Textures and Actions...Oh my! {processing}

I have not played too much with Photoshop actions and/or textures. I love the look, but find I never use them when processing my own photos. Today however, I had some time, and a new set of photos I snapped at a wedding this weekend that I knew without a doubt needed the touch an action set from the AMAZING-ly talented Annie Manning with Paint the Moon Photography.

Not only were they easy to use, they gave my photos the look I always see and love, but never attempt myself. For fear of not getting it, "just so"

I'm hooked, I'm in love, and I want MORE! I think I will have to start implementing this fun technique in my sessions, and I cannot wait to play some more. I have the PERFECT session coming up this weekend....I'm not sure I can contain my excitement after this.....

This boy stole my heart with one bat of the eyes. Is he NOT the cutest thing you've seen sporting a velvet jacket and fedora.



I love when a wedding client is a friend. The girls came with me, and Kaci even used my second camera to take a few of her own photos. I'll post a few of the budding photographers favorites later. Apparently she LEFT her (my) camera at the venue...luckily I have great friends who quickly scooped it up and have it safely awaiting our arrival.


And finally....alittle lemon and honey to sweeten the tea. Even the action names are cute!

If you're patient....you just might find her. {personal}

There are some people in your life that you just think will always be there. No matter what....

My mom did child care in our home the whole time I was growing up. When I was 5 she started babysitting a girl just my age, with the most fiery red hair I have ever seen. Her name was Karen B. I cant remember anything back then other than we were best friends. We had countless sleepovers, and I told her everything. We went to the same school until 5th grade when we moved, I think at that point the "babysitting" wasn't happening anymore, and she was just at our house anyways.

Fast forward all the way through school, we always stayed in contact. I missed her for a few years during those times apart in grade school, but we quickly picked up right where we left off.

At one point during High School, when I decided to go Rogue and "experience" HS on my own, with a new set of friends, and breaking all the rules, we had our time apart, but just like grade school, we quickly picked up right where we left off.

I visited Karen in college and we still stayed friends. We even had our first babies just one month apart. We tried as much as we could to get our kids together as babies and document their little play dates. She was even one of the two bridesmaids at my wedding (yes, I was married....for a bit)

Karen and I even kept in touch when I packed my bags and lived in North Carolina for 6 years during that marriage. I visiting her cute little apartments when I'd come home to visit, and we'd always send photos of the growing kids.

My last visit with Karen is hard to remember. It seems to be that I can remember vivid details of so much of my life, but for a few brief years. Fortunately these are the same years when life was real tough, and quite possibly I don't NEED to remember it much.

When I finally moved back to Oregon in 2002, one of the first phone calls was to Karen. I didn't' get her, but her Ex, who promised me he's give her the message and tell her I was looking to get reconnected.

Her return call never came......

At this point you have to wander if you should start to take things personally, but after so many years you want to think it's only a lack of communication, right??

I tried one more time to reach her, Pats number being the only one I had, made things difficult. My next try, he had moved and I had hit a brick wall in my search for my friend.

On a daily basis for awhile, Karen was on my mind. I though of her fondly and hoped she was well. I wished I could see those cute red head kids grow up, and have my kids know her as well.

In this day and age with computers and facebook, I figured this would be an easy task. I find people all the time, and the one's you want to stay hidden, they pop up way too often!

To not bore you with all the details, I searched for years. Every so often just checking to see if she finally got a facebook, or had added any info on a reunion site, but nothing. It's like she literally disappeared.

I never gave up, in fact I do believe this is the one and only time in my life I've been patient. I want instant gratification, like most people this day and age.

This past Monday I tried again. no facebook....again, but hmmmmm.....lets try her little brother. BINGO! I found him....now to get a response out of him. Will he remember me?? I had to try.

After a few messages back and forth, I finally had Karens number in my hands. Like a silly nervous teenager, I quickly dialed the number before I lost my nerve. DOhhhhhh! Answering machine....Ok, leave a cute little message. Done.


