20 month old Adrianna

Isn't she just a doll?!?!?! The day before Christmas eve I met Adrianna, her mommy and her great aunt Antonella for a last minute session. I arrived just before naptime, but Adrianna took my breath away with every shot, nonetheless! Here's a peak at one of my favorites....

so frustrated...grrrrr.

SO, my ad was flagged on craigslist :( bizarre. I was trying to give back?????? Any ideas?

Breakfast with Santa

This past Saturday I drove my family across the water to meet Santa for breakfast in Newport News.  We sang Christmas carols across the bridge, through the tunnel and all the way down the interstate.  The girls were wearing their Christmas pants and Chance was dressed like the jolly old man himself.  We were super excited!

For breakfast we shared stacks of warm pancakes, then enjoyed a wreath craft, cookie decorating, a story read by Santa and a gift from Santa's sack!  Chance lasted through the wreath craft...he won't miss that morning nap! hahaha

He was so adorable that we had the artist (hired for the party) draw him (isn't he awesome?!) - 

Dreama really enjoyed the book Santa read...

We ended our day with family time at my aunts house (decorated with EIGHT Christmas trees!)  The spirit of the season is definitely alive in my home and family.  Slow down and embrace every moment.  Life is beautiful. Love is beautiful. Family is beautiful.

Giving Is Awesome

It's true!  I posted an ad on craigslist and will be participating in the 'Giving Is Awesome' campaign.  It is a worldwide photography project where photographers can donate their time and art to families in need.  I will be accepting all nominations via e-mail and picking a winner (maybe two ;) by Christmas eve!  I am an 'on location' photographer, so portraits will be done at the winner's home, the beach, a local park, or their favorite place to spend family time - winner's choice.  

Here's a peak at my ad:

Photographer, Kristin Starcher, has joined in the holiday spirit, pledging $150 in complimentary custom portraits to a family who simply cannot afford them this holiday season.  She is taking part in a worldwide photographic effort, Giving is Awesome, to provide deserving individuals and families with cherished heirlooms. Premiere photographers from around the world are giving away over $203,000 worth of artwork, and welcome you to nominate a family who is incapable of paying for custom photography for Like A Dream Photography's prize.

For more information about Kristin Starcher or to nominate a local family, visit her blog and then e-mail your submission to likeadreamphotography@gmail.com.  To learn more about Giving is Awesome, or to nominate a family outside the region, visit givingisawesome.com.

Assisted Living

One of my best friend's mother is a manager for an assisted living facility and invited me to do 'glamour shots' for some of the residents.  Boy, was it a treat!  Most of them had great stories to tell and bubbly, almost childlike, personalities.  I can only hope I am as spunky and spirited in my old age!  Here are a few of my favorites from the day...

A meaningful moment from my day...

Last Monday evening the Cosmos (Dreama's soccer team) had their season-end party at the coach's pizza parlor. I had printed and framed each player an action shot of themselves from the season and Dreama was thrilled to pass them out. It was then that I noticed one player was missing, Jeffrey...my favorite photo of the season ;) Soon after, Carolyn, Jeffrey's mom, called Coach and emotionally said that their family had just been in a car accident, they would not be able to make it to the party and that everyone was okay. Relieved that everyone was fine, we carried on with our pizza, cookies and passing out of the medals.

It was Wednesday afternoon when I read the e-mail from Coach Renee stating that Carolyn Haber had suddenly passed away Tuesday morning due to an unknown reason. Tears fell from my eyes like never before. Did I know Carolyn beyond the field? No. But a photo I had taken during the season said so much about who she was - that I felt like I really knew her.  Immediately I wrote a note of sympathy and included the photo in an e-mail to the team.

Today was the funeral. Carolyn's husband stood tall and strong beside his three young sons, now without their mother. I can't even begin to imagine how their lives have changed and the loss they must feel. All I could offer was a hug to all four of them. Coach Renee showed up shortly after with the photo I had taken in a beautiful frame. She handed it to George and as tears poured from his eyes, he said, "That is Carolyn. Thank you." I just observed the moment...I wasn't in it, but just knowing that I froze that moment in time for his family...meant the world. I love my job. I freeze moments...and it's the simplest that seem to mean the most.

Carolyn and two of her boys on the sidelines during one of our games..........
You will be missed.

Obviously a favorite photo of mine....

For all of you that have visited my website, you may recall the first photo in my home page slideshow...a little baby girl sleeping in a man's arms. That photo was taken at Susan and Richard's wedding in August 2007. Her name is Claire. Sarah, Richard's sister and Claire's mother, contacted me via e-mail a few weeks ago in order to book a session. I was absolutely thrilled! There's nothing more rewarding as a photographer than loyal customers and referrals from customers. It had been over a year since I had last seen Claire and the family...I could not wait! ;) Besides, I was told that Susan and Richard would be there as well with their NEW BABY, Stella!

During the session, we read books, played peek-a-boo, ate pizza (yummy!), and just had a fantastic time. Thanks for welcoming me into your home!

Here's baby Claire THEN:



and here she is now (so cute!!!)


Here's her big sister, Kelly (isn't she gorgeous?!?!)



And let's not forget little Aaron (a little stud muffin!)



Here's Susan, Richard and their little bundle of joy! -


And last, but not least...here are all the little muchkins together.... (my fav. of the day!)


Thanks for a wonderful day! Dreama cannot wait to have a play date with Kelly!