Delaware, Ohio Family Photographer: Babies, Doggies, and My Family

I thought it might be nice to post pictures every now and then of events going on in my life. I want to keep my blog up to date with photos and stories, so this will give me something to write about until Spring finally comes so we can get outdoors again for photo sessions!
Last Friday, I entered my doggy Tators in a Silly Pet Trick Competition. We performed an entire skit composed of 10 or more tricks, which included "dancing." Tators won and took home the first place trophy and a loot bag. Way to go Tators!


I am so proud of my boy - we make such a team! :)


On Saturday evening, we invited friends and family over to visit Tators, have dinner, and play games. It was a blast and I am so happy for all those who came out to support us during Tators tough battle with cancer. All the company, treats, petting, etc. sure did a number on his ego and morale! So, thank YOU so much for that!

Sunday afternoon, we attended my cousin Nicole's baby shower. And, there were babies/kids everywhere! Despite what she thinks, Nicole looked like a fabulous momma-to-be!!


You might remember Allen and Nicole's Wedding from a year and a half ago...


I also had to grab some shots of Nicole's sister (my cousin) Amber and her little one, Ethan. They live in St. Louis, so it's been a while since I first met Ethan. I just love this pic and his little hat.


I think Amber would like him to be a baby model, and I really think he could have a career! :)




And, of course I had to get a few shots of my little Godson, Oliver. You might remember when he was just a little wee one.




And Parker, who's such a big boy now at four years old!


Finally, thanks to Allen for this shot of Nicole and me after the shower. Not too often that I will pose for a camera. :)


Finally, to end the weekend, my Dad volunteered to capture a family portrait for us, because I'm not sure that we really have one other than our Christmas photo every year. So here it is! I LOVE it! :)

Delaware, Ohio Pet Photographer: The Tator Tots Tribute

Those of you who know me well know that my dogs are some of the number one "people" in my life. They are my family, my kids. My dog Tyson, whom I refer to as Tator Tots, Tots, Tators, Totsy, etc., is my #1 buddy for life. Last week, I received the devastating news at a routine vet appointment that Tators had lymphoma cancer. I was blindsided and shocked. I was in denial, I was angry, I was helpless. But, then I took control of my emotions and realized that I cannot take a minute of a day for granted. I've started researching holistic/homeopathic medicines, herbs, and diet. We are trying new things and trying to make Tators as happy and comfortable as possible. We are hoping and praying for the best outcome for our beloved Tator Tots.


That being said, I created somewhat of a doggy "bucket list" of things I wanted to make sure we did together before he's gone. It's a little weird to some, I'm sure, but it made sense to me and I think my other pet parent friends will understand. One of those list items was setting up a photo shoot from all of Tators' previous costumes. Those who know me well, also know that Tator Tots is quite the ham. He is so intelligent and LOVES attention. He will do anything for a smile, laugh, or a treat. And, he absolutely LOVES dressing up. Really. So, tonight, Adam and I took all his costumes out of the archive for a backyard photo session. Tators really enjoyed it. I'm not sure if he more enjoyed posing for the photos, or the fact that Brutus was inside barking from the window as he watched Tators consume all the delicious treats. It was hard for me to hold the camera steady at times as I laughed so hard at his poses and faces. And, you wouldn't believe this unless you saw it... Tators would pose with his chest puffed out, smile, and as soon as he heard my shutter snap he'd run up to me for his treat. And, then he'd do it all over again. He KNOWS what he's doing when the camera's pointed on him. It doesn't matter if is my SLR camera, a point and shoot, or video camera. He knows what they are!


Another bucket list item is for Tators to come out of "retirement" for his final dog pagaent/trick competition. This weekend he will be participating in the Sugar Maple Festival's Dog Show in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Come out to support him if you'll be in the area! Part of the show is a costume contest, and we need help picking his best costume. So, here are your choices. Leave a comment and vote for your favorite! I hope you enjoy Tators big smile as much as I do!!


Super Dog!



And of course, we had to see Super Dog take flight!


The Spider!

Frankenstein


Dog Dracula


Sheriff Tators


Squirrel


Banana Dog


And then, I had to tap into the archives for a few others. The King


Hot Dog


Pumpkin


Holiday Tators


The "Best Dog" in our wedding


Or, the Turtle


Which is your favorite?? Let me know! I know I have my favorites! And, please keep Tators in your thoughts and prayers!

Delaware, Ohio Photographer: More Gifts for YOU!