About an hour later, my phone rings. That silly smile is smeared across my face as I answer it, in hopes that maybe I found her.

Yesterday was a good day. After 8 years, and many life changes. Divorce, a few more children and two career changes, we picked up right where we left off. Like no time has passed, we laughed until my jaw literally hurt. We had so much to talk about we probably could have talked for 3 more hours, but we'll save those talks for in person.

I looked though a few old photos last night and I'm sure she'll kill me for posting a few of these, but they are too great NOT to share. I wish I could find the one's from our 5 year old days, now that would be funny.

Karen, I've missed you. You know everything. I don't need to explain anything, cause you where there for the years that made me...me. You know the reasons why when I tell you I'm afraid to start new relationships, or why I mess up as a parent. We don't have to explain anything to each other, and even when she doesn't' agree with me, she'll love me anyways.

I can't wait to see her. There will be so much more to talk about then, and document. I'm not sure when it will happen, but I do know soon. I can't wait another 8 years.

This was Karen in middle school...I know this because of the bangs....I think she (we) went through an entire bottle a week.

Karen and Jacob from my wedding. (and no, I did NOT take this picture)

One of our last visits with each other. At lest she got one red head baby!

And just because they are too cute not to post....Little Taylor and Mia.

What would the world do with out sisters...{personal}

When I was young I always wanted sisters. I was the only girl in my family of three children, and as many teen girls anyways feel, NO ONE UNDERSTOOD ME!

I wished I had someone to tell secrets too, someone to get fashion advice from, or someone to tell me all the secrets I needed to know to have a "normal" youth, when it came to boys. This unfortunately is something I was not blessed with.

At my next stage of life I wished for girls, baby girls, two in fact. They were going to be best friends who got along ridiculously well, tell each other everything and look as sweet as ever in their matching outfits.

What on earth was I thinking...I did get the two girls, but best friends is not what I have. They are complete opposites. Both unique and fun in their own ways. Through what used to be the source of constant heart break for me, something at one point in my life, I wasn't sure I would actually live through, I inherited two "other" girls.

Taylors father graced with world with a "few" children. Taylor being the oldest, she also has two younger sisters, and now a brother, from her father.

In the beginning, it was hard. There were two other girls with his same eyes, and in your face similarities to my baby. I could look into their tiny faces as see more of "him" in them then I could see in my own daughter. (Now this is a blessing, I will admit, that she resembles me more than him)

I will tell you that it was a tough year. What I came to realize is that these same tiny faces, that resembled "him" didn't ask to be here, they didn't ask to be put in the middle of a mess, and what's "normal" these days anyway?

So, my oldest daughter now has three sisters, two of which don't live with us, and a brother she's never met, but technically, these three children are as much a part of her as Kaci, and should not be treated any less.

We are not perfect about the visits, but try often to see them. They are two of the sweetest kids you'll meet, and they both absolutely, undoubtedly love their sister.

I received a call a few weeks ago from Breyanna, the older of the two. She's six, missing most of her teeth, and in the sweetest heartbreaking voice says this...

"Um, Tambi....I miss my sister, and I have the calendar in front of me with a few dates picked out. I'm wandering if you can find time to come see me in the next month or two?"

What kind of a S*&%$ would I be if I didn't pick the soonest date, rearrange a few plans and go see these two??

We spent a little over 24 hours with the girls, and while it doesn't seem like a lot, it was a jam packed 24 hours. Breyanna asked for something for when she misses her sister. What better than a video, where those far away seem closer than they are, and at times if you close you eyes real tight, it might even feel like they are right there. That a hug can happen at any minute and you can literally hear that giggly little laugh.

