A Look Back on 2010

Wow, a whole year has gone by, was it just a year? So many things have happened, good things and learning experiences. I developed a quick "highlight list" that sort of captures those things I like as well as the shots I enjoyed. I hope you enjoy too!

--I dropped HRO Photography. It just was not me.

--I launched a new website, got a Logo, launched this blog and I love it all.

--I actually left my home office and attended "Shoot the Shot" workshop held by Isabel March Photography. It was great to learn from her, do some relaxed shooting and make contacts. It was a fun day.

--Leaving my comfort zone, I hopped on a plane to Las Vegas and went to "Summer School". I do believe that you need to do something each day that scares you, and for the first time in a long time, I was scared to death. Who would I meet, were there expectations? Would I get the big L for loser girl? It was an educational opportunity to further hone my skills and hear leaders in my new field speak about their art and business. When I returned, my mind was spinning. It was the best investment in myself I have made in a long time.

--Through all the above, and in the spirit of doing things that scare me, I really have been attempting to network. As outgoing as I am, I just like to be genuine, to be real, to be me. I have always thought of "networking" as being the polar opposite of myself. However, I have found that meeting people of common interests, such as Photography, Weddings, Event Planning and the like are really people just like me. We are all creative people, it seems that we are all creatives, with our own sense of style and individuality. So, I was referred to join a group called "Photo Betties". Women just like me.

Oh, so without further delay, here are some shots that I have LOVED this year. You will see the love, laughter and emotion that I enjoy in my work...

The Wedding of Steph and Randy = Sneak Peek!

Baby, it was cold outside. But these two have each other to keep warm.

Naughty or Nice?

And that is the face. The one that drives me insane. The one that does not seem to be quite Santa or Easter Bunny repellent. He may have just been told "No" or perhaps, "time for Bed". Whatever it may be, he's not happy. The moment I see it, I swear my blood pressure goes up.

How did my cute, sweet cherub, who was so Nice, turn into this Naughty little boy? Granted, he still gets good reports from Preschool, that he is the classroom model of politeness and sharing. Oh my, who knew?

But it is just this crinkled face he does. It is like he knows how to try my patience, to push my buttons and slowly drive me insane. Does he not know that Mommy is already insanely crazy for him? Why ruin it my boy, why ruin it? Besides, I will note all issues you give me to Santa anyway.

Something About Flower Girls

While going through some previous Weddings, I found these images. I was able to shoot this Wedding with Amanda Young of Swoon Over It and we had a great time with the whole Wedding party. Look at this sweetheart...

An Inspirational Day that Forever Lives on

You may not think much of this shot to the right. To me, it is a beautiful man about to embark on an incredible journey. While the Day the Japanese Attacked Pearl Harbor is a Day that forever will live in infamy, it was a day that inspired my grandfather to line up and immediately enlist.

You may think that in that day, this was a noble thing to do as many young men did. I will agree with you. However, this also inspired him to marry my grandmother, his five brothers-in-law went to war as well and everyone at home was waiting.

What he is holding here, was probably one of the last times he did so. This was probably from when they were practicing for a great effort to be made in France. I am still thankful that I did not know this when I saw "Saving Private Ryan", as for some reason Gram-pop, told me he was a cook. When I was telling my Grandmother about the film and the horrific opening scene, she paused, made a face, waved her hand and said, "ah, your grandfather was in that." I nearly fell over. My next words were, "He survived?" Dumbfounded she answered, "Well, you are here." You see, he made a switch to be a Medic. So, his job was to not only be part of that perilous swim to the shore, but to give care and collect dog tags to those fallen soldiers.

This really sent my mind reeling. Just remember today, those that came before you and how they could truly make you who you are today.

Oh, and P.S,, I mentioned my five great uncles. They all returned.

Shoot us while we Shoot

The Tornoe Family is awesome. Love them and their dog. For their family portrait shoot, the weather was quite frigid.

I took a step back and told them that my goal is to capture you enjoying one another, not braving the Artic winds. With that, they thought and thought some more. Do you guys use the pool room? I had two excited boys, well, three if you include the grin on their dad's face...

We got some fun shots and details inside! They loved it and so did I.

Oh the bribing of Children

It's true, getting your picture taken is hard work. The Utz boy's parents thought if they took them to an outdoor train set up at Morris Arboretum, they would have it made! But alas, not with these guys.

They were so on to their parents. Who thought that a little lollipop negotiation by, yours truly, would work to produce smiles? Not just from the boys, the parents too!

So in the end, I guess the sugar high was what the doctor ordered for these kids. The dentist, not so much.

Meet BabyB Designs!

I have known Veronica (Ronnie) for quite a while, years. Let's say before Justin brought Sexy Back, perhaps before he met his friends from 'NSYNC. If you said I have known her multiple decades, yes, it is true. Many things may have changed over time, including her artistic ability, it has improved immensely as demonstrated with her new business, BabyB Designs. You will see she creates everything from Birth Announcements to Birthday Cards. They can be electronic or printed, each one can be created uniquely for you or feel free to select from her design templates!

We definitely had fun during this quick shoot, as BabyB stands for the name of her younger son, a nickname given by her older son. Needless to say, those little Utz children were getting restless. As you scroll through the Head shots we did, go below to find out about her special offer--just for my Readers!

SPECIAL OFFER FOR MY BLOG READERS:

So now, just in time for the Holidays, BabyB Designs is offering 15% off EVERYTHING (except mail shop service) AND when you order over 50 Holiday Cards they will be addressed, stamped and shipped for FREE, you just pay for the postage!

Just use the promocode HROPHOTOGRAPHY.

Thanks BabyB Designs! Happy Holidays!

