Delaware, Ohio Event Photographer: The 2011 Jamboree

Last weekend (amongst the 10,000 other things we did) we got together with our friends from The Ghosts of Ohio for our 2011 Summer Jamboree! This is one of my most favorite events and always includes traveling to an Ohio park - this year it was Germantown Metro Park - grilling out, kickball, hiking, potato sack races, fun, fun, and more fun! This year there were lots of kids and little ones. Courtney and Ella became fast friends. And, I love this pic, because as soon as Ella sat down, Courtney wanted to hug her! Awww... precious!

Courtney is just as cute as a button, and today she celebrates her first birthday!

They started their own little game of "sharing grass clippings" later on.

Ella with her mommy Kathy.

The adults and big kids (or maybe those two are one in the same!) had some fun with the potato sack races.

There was intense competition between Adam and Jim. Aidan, in the background, was probably wondering why the adults were so crazy! :)

The group photo!

The "ghost gang" has really become a second family to us!

Columbus, Ohio Photographer: A Year in Review

Happy New Year blog! 2009 was an awesome, busy year. My business (and I, as a photographer) grew so much over the last year and I look forward with great anticipation for what 2010 will bring. I know there are definitely some new little ones on the way, and some great new marriages beginning. I can't wait for all of it!! I'm going to enjoy some peace and relaxation here in the first few months of the year, as I cut back on my day job (sort of!) and spend more time focusing on my business/hobby/passion. I know this summer and fall will be a busy one again.

So, as with tradition, I reflected back on the past year, and here is a tribute to all the great people (and pets!) whom I met over the past year and had the pleasure of doing business with.

Enjoy!! And THANK YOU!! Keep an eye on the blog and website for updates and changes to come in the near future!

Spring Soccer

Last but not least in my busy photo weekend, I went to Andy's soccer game to shoot photos of him in action. He plays for a select/private spring league out of Dayton, but had a tournament in Dublin this weekend. I used my trusty old telephoto lens for the shots and am very happy with the results.

I've decided I'm much happier shooting soccer games than any other sport (hockey, baseball, football, tennis, etc.) because it's a sport I actually enjoy watching. I played soccer for about 12 years growing up and I miss it SO much. I also refereed soccer for 2 years after I quit playing. It's one sport where I understand ALL of the rules and strategies. It's a good pace for me, too - not as slow as baseball, but not as fast as hockey, and it's much easier to keep your eye on a big ball than a puck. However, there was still the element of being a little "too close" to the game. Some players ended up in the laps of the spectators when the ball went out of bounds. Hearing the boys talk on the field brought back a lot of memories of the different terminology we used during play: "Man-on," "Drop it," "Switch fields," "18," "Keeper," "Square," "Through"... Good times! Anyone know of any Delaware spring adult leagues? :)

Andy played left fullback for most of the game. Take a look at him - he's got such command over the field.... the opponents couldn't keep up with him! :)










WOW, Andy! Look at those arm muscles flexing!



Ahh... finally, there are some opponents. They look afraid. :)

Why wasn't I in this good of shape when I played soccer?

I had a lot of fun this weekend with everyone and I'm so glad the weather turned out so nice for all 3 shoots! It was worth the sunburn! :)

Baseball Season

My husband is a huge fan of baseball, so it wouldn't be spring without going to a few games or without him being sick from the cold and rain on Reds' Opening Day. :)

Two weekends ago we went to see an exhibition game between the Reds and the Reds' Futures team (the all-stars from their farm league system). They played at the Dayton Dragons' stadium and we had great seats. Here are some of my favorite shots of the players I actually remember from the Reds last season.

My FAVORITE Red - second baseman Brandon Phillips. I'm pretty sure he was checking me and my camera out in this shot.

Brandon gets a hit for the team!

An out at second. Good defense turning the double-plays!

Edwin Encarnacion on first...

Phillips steals second base in a diving play. I caught him mid-air.

And then he got stuck in a pickle situation... and got out...

Joey Votto sliding into second base...

The back-up catcher for the Futures warming up the pitcher inches away from us.

A surreal HDR image of the stadium.

Last weekend I shot photos at the Dayton Dragons game, so those shots to come soon!!

The other night I had the opportunity again to shoot at a Blue Jackets hockey game against Nashville. It was quite the intense game and it was very physical. I could only stay for the first two periods because my back and neck got so sore from constantly jerking back away from the glass when a player would slam into it!! Yikes!

One thing I think I've learned about hockey is that there seems to be NO rules! Pushing, body checking, fighting, offsides, high sticking - all okay by these refs' terms! Can't wait to get back to some classic portraiture this weekend. :)

Nevertheless, I got some cool action shots:

#14 - Torres was one of the heroes of the game. Here he's taking a shot on goal.


I really like the perspective in this shot. It seems I had one of the best seats in the house!


I love that only one of the players in this image knows where the puck is - mid air.


Another shot on goal...


Fan favorite Nash.


The action pile-up.


The Nashville goalie ready to go!


Nashville's first goal of the game.

Hope you enjoy! It's probably my last game of the season.

I'm looking forward to a busy weekend of photography! Enjoy yourselves!

On Assignment...

I was back on assignment for the local newspaper this week. I was sent to shoot the Blue Jackets Hockey game against the Blackhawks. Hockey has never really been my "sport." It is just so fast-paced and hard-hitting. Ick! I'd rather shoot a wedding! Much more romantic!

Anyway, here are some of my better attempts at being a sports photographer. Thanks Justin for inviting me along again!

But first... the reason why the sport makes me so nervous:

A little too close to the action. This is why I do not shoot through the photog holes. You can see how scratched up the plexiglass is. That's the mess I shoot all my photos through - for protection!!


A few action shots...




And some great saves by the goalies...




Nash had a big goal last night. This was the reaction on his face as the puck was going in the goal. He was standing RIGHT in front of me. Then, his teammates' celebration.



Another crazy play of the game...


And what fan doesn't love a good hockey fight?? I guess I was the only one cringing during this! I love their expressions... one looks a little scared.