Video

So, after 5 years of loving two little beings, and having those tiny little things crawl up on my lap and snuggle themselves to sleep, all of the hurt just melts away. It doesn't matter anymore that I didn't end up with the "normal" family I thought I needed. All that matters is letting a bunch of silly, energetic, crazy girls; some with the same feet, or the same color eyes, or the same silly laughs be sisters, no matter what. To love each other and know that it's OK.

My hope is that one day, when they are older and close, despite the distance that they grew up from each other, that the secrets will be told, the fashion advice will be given and that Taylor will feel some connection to her other half. While it's a joy to be a part of their lives, and let them into ours, 24 hours is sometimes enough for me to remember that possibly I'm out of practice. More than possibly, I AM out of practice. The car seats and multiple trips to the bathroom, the constant hunger and naps that need to happen. I'm used to my flighty lifestyle where I can, at the drop of a hat, do what I want, when I want, where I want, and how I want.

But for 24 hours, or maybe a week, we'll give all of that up for a big ol' Breyanna/ Zoe hug!

Little Miss Popluarity {portraits}

Ever since Kaci got her hair died you'd think he had become a star. There was a rush of girls the flew into her homeroom class Monday morning to see what all the fuss was about, and accusations like "Your only playing with her now cause she has cool hair" My little fashion-ista almost started a riot in the halls with her perfectly quaff hair and bright shade of red.

I don't think she knew what to do with all of the attention, as she is not your typical attention hog. She leaves that duty to her unbelievably, in your face, theatrical sister. I told her to enjoy it and just remember who your friends are. She needed the boost...lately she's had a rough time.

Kaci doesn't make friends easily. She's a tom boy, but now at an age that if you play with a boy you must want to marry him. The girls either think she's weird, for her "unique" fashion trends, or she doesn't want to hang out with them for the drama and the constant chatter about "who likes who"

I love it that at 10 she has her head on straight and possibly we won't have the same issues as with Taylor. Taylor's whole life revolves around who she wants to date, who wants to date her, or who her friends like. It's exhausting.

In second grade a new family moved into the school. This school is unlike others in that you had to get in on lottery and hardly EVER does one of the "golden spots" open up in any grade other than kindergarten. Once your in, your in, and families rarely leave.

The family had a boy and girl, both in my kids classes. Every year there seems to be one particular child that your child has tough time with. Well, unfortunately for Kaci this family, or rather, this families sweet girl was it for her. I always tell her to give people a chance, they might surprise you when you get to know them. As I mentioned before...she's a stubborn child and this was not what she wanted to hear.

Over the next few years Kaci and Vanessa stayed away form each other. The small complaints, of " I just think she doesn't like me" or "She's a girly-girl Mom" started to become fewer and I started to notice that they two girls were finding some similarities this past year.

Both avid crafters, they worked on several projects together and Kaci started to discover that Vanessa was either not the girly-girl she had previously thought, or maybe V was just coming into her own. Whatever is what....they have found each other.

Kaci came home from school the other day, talking about Vanessa. They've spent allot of time together over the last few months with trips to the library after school and had one play date last week.

Now, what I'm about to tell you has to be kept in complete secrecy. but it's just too cute not to share. Kaci says she has a new best friend! Her and Vanessa talked and discovered neither of them has ever had a best friend, so, I think it was Vanessa, asked if they could be best friends. They have allot in common, crafting, an older sibling, silly, sweet, creative, being raised by single mothers, etc.

I had the pleasure of spending the entire day with them yesterday. It was so fun for me to see her connect with another person that way. They tease each other and no one gets hurt, they are both sarcastic at the right times, and their fashion statements are very similar. I hope that Kaci and Vanessa find themselves to be long time friends, they'll be good for each other. Plus I like her mom, so that's a benefit.

After Kaci came to the realization that unlike a few of the other girls in her class, that Vanessa actually played with her pre- makeover, the two girls wanted to do a "friend" photo shoot together. They had the best time yesterday picking out crazy outfits and getting ready. Vanessa loved it. She's a ham for the camera, and was so gracious to me for doing it. She kept saying how much fun she had, and I love to hear that in a 10 year old!

