Alice, 6 month portrait session | Northwest Indiana

It’s been SO much fun watching baby Alice grow up!  Her mom recently said, “I’m so glad we decided to do this for her first year!”  And clients who keep up the Milestone Portrait Sessions as their child grows–18 month, 2 years, 3 years and regularly schedule family portraits–are never sorry for this investment.  Every parent knows that time flies when your child is little, and capturing this time in your baby’s life through beautiful portraiture is one of the greatest ways to help those memories stay alive.

(With our new addition due any day, I’ve been going through the previous 2 1/2 years of photos I’ve taken of Hutch, our son.  It’s amazing to see how his looks, body and personality have changed.  Those photos are irreplaceable moments in time for our family.)

Alice, you are getting so big!  Just LOOK at those beautiful blue eyes…and that smile.  It’s hard to believe you’re 6 months old already and welcoming your very first Springtime.

Each year I take a limited number of Little Ones clients.  This ensures that my calendar is flexible and available for regular meetings with these families.  Many of the sessions are done outside in natural light, with some studio portraits done during the colder months.  The sessions are flexible and no-pressure, promising a great experience for baby AND mom and dad.

As you prepare for the addition of your little one…think about the investment of regular portrait photography for your growing family.  Professional photography packages make an unexpected and WELCOME gift at baby showers.  Many expectant moms and dads overlook this important investment.  Gift certificates and beautiful “Little Ones” packets are available through Ashley Wittmer Photography

Alabaster Coffee Roasters & Tea Company | Williamsport, PA Business Photography

Coffee is a fine art.

Seriously.  If you’re a Folger’s fan, you’re laughing right now…but you true coffee aficionados know what I’m talking about.  The beans, the roast, the brew, the water temperature…all these parts working together to make a PERFECT cup of joe.  I couldn’t wait to meet up with Karl and photograph his amazing roasting business and hometown coffee shop in Williamsport, PA.  Karl and I went to school with each other for a number of years, and a trip back to Central PA wouldn’t be complete without my regular stopS at Alabaster.  I love their Pour Over coffee and am a huge fan of their beans. (Hooked right now on their Espresso roast. SO smooth.)

Alabaster is a family owned business located at 410 Pine Street in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.  They’re directly across the street from the Genetti Hotel.  They have easy on-the-street parking and are a stone’s throw away from the theater and several specialty gift shops.  Alabaster hosts live music on a regular basis, many bands and groups known for their acoustic feel. 
Karl is extremely proud of this high tech Diedrich roaster.  It’s a lovely little lady, modeling beautifully behind their storefront window.  When Alabaster is roasting, you can smell it blocks away.  Williamsport is one lucky town.
Beans are imported from all over the world.  Some locations include Rwanda & Mexico.  They’re are measured and calculated for the perfect roasting time.  They’re done in small batches to insure absolutely freshness and hand-packaged in their coffee shop.
If I lived in Williamsport, I’d probably have a regular seat in this shop.  I love all the exposed brick and up cycled tin tiles.  Its warm and inviting and the fresh pastries, cookies and oatmeal make you want to pull up a seat for a few…hours.
Karl, it was such a privilege capturing the life of a coffee roaster.  These images will help launch your business to the next level, as you promote the fine craft of roasting that MORE people need to know about!  Thank you for the opportunity and the chance to capture you at work.  I can’t wait to come back and drink some more.

Linda | Chicago, IL Portrait Photographer

Linda is pretty extraordinary.  When she initially called me for “senior portraits” I have to admit, I was a bit confused.  Typically this means I’m talking to a teenager wanting a really fun session to commemorate all the years of hard work!!  Fortunately, this wasn’t far off–Linda just recently graduated from Indiana University Northwest in Gary, IN and is now pursuing her graduate degree in the medical field.  She’s extremely driven and has high hopes of what’s to come.

I absolutely swoon over winter portrait sessions.  I’ve heard mixed reviews from friends and other photographers about doing “natural light” shooting when it’s freezing cold out, but I have to disagree!  I love the beautifully bare landscapes–especially naked trees and the neutral colors of winter.  It makes a gorgeous backdrop for stunning portraits, and although I often suggest color for a winter session, Linda’s choice of ivory is stunning. 
Linda has a busy “side” career as a blues/jazz vocalist in the Chicagoland area.  She’s excited about an upcoming trip to Vegas for more musical opportunities, including her first music video.  Linda, best of luck to you! I can’t wait to see how these photos help open doors for your musical career…as well as how you use them to celebrate your college achievements!  Thank you for calling me to capture this exciting time in your life.

The Pearson Family | Williamsport, PA Portrait Photography

Circa Fall of 1995?

Meeting up with the Pearson Family for this portrait session was a complete blast from the past.  The Pearsons were close friends of ours growing up; hours were spent hanging out with these kids when our moms were moms-of-toddlers together.  Now, we’re all grown up–getting engaged and having kids of our own.  When Emilie contacted me about photographing all the kids and their “significant others” as a gift for her mom’s birthday, I couldn’t wait.  It just so happened that we came across the photo above, just days before the shoot.

And now, all grown up…

If you recognize the couple above, it’s because I’ve photographed them before.  Emilie & Steven were a part of the Shoot in the Park II in Central PA this past September.  Here are some photos from their couple’s session. I was really excited to photograph Pete & Lauren (below), too!  Mostly because I remember them from high school, both a year a head of me, and they just recently got engaged.  I love this shot:
This was one of my favorite family portrait sessions.  I love that it was winter.  I love that it was at one of the coolest old buildings I know.  I love that I got to reconnect with a long lost family from my past…and see them “all grown up”…one of the perks of my job.  Happy Birthday, Suzanne!

(I had to include this photo–below–of my trusty assistant/brother hard at work filtering that unpredicted winter sunshine! Thanks bro. I love that you accept your paycheck in the form of  Dunkin Donuts trips.  You’re the best;))

The Smith Family | Williamsport, PA Family Portrait Photography

I was honored and thrilled to take photos for Marlena Smith, a friend of mine from high school.  She and her beautiful family were celebrating their daughter’s 2nd birthday and we were able to meet up at Brandon Park in Williamsport, PA for some fun winter photos together last month.
Derrick & Lana–it was great seeing you guys and finally meeting sweet little Molly girl.  Thanks for the opportunity to capture your family!

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