Hello! I've officially emerged from my winter hibernation and I'm ready for spring photos. To kick off the start of spring and warm weather that I KNOW is coming, I want to announce our second new rewards program for clients. This has been in the works since January, but like I said, I was hibernating. A few clients have already joined in this program, I hope you will become a part of it, too. So... drumroll, please...... Introducing the Harrington Photography Client Loyalty Rewards Program!!

Want details? I've got 'em! I love having you as a client and would love to see you return in the future. The Client Loyalty Rewards Program will reward you for your continued business. How it works: You book a photo session or wedding with Harrington Photography in 2011. You will get a Client Loyalty Rewards punch card. For every individual photo session (or First Year Package) you book, you will get a punch. For a wedding booking, you will get two punches. For every additional $100 you spend on your session in prints and gifts, you will also get a punch. Once you've accumulated 3 punches you get a $50 print credit towards a future purchase. Once you earn a total of 6 punches you will earn a FREE Deluxe Portrait Session! What's in it for you: Free prints, gifts, and photo sessions! Your loyalty to Harrington Photography is much appreciated, so I want to reward you! What's in it for Harrington Photography: I can keep you coming back for more and more! I love building a personal relationship with clients and working with you again and again. This is my way of saying "thank you" for your business. Thank you for trusting me with the most important memories in your lives! And, the fine print... Terms & Conditions: Earned print credits and portrait sessions can only be applied to future purchases of prints, products, or sessions. No refunds will be issued as credit for prior purchases. Loyalty Rewards punch cards must be presented in order to be redeemed. Your Loyalty Card will be punched at your session once your balance has been paid in full. Orders cannot be combined to accumulate a dollar amount towards a punch. No expiration for Loyalty Rewards cards. Program is only valid for sessions and purchases beginning in 2011. I hope we get to see YOU in 2011! Book your sessions now, as summer dates will fill up quickly. Start earning punches on your card right away! :)

Delaware, Ohio Maternity Photographer: Katie + Darius = Little One on the Way!

One of my favorite things about photography is watching my clients grow and change over the years, and getting lucky enough to capture that with my camera! I especially love when my brides and grooms start their own families and I get to be a part of it!! Even though Katie and Darius are now living in South Carolina, they made plans with me to get together for maternity pics while they were in town for the baby shower. You might remember them from their wedding in 2009, so in love...


Now they are still so in love... and they have the baby "glow" going on!

We got so lucky that the total downpour of rain only lasted two days, and stopped for our session on Sunday. However, it did get below freezing and everyone was so willing to make it look like we were taking pics in a tropical climate!! I absolutely LOVE so many shots from the day, I'll have to warn you that I'm about to preview a TON!

We started our two-hour session at the Dayton Art Institute with Katie's family.

Katie and her brother Sean and niece Emma.
Katie and Darius with their friends and Godparents-to-be Josh and Ashley.


After family pics, we let everyone else leave to warm up and Katie, Darius, and I stuck around for a few more shots.
Not that Darius has anything that even remotely resembles a sympathy belly, I thought this shot was cute.

Next, we headed to The Greene Town Center for some shots around the baby shops.



Then, we headed back to Katie's parents' house for some indoor shots. I'm pretty sure they were happy to be heading inside! Katie had prepared a bunch of props and I brought baby blocks, and we had some fun!
I absolutely love this pic!

Their baby's name will be Jayla Elizabeth... I love it!


I love this photo... at Katie's request. We took one more shot outside in the cold. The shed/barn was a beautiful backdrop! This is too cute!
Awww... I just love all of these pics!
Katie- you and your belly look super fabulous! Darius... You too! :) I hope you enjoy! I can't wait to see photos of little Jayla in two months.

Delaware, Ohio Family Photographer: Oliver's Baptism + We Become Godparents!

This weekend was exciting for my husband and me. On Sunday, we officially became Godparents to little Oliver Henry! We were so honored to have been asked to be Godparents by my cousin Becky, and her husband Darin. My Dad served as my stand-in photographer, and it was his first time using my camera. Check out the moments he captured!
Adam did a great job with candle-duty.
The weather was so beautiful and spring-like we were able to get outside for some shots. Oliver's big brother Parker joined us.


At the reception after church, we went to Brukner Nature Center. Parker is quite familiar with all the animals and trails, so he took us on a tour and I snuck in some photos.
The boys got into a little trouble... boys will be boys, no matter how old!
They look so innocent! :)


I hope you enjoyed!