I was just going through some old folders through of photos I dumped off the camera and haven’t had time to do anything with and this one jumped out at me.

On Tuesday, I was a judge at the Delaware State Fair for the Delaware 4-H Photography contest.  Needless to say, I was honored.  You see, back in the early 80’s, I declared to my Grandmother that I wanted to leave an unnamed well-known all-girl youth organization and join 4-H.  Let’s be honest, in my mind, it was because there was boys in it.  LOL   But little did I know that making this decision would impact the next 10 years of my childhood and teenage years.  It would impact my life, actually.  It created the person I am now.  No, I didn’t compete in sheep shearing or dairy.  Despite trying to keep this fact from my husband (I was successful until 3 years ago when my Mother and Aunts all decided to clue him in), I did get blue ribbons in cooking contests and even made some of my prom and Homecoming dresses, and won blue ribbons on them!   But I was also very involved in Leadership and Citizenship.  And I have friends from my 4-H days that I am still friends with today.  And, although Photography wasn’t one of my main project focuses back then, it did get me started and interested.    My first roll of b&w film and trip into a darkroom was at Camp Barnes.

So I was honored going back to judge the state fair entries.   And after spending the first 30 minutes holding my head and staring at mounds and mounds of entries piled all around me and the other photographers, trying to figure out how to bring myself out of the professional world of constructive criticism that we all learn by, and how to judge an 8 year old and not make him/her cry.  Rather, to make them smile and want to keep practicing and improve over and over again.  It was hard!   But it was oh so rewarding!

I am so happy that I had the opportunity to give back to such a wonderful organization.  And we have so many talented youth showcasing their hard work.  So if you are going to a State Fair this summer, no matter what state that may be, be sure to stop by the 4-H area and glance at the exhibits and contests and the amazing work that these youth have been working on all year!

Last month, a group of us DE 4-H’ers from back in the day decided to get together for lunch and bring our little ones.  It was such a great time and we are already planning a big reunion for next year!  Thank you for the photo, Mark!

Last week, we had four days of pure bliss!   Temperatures were in the 79-84 degrees range, low to no humidity, gorgeous blue skies and gentle breezes.  I seriously would have loved to have been outside the entire day!   Sadly, work called me indoors.  But I still took advantage whenever I could.  One of those moments was walking out to the organic garden on campus of St. Andrew’s School and taking some photos of the sunflowers and blue skies.

Disclaimer:  I apologize now for the photo sizes being all over the place in this post.  I sized them for my personal blog and forgot to change them for posting here.

On June 19th, we had our family picnic.  I wish I had taken more photos of details and family, but this year proved to be quite challenging with a toddler and fast feet.  I was constantly chasing her to make sure she wasn’t rolling down the hill into the pond, running to the docks, or trying to jump in someone’s unlocked car and drive away!  So most of my photos include the little one.

Here’s a rare, yet sweet, photo of my Uncle with McKenna.  I assured him that I was zoomed in on McKenna, or else I would have never have gotten this without his hand over his face, not to mention him smiling!

It was so much fun having a bunch of little ones there this year!

McKenna decided to play model and would pose at this tree, then run around and approve the photo on the camera, then run back to the tree to pose again.  She did this for a good couple of minutes and I took advantage of it as much as I could!

Fishing and eating crabs were popular activities…

… as well as enjoying time with our loved ones and enjoying the gorgeous view …

Another great picnic.  Cannot wait for next year’s!

On June 17th, my husband organized a Golf Tournament fundraiser New Castle County Ducks Unlimited held at Deerfield Tennis and Golf Club.  And McKenna & I just happened to be off work/school that week, so we jumped in the car and headed north to see Daddy!   The day was another amazing, perfect weather kind of day…especially to be on such a fabulous golf course!  First, let me say that I have photographed weddings at The D at Deerfield, and this place is gorgeous.  Top notch service, food, and facilities!   So if you are shopping for a wedding location, be sure to check out this place!   (and it’s now open to the public, no longer restricted to “the bank” employees).

Jason was setting up for the lunch and auction, so we decided to pull out the playlist on the iPhone and take advantage of an empty dance floor!

This is a gorgeous and challenging course, with lots of steep hills!  We had fun zipping around on the golf cart – McKenna’s first real golf cart ride!   I’m sad that I didn’t get a photo of her on the golf cart, but I was too occupied holding on to her so she wouldn’t fall out.  LOL

This is a week late for Jason, but great information for all future trips! The NYTimes has a slideshow on how to pack for a 10-day trip in a single carry-on!

photo courtesy of NY Times

Click here to view the slideshow / article!

Honey, I think you should take me on a trip so we can practice this!!

Olivia is another senior that I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the past few years!  I did a quick head shot for her for a college audition and just knew that I had to get her back in front of the camera before she graduated.  Her eyes are just amazing!

As you can tell, there are just way too many that I love to narrow down!  And such a natural in front of the camera!  Friends & Family, click here to view all of Olivia’s proofs!

Thanks Olivia!

A couple of months ago, I did a quick senior session with Ben and we agreed we would do it again in the spring when there was some color on the ground.   And that we did!

Here’s a couple of photos from our first session:

And here’s the latest!

For Ben’s family, click here to view all of his handsome photos!

I know I have a few ladies stalking my website just waiting for a sneak at some wedding photos.  They are coming ladies!  Just a little more time!  (note that I’m cracking as I write this because they are going to read this thinking “Darn it.  I got called out.”)  Anyways, I’ll give a sneak peak

The bride’s shoes were A.MA.ZING!  Seriously.  Photos don’t do them justice.

More to come later this week!