Eats, Drinks and Leaves

C'mon, it was a long Holiday weekend spent with family and friends and you know we overindulged. Whether your poison be beer, sweets or stuffing, you know how you felt the next day, ugh.

But, Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite Holidays. It's not about presents and, dare say it, we are not killing ourselves to go to a certain Mass. It is purely the opportunity to sit around the table with family and friends and have a meal. To share and think about what we have to be truly thankful for, because we have so much.

Oddly though, we were dropping my husband off to go away from home, not return as must people were doing at Philadelphia International on Sunday night. As I dropped him off , I saw all the travelers saying good bye to their own Thanksgiving visitors. The waves, the embraces and farewells to me were touching. I am not quite sure what it is about the excitement of an airport. People coming and going, it happens all the time, why did this particular scene seem so special? First there was the young couple with a baby, being dropped off at the airport by someone who looked like it could have been a brother. The parents were taking their luggage out of the back and the brother, needed to move the car, to actually pull in front of me. I glanced over at him, the baby was on his lap, I waved, she waved little hands back showing me her two teeth with her grin. Her hands were on the wheel and navigating the car with Uncle "Dude this is so illegal" Brother into a spot. I cackled, it was funny, you know she drives better than my mother in law.

Next I saw older parents, dropping off their son who was perhaps in business school in Chicago. Let's say it was the University of Chicago, yes, great school. Perhaps he lives on the North side if Chicago in Lincoln Park. The father gave him an extra big hug, because he was so damn proud of the chap and loves visiting. Who wouldn't love seeing the Phils at Wrigley, right? You could also see more young families with two car seats, a double stroller and 2 gigantic bags that would indicate they either had a lots of things for their twin toddlers or they were hauling the remains of their family back to Minnesota. Because, you know, too much family time can drive you crazy.

Then traffic started to move again and I snapped out of my reverie. I made my way to the exit of the airport, sad to see my husband go. With all that was going on it was so ironic, don't you think?

Our Best Buddies

I just love this photo. It reminds me of all the reasons why I love animals, dogs specifically. Second, I seem to notice a dog before I do the owner. You see the joy this dog brings her, you see the happiness of the dog because it is being cared for so well. Believe me, that love is a two way street.

So many times I remember coming home to my dog and him just being able to give me the right love I needed. All he asked for in return was to fill his dog bowl, a walk, a clean bed and a few pats on the head. Well, if you knew Homer, he was pig for petting, so there were lots of pets demanded. But we have Sawyer these days. He is a 10 month old puppy, sweet and a little dopey. He is good at chasing the deer off our property and his kisses are great. As time has gone by, I see the bond he has developed with our son, so sweet. As much as I miss our old dog, I think I may just have a new place in my heart for this new one.

The Happiest Place, no really

I know, but what they say is true. The Magic Kingdom is the Happiest Place on Earth. However, getting there can be hell. I was so stressed in the planning and preparation, it was maddening. Luckily, we are staying at my parents house. The day before I left I just resigned myself to the fact to taking care of my deliverables to my clients and making sure I packed what I needed for my family's survival.

The one person I was worried about was our dog. I know, I know, he is an animal. But he is only a puppy and under a year old. I was afraid to board him, but had no other choice. However, the choice I made seemed brilliant. He is staying at a spa retreat for dogs, I swear. As I dropped him off, in my haggard state, with a "to-do" list a block long, I found myself jealous. Of a dog. He was going to have his own room, a good size for his size. A yard to run in, and someone to come in to check on him. The yard area was beautiful and spacious. Before we pick him up he is going to get fully groomed--a true spa treatment. With all that relaxation, I thought of all the books I could read and sleeping I could do. Darn you spoiled dog. I did feel bad for my 3yo, who originally was crying in Target when he found out we were buying items for our dog's vacation. After we got home, I caught him telling the dog about the "doggie" vacation. Not sure who the discussion was really for, but my son was smiling.

So here we are, my family, my parents and brother. Rotating in the teacups, cruising the Small World, hitting the countries in Epcot and shaking hands with Woody, Minney and Mickey. Ahhh, the happiest place on earth.

Eat your Fruits and Vegetables

On my journey to continue to take better care of me, I'm trying and that is all that matters.

I have accomplished many things on my list, starting with my commitment to exercise. Albeit the minimum amount, but hey it is all about getting it done. My "dropping of the laptop on my foot" injury is healing up nicely. But running was still out of the question last week. I think I have a deep tissue bruise. It is getting better, but if the running continues to be an injury, I will call my brother in law, the PT.

De-cluttering has begun, just need to get these bags off for donation. As I was going through the motions I started to see everything I wanted to get rid of. I hate that feeling of being up to my eyeballs.

As for the commitment to cooking more often, good news to report. Mr. O'Mara was off on a business trip and the little guy was a good guy to cook for. I also whipped up some Chili on Sunday night that my husband was loving. Hopefully this week what I have on the menu will continue to satisfy to household. Regardless, I want to make a better commitment to eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. I know, what a nerd. I used to be good at, I need to get better. I will definitely need to stick with it because...

Next stop, the Happiest Place on Earth! You got it--we're going to Disney!

Bicycle Built for 2

Can I tell you the first time I met Meghan I absolutely knew she was my type of gal? Perhaps it was her love of tournaments with her fiance and their never ending competitions or perhaps the fact the she told me about their recent purchase of Olympic tracksuits. You know, just for fun. I loved it! I had not cackled like that in a long time.

So the day came and I was excited to meet her and Jeremy. With the future groom, I get nervous. Sometimes they are not too keen on getting their photo taken, which is fine by me. My husband was not. However, I could see that Jeremy was into it for one reason, Meghan. Because, she is all the reason he needed. The next few shots of them are loving and hilarious. I am so looking forward to their March Wedding!