Mason, Class of 2017 …

This Handsome guy and his beautiful Momma met me at Devou Park on a warm Sunday evening.  The weather was beautiful and we were able to freely enjoy the park as we wandered into several spots from the Behringer-Crawford Museum to Rotary Grove.  The park was bustling with folks, many of whom were enjoying a good game of golf in the unseasonably warm weather.  From there we found ourselves on the old brick roads of downtown Covington, where we admired the gorgeous architecture and character that was around each corner.  We could hear Reds fans cheering across the river as they watched their favorite team in the last game of the season.  I genuinely enjoyed the great conversation and ease of our walk with these two.  It was easy to see with these genuinely kind and brilliant folks that "beauty and handsome" aren't only skin deep in this fantastic family.  Thank you, Tina and Mason, for the wonderful time and for the opportunity to photograph the start of this new season for you all.   I look forward to round two on the Soccer Field with you both! ~ B 

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Holiday Happy ...

These sweet twins are such a pleasure to be around.  The first time I met them was for a shoot on a blistering hot day over the summer, this 60 degree weather in December was a nice change.  Trying to keep up with these sweet littles on this short shoot was no easy task, they are bundles of great and happy energy. Truly a blast. Thank you so much for allowing me the time H family!  Hope you have a very Merry Christmas! ~ B Gallery

Joy is Evident ...

What amazing weather we had for the end of November with this beautiful family of 6.  They were troopers as their brood ventured through downed trees, dry creeks and steep inclines as we sought the sun in open spaces.  I was genuinely impressed with the love that they exuded for one another as these siblings not only joked with one another but even spoke of being inspired by one another.  As I inquired to the "secret" of their warmth for each other, both parents joked, but in truth it was obvious that there is an inner joy residing in this family of 6 and that joy works to develop a love and respect that seems ten fold.  These sweet kiddos and their wonderful parents were a fun crew to wander with.  I am so thankful you, A & M, allowed me the absolute privilege of photographing your beautiful family! ~ B Gallery

Easy As 1, 2, 3 ...

These three little people are a happy folk!  Talking with them about all things school, fun and family was easy peasy.  They were a little pensive with the camera in their faces, but before long running through the open field at French Park loosened them up a bit and allowed for some fun investigating.  Mom and Dad have a beautiful crew and it was absolute fun watching the five of them enjoy camera time together.  Who would have thought that a day in November would have brought warm weather and dry ground for these folks?!  T & S thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to photograph your beautiful family.  The kiddos are such cuties and I am so happy to have been a part of documenting these moments for you! ~ B Gallery

Winter Seasons ...

"You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home..." Ephesians 2:19-22

I was thinking and praying today over the troubles of a struggling friend and as I thought on the words to share with her over this season, I was led to think of this month and what it means for me...what's been done for me in these times.

November is a beautiful month that I love. I get to celebrate Fall, my sweet sister's birthday and the birthday of my late Momma. It is a month I enjoy fuzzy sweaters and the gruff of my husband's new beard.  It is a warm your hands by the fire pit month, a grab the s'mores and a good cuddle month, but it is also the start to a grieving season for me, for my sisters, for our families. One that I make my way through without a ton of thought, but one that will eek its way into my mind in that occasional moment where a scent will take me back, a word will ignite a memory or a song will tug on the strings on my heart.  It is a bittersweetness that can only be met with the knowledge of eternity to me, with the awareness of what Christ has done for me.  As I thought to this season today, I thought to something that would confirm a peace in it for me, that would give me the anchor anytime my eyes might water and the best thing that comes to mind is the scripture above.  I'll explain here ...

Four of the people I was closest to in life passed away in Winter months. The anniversaries of their death spanning 45 days of one another. Their deaths being a result of old age, accident and bad health.  Each of those persons buried on a hill in a small town in Pennsylvania. Each funeral with snow on the ground. Each time, I stood shivering as the wind whipped across that tall place. The last funeral there, the snow fell deep and wet and my children clung tightly to my husband and me as we all stood, coats zipped tightly, winter boots secured and the literal Jack Frost nipping our noses. What felt like an eternity there was over in a blink and my family laid rest on that frozen slope. We maneuvered our way back to the line of cars quietly and before I stepped into my door, I looked out over the car. When I was little, I would stay at my grandparent's over the summers, I could see that cemetery hill in the distance from a nearby place at their home. I was always enamored with how perfectly I could make out that hill and yet when there, I could never see the house. The angle and placement were always just so that I could only figure it's approximate location and I'd shrug it off and move on. But that last day there, I tried again. I stood, looking into the distance recalling the many times there, the many memories with those amazing loved ones, a town more home than any other. I peered through the thick flakes of falling snow, but to no avail, I could not see the house. It was different this time, I had no reason to come back. It hurt. I teared up as I leaned into my seat because the reality of that winter was harsh. The pain stung like the bitter cold biting at my well-covered toes and fingers, but I did smile as we pulled away, awaking to the realization that this physical pain would end. It would lessen and that neither my life nor that of my people, ended on that hill. That although I couldn't see that house or those folks, the memories and lives weren't contained in those four walls. That those memories of warm summers, fresh applesauce, and perfect climbing trees would keep my heart warm and that my viewing place would be available in my heart anytime I sought it. I remembered what Christ did what God is building, and that because they each knew Christ too, I would rest with those loved ones again and that is a great peace to know.

