FULL SWING...!

Yes! Let the senior photography begin!! We are definitely in full swing with senior photography for our 2010 seniors. This gal Lindzy was just terrific in planning some different locations for her first session. Yes~that's right, her first session. We started off at her place, and then headed out to Cherry Valley Lodge. Beautiful!! Her second session will be with curly hair and she will come to my place for some indoor shots and more "on location" photography. While I am photographing seniors currently, football season has begun, and don't forget to book your family sessions for September and October. Prime time fall foliage!!

ACTION BEGINS!!

August is just the beginning of my busiest time of the year!! With photographing football leagues, and senior portraits, I am also gearing up for a special photo opportunity that will be held in November. It is a fundraiser for my 17 year son Andrew, who is planning a marine biology trip in April of 2010 to Roatan Island, Honduras!! He is so excited, and his excitement is contagious. I have always wanted to hold this special photo op, and figured there was no time like the present. So stay tuned for details to be coming out in September!! Check back or call me and be one of the first to take advantage of this deal!!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

Celebrate our country's independence!! So, today I'm off to photograph 2 of my favorite little girls who are cousins, Lily and Avery. Avery just turned 1, last month, and I have photographed Lily since she was 1, and she is now 4 and its time for summer pictures. I am so thankful that these Moms see the value in having their little girls photographed and documenting at least yearly photos. I had to show you Avery's pictures from last month for this huge milestone of a birthday. Ah, the celebration of life! Happy Birthday Avery and Happy Independence Day AMERICA!!

SQUIRE PARSONS AND COMPANY

Ohio Christian University located in Circleville, Ohio, held their denomination's 100 year anniversary celebration last night! I was honored to photograph the group that sang at the event. Squire Parsons has been singing for over 30 years, and my friend Greg Fox asked me to take some images for them. Please visit their website at www.squireparsons.com to check out their schedule. The group consists of Bo, Greg, Terry, Squire's son Sam, and Squire (in the middle), and they are a great group of guys. I think I may have to travel with the group to get some candids so you can get to know these guys. Hmmmm....I'm thinking the Caribbean somewhere?

WHAT IS HAPPENING???

I know, I know!! May is just getting as busy as December, and I am so sorry I haven't kept up

 with my blog. I'm glad you are interested in what is happening with me, and even happier you are asking me...what is happening? I will tell you....May is the last month of school for our boys, and this August, both of our boys will be in high school. Those of you who don't yet have kids in high school.....all I can say is don't blink. It goes that fast. Our Andrew will be a junior, and Clayton a freshman, and when I think of the last 2 years, it doesn't seem possible that Andrew only has two years left of high school. I love summer, and I love having my boys at home. I'm actually wishing we would've had more, cause these two boys that we are blessed with have been so much fun, and are truly blessings to Steve and me. 

Oh right, back to business. I have been finishing up printing orders for seniors graduation parties and am getting more calls for parents milestone anniversaries, and family reunions. I have had a ball this past May, and one of my favorite pictures is another blessing in the life of a family. I am going to limit their photo session to just one image, and hope that you...."get the picture".

OHIO SPORTS PLUS MAY CLASSIC!!

May 1st-3rd was a very exciting weekend. We have just finished photographing 40 games of AAU basketball held this past weekend at Westerville North High School and Westerville Heritage Middle School. Whew!! The competition was fierce and impressive as kids from central Ohio, Dayton and Canton convened upon these two campuses. Grades 5th - 12 grade competed and we are currently editing and downloading these images for you to view and purchase some great action shots. It was our pleasure to team up with Ohio Sports Plus and photograph these boys and girls in their tournament. Go to our home page and click onto "Online Images" to view these incredible shots. Happy viewing!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

Well, it was a great party and we had soooo much fun!!! We celebrated Dad's 80th birthday at the Everal Barn in Westerville this past Friday night. We had almost 90 people in attendance, and I had an absolute riot with my Dad!! Great memories and the only downside for me was that I didn't hire a photographer to take pictures!!! Let that be a LESSON to EVERYONE!!! Don't even begin to think that you're going to be able to take pictures at your very special event, because it just doesn't happen. While I did get "SOME" shots, not nearly what should have been taken and now I am really kickin' myself. The bad part is that not only do you hardly eat, you don't get to talk to everyone like you want to, and then you think, oh they're eating their dinner right now, so I will get their pictures as soon as they're done eating.  Again, it just doesn't happen. That's why you hire a professional.

We had a trivia game on "How well do you know Joe", ballroom dancing, line dancing, rap...yummy lasagna from Monte Carlo Italian Kitchen and great family and friends. It was sooo fun and I am so happy we did it. Enjoy the few pictures that I did get!!

HAPPY EASTER!!!