Her's a few from the day...look at these two, they are just too cute!

Vanessa's hair pieces are "fake" but she sure does look good...Kerry???

Love, Love, Love this one! Look at that face!

I love this one too....

Ps...the glasses, well those are fake too. But they wanted to match...isn't that cute!

Miss Kaci....Rockstar

Kaci is a stubborn child. She doesn't like to do much, unless highly motivated, by candy, money or hair die.

We've been having some major problems getting her motivated to get dressed, put on clothes, you know...all the necessities of getting one's self ready for a day of school. There is alot of wandering around the house, looking for a shirt to literally jump out at her, or magically turn into something.

I finally found the magic potion. Who would have thought letting your ten year old color her hair would make life so much easier.

My mom never would have let me do such a crazy thing at 10, but this mom...well, I love it that she has personality and if Ronald McDonald red is what she wants, then by all means....

I took Kaci down last night to get a cut and a few colored pieces in. She looks so cute! I was more than pleased with the way it looks. I must say I was a bit hesitant on the bangs, but this girl can rock it! She loves the hair and has even promised to keep it combed...WOW!

I had to celebrate such a joyous day, the day Miss Kaci, my tomboy, my skater chick, my non-dress wearing kid, wanted to put on a bright red skirt and totally rock the new hair!

Some teachers are actually angels in disguise....{portrait}

When I was in fourth grade I had the most amazing teacher. Miss Hildebrandt. (I think that's how you spell it) I remember she was beautiful and kind and when things were falling apart on the playground, she was always there to make us feel better. Of all of my early childhood education, this is the teacher that sticks out in my mind. I think of her fondly even today and when my children were young, I dreamed they would find their own "Miss Hildebrandt"

It was about a year after we had moved to Bend. Life was rough, and the girls, especially Taylor, were suffering from all of the drama that centered around her father. Her first day at yet another new school, she was not all to thrilled.

Taylor's special "Miss H" came in the package of "Bettina". A tiny and vibrant little thing, with silver hair and a personality that makes you love her the moment you lay eyes on her. I instantly fell in love with this woman, and rightfully so. She has the most beautiful spirit I have ever seen in another human. She's modest and honestly does not do it for the glory. She completely and honestly loves each of her students individually.

That year especially I thank God for bringing Bettina in our lives. She made changes in Taylor that i never thought I would see. She brought out the wild personality, and sparkle in her eyes that the prior years had robbed her of.

Everyone at our small little school knows Bettina, she is somewhat of an Icon in the Amity halls. Not that all the other teachers go unloved, in fact they are the best group of educational professionals I have ever met. There is just something special about this one.

Taylor was lucky enough to have Bettina one more year before her journey of Elementary school ended. This time, it's Kaci's turn.

I'm so happy for her that she gets to experience a year of school with such a great woman. It will changer her...she's just a bit more stubborn than Taylor and taking a little longer to see the fruit.

This is a woman, by most that meet her, that will be remembered for years to come. One that they will look upon fondly for knowing her, and make these same people better for just having walked the same halls as her.

If you think I'm putting too much pressure on this amazing lady, just ask the hundreds of other mothers in school, and the thousands before us....I am confident they will say the same thing.

Bettina is one of those teachers that honestly does it, not for the glory, or the paycheck, but simply to make a difference. I feel honored to have met her, and have our family be a part of hers.

All of that to say, I had the pleasure of photographing Bettina last week for a photo contest. It's a seniors, over 50, photo contest. I sat in a room with Bettina and another school Mom who happened to be there. We all just had a conversation. We talked about the kids a little, we enjoyed a few laughs, and I just watched. I watched what happened when you got her talking about her kids. These are not the kids she gave birth to, but the hundreds of kids that walk through her door and touch her life each year. They are the same kids she remembers fondly for years to come, and the kids that she loves with everything she has.

