Portraits category | Columbus Wedding Photographer

In Home SessionSunday in Black & White

She managed to capture the cork in her hand before it could ricochet off the cabinets. Standing in her new kitchen, she nestled the bubbles into two small glasses. In the other room, her high school sweetheart was straightening some clothes. Slowly we were preparing for their in home session.

Buying your first home brings so many new experiences, especially an old home in Cleveland. For the first time, you get to make choices about everything. What tile to hang in the bathroom? What color to paint the living room? Which project do we tackle first? And there is no end to the list or projects. All of this work has one goal – to make a house your home.

They jumped at the idea of an in home session. I had offered the idea, and with consideration, it was decided. Doing the photography session at their home only made sense. It’s the place where they are building a life together. The house being transformed into a home. So we simply picked a quiet Sunday morning to create some magic at home. And it was truly magical. What you see below is completely real. Just the two of them in love. For the most part, I was just a shadow in the room, only making a noise from time to time.

Their path ahead is clear, like a written list of goals. Find love – check. Find cats – check. Buy home – check. Education, careers, and marriage are all being addressed now. I can see what lies beyond the horizon – a bright and beautiful future. Hopefully I’ve captured a glimpse of that future below.

In home session captured in Cleveland In home session captured in Cleveland

I’m always looking to schedule more in home sessions, whether simple or intimate. These sessions are great for engagement or already married couples, and seem to capture a part of life not readily accessible elsewhere. Certainly contact me if interested.

Cleveland Family Photography – Holden Arboretum – Henry & Didi

At first, I thought I had arrived early, but I turned to noticed Henry and Didi pulling into a parking spot. It’s been a while since I have seen them and they look as good as always. A few years ago, I was lucky to capture their Cleveland engagement session. In the short time since, so much has changed.

Henry and Didi are now married and have a beautiful little boy. He’s growing so fast, and so are Henry and Didi. Henry is about to embark on the next phase of his career, which will take him out to the Pacific coast. Soon after, Didi and family will follow. So this might be the last I see of this fantastic family. When planning their Cleveland family photography session, we kept coming back to the same idea. The session had to take place at Holden Arboretum and it had to be at sunset. As luck would have it, their family photography session turned out perfectly.

The sun beamed strongly across Holden as we walked through the beautifully manicured gardens. The resulting colors are filled with pastels and bright highlights. More importantly, Henry & Didi’s little boy was so well behaved. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a young boy so calm and relaxed in front of the camera. By the end of the session, we had captured some wonderfully intimate moments between this young family. Below you can find just a few highlight from their family photography session, all captured on gorgeous film.

Cleveland family photography at Holden Arboretum captured on film

For the photographers among us, the above was captured by a Contax 645 and Nikon F5 on Fuji 400H and developed/scanned by Richard Photo Lab.

Kyra & Nick – A Session on Film for a Growing Family

Sometimes you have to take a risk. The risk can be big or small – but it’s still a risk. Kyra & Nick’s family session at their home in Granville was just around the corner, but the weather was looking bad. Huge storms were gathering on the horizon that could wreck their family session. Because I was driving from Cleveland to Granville (near Columbus) for their session, we had to make a decision about the weather rather early. After some back and forth over the phone, Nick made the call to continue with the session as planned. We were going to risk it!

The sky poured during the two hour drive to their home. The rain was so relentless that I had to slow down at points. As I pulled into the Columbus area, the weather began to clear. And then the sun came out as I reached Granville. The temperature shot up and it was actually nice outside. Turns out, the risk was worth it.

I think the risk was certainly worth it for Kyra and Nick as well. They initially met at a bar while in college, which can be risky in itself. They started talking and realized they shared interests. Nick took a risk and asked Kyra on a date. One date turned into the next, and then a next, and before long it was time to propose.

Being a Gentleman (capital G), Nick discussed marriage with Kyra’s family first. With permission enthusiastically granted, a family ring was to Nick to use for the engagement. Shortly thereafter, Nick and Kyra were in Philadelphia for a cousin’s wedding. Just before the wedding, Nick took another risk. While walking through downtown, they stopped in a small city park. Nick took a knee and proposed. Of course we wouldn’t be here today unless Kyra said yes. Sooo many risks in life are so worth taking.

Now, the wedding is just around the corner and they have a lovely growing family. Holden, the newest addition, is growing so fast. Below are just a few highlights from their blended engagement and family session, joined in by their two awesome dogs. I certainly hope you enjoy these little highlights.

A summer family session in Granville with Kyra and Nick at their home.

PS – The weather did not hold out for the entire session. We did have to retreat inside momentarily, but I love the inside photos just as much as the outdoor ones.

Category: Portraits