The Walsh Family

It's that time of year again, folks.  Time for the annual Walsh family photo shoot.  My time with this family is always entertaining!  It always involves a lot of giggling.  This year was no exception.  As always a great time!!!  And a few more fave photos to add to my Walsh collection!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

This weekend I took a day off to hang out with my kids, Andy and my mom. We decorated the tree, drank hot cocoa and watched White Christmas with Bing Crosby. We had a fire going in the fireplace and it was a very relaxing day. I really enjoyed myself. What holiday traditions do you have?

Saturday was fun too. I met with Aaron and Amanda about their wedding. They haven't decided to use me (yet, I hope) but it was a really good meeting. I also met with Jessica. She was a bridesmaid in Sara and Matt's wedding. She and Jon are getting married next August and I'm very excited they chose me. YAY!!!

I also got to photograph one of my fave families---the Overmyers. I met them while photographing UALC's preschool. Kara didn't want to smile so I bribed her with gum. We've been buds ever since. I've photographed 3 out of the 5 kids at preschool now. I was greeted by a running hug from Grant at his school this fall. What an awesome feeling!

This is our 3rd or 4th year for holiday photos and I love how Alicia always tries to do something different every year. Their personalities always seem to shine through in their photos. This year it was sweaters and scarves-a great look, I think. I designed a couple of different cards for them. Which one do you like?
Greg and Alicia have been married nearly 20 years so I couldn't resist giving them a taste of an engagement session. I tried to convince them to have a photo session of just the two of them next summer---just like newlyweds. Hope they take me up on it.

After photographing outside, we went inside for a few photos of the family around the piano. Kelsey was playing and I was very impressed. They all sang along to a tune from Wicked and WOW, then I was really blown away! Talented family for sure. Afterwards, I got a few hugs. I got out to my car to drive home and again I was struck by how truly blessed and fortunate I am. This is a wonderful family and I am so happy and grateful that I get to call them clients and friends. How many photographers get hugs from their clients? How many photographers feel like they are always working with friends? That has been the greatest gift about having dk photographic---the people. I've seen beautiful places, dresses, etc... but I will always be most impressed by the people I've met along the way. Thank you all so much for coming into my life.

dk

Confessions of a workaholic....

Ok. I think it's fairly clear that I LOVE LOVE LOVE my job. But... When you haven't had a full weekend off in 3 months, you have to do something about it. So I did. As of Friday afternoon about 4:00, I stopped working. I didn't take any pictures this weekend. I didn't work on any wedding albums. I only checked email but vowed not to respond until Monday morning. It felt good but... I also felt a little guilty.

I hung out with my kids. I went through my stack of magazines to read. I did a little shopping. I spent some alone time with Andy. Wow. It was relaxing and that's saying something because as my mom and Andy will tell you. I don't relax easily. I guess I just feel guilty about taking a little time off when the "BIG FAT to do list" is so long this time of year. These days it's a constant battle between what gets put on and what gets taken off "THE LIST".

Last week, I put 23 items ON the list and was only able to take off 24 items. So... for a whole week's worth of work---it feels like I only got one thing done. UGH! Not acceptable so this week, I am aiming for a higher removal rate. ; ) Heck. It's only Monday morning and I've already added 7 things to the list. I need to put in some long hours. Thank God and Laura for coffee.

OK. Seems odd to thank Laura. But here's the thing. Coffee has become one of life's great pleasures for me. Laura (my best friend/cousin-in-law/sister of my heart) introduced me to coffee when we were in college. It started out with a little General Foods French Vanilla. Then I progressed to plain old coffee with cream and sugar and before you know it.....I was in line at the "legal, suburban, addiction peddlers"---Starbucks!

I actually have to thank Laura for a lot of things. She introduced me to my hubby. She and Andy worked together at Nationwide. I also introduced her to her husband, my cousin Jay who is the little brother I never got. Then, along came Nate a/k/a Tater and there's another baby on the way who will (duh) be gorgeous! Last weekend, they came over for photos & pizza. Check them all out. don't be surprised if you see that series of Tater with the ball on my walls/website etc... Oh. And, of course, my little hams wanted their picture taken.

Enjoy this beautiful blue sky day!

dk

Andy and I hadn't been dating for very long when I was called to meet the "college friends". It was pretty darn nerve-wracking. I was walking into a house where at least 6 of Andy's closest friends were gathered to visit. Aaron & Lauren were visiting for the holidays. Andy and Barb were visiting from Colorado. And, as usual, everyone was gathered at Jeff's house. I think I played it pretty cool but I was sweating it.

Thankfully, Jeff and I hit it off right away. We sat and drank a couple of Rolling Rocks together and all was good. Jeff was our best man. He has been a good friend for the last 10 years. I'm glad to say that he is definitely "our" friend not "Andy's" friend. My kids just love Jack and Luci.

Anyway, Jeff's mom has been asking for a family photo. Last Sunday, I and the ENTIRE Berkes family gathered at Scioto Park for pictures. I always tease Jack (Jeff's son). He is a feisty, ornery little guy and I love it. My Aidan thinks Jack is the coolest! But look, he's got a sister and three girls for cousins. Poor guy. He needs some boys around. Luckily, Uncle David just got engaged so who knows? Just teasing.... No pressure. Really. I really wanted to get David and Emily alone for some rockin' dk engagement photos but with the kids around, I kept it G-rated.

And. I can't forget Bonnie, Jeff & the girls. I've gotten to know them a bit through Jeff. Enjoyed seeing them again and I think their girls are awfully cute. The pigtails get me every time!

dk