Ross.. Never forgotten.

One of the perks of being a Senior photographer is meeting the beautiful souls that are yet to bloom. The excited stories of what they believe their future holds, and keeping intouch with them to see those dreams come to reality. It's even better when you can relate to your clients on a personal level. When you find the things you have in common, and a firendship grows from the working relationship.

I'll never forget getting a late night text from Ross Thatcher, telling me he was going to Rothbury. I, not knowing what it was assumed it was a college of some sort and I said, "That's awesome, Ross! What are you going for?" (I, stupidly, talking about a major!) and he replied, "Well, for the music!" He then asked if I planned on going and then it clicked that he was not talking about a college, he was asking if he would get to enjoy some good music with me! We had alot of bantering about music from that day forward (He was the first person to share Umphrey's McGee with me) and some funny correspondence via text message from then on.

That was just Ross. I think he found it to be his total nature to make people smile or laugh. We hit it off really well during his shoot, even though I think Sue, his mom, would have liked to see me more serious, but it was impossible to not have fun when Ross was around.

Why am I blogging about Ross, a Senior of mine from 2009? Because he was sadly killed this morning in a car accident. This is the first time I have ever had this happen with any of my Seniors, and I hope to never have it happen again. In his honor I would like to share some of his pictures from his session, and show you all what a lively and fun guy Ross was. You will never be forgotten, Ross!
(My favorite image from his entire session!)






Rest easy.
May the four winds carry you home.

Danika

This is personal post, and I am asking for your help.

I have a friend named Deb Gottschalk. I met her when I was fresh out of college and working for the local newspaper as a Graphic Designer. I recall one of my very first days there that Deb seemed to be one of those people who would probably give you a great big hug if you needed one. She is kind, and funny and could put a smile on your face in 10 seconds flat. She is one of those people you want to be friends with because you know that she would be there for you no matter what.

I left that job and we lost touch for a few years. The joy of Facebook reunited us, and at a great time too, because I was to find out that my dad had cancer soon and would need a friend like Deb. Deb would be an alli in this war of cancer I was going through with my father. Deb's situation with her own father was similar,and she helped me understand what was going on and helped me through some of the hardest things I ever had to face and prepared me for the things I would soon fear. I treasure the honesty she gave me at that time. I could never repay that.

Today, I need to try to pay on a bit of that debt, though it will never be reapid, I still feel the need to lift her up as she goes through a very dark time. You see, Deb is a proud Grandma. She bathes her Grandkids in love, and she will talk about them with joy in her words. She is the Grandma who you want to have. You know, she spoils her grandkids rotten. But soon she will face losing one of her beloved Grandbabies. I cannot imagine the pain she is going through, or her daughter's pain of losing a child. It is not something I ever want to think about. But this is real to them.



Please donate to Danika's benefit on May 12. Please share this video on your own blog, facebook, or in an email. Please raise awareness for SMA, so that other children like Danika may have a new chance. If you are a business, offer up a gift certificate or some kind of service to help this family. Please count your blessings and realize that even though you may not be going through this kind of pain personally, someone like Deb and her family are. Please give for Danika.

Cora 3 Months

I've personally had a very.. well... hectic few weeks. So it was a joy to get to snuggle on some little Miss Cora for a while and let those anxieties melt away! She has really grown since I seen her for her Newborn shoot, but she is still such a sweet and lovey baby.



She had alot of smiles for me, but the best smiles are always reserved for a mommy with tickles for her baby.. I am in love with Cora's dimple!



This is her model pose for this shoot ;)



The next 3 images are my favorite from the whole shoot :) LOVE!





BABY CHEEKERS!



Big sister Ruby had to get in on the fun. She was my helper all the while.. I hope you had as much fun playing as I did, Ruby! Who says headbands can't also be for legs and necks? ;)



Cora is sporting some fabulous knits from Queen Bea Accessories . And you can see some very beautiful do-it-yourself ideas from Cora's mom, Meghan at her blog . She also made some goodies for Cora's shoot!

Trey.

Trey was the last Senior I scheduled for the 2012 class. It's always bittersweet for me, when my Senior season winds down. So I used this opportunity with Trey to start to fine tune some ideas I have in my crazy head.

Trey was a good sport :)









Thank you, Trey! Enjoy your Senior year!

Cora & Newborn sessions with Stephanie Schweller

There are many things that I feel confident about. I am confident that chocolate is a drug, that I cannot help but dance when I hear good music, and that Johnny Depp is in charge of the sexiest part of heaven on Earth. There is one more thing I am sure of; Stephanie Schweller is an awesome person to have around if you need to shoot a newborn session.



I always count on Stephanie when I need to do a newborn session. For two very good reasons. One: She IS THEEE best. And TWO: It is never safe to do a newborn session alone. Ever. NO MATTER WHAT. I don't care how camera-toting ninja you think you are, you should never ever leave a newborn baby without a set of hands on or near. And if you don't think so, imagine having to tell a parent you injured their brand new baby while trying to pose them. I bet you will have an assistant, or if you are a parent, you will ask if there will be a second set of hands available.

Meet Cora. She is the cutest, squishiest, and most sleepy baby I have ever had contact with. She only opened her eyes for a few moments during her session,and gave us BIG SMILES when they were open! How perfect is that?



Then she totally entranced us with her model face, watch this:



The best part about having two photographers present is how versatile the session becomes. I love looking at Steph's perspective when I edited. She rocks this, all the time, everyday. I think we make an excellent team!









Here are some of my very favorites from Cora's Kick to Coo's session..













Thank you, Little Cora, for being so fantastic! I am so glad to get to watch you grow in your first year and beyond!

You can also get a Newborn Session with [every day. photography] by Stephanie Schweller and Jamie Temple Photography by setting up an appointment with either of us. Just mention you would like both of us shooting and we will get it scheduled.

Bob.

Bob met me for a fall Senior Session. The colors were gorgeous! We had a great time and were able to get some great shots. Thank you, Bob!

ericka.

I was really excited for Ericka's session because of all of the rich fall colors that had presented itself. The foilage,in combonation with Erika's beauty personality and style, really made for a spectactular shoot.









Thank you, Ericka! Have a wonderful Senior year!