We are heading up this evening to my in-laws for Easter. Steve's sister and family will be there, and my boys are so excited to see their cousins. I am excited to see everyone also, and I am getting ready now to bake my homemade rolls. Yes, homemade, with yeast!! My mom's recipe, and mine will NEVER be as good as hers, but they are a close second. Well, at least my family likes them. I love anything with bread, so I'm good. I hope and pray that you all have a very blessed Easter. This is the greatest celebration knowing that Christ has forgiven me of my sins, and I will live with him forever!! He died for all of us. Tomorrow we celebrate his resurrection!!

HAPPY 80TH DAD!!

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY TO MY DAD!!

Today is my Dad's 80th birthday, and I am happy to report that he is in great shape and we are having a big super birthday party bash next month! My parents have been in Florida for almost 3 months, so most of the planning has been completed as far as securing the party venue and the best DJ's around www.mrmrsdj.com. 

The invitations have been sent out, and we are going for a "golf theme", as my Dad buys and sells used golf carts, as well as services several of his commercial rental properties. So although he is now officially 80 years old, he keeps moving and staying busy, while taking time out to come see his grandkids participate in their different activities. He says, "I just can't do as much as I used to",......well~ I have to remind him that he is much older now, and not really expected to maintain the lifestyle that he's used to!!

Here are some pictures that I took last year for Father's Day for Dad. I sure hope I get my parents' genes!!

EASTER BLESSINGS!!!

This is a great opportunity to bring your kids out to have them photographed with my LIVE BUNNY!!! 1 - 8x  10 and 2 - 5 x 7 prints are yours for $29!! You are savings over $70!!! Don't go anywhere else!! The 21st and 22nd are the weekend dates, and you will definitely have your prints back in time for your Easter gifts!! Make these portraits great memories for your family, and you can also sign up to participate in our first ever participation in our lab's "Baby and Child Contest". Cash prizes up to $500 will be awarded, and my contest actually ends on March 22nd. You don't want to miss this chance!!! Call me today at 614-805-0117 and schedule your appointment!!!

PANCAKE DAY!!

Come out and have some pancakes!!! What???? No, I'm not making them, but come out this Saturday, March 7th to Buckeye Valley High School and support the Buckeye Valley Girls Softball Team. They are combining their craft show along with Pancake Day, and from what I hear, you don't want to miss this event!! The school is located at 679 Coover Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015. It is north of Delaware off of State Route 23. And of course, you have to stop by my booth, and check out my specials, only to be received by visiting me!! You don't want to miss!!!!

WCHS DRAMA!!!

THE DEATH AND LIFE OF LARRY BENSON

Worthington Christian High School just finished their winter performance of "The Death and

 Life of Larry Benson". Our sophomore son Andrew, had a small but meaningful part in the play. Since he was a freshman, he has appeared in 4 out of 5 plays. It was a powerful, moving drama, that the students performed so incredibly well, that I just had to be a Mom and BRAG!! As my niece said, her favorite part was when Andrew appeared on stage!! Its nice to know that

 someone else feels the same way as I do. He is shaking the hand of "Larry Benson" and is in the plaid shirt. Larry's girlfriend thought Larry had died in war, and she and "Bud", aka "Andrew" were engaged. It was interesting to see the reaction of our son, and I was thankful it was only a play!!

WINTER WONDERLAND

A couple of weeks ago I had the honor of photographing one of Andrew's friends from work, and while I wasn't sure Jumana wanted to go outside, the results were amazing. Freshly fallen snow, and her beautiful eyes and skintone, I just knew she would love the end results! With the snow falling again today, and most of the kids being out of school, now would be a perfect time to come on out to the country and capture some incredible snow shots! It doesn't have to just be for seniors....make it a welcome Valentine's Day Surprise for your honey!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAYTON!!!

Happy 1st birthday Payton!! For the past year, I have been photographing sweet pea, "Payton Reese" and she was born on the biggest party day of the year, December 31, 2007!! Her parents are Steve's cousin's son and daughter in law, and there is no question that this sweet baby girl came from her gorgeous parents because she looks just like Dane when he was little, and you can see so much of Mommy in her too.

Here's a great idea. Why not give a gift card to someone who is expecting their new baby? It could be as simple as their first newborn professional portrait, to a one year "grow baby grow" package. Now that is a unique gift that will always be remembered, and will last forever. Contact me for more details on how to get started. And check out little Payton and how she

 changed so much in her first year of life!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy 2009 to all of you!! It has been crazy busy around the Siders house, and I am sorry I haven't been too faithful with my blog. Of course being a photographer means being there for family pictures for the Christmas season, and this year was no different! I enjoy our families getting together for the holidays, and I kinda feel like Santa myself, when I am photographing families just 4 days before Christmas!! When my friend Lisa called to find out if I would be willing to photograph her kids and stepdaughter for a special surprise for her husband, I just couldn't resist. Check out these adorable kids!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Happy 4th Birthday to my GREAT nephew~Lorne Michael Anderson, who actually turned 4 on December 19th!! Uncle Steve and Aunt Lisa bought him some spiderman pajamas, complete with webs, so now he can shoot like Spiderman,.....even while he sleeps!!!

