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A Creative Session that Spoke to my Soul
Back in March I attended the Reset conference for photographers and one of the keynote speakers encouraged us to make time for personally fulfilling projects. Reflecting on her words, I realized I haven’t made time or space to take pictures that are just for me in quite some time. Though every session I do for my clients is work I am proud to create and deliver, I wanted to make space to do my art for no other reason than my own love of the process.
5 Facts About Your Photographer
Happy New Year! I hope you’re feeling refreshed and renewed after another busy holiday season. New years are fresh starts so I thought this was the perfect time to reintroduce myself to you. Everyone knows I’m the blonde with the camera (those are the descriptors I use with new clients to tell them how to identify me at their session location), but there’s so much more about me I’m excited to share with you! Here are 5 NEW fun facts about me!
2022 Year in Review
On the surface, it’s been another typical year. The kids are getting taller, the dogs are cuter by the day, and my business continues to grow with each and every session. But, upon deeper reflection, this year has been different. This year for me, like the moon, was a demonstration of phases. It’s been a year of feeling stuck, challenging changes, growth, and ultimately contentment. I’m different now at the end of 2022 than I was at the beginning. While I could blog about the accomplishments of EK Photography in 2022, the wins in my business wouldn’t have occurred without the growth in my personal life. So, instead, I’d like to tell you a little about MY growth this year. Maybe my words and experience will speak to you and inspire you in some way as well.
Celebrating Mr & Mrs Swoyer at the American Club of Coplay
What a beautiful day we had for Johanna & Kyle’s wedding last month at the American Club of Coplay in Pennsylvania. Johanna and Kyle tied the knot at the courthouse last year so this wedding was a celebration reception with their family and friends. It was a perfect day of laughter and love!
What is the “Sentimental” Full Gallery Package?
Today I want to give you a behind the scenes look at what a full gallery for a family session looks like. You’ve heard us say that the Sentimental (full gallery) package is the best deal for any type of session, but what does that really mean?
The Sentimental package includes a minimum of 30 images and gives us the opportunity to capture a variety of groupings and poses with each member of your group. You have the option for up to two outfit changes if you desire. The best part? You don’t need to narrow down your list of favorites to just a few images. You get ALL of them as free digital downloads!
Rochelle and Adam's Wedding at the Pond at Triplebrook
On September 17, 2022, Rochelle and Adam tied the knot and their day could not have been more beautiful. The day began with Rochelle and her bridesmaids getting ready at The Pond at Triplebrook. Once Rochelle’s hair and makeup were finished and her wedding dress was on, she did a reveal with her bridesmaids. They all had the sweetest reactions to seeing how beautiful Rochelle looked. These are some of my favorite photos from the day - the looks on their faces are just so perfect!
Celebrating Catie & Kristopher (Again!)
It was so wonderful celebrating Catie and Kristopher again. These two had a small ceremony back in February of this year and then had their big day celebrating with family and friends last month! I was so happy to have been able to capture their love the first time around and again at the sweet party they threw to celebrate their marriage. Caite and Kristopher exchanged their vows during a beautiful and intimate outdoor ceremony and then held their reception at The American Club of Coplay.
Just Take the Pictures
Hi there! Today I want to be super real with you. I’ve been thinking about this blog for some time and I realized thinking about it wasn’t the same as writing it so it was finally time to put my thoughts into words. Recently I held Customer Appreciation mini sessions and one mama’s words struck me as I read through her questionnaire. She explained that typically she is the “picture taker” of the family and she appreciated the opportunity to be in photos with her children and husband. Reading her words brought me so much joy because it was clear to me that she GETS IT. What is it she “gets?” She chose not to wait for the “perfect” time or a less busy schedule or when she was at her ideal weight or when her children were guaranteed to behave or when she and her husband hadn’t had an argument or whatever other reasons parents so often give for not scheduling and taking photos. She chose NOW and making that choice couldn’t have been a better decision.
Lehigh Valley Holiday Mini Sessions are Here!
It may be a bit early to start thinking about the holiday season, but soon the flurries will fall and the jingle bells will be tinkling here in the Lehigh Valley! By the time the holiday season rolls around and you begin to wonder, “Hey, maybe I should have some festive photos of the kids taken for holiday cards to send to friends and family!” ...it’s already too late. You would not believe how busy photographers are during the holidays with the ‘season’s greetings’ cards and all the gorgeous winter wonderland shoots in the snow.