Whether I win or not, It was a pleasure to spend time with her, and just be in her presence. She has a spirit that speaks louder than any other I know. We enjoyed a glass on wine together, and all the while she is talking, she is lighting up that whole room. If nothing else, I am honored to be able to give her something...everyone deserves to have a photo of themselves. One that reaches in a captures their soul, their inner person, their true self. It's a rare moment in time when the walls come down, and people relax enough to get exactly who they are....and this lady my friends, is one of the most beautiful women I have ever met.

This one I think is my favorite. It's beautiful and quiet. It's all about the eyes here.

This is a big Bettina laugh. You can hear it ringing down the halls and guaranteed, you will start to laugh too....it's contagious.

This is the one I call her kid face. This is just the way she looks at all of her kids. It's the look they get when you know she's interested in what they are saying...even if it's about the loose tooth they had three months ago.

Who knew I'd enjoy being second

When it comes to weddings I am usually alone. I attend them alone and I shoot them alone. Its not that I don't want the help or wouldn't like someone to sit with. I think I'm just used to doing most things...alone.

I got a call the other day from a fellow photographer, Kimberly Teichrow, to assist her at a wedding in Sunriver. Of course I wanted to go. I love weddings and I also wanted to be the second shooter and work along side this lady. I have only one other time in my life not been the main attraction when it came to weddings, at least as photographer. I loved it the first time and thought I'd try it again. All the pressure is off. No one is watching you, making sure you are catching EVERYTHING, and you actually get to shoot the things that interest you.

It was a hard adjustment to make, but working with Kimberly was fun and easy, and I think she genuinely liked the company. The couple was great, they had a sweet story of boy meets girl back in High School. Boy and girl move on, have lives and reconnect after many moons and other children. I love a good story about two people who were obviously always meant to be together.

I thought I'd show a few photos from the evening that I managed to get. I have never shot at The Great Hall in Sunriver, and this place is GORGEOUS!

It was fairly dark in there. I need to get a better lens for shooting in such low light, but my favorite little 50mm 1.8 did pretty good. I totally took advantage of the beautiful spotlights scattered throughout the Great Hall. Couldn't have done it without that, or at least they wouldn't have been so dramatic.

Arizona in 8 minutes

Here's a sneak peak at our Arizona trip. One of Kaci's assignments for missing a week of school was to create a video of her experience. This is what we came up with...

Our Trip to Arizona from Tambi Alderin on Vimeo.

10 Things to learn before you fly {personal}

10 Things I learned this morning….

#1 Don’t over pack.

Even when you have packed efficiently and everything fits nicely in your carry on luggage when you leave the house, be prepared for the security guards to pull ALL of your clothing and camera out of said carry on bag, and remember....things will NEVER quite go back as neatly as before.

#2 Over feed children

When taking young flyers make sure they eat more than one meal before leaving. Even if the flight you are taking is before the lunch hour kids will think you are starving them when you do not purchase the over priced “snacks” on-board.

#3 Liquor for parents should be complimentary when flying with young children

If traveling with unseasoned flyers under the age of 13, complimentary drinks should be served to all accompanying adults. This will keep the adults relaxed even when the minor children are hitting each other on the plane.

#4 Homework on planes…no bueno

Do not ask your children to start their homework on a plane. This will cause unwanted bad behavior and 2 LONG hours of fighting.

#5 Sit in the middle seat

If you are traveling with two children, sit in the middle seat. This way you are able to reach either of them in a pinch…When seat belted in the child sitting at the window is just out of reach and will continue to taunt you because you are in public.

#6 Travel with wheeled luggage

The carry on you take should always have wheels. Since you will most likely end up with all of the baggage, it might be wise to invest in nice wheeled bags, or at least a great masseuse…your choice.

#7 Don’t drink too much coffee when flying.