Our boys were totally into "Spiderman" when they were young as well, and its so much fun to "relive" Spiderman with Lornie! 

We were also blessed when Lorne and big brother Darrin (11) came over to our house to spend the night. The boys all had a ball being together, and we enjoyed a game of Scattergories with my nephew and his wife. (Mike & Brandy). Andrew received a waffle maker for Christmas, because he's been saying for at least a year now that we needed one. So....Santa brought Andrew his very own!! I tested out on everyone and my nephew Darrin says they are better than his Mom's!    Yikes.....sorry Brandy~he's got to have ONE favorite thing about his Aunt Lisa!! Check out Lornie enjoying the waffles!!

HARD TO BELIEVE!

It is hard to believe when your own kids are growing up, getting through elementary school, now almost completely done with middle school and into high school. Yikes....! But when boys become young men and you are photographing these young men for their senior pictures, its

hard for me to believe that just 4 short years ago these young men were playing baseball with our youngest son Clayton. Let me introduce Blaine to you. Blaine is very special to me because we share the same birthday, so I never forget when he turns another year older! At age 13, Blaine stood about 5'8" and weighed probably 150 pounds. Let me introduce an even more

special young man to you, our youngest son Clayton. Clayton at age 9 stood about 3' 6" and weighed probably 60 pounds. Clayton has grown up playing baseball for the Buckeye Valley Youth Baseball Association, and this particular year, Clayton and Blaine both played, and played against each other. Blaine was a pitcher (an incredible player), and Clayton was up to bat. Every time Blaine pitched, Clayton would back up slightly, because that ball was coming

across the plate extremely fast. Steve and I would laugh and tell him to step up to the plate and hang in there. He looked at us as if he were saying, "are you crazy?" I don't remember if Clayton ever hit off of Blaine, (probably not), but I know for a fact Clayton caught a fly ball in center

field that Blaine hit, so it was quite exciting. After the game was over, I had to have a picture of Blaine and Clayton standing next to each other, and here is that picture!

 I went through my photo archives and found it.  Needless to say, here's my "little" Blaine who graduates in June from Buckeye Valley. He did awesome and I was honored to be able to photograph him. 

FIRST SNOWFALL......

OK, so we woke up to a "dusting" of snow on our ground today here in Delaware. It was just that, a dusting.....

I love the first time the snow falls, how it quiets the ground and the noise outside. It is so peaceful. While we haven't had that first snow "fall", the dusting this morning was pleasant to look at. 

I have been busy taking family pictures for Christmas cards, and while I can't really show them to you, we're running out of time to photograph families for card deadlines. So, make sure you call this week to get scheduled before the end of November. Of course we can still photograph your family for gift giving portraits, but the Christmas card deadline for submitting your orders is December 1st. Don't wait any longer to get scheduled!

We are looking forward to celebrate Thanksgiving next week with Steve's sister and most of their family, and Andrew's best friend and his family are coming over from Indiana. A total of 11 people, including my family will be here for dinner. I haven't made a turkey in probably 13 years, so I am SO EXCITED to prepare that turkey!! Hmmm.....maybe I will take pictures of the event!!!

LITTLE LEAGUE FOOTBALL SEASON ENDS!

Well, it is officially over for the 2008 little league football for Big Walnut. Last Saturday was Super Bowl and the final championship games for the Junior and Senior Divisions. Thanks to all of the parents who support this incredible football league. If you have a son or daughter who is even slightly interested in playing football or cheering from ages 5 - 6th grade, you want them to be at Big Walnut! Our youngest son Clayton, played in this league for 7 years. You learn the basic fundamentals of football and it has been so much fun watching these kids enjoy their game and cheering. Even though Clayton is no longer in this league, he truly misses the games at this field, and the people, just the whole atmosphere. 

This year the junior division champs were the Broncos and I've posted just a couple of pictures from the games. The senior division champs were the Browns, and if the NFL Cleveland Browns could play anything like these boys did, well.....we might have a winning team! Congratulations to both teams and check out the website for them if you want to sign up for next year. www.bigwalnutfootball.com

FALL DAYS!!!

FALL DAYS!!

Well, last weekend sure seemed like it was prime weekend for fall colors, but I think that we are going to be able to squeak out another couple of weeks of beautiful color! Rest assured, this season has been quite busy, and NOT a lot of rest. But that's great because we're trying to get families and senior portraits taken with the beautiful color. I just had to share these images of some of the seniors I have been shooting. Lots of fun, personality and WOW factor!  Pretty soon we will all be cozied up by the fire sipping hot chocolate!!