Betsy Jo Photography Blog

A respite to Maine. Paul and I.

I love New England. Drive 2+ hours, and you feel like you’re in a totally different world. Nice.

The Maine coastline is awesome, in the real sense of the word. So loud and ferocious, even though it wasn’t windy. I think it would be an amazing experience to see this stretch of coastline during a storm. The surf sounded like thunder. But somehow, it was so relaxing in its sound. I love the ocean.

A little shot of George H.W. Bush’s humble abode.

Fierce.

This next one is Paul’s– He’s becoming quite the photographer lately. Way to go on the negative space, hon’!

Another one of Paul’s. I’m liking it:

Look at the reflection in Paul’s sunglasses. (Yes, he forgot his razor…)

Look again.

Hello, blog readers! (Do you like my new gloves?)

Beautiful, beautiful weather. It was snowing in CT while we were away. Heehee!

This question can only be answered correctly by 6 people in the world. To my Ryan family, what very unique location do you think this photo reminds me of? Correct guess wins you… um, nothing. Post edit: I changed my mind. There is a prize: 12×18 print of your choice, with 100% profit going to Autism Speaks. I thought I’d jog your memory a little bit…

Don’t you think Paul deserved a trip for putting up with me for 11 years? 11 years!? What?!

Love you, Paulus!

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I know I’ve used this quote before, but as we were sitting by the ocean, this poem kept running through my mind. It was so appropriate for that moment:

This months’ charity is ‘Autism Speaks.’

I’m going to be short on words for this post, and long on pictures. Jen’s been waiting so patiently for me to post her senior session, so I want to get right to it. Just a few things: Jen, I loved working with you and meeting your mom– and your sister and your grandparents. Thanks to them for letting us shoot at their beautiful farm! Senior shoots are one of my favorite things about my job, and clients like you are the reason why! Thanks for being so welcoming, accommodating, and just plain enjoyable to be with. And thanks for humoring me when I ‘found’ some beautiful light right as our session was supposed to be done. I think it paid off.

All the best to you as you decide on colleges! I’m sure you’ll do wonderfully.

My favorite is below. No question. Look. at. those. eyes.

I love Robert Frost and all, but you know the whole ‘Good fences make good neighbors’ thing? Well, he was wrong. Because we don’t have a fence in our front yard, and neither do Emil and Ann– and we couldn’t ask for better neighbors. Especially when they ask me to photograph their adorable family!

My kids love calling across the yard to Emil, Jr. and Ava when they’re out playing, and it’s so cute to listen to them chatting back and forth. (And, I have to admit I love visiting with Ann, because she’s really nice, but also because her and Emil hail from Boston. Best accents ever.) Baby Addison is just a little thing, so we don’t catch her outside often, but it was great fun to see her adorable personality during their session last week.

We had beautiful weather for their pictures– finally! We were wondering if the photos would ever get done, because we had to reschedule twice on account of the rain. Well, I’d say it was worth the wait for stellar day we got.

Emil and Ann and family, thank you so much for a lovely morning! I thoroughly enjoyed working with all 3 of you. I’ll be sending along your online gallery soon.

And now, a little glimpse:

I had to grab a few of the parents alone, especially since they hadn’t had formal photos of the two of them since their wedding day…

I love this next one of Emil Jr. He was so good, and wanted to have the perfect smile. Which sometimes results in an imperfect smile.So, I had him tell me some knock-knock jokes. It was so cute! He was excited to share in the laughter, and he relaxed for some sweet little shots. I have to admit to having an ulterior motive, however. You know how I said I love Emil and Ann’s accents? Well, hearing a little boy talk with a Boston accent? Even bettah. Wicked cute. Like music to my eahs.

Ava is such a sweetheart. She was thrilled with the flowers I brought along:

And check out her blue, blue eyes!

Addison was so funny! Emil and Ann were standing behind me for this shot, and Addison looked up at Emil (like only little daughters can do to their Dads), and she started jumping and dancing, knowing full well that her Daddy would think it was adorable. It was such a happy little jiggle. I had to show a few frames:

Quick note: Email and phone responses will be delayed while we are “out of the office” for a few days of relaxation and refreshing. Sometimes it’s just nice to get away and relax– but I know I have 2 sets of clients who would love a little glimpse at their awesome sessions.

First up: Emil & Ann, Emil Jr., Ava & Addison: I cannot WAIT to show you the rest of your images. I am loving what we got– you were so easy to work with. I should have known; you make such awesome neighbors! Here’s just a little taste of your 3 adorable little ones. You guys make yet another reason for why I love doing this. So many, many more images to come-

Jennifer, you shined. Positively shined during your senior session. It is always such a joy for me to work with seniors, and I always look forward to each session. Your shoot reinforced my enjoyment of senior pictures! Thanks for going along with any suggestion and idea I had. ‘Love clients who can see everyday items as art. And please thank your grandfather for letting me shoot in his awesome truck. Even if he did think I was a little loony…I’m excited to show you the rest of your images!

*AVAILABILITY NOTE: I have only two session openings remaining for October. Times are 1:30pm or 3:30pm on Saturday, October 31st, at Elizabeth Park in West Hartford, or in West Hartford Center. Your choice between the two locations. Email me at betsyphoto1@gmail.com to schedule. Thanks!

*To learn about or purchase ‘Prints for a Purpose‘, click here. Thank you for the interest and support thus far!*

*Lots of posts below this one– catch-up day.*

This session was so laid back and natural– which is somewhat surprising, seeing we had 7 children to photograph! I’ll admit to being nervous, just hoping we could get everyone’s eyes open and happy looks on everyone’s faces at the same time. I’m happy with the result– with the credit going to the children.

I have to just say this publicly, because both the parents and kids deserve it: These children were so respectful and an absolute joy to be with. I’m really wondering what Burt and Cherinne’s secret to child rearing is, because I’d love a little piece of it! All the kids got along, helped each other out, and just enjoyed being together as a family. Completely refreshing.

My 4 sisters and I used to have Cherinne as our babysitter back in the day– and we loved her to pieces! I told her that us Ryan girls must not have disheartened her too much, as she went on to have a crew of her own…

Thank you, Burt, Cherinne, Courtney, Daniel, Christian, Sam, James, Joseph & Katie. Whew! (And I didn’t even look in the church phone book to make sure I got those straight. I’m really hoping they’re in the right order…I totally enjoyed every minute. Enjoy your preview!

I love shots like this, when they are just getting set up and I’m testing the light– just natural interaction between the family.

*To learn about or purchase ‘Prints for a Purpose‘, click here. Thank you for the interest and support thus far!*