The excitement of the trip may cause you to ingest more coffee than normal, especially when visiting with old friends who offer to drive you to the airport. Resist at any cost. This will cause you to be abnormally “edgy” and impatient when traveling with young children.

#8 Give you children a quick over view of why airlines have security.

This could keep them from stressing out when asked to remove shoes, or the thousand questions while standing in line, all the while very loudly yelling “I don’t have a gun….why is that guy going to search me!”

#9 Have a good attitude and stop stressing

The trip is going to be memorable no matter what. Sit back and relax. Give the kids the ipods, let them sing their hearts out and forget that you want to smack them for the talking back that has been going on for the past hour of the flight. They are tired and excited and as much as you want them to just behave and make your trip enjoyable….they just might not. This doesn’t mean you wont have fun, it just means you still might have to play Mom sometimes.

#10, If all of the above seem to hard to overcome….

leave anyone under the age of 15 at home, because traveling with children is an adventure all it’s own. At some point on the trip, you will still be glad you spent the extra money to bring them along…I’m still waiting for my moment.

Silent Auction

At my children s school we have an annual silent auction.  It's actually a fun event with tons of great finds and many creative minds.  It's one event we love to attend.

This year I was approached in the hall by another parent to work on a project together for the auction.  Between the tow of us we can up with a very fun and original idea.

On two different VERY cold mornings, I climbed on the roof of the school and one by one photographed each of the classrooms in the grass surrounded by all the fun autumn leaves forming the words "Amity"

With a little Photoshop help and plenty of time this is what we came up with.  It will b printed in one of my new favorite forms of displaying your photos, a float wrap, and will proudly flank the walls of the highest bidders house.  Our plan is to have each child or at least the teachers sign this one of a kind Amity Art.  It's finished size is 10x30 inches. This is one GIANT statement, and hopefully one Giant paycheck for our community at Amity Creek Elementary.

An Opportunity to SOAR! {contest}

A few weeks back I saw a blog post from one of my favorite photographers, Me Ra Koh.    This woman is amazing in her craft, as well as her person.  She is always striving to give back, teach and share her love of people and photography any way she can.

She came up with the SOAR scholarship program.  With the help of her partners, including, Sony, (Did I mention she is one of their spokes people) and many, many others, they have donated an amazing opportunity to (3) Three woman to succeed.  (If you want more information, please visit her website, www.soarwithmera.com)

There will be prize after prize, to insure we are able to fulfill our dreams of becoming a photographer, and the tools to accomplish the world.  The three deserving women will be flown around the country to attend (4) of Me Ra's workshops, amongst many other chance of a lifetime opportunities. 

I usually don't enter contests.  In the past the odds have been stacked against me, and life takes over, my insecurities start working over my mind, and before I know it the deadline has past, and I think, "well....it wasn't meant to be"

This time, however, this was not the case.  NOTHING was getting in my way.  The MOMENT I saw this opportunity in front of me I went for it. I struggled with entering a video presentation of myself.  I hate being in front of a camera, and a motion picture camera...even worse.  I knew I had to do this.  The last time I felt this strongly about an opportunity is when I heard about Habitat for Humanity, and that did fall in my favor.  Besides, a little sleep, some extra time on the computer....it's all I had to loose, and I have so much to potentially gain.

The contest deadline is December 21st, my birthday.  What a better omen then that.  The three woman will find out on Januray 1st, 2010, that their lives will change forever.  I hope I'm on that list.

I'm going to open myself up for the world, and do it!  I will Soar!

Here is my video submission....

is it REALLY almost 2010?? {personal}

Happy New Year everyone.  I know...New Years cards.  This time a year is a busy one for me, getting everyone's Christmas photos and cards off to the printer.  I barely find time to do any shopping.  So, New Years cards...it's what I do.

From our family to yours!  Happy 2010!  This going to be ONE FABULOUS year!  I can feel it!

