AHP 52 Week Photo Challenge - Week 26

I dont know if it's the heat, or if it's because it's the end of the school year (or more likely the beginning of the summer) but I didn't see too many "Animal" shots from last weeks theme. 

I REALLY hope ya'll will catch up again because we're only half way there!! Yes it's official, we're half way through the challenge. That though it kinda stinky actually- time flies so fast and this is a reminder of that.

But in honor of us being half way through the 52 week photo challenge, this week's theme is:

HALF

AHP 52 Week Photo Challenge - Week 25

Last's photo challenge theme week was hard, wasn't it? Once again I stumped myself with what I thought would be a pretty easy topic. I found lots of "UGLY" things including a dead fish on the beach and my daughters eczema covered knees. But I wanted to not only take a photo of something ugly, I also wanted to incorporate some sort of technical skill into the photo. 

With my "ugly" photo I also employed the use of my off camera flash, something I have decided I want to work on becoming more proficient with. Using some sort of advanced technical skill isn't a part of this photo challenge, but it is a CHALLENGE, right? So for me to challenge myself further, I'm going to be focusing on things like composition, lighting, perspective, editing and other techniques with each of the creative themes. 

Like I mentioned on facebook, I'm on vacation!!! I'm not really interested in another difficult challenge so I'm going to take it easy on us....really easy :)

The AHP 52 Week Photo Challenge, Week 24 Theme is:

ANIMALS

www.ahedgesphotography.com

The best of the BEST year yet!!

Just allow me to release a huge sigh and let my soul expand. This past year was more than I could have ever imagined. I grew as a business, as an artist and a person and I couldn't have done it alone. The encouragement, feedback and support I was given made my year what it was- I experienced the impossible, saw the unimaginable and am now excited for the future. I cannot say thank you enough or in the right ways to truly express my gratitude. 

Here's the best of this past years sessions...excluding a few last minute ones that have yet to happen- catch those next year! Yep...NEXT YEAR- I'm here to stay and the best is yet to come!

Reilly Family ~ Family, Children and Pet Photography ~ Albany, New York

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.  ~Roger Caras

The Reilly's contacted me for a photo session after hearing about me from a friend of theirs I photographed over the summer (Thanks for the referral!) A while after they booked their session, we realized that I live next door to some friends of theirs and we all live in the same neighborhood...small world for sure!! So we had their session in their back yard- it was a perfect setting and an easy way to include their new puppy in as well! As you can see in these first shots- this family was so much fun to work with.

But in between the "sillies" we got some great stuff too. These kids loved their dog!

 This last shot is my favorite of the day...just perfect!

Thanks Reilly Family- I hope to work with you all again someday!

Kelly And Josh~ Engagement Session~ Saratoga Springs NY~

I'm very excited about this couple, these photos, their wedding...everything...for many different reasons!

One...take a look at them- GORGEOUS! 

Two- Their wedding is going to be at Saratoga National next Fall...yippeeee :-) Awesome, gorgeous venue...makes me totally giddy.

Third- Kelly's mom and my mom have known each other FOR-EVER. Seriously, since back in elementary school! So in turn, Kelly and I have known each other FOR-EVER!! She even did my hair and my own wedding almost 8 years ago (a fabulous job by the way- I totally recommend her as a stylist!) So this wedding is super special to me!!

And Fourth, She has found her perfect match! Her and Josh seem perfect for each other and I'm so happy for them!

We met up on a cloudy grey afternoon last week at Yaddo Garden's in Saratoga. Turned out to be "the day" for photo sessions as we were sharing the amazing garden spot with two other photogs and their clients. It's all good though- I play nice :-) They seemed a bit nervous at first, but come on...these two were pros in front of the camera...check them out!

The VERY FIRST 2 minutes of shooting and they give me this next series....I think to myself, "yea- we're gonna have an AWESOME session!!" and try to hide my happy dance as best as I can!

The included their "baby" in the session and even HE rocked it too!! 

Seriously...can't wait for your wedding next year Kelly and Josh! :-)

Cuteness of a PUPPY kind!!

Becky contacted me about doing a session with just her and her mom in Washington Park. Great idea, right?? Well the day of her session the temperature was about 100 degrees in the shade and none of us wanted any part of that :-)

So we met near by to do the first half of the session with the doggies. They were hot as well but just as cute as could be and these ladies obviously love their puppies!!

When we all had just about all the heat we could handle Becky, her mom and I went back to my house to finish up the session in the air conditioning! These two are such a great mother/daughter pair. Silly and goofy but very sweet and loving as well. These photos totally capture how they interact and get along!

Thanks for stopping by :-)