As a mom myself, I know just how stressful the holiday season can be, which is why I want to offer my services as a family photographer to lessen that load and let you stick to being festive (instead of stress-tive) this year!
Lehigh Valley Fall Mini Sessions
As much as I love summer, I have to admit that the fall is my favorite season which is why I am SO excited to share that this year I am once again offering two different types of mini sessions for the fall!
Choose between a mini session in a cornfield or another outdoor location in Lehigh Valley surrounded by the stunning fall foliage (or both!). I offered both of these mini sessions last year and they were such a fun and easygoing way for families and friends to capture some adorable, seasonal-themed moments!
FAQ: “Is That Really Enough Time for a Session?”
Because my full sessions are defined by image count and not time, it’s not at all surprising potential clients want to know how long to expect to be at a session, especially if their group includes small children. People are also often curious if ten minutes is enough time to capture all the photos and poses they’d like during a mini session.The answer to both questions is an overwhelming YES. How do I know and how am I so confident? The answer is simple…it’s all in the numbers.
Celebrating Megan & Dylon
Megan and Dylon’s June wedding may go down in history as one of my very favorite weddings ever! From their fun-loving bridal party to Megan’s dad making us laugh at every turn to all of the happy tears shed by this historically “teary-eyed” group, Megan and Dylon’s day was truly special.
Customer Appreciation Mini Sessions are Here!
I am so excited to announce that I will once again be offering Customer Appreciation Mini Sessions at an INCREDIBLY discounted rate this summer!
Last year, I introduced Customer Appreciation Minis, and they quickly became a hit among my clients in the Lehigh Valley. These mini sessions provided an opportunity to express my gratitude while capturing beautiful moments for families, couples, and children.
My Customer Appreciation Minis were designed to create lasting memories for my clients. The response I received last year was overwhelming, and I was thrilled to witness the joy on my clients' faces as I captured their special moments. From playful shots of children in a little red wagon to heartwarming family portraits on a cozy blanket in the grass, each session was a unique experience filled with laughter and love.
These mini sessions are perfect for those who are looking for a new family portrait or if you just want a quick photo shoot with your kids to keep as a memory of Summer 2023.
You've Booked Your Session...Now What?
Hi, friend! Welcome back! Today I’m so excited to answer some of my clients’ frequently asked questions just after they’ve booked a session. As you may already know, giving clients the best experience possible from initial booking to delivery of the final gallery is extremely important to me. Let’s dive into some of the questions you may have about what happens after booking a session with me. I know you’ll feel you’re in good hands after reading today’s blog!
What is EK’s Style?
Today I want to tell you more about my photography style. No, I know you’re not interested in what I’m wearing to your session. Rather, my style refers to the approach I take to photographing a session and what you can expect in your final images. You may be considering which area photographer is the best fit for your family and, while there are many points to think about, selecting a photographer whose style matches your own is essential. I want my clients to look at their images and feel I captured the best of their family. Knowing a bit more about what I do to achieve that “best” is key!
Summer Sunset & Creek Sessions are Back!
Summer is the perfect time of year to get outdoors and enjoy nature. During this time, I love to do family and couple sessions. So, if you’re looking for the perfect way to spend an evening with your family, I have just the thing for you - I am once again offering my summer sunsets and creek sessions!
Mommy & Me Mini Sessions are Here!
Mommy & Me mini sessions in Lehigh Valley, PA. Let’s celebrate moms! Mother’s Day is right around the corner and to celebrate I am once again offering Mommy & Me Mini Sessions! These short sessions focus on the bond between mom (and any woman who fulfills a mom role) and her babies (big or small).
My Why… Why I Do What I Do
If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know photography wasn’t my initial career path. I spent 13 years as an elementary teacher. Though I loved my time in the classroom, when I began experimenting with our family’s DSLR camera in 2016, I discovered a passion I didn’t know I had for artfully capturing moments in time forever. I treasure every photo I have of my sons at each stage of their growth and development. Those moments cannot be recreated and would be only distant memories if I hadn’t snapped the shutter.
Spring Mini Sessions are Here!
It’s currently March 1st which means Spring is just days away! The warmer, sunny days are coming so what better way to welcome the season by refreshing your walls with some nice Spring themed photos?! I am so excited to share that this year I will be working with Amy Bloom of Spundesign for a beautifully styled set.
Am I Your Family Photographer? Part II
Hey there! Welcome back! This is the second half of a two-part series about why I’d love to be considered as your family photographer.