready to go jump in the water somewhere! So we went down to Sherwood Island. There were huge clouds hovering over head, looking a bit threatening. Because of the way the light was showing up, light blue sky ahead and dark clouds behind, all the swimmers and waders were in silhouette. Quite lovely in color, but also in B&W.

SIX-SPOTTED TIGER BEETLE

The other day, a friend could not meet me for a walk in Devil’s Den. In the past, I might have just canceled the walk, but I knew that I needed to be among trees and green, growing things. It was warm, but cooler among the trees. So, as I am walking along, surrounded by the ever-familiar browns and greens of the forest, I see this bright, iridescent hint of color. So small, but so striking! I stop to ponder this brilliant beetle, very busy in his wanderings. I think he looks like a movie camera! He made me pause, which often happens when I am out in nature, at what a little miracle this colorful, complicated beetle was. And how great to be struck by awe! When I was home, I wasn’t sure I could find out what kind of beetle he was, but I looked up green beetles and there it was, in A-Z Animals, “Discover 10 Types of Green Beetles!” And there he was, #8 on the hit parade, the six-spotted tiger beetle. He made my day!

KIDS SO PROUD

I always so enjoy working with AJLA (Adam J. Lewis Academy) in Bridgeport. The kids are so excited about what they are learning and eager to share that with their parents. I photographed their Open House last week and I was so impressed. First there was a parade and the younger grades had made a huge dragon and another class all the kids made marine creatures. The kids had been studying the environment, marine creatures, colonial times, art and geography. The second graders had even published a book so now they are published authors!

FAMILY IN CENTRAL PARK

A family I had met at a wedding two years ago wanted to do a photo session in Central Park. We had agreed to meet near the Museum of Natural History and then walk around the park. On my drive in, I heard on the news that the Japanese Parade was happening that very day and that it would be starting near the Museum of Natural History! Boy was I surprised. Luckily it was starting when our session was ending! Phew!!! This family has 4 adorable kids and the mom had come up with great outfits for them as well. They played on the playground, made bubbles with cool bubble machines and climbed on the rocks. Such a fun session!

PUPPY PLAYTIME

How fun to have a sweet dog with a lovely couple! They moved here from San Francisco and found a beautiful home in Southport. They were up for fun and lots of love for their cute dog!

SKI WEEKEND IN VERMONT

I love photographing families in their happy place. This fun family with a young baby was up for the weekend at the Heritage Club, Vermont. They ski there throughout the winter. It was fun to capture them playing in the snow and inside when they warmed up!

DOG DAY IN CENTRAL PARK

Love my dog sessions! There is such a bond between owners and their pets. Andy and her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Koa, met Courtney and I at the Bethesda Fountain, Central Park. They won my session at the Good Dog Foundation Gala in NYC. Koa is an amazing, mellow dog that stayed with his owner, off leash, throughout the entire session! Andy adores Koa and they are so in sync. She also has a Koa-inspired barkery that makes healthy dog treats and a dog fashion boutique that makes bow ties, bows, bandanas and more. Koa was modeling his bow tie during our session. Check out their website: www.koasrufflife.com

NANTUCKET FAMILY

So fun to spend a day photographing this great extended family in the summer on Nantucket. They swam and built an amazing giant sandcastle, had a picnic & went to a concert at the local park and out for ice cream after. I could capture lots of special moments.

SCONSET MEANDERINGS

A mother and daughter who visit Nantucket regularly wanted to have pictures while they explored together. We spent time on the Sconset Bluff Walk, by Sankaty Head Lighthouse and on the beach. We all had so much fun!

STAYING STILL

While on Nantucket this summer, we were introduced to a new beach, Steps Beach. You come out of this leafy passageway and look out over this diverse hillside with wooden pathways, sandy dunes and aquamarine water. I had taken a walk in the morning of our last day on island. I was thinking about swimming, but decided instead to just sit on the beach and watch life go by. Best decision ever. I had forgotten how much happens when I just stop and pay attention. A woman in a turquoise bathing suit and straw fedora came down to swim. She swam a long way out and then met up with another swimmer who she joined and they swam together. Do they do that every day? The seagulls were flying overhead along with a random helicopter, the ferry appeared and headed in past the jetty, a couple walked by me holding hands. The cloud formations were striking, one looking like a lady striding across the sky in a flowing dress. For a quiet beach, there was a lot going on.

NOT-SO SLEEPING BEAUTY

When I headed up to the Ridgefield School of Dance, I expected to do a quick shoot of the lead ballerina for their upcoming Sleeping Beauty performance. But as happens often in my business, my shoots evolve when I arrive. The ballerina had a beautiful tutu intricately embroidered and was so accomplished. So I did the traditional shots of her in position and then leaping. But then we decided to try some fun shots with props. The owner of the school had roses, tulle, plastic and little tutus. My shoot became an adventure, playing off the new materials, getting in the flow.

Bar Mitzvah Beginning

I love the story that happens at bar mitzvahs. There is this undercurrent of excitement, with the anticipation of the bar mitzvah boy's reading and the support and love of the family. There are precious moments like the brother locking arms with his sister and waltzing in together. Or the uncle picking up the brother and holding him upside down. The beautiful strips of red light added a spiritual quality, which seemed fitting for the occasion. And since the bar mitzvah boy is into theater, his jump outside was just a preview of what was to come at the party later.

PAMPELA

This is a family I have photographed for a couple years. This year, the littlest one, kept calling me Pampela, which totally made my day. We played outside running and swinging and then came inside at the end. After talking with the mom, I looked back and the grandmother was reading to the kids in the beautiful light. And then the son, who had disappeared, came back with a camera made of construction paper and took my picture! I never know what will happen on my shoots, but love all the surprises that come, totally unexpected. They are gifts!

Birthday Shoot

On my birthday this year, I had the opportunity to shoot in the morning. An extended family was coming together from all over: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California and just down the road in Fairfield. The cousins had so much fun being together and the whole family played and laughed and so it was the best way to start my birthday!

Zen Baby

Had a fun shoot with an exceptional baby. This baby looked at the camera, paid attention to mom and dad, smiled occasionally, did not cry once and fell asleep at the end of the shoot. Even his older brother was very low key and also happy. It was a magical shoot. The baby reminds me of a little man, with all his little expressions. Very animated for a baby. That is why he is the Zen Baby!