For the love of a build {event}

One of my very best girls, Miss Sophie P, is the director at the Restore. If you have not heard of the amazing place, it is a recycled building materials and furniture store that benefits one of my favorite organizations, Habitat for Humanity. This year the Restore is sponsoring one of the new builds off of Empire Dr, in Parkway Village.

Sophie asked if I would come out this past Saturday and help build. The Saturday builds are always a blast and with a big group of our friends heading out, I knew it was going to be a fun day. It was fun, but the COLD weather had set in that week, and the group got smaller and smaller.

I did make it out, and while it didn't take long to loose the feeling in my legs, and hands, we did have the best time. I snapped a few photos and hoped no one would care I was taking a break from the hard work. I was out there swinging a hammer, and lifting walls.

If any of you get the volunteer bug you should definitely check out Habitat. They are a great organization and one very dear to my heart.

Miss Sophie, the "Big Boss" of the day

...and her hubby

A little lovin' on the jobsite....you don't see this very often

Robin, swingin' a hammer

The Christensen Clan {portrait}

While I was home for Thanksgiving this year, my mom asked me to take our family photo.  I guess the saying of the cobblers kids not having any shoes applies here.  We have not had a family photo in years.  I think I was in 8th grade, now I'm grown with kids of my own, and my mom said it's time.

We thought out our color scheme, one my brothers would approve of.  We were fairly limited since the younger of the two will ONLY wear black, and sometimes a little white.  My mom was so excited...and then it rained.  My vision of our family in the field next to our house, the greenery of the Valley quickly died when it poured ALL day.  I did bring one of my backgrounds in case the weather was bad, but hoped I wouldn't have to use it.  This "boring" type of photography is just not my thing.  I wanted my mom to have the beautiful photos she dreamed of.  Plan B, was set into action, and as always, the boys can't be serious for one minute.  If they were cooperating, one of my unruly  children was making a face.

I've been asked by a few people to post these, to show off my family, since I show off all of yours, so here goes nothing....

The unruly Christensen Clan....

And the best one that went on this years Christmas cards from my mother.....

Blast from the Past {portriat}

This past week has been an interesting one. I decided to go home for the holidays, and I ended up booking 3 sessions while I was there. All of these families I knew in that other life of mine, and I have not seen any of them since. The first family was the Wentworth family.

I headed over to Salem last Sunday morning. The snow was terrible crossing the pass, so badly that I worried we may not make it. (I'm a woos when it comes to driving in the weather like that) We hit a huge blizzard type storm, and could barely see a car length in front of us. Needless to say...I made it fine, and was so glad to see dry pavement.

I had about an hour before my first session. I was going to be meeting the Wentowrth's at one of the fabulous historic sites in Salem.

A little background....

Jenny and I met in Junior High. She was the cousin of a very good friend of mine. I loved Jenny from the minute I met her. She was sweet and kind, and was so funny. Thats what I remember of Jenny. Jeremy, I knew separately from Jenny. We worked together at my first job, he was sort of a confidant for me. He would listen to all of my High School drama, and tell me how to deal with those "boys". Shortly after starting work with Jeremy I discovered he had a girlfriend. Her name was Jenny. The two of them had a tough start to what turns out to be a lasting, loving relationship. They started their family early, and once Jeremy and I no longer worked together, I didn't see the two of them again.

One day searching the beloved Facebook, I was reconnected with Jenny, and found her and Jeremy to still be married with now two kids, and couldn't have been happier. They two of them seem to overcome anything that life throws at them, with grace and love. They have a beautiful family, and seem to be very happy.

I was thrilled when Jenny asked me to photograph their first...yes, I said first, professional family portrait. I only hope I lived up to their expectations.

It was so great to catch up, neither one of them have changed a bit, except for the now teenage daughter and very energetic 10 year old son that they tote around with them. It was a good start to my week of reunions.

Stay tuned, I'll be posting the rest soon....I have several more special appearances from long time friends to come.