The City of Lakes Life

On a personal and business note, I am excited to announce that I’ll be moving back to Minneapolis mid-June. The transition back comes quick as I’ve accepted a new counseling position at nonprofit organization that fits the values important to me in a vocation.  Working with people in the capacity of counselor has always been close to my heart and I welcome this opportunity with open arms. 

I will continue to do my photography business which will be based in the Cities AND include travel sessions to what I call "Pennsylvania and beyond." With friends and family near and far and a love of travel, this combination of service has always been a important cornerstone of my business. 

I'm not a big fan of cliches...but here I go with the slightly sentimental, reflective part. This feels like a fresh, new beginning that has had a long time coming. I feel grateful and blessed to transition into this part of my life.  Thank you to all my family and friends who have help me get here. 

 And in Honor of this transition back to the City of Lakes... I will be conducting Beach Mini-Sessions at my favorite lake spots through July. I will post more information on those sessions in the next few days. I can't wait to return to my favorite summertime spots and take you with me!

 

 

 


 

 


 

On a Sunday with Maggie

Here is a preview for the lovely Maggie. A current Junior at NW Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, she was a pure pleasure to work with on this rather chilly Sunday in April.  Maggie is helping me get the word out for my senior portrait business in NW Pennsylvania and I'm extremely grateful and honored she agreed to work with me.  

We walked the park, talked and took the pictures you see below (and many more). I admire her poise and comfort in front of the camera. It spoke of a young woman who has strong sense of herself and what is important to her. She could also put up with my random divergent moments in locating picture spots and patient with my obsession with the sun flare. Which is pretty cool.   So here is a sneak peak of our first half of her senior session.  I hope you enjoy them. And many thanks to my equally wonderful cousin (and hardworking teacher to Maggie) who sent her my way!

 

Celebrate the Moms in Our Lives

The rare pictures I have with my own children are priceless. Despite being a photographer, I, like the majority of moms feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. I read an article that encouraged mothers to take as many pictures with their kids as possible despite the uncomfort the camera induces. The author promised the pictures would be treasures as the years passed.  That moms would forget that their hair wasn't done quite right.  Look past the fact she was in sweats and a hoodie and only see the love and connection with her children.   And in my opinion, it is so true.  I am now able to look with joy on the selfie and children shots.  And I laugh at our goofy 35mm distorted alien heads or even at shots that only contain half our heads...Yikes!.Can you picture it? Have you done it:)? I hope so.

Our pictures tell stories. Moms make up such a huge part of those stories. Looking back, I think children and grandchildren will smile at old soccer game team photographs or birthday party cheers. Memories will surface and hopefully hearts will swell and smiles will appear.   As they shuffle through the stack of photograph or albums they should see mom. With them. Loving them. Right there, celebrating those crazy birthdays with them...and.... Existing! Right?

A special portrait session with the family or kids is an excellent way to celebrate mom.  With Mother's Day approaching I am offering a bound, personalized proof book with each session that that is perfect for quick travel and show and tell.  It is a special opportunity for mom to have a carved out time to capture moments with children and family.

And I encourage you to jump in on those pictures with kids and families. They will be treasured forever..especially the random, in your jammies alien head selfies shots  

For the Senior Class of 2016

I'm on the lookout for upcoming seniors in NW Pennsylvania and Minneapolis, MN to help get the word out about Senior Portraits with me. It would involve compensation in regards to your session and other exciting opportunities. Please shoot me an email at slthayer@hotmail.com if you are interested and want further information. 

Spring Irrigation

Nothing more speaks spring to me than the first "Indian Summer" day with a mad dash through the sprinkler. It's that day in April or May where it get's maybe to the upper 60's and it feels like it might as well be 90 degrees because it was just 37 degrees yesterday.  Are you with me? A little crazy, but my kids are hardcore and you know it's serious when the goggles come out . I can help but laugh.  So here is todays moment of spring gratitude...May it put a little spring in your step! Happy Weekend! Spring Equinox is officially a week away! 

Variety is the Spice of Life

Here is what I love about spring...especially in areas where it is cold. Some Pizazz starts coming back to the land. (I imagine angelic singing Ahh's inserted here. Similar to the start of the Simpsons)

 And it's fun to witness how exciting it can be to see simple things like the first Robin being spotted and the tiny progress of the buds on trees bring enthusiasm even to the most winter weary of souls. 

These picture don't really have to do much with spring. They are actually from a Fall mini-session from a few years back. I love them though because they display a key reason why l enjoy photographing children. The variety is a SURE thing. Hands down.

 Even if it's not the type of variety you were hoping for, or their parents were hoping for...Children will always deal you their own sweet bag of treats. And I say this endearingly because I greatly appreciate the beautiful type of raw honesty that is childhood. 

And back to spring (if you are able to follow the random trail of thoughts here I'm impressed) maybe today and the days to approach, keep your eye out for some springtime variety. It starts slow, as if Mother Nature just knows we have some hibernation stretching and yawning kinks to shake off. But then it erupts. Literally, through buds and storms, wind and rain, sun and bees, St. Patricks Day, Easter.... You get the idea. How great is that! It's a kaleidoscope out there. 

Enjoy the weekend! We lose an hour Sunday.  Which probably freaks out half of too -much- to- do- America and for sure EVERY parent of a small child who knows their sleep schedules will be screwed up for the next week. BUT there you go with that variety...You'll get it back come November!

And don't forget about the Easter Mini-Sessions next weekend,  March 14th and March 15th. Message slthayer@hotmail.com to schedule. 

Stay warm, Peace Out!