So glad I didn't wait!

Dropped the boys off at school, and practically ran home to get my camera. THE FIRST BIG SNOW! This is about the only time I like snow... so I thought it best to take advantage of it. There are now tracks all over the backyard, and wet jeans and socks in the dryer. The wind has been pretty fierce for a few days, and had mostly blown all the pretty stuff off the branches, but I caught a few delights tucked into corners. Since it is now blowing harder, and more snow is coming down, I thought the timing was just right... inside is where I want to be now.

But, since I made the effort...

Window clings

Window clings are a favorite of the boys, and each year we try to get at least two. This year gram came up with some, and we put them up on the window today. The boys will pull them off, or they will fall off, and we will move them around all month.

Some pictures were taken to go with this also.

Tomorrow

is.
Wow. I'm stuck... that doesn't usually happen to me.
Tomorrow is... huge.
Tomorrow is...
Tomorrow is... serious.
Tomorrow is...
Tomorrow is the first annual Holiday Shopalooza!
Tomorrow could easily be called the launch of LaniHarmonPhotography.
I'm excited.
I'm nervous.
I'm intimidated.
I'm also extremely grateful for the wonderful women in my life who have pushed me in large and small ways to make this day happen. They know who they are, and my life would be so very much less without them in it. You all are a huge part of my inspiration.
Now, armed with a home-made Mocha and some time without the boys, it is back to work. Hope to see you tomorrow!

Seriously sweet stuff

from my good friend Michelle. She rocks some illustrations over at her etsy shop, little toad and I recommend everyone visit her shop for some great greetings. I am lucky enough to get the special treatment, and she's made me look brand-new in an amazing cartoon image for my Holiday Fair coming up soon. Here are the gift cards you can now get for LaniHarmonPhotography! Just email me at laniharmonphotography@gmail.com.

Not to be lame...

but I never realized how physical taking pictures can be. After 4 hours at the boys karate school hunched over my tripod, I've learned quite a few things.

One - my body needs more yoga. A lot more yoga. It is not as flexible as I need it to be.
Two - Nikon's lack of an LCD view on the D40 is a true pain when shooting posed/tripod shots.
Three - Karate kids RULE. They listen, and focus, and ROCK SOME KICKS. Sweet.
Four - There is nothing in this world like great help. I had some GREAT help tonight.
Five - My backdrops aren't big enough.
Six - My list of 'things to invest in' just tripled.
Seven - Supportive husbands are worth their weight in gold.
Eight - Too many awesome photos to even think about posting them tonight.
Nine - The boys Karate school is AMAZING for so many reasons:
the Family atmosphere - the KIDS - the Instructors - the famous Mrs. Jones.

Foundation Martial Arts ROCKS.

Thanks to Amy, all the patient kids and parents, and I'll see you all next week for class pictures!

Playing around..

I liked this series of photos, but didn't have many of all of them together. I thought a collage or storyboard would be a good way to showcase them. Let me know what you all think.

Crazy Beautiful

Two beautiful little girls back-to-back this week. I'm dying with how gorgeous these girls are.

Heart-breaker One:


Heart-breaker Two:

Hard to choose favorites

from the next family, but here are a few:





Including one that is probably my favorite so far...

And then there was...

The JLobaughs. Don't be confused by the J's. It's one of their things.
But seriously people. You can't get much better than this:


Just delightful.

So that brings us to...

the first family that I photographed. The date is earlier this summer, and the Garrison family met me at Presque Isle so I could practice with her kids. Here's a few of my favorites:

This is great! Thanks for boosting them up there Curtis!


He wasn't too sure of the water, next time I'm betting he'll be soaked!

and, my favorite. It totally captures A's great personality.

The beginning...

This photo was the beginning. I became obsessed with it. I admit, it was one of those lucky shots, but I could spend days looking at it. I can feel the wind, the sun, and smell the beach when I look at this photo. It captures a moment in our lives, it sums up the essence of a summer day at the beach for my family. I just love, love love it, and I so wanted to share that with others. I hope to share it with you and your family.
Here it is, straight out of my camera.