I realized that Winter stings, just like trudging the deep snow to pay my respects, we walk through seasons of deep hurt and sin as if we are plodding into heavy places. But in all our plodding and striving and doing and seeking, we need to remember, that though we can't see through the bitter air, God sees us. He can make out our hills and He knows our journeys over them. Though we deserved death, He pulled us from a permanent winter. We don't have to stand in those dark places and look for home, HE is home and He can use us.  Keeping our eyes on HIM, will carry us through our burdened winters or our grieving seasons.

Jesus is my warm winter place, my grace upon grace place and with Him I am free from the bitter and biting cold and no memory or sting of this season can counter that! ~ B

Early Autumn perfection ...

This beautiful senior, my wonderful model, and I met at Ault Park for a quick run around the Cincinnati gem.  Surprised by the few folk we saw as normally, there are many people buzzing about the busy place.  This evening was incredibly quiet making it easy to forget you were in the city parameters.  The pavilion and cascading steps are iconic and allowed this gorgeous gal to blend into it as if designed to be there.  The golden trees and beautiful botanicals were abundant as we selected our spots.   Standing atop the pavilion's roof for a 360-degree view of the surrounding Cincinnati area was breathtaking as this fantastic girl allowed me to catch some amazing shots of her.  The perfect breeze blew by, dancing with her beautiful brown tresses in a kind of Autumn show.  It was an effortless session as she spoke about school, family, and future.  This girl's beauty enhanced by her charm and intelligence I am certain she will encounter amazing things and opportunities.  Thank you so much E & family, for affording me the pleasure of photographing these seasons with you.  It is and has been, truly a blessing to me. ~ B Gallery

Mommas & Daughters ...

Gallery Heavy rain and rolling clouds have a beautiful way about them.  The quick session with this gorgeous Momma and her stunning girlies wasn't going to be hindered by the weather.  So of course, parking garages being absolutely fantastic places, we defaulted to the perfect one for a change of venue!  These pictures just remind me how much I love a terrific grey and with these beauties it was just the pop on what would have been an otherwise dreary day! ~ B

Sweet Surprises around every corner ...

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Summer storms have always been an enjoyment.  Especially if at home, listening to the sound of crashing lightning and the echos of rain on the roof.  As a photographer, watching the percentages of digits rise or lower can be a real test of one's patience, and so it went with this session.  Friday, the prediction of weather volleyed around like a bee in a field of flowers.  This family and I opted to go with our date and ventured out to the beautiful Cincinnati Nature Center for what we hoped would be a beautiful night.  As I took the first shot below anticipating location, I could hear the rumble of thunder behind me.  And folks, this was the only shot I got.  The skies opened up and a disturbance began that had us seeking a new location in what appeared to be outside of the storm's path.  We drove through flooding roads, downed trees, hail and wind gusts that had rain blinding our path.  We never made it to the new location, but instead chose to try again the next night and I must say, we weren't disappointed.

We made our way to the spot above and were greeted by the sweet sounds of a young raccoon searching the mud for a tasty treat.  As we considered that a Momma might be present, we neared our spot hesitantly, while nodding acknowledgment of his space over ours.  As the little guy dined, he kept his eyes peeled on us, but we were swept away with the blunt button black of his teeny nose and the downy fur that lined his ears.  As we wandered other favorite spots, we listened to the sounds of a wedding reception, filling the atmosphere with music and laughter as they celebrated the start of a new life together.  This beautiful senior and her persevering Momma walked with me as we took in the sights and enjoyed the bright sun, reflecting on our experience the night prior, laughing that it was a session to remember.  As we rounded the corner to the playscape for the wee people of Cincinnati, we were face to face with the tender eyes of a spotted fawn wishing us a sweet salute with a simple curiosity of our business there, even granting us the divine pleasure of a photograph or two.  As we said goodbye to our new friend and continued our journey we were greeted by the white cotton of teeny tails of wee bunny babes as they bounced about the path in front of us and as we furthered our venture, hummingbirds danced together in the air above us.  We were enchanted by the critters that accompanied us on our outing, wondering if the world was offering a bit of an atonement for its behavior the night prior.  Around each bend, it seemed a new critter offering its own sweet apology.  It was no surprise when we came upon the pristine posture of a red tail hawk as he watched us nearing his position.  Sitting staunchly with pride just long enough as if to say, "I'll stand my ground just so that you may enjoy my beauty."  And with that he exited in supreme fashion as we witnessed his great wing span and a flawless retreat to the trees.

