What a wonderful week!

Last Tuesday, I had planned to collaborate with a long-time friend on some photos that I've been putting together in my mind for months now. But Tuesday morning I got the text that the birth I had been hired to photograph was in full swing! So I rescheduled with my friend and rushed to the house.

It was such an honor to photograph the birth of Violet Love, a beautiful little girl who was greeted by her parents and her ten siblings! It was the most amazing thing to see this big family welcoming Baby #11 - everyone was helping, encouraging, waiting for the moment of her arrival. I feel blessed to have been able to document the experience for them. What a wonderful Valentine's Day!

SO - yesterday, we went back to shooting these photos for the upcoming gallery at Max Crema's. The photos turned out so fantastically, I can't wait to share them! Here is a sneak peak, but if you'd like to see more of my work, please come to the gallery opening on March

3rd, from 10 am to 1 pm!

Macro Lens!

How could I forget about my beautiful macro lens? My parents bought this lens as a Christmas gift for me several years ago. I wasn't doing much portraiture at the time and never really used it, so it hasn't seen much use. This is a FANTASTIC portrait lens!!! (Neither of these photos have been touched up at all - ok, I lied, I took out some acne in one. But other than that...)

It took me a while to know what about photography I was specifically drawn to. There are so many genres and possibilities. But the one consistency in every career dream I've ever had was a connection to people, a desire to meet and connect with real, honest people.

I'm not interested in fashion, glamour, beauty, although I have seen incredibly well-done and beautiful examples of all. Of course sometimes it's fun to play around with this, but it's not what drives me.

So whatever I am photographing - pregnancy, babies being born, new mothers, portraits, weddings, whatever it is - I am there because I want to connect to people, I want my photography to tell a story for and of them. And if I can accomplish this, I will have fulfilled my goal - to use photography as a means to help people, to capture real moments in their lives and preserve them for years to come.

Extra, Extra!

Please share this photo with your friends and family! Alexis Ryan Photography is offering a whole slew of fantastic discounts right now and I don't want you to miss out!

Also, if you like my page before the end of March or share this photo on facebook, your next hourly session in 2012 is 10% off! Spread the word!

Update

I'm happy to say that another couple wants Alexis Ryan Photography for their wedding in October! What fun!!

The home birth I'm photographing could happen any day now. I am getting more and more excited to document this day and all of the beautiful people involved, especially the new one!

Fresh Starts

I'm looking forward to a lot in 2012! In just a few weeks I am so excited to be photographing the arrival of beautiful new baby just outside of Oley. In a few months, two of my childhood friends are getting married. Two different brand new beginnings and I get to be there for both! I can't wait!

Not your stereotypical portrait.

I want to tell your story.