Tagged: Cleveland family photography

Tesse & Ryan – A Cleveland Maternity Session for a Growing Family

The plan was complex from the beginning – one session to capture the couple, their two dogs, and lets throw in some maternity photos. I absolutely love maternity sessions, and I love furry friends even more. We had all the time we needed, so the complex plan turned out to be easier than I thought. Plus, Tesse and Ryan are absolutely wonderful clients, making for a wonderful day.

When I pulled into their driveway, out came the dogs, filled with energy. And these are not normal dogs. Both are mixes and one is likely part Great Dane. They are big to say the least. They are also sooo sweet. After a little time, they settled down and immediately started to ham it up for the camera. They truly made life nice and simple. A personal favorite is the black and white photo of both dogs sitting next to each other, both with gray chins.

After spending ample time with the furry friends, we headed off to the Cleveland Museum of Art for the maternity portion of the session. Previously, we had caught some rain and had to reschedule our session. However, we could not reschedule it far since Tesse was due imminently. Thankfully, the day turned out to be all sun. Tesse and Ryan really lucked out and got some fantastic autumn weather.

As we walked around the museum campus, we chatted about how they found me, their somewhat recent wedding, food, relatives and a whole lot more. Below are some highlights from this maternity session featuring Tesse, Ryan and their growing family. I certainly hope you enjoy.

A family maternity session for Tesse and Ryan Ruhlman captured in Cleveland A family maternity session for Tesse and Ryan Ruhlman captured in Cleveland A family maternity session for Tesse and Ryan Ruhlman captured in Cleveland A family maternity session for Tesse and Ryan Ruhlman captured in Cleveland A family maternity session for Tesse and Ryan Ruhlman captured in Cleveland A family maternity session for Tesse and Ryan Ruhlman captured in Cleveland A family maternity session for Tesse and Ryan Ruhlman captured in Cleveland A family maternity session for Tesse and Ryan Ruhlman captured in Cleveland A family maternity session for Tesse and Ryan Ruhlman captured in Cleveland A family maternity session for Tesse and Ryan Ruhlman captured in Cleveland A family maternity session for Tesse and Ryan Ruhlman captured in Cleveland A family maternity session for Tesse and Ryan Ruhlman captured in Cleveland A family maternity session for Tesse and Ryan Ruhlman captured in Cleveland

For the technical among us, the above was all shot on a Contax 645 with Fuji 400H film. Except the first frame, which was shot on a Leica M6 with Kodak Portra 160. Developing and scanning was done by my trusty team at Richard Photo Lab.

Cleveland Family Photos with Michelle & Amir at Huntington Beach

I’m so thrilled that I had another chance to work with Michelle, Amir and their young son, Michael. Needless to say, I was thrilled with the results from their first family lifestyle session. Before, it was winter and we just decided to stay inside their home in Lakewood. Now, it’s summer so we headed out to Huntington Beach in Bay Village for another family lifestyle session.

Many other things have changed too since this past winter. Michael is much larger now and walking on his own. He’s even learning little words. I think “ball” is his favorite word, given how excited he got for every ball that rolled by on the beach. The beach has changed as well. For whatever reason, it was amazingly crowded on this particular Sunday. I’ve never seen so many people at Huntington Park, but I guess that is a good thing. Lastly, Michelle has changed as well. Something new might be coming soon for both Michelle and Amir.

Sadly, I was informed of some unwelcome news as well. They are likely moving home to be near family, which means they won’t be so near by. However, we are already talking about traveling for family sessions, which should be great fun. For today, enjoy some highlights from their latest family lifestyle session, all captured on film at sunset.

A summer family portrait session at Huntington Beach in Bay Village with Michelle, Amir and Michael. A summer family portrait session at Huntington Beach in Bay Village with Michelle, Amir and Michael. A summer family portrait session at Huntington Beach in Bay Village with Michelle, Amir and Michael. A summer family portrait session at Huntington Beach in Bay Village with Michelle, Amir and Michael. A summer family portrait session at Huntington Beach in Bay Village with Michelle, Amir and Michael. A summer family portrait session at Huntington Beach in Bay Village with Michelle, Amir and Michael. A summer family portrait session at Huntington Beach in Bay Village with Michelle, Amir and Michael. A summer family portrait session at Huntington Beach in Bay Village with Michelle, Amir and Michael. A summer family portrait session at Huntington Beach in Bay Village with Michelle, Amir and Michael. A summer family portrait session at Huntington Beach in Bay Village with Michelle, Amir and Michael.

I love the one of Michael removing the sunglasses, and the one of Michelle holding him in the air. Then again, it’s hard not to love them all. That’s all for today. I’ll be back soon with more sessions and weddings.

Monica & Grant – A Family Photo Session in Cleveland

It all started as a weird series of text messages between my brother and I. A friend of his was looking to do a family photo session. We went back and forth on the details, and then things went kinda pear-shaped.

“What would you think about a trade,” my brother asked. Asking for more details, my brother offered up the goods – “Grant is a craft cocktail specialist, and he gives lessons.” My interest was officially piqued. I like to think of myself as a whiskey aficionado. In particular, I have a rather strong predilection for Manhattan’s. I discussed the matter further with my brother, and then started discussing the trade with Grant. What started as an idea, quickly morphed into something that would happen. The pear-shape idea went completely square and the whole thing was set in motion.

Grant and Monica would come to Cleveland for their family session and to give friends at my house a craft cocktail lesson. The next day, we would capture some family photos for them. After weeks of planning, the weekend finally arrived. The craft cocktail party went off without a hitch. Both Monica and Grant really hit a home run. I think everyone had fun, since people stayed until well past midnight. We met for the family session the next morning, starting at the Cleveland Museum of Art and then we headed into a local park. Monica & Grant’s family is small – just the two of them. They were recently married and wanted some good portraiture to add to their wedding photos. Personally, I’m thrilled with how everything came out.

Before I move onto the highlights, I thought I would share one of my favorite cocktail recipes. Warning though, these are strong and addictive –

Classic 212 Manhattan

2 oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1 oz. Carpano Antica vermouth
2 dashes Agnostura bitters
STIR over ice till chilled
Serve up in a martini glass
Garnish with two Amarena Fabbri cherries

Family photography session in Cleveland with Grant and Monica. Family photography session in Cleveland with Grant and Monica. Family photography session in Cleveland with Grant and Monica. Family photography session in Cleveland with Grant and Monica. Family photography session in Cleveland with Grant and Monica. Family photography session in Cleveland with Grant and Monica. Family photography session in Cleveland with Grant and Monica. Family photography session in Cleveland with Grant and Monica. Family photography session in Cleveland with Grant and Monica. Family photography session in Cleveland with Grant and Monica. Family photography session in Cleveland with Grant and Monica.

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