The great companionship of our furry and feathered friends had me feeling as if this session was written out for a fairy tale and believing that perhaps they were observing what I was as well....this beautiful senior had a natural genuineness that oozed about her as she softly spoke. Her smile reflected a sweet and serene confidence that would have eased a hardened person.   As the sun hung softly above us and the sky began to settle into a darkening blanket of clouds, that would soon offer a thundering applause to our finish, I was incredibly thankful for the experience and quietly delighted that this is my job.  Thank you, so much for allowing me the opportunity to pin time in this season for you guys.  It was absolutely a joy to wander those trails and share the experience.  ~ B

New Paths ....

Today we shifted direction.  We chose a different route than the one we'd previously selected for our little guy and that's ok.  In fact, it's better than ok.  Much.  While I am "feeling all the feels" over it, as they say, I know that our shift is a good one and trust that God will lead and cover the rest of the way.  As we have struggled with this decision, throwing around what the right thing was and how much it would impact Shepherd either way, or what already had, I was reminded of a commentary I wrote a couple of weeks ago.  I laugh because I wrote this inspired by my sweet boy and today, we are walking it out with him.  Figured I'd share the commentary here, because you never know who could use the reminder that there are paths laid out for us and that sometimes they're steeper than others, sometimes we have to change course a tad, but we have someone that will always walk them with us.  These new paths or unknown journeys don't have to feel overwhelming because the One who loves us best is leading.

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Writing prompt  ... "Our hearts become recalibrated to True North as we lift our eyes off of self and circumstances. When we trust God with our very life-breath, we can stand firm in the knowledge that He controls the whole course of our lives".

My 5-year-old son recently told me that he doesn't like "The Nature". Stunned, but at the same time not surprised, I encouraged him that it would grow on him. By "The Nature", he means hikes. We live about two miles from a beautiful park (Of which this city is riddled) with wonderful trails and creeks and views. Our family will often head that way for a quick jaunt on a trail or for a little "creeking" and clay hunting. It is a simple way to be one with the world God made, an easy fix for forgetting our troubles and drawing closer to word from God and each other. We know most of the trails there very well, fortunately they aren't terribly long and there are slight tree markers along the way, so it's not likely that we'd get lost or not see someone at some point. I never worry about losing our way, but he continually does. Nearly the entire time we walk, he will ask, "Are we lost?". The number of times he, alone, has been there is great and yet each time, he fears we're misguided. I realize that the towering trees and steep steps must be overwhelming to his sweet mind and that he must feel so out of control because he can't "see" where he is going and everything is so big. He will enjoy himself, but he will only venture a few feet at a time from me and he won't touch anything he doesn't recognize. He is incredibly hesitant to try a new trail or cross downed trees for another perspective. So nervous, is he, that while shopping for new sneakers, he asked for ones with the compass in the toe, "just in case". Mind you, he doesn't know how to read a compass yet. :) I continually assure him that we will make our way out and that I know exactly where we are, my words will fall upon his ears, but until we break through the line of trees to open greens, his little heart is ongoingly troubled.

Aren't we much like that? Because we can't see where we are going or aren't certain what our future looks like we walk through this life nervous about our steps and encounters, constantly asking, "Are We lost?" We fear the treading of water and muddy inclines because we would prefer a surer footing and a gaze at an open life and picture. Our pride and fear cause us to stay on the course we are most familiar with, most comfortable with. When we fall into these comfortable areas it is so easy to be entirely dependent on ourselves, which serves to fill us with pride because we "know" what we are looking at, we know the way, we know what to expect ... but sometimes we were meant to veer a different direction, to take another approach, to walk in uncomfortable places, and stay in the midst of towering things longer. Our God is not in a box and walking His way sometimes requires that we close our eyes to the path in front us and let Him lead entirely. God is not only our moral compass but our literal one. If we stay close to Him as we walk, we can trust that He will not lead us down a wrong path. He knows what lies ahead and He will ensure that we make it to the wide-open greens of our lives. So just as my son has to trust me as I walk him into "The Nature", I seek to trust God blindly with my footing, trust that He will see me through to the other side of all seasons and that He won't leave me in the midst of overwhelming situations. And that, as I follow Him, I may even get to see some amazing things on the way. ~ B

Rainbows in Random Places ...

What do you do when you're off for the weekend?  You grab your daughter and one of her friends and drag them out for impromptu pictures.  When we arrived T expressed that she felt as if she was in a giant's house with the large, expansive pillars and wide open spaces.  Likening it to a scene from "Jack and The Beanstalk".  The girls ran freely around this place, uncontained by the influence of an outside world that buzzed loudly by in passing vehicles, they sprinted and laughed throughout the garage, finding perfect echo spots and picking which color was their favorite.  The giggles echoing through these open walls rang sweetly across the cemented ground.  What a blast to just enjoy a unique space with these cheerful beauties, proving that anything, even parking garages, can lend itself well to photographs! ~ B