Maybe this is why I love photography so much. It literally freezes a moment in time. Memories are forever preserved on a 4x6 paper. These will always be my most treasured photographs, even after looking at them countless times.
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Today, Casey would be 32 years old. We would all sing to her, bring her a cake, and wish her many more happy years to come. Maybe her own daughter would sit on the kitchen counter, mumbling sweet nothings and making a birthday crown of glitter, confetti, and love, just as I did. Maybe her son would stick his finger in the cake to sample the frosting. Maybe her husband would gently kiss her cheek as he wished her happy birthday...
Oh, the mystery in the imaginable. Not quite unanticipated, since it's haziness lingers in the deep parts of my heart, always. Could-of, what-if, would-of. These ambiguous thoughts blanket every corner of my soul. Then, it sets in. The persistent missing that seems to cheat the air from my chest. Behind the love, the joy, and the memories: the missing dwells. Today, more than ever, I cannot stop my mind from drifting to the sweetness in her smile, the beauty in her presence, and the pain in my heart.
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My dad used to tuck my sisters and me in at night. He would read us a book, lay us down, and kiss our cheeks. He recited the Guardian Angel prayer until we knew it well enough to say it along with him. It never fails to provide me with comfort and light when difficulty and darkness settle in my heart.
Angel of God, my guardian dear
To whom God's love commits me here
Ever this day be at my side
To light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen

Happy birthday, my guardian dear. You are forever remembered, loved, and missed by so many.
 
Yesterday wouldn't have been my ideal day for a wedding. Thunder could be heard outside Jenna's bedroom window, and the streets of Tiffin were flooded with rain water.
It wasn't my greatest day either. On the way to the ceremony, I underestimated the water, drove through it, and completely ruined my engine. My car was not able to be driven, and it was towed during the ceremony. My amazing boyfriend saved the night though. He waited for me during the ceremony and gave me a ride to the reception.
Even though it rained on their wedding day, it was still perfect in every way. There's something about being around people who are completely and totally in love... The excitement for the days to come, the admiration found in the present, and the thankfulness found in the past. I wish you both the best in the years to come.
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I had to include this last one of my sissy and her bf. Love them!
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
Golden slumbers fill your eyes, 
Smiles awake you when you rise, 
Sleep pretty darling, do not cry. 
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One thing (of many) that makes my heart melt: a dreamy smile from a newborn baby.
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
I'm focusing on things that make me happy.  
I'll begin with hazy Summer light and my cousins whom I love very much.
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It's no secret that I've been feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and all-of-the-above these past couple of weeks. Sometimes, all it takes is some time with loved ones and, almost as if by magic, all of those feelings are gone.
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
My beloved green chair+golden hour+my wonderful boyfriend= spontaneous senior session
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This one below cracks me up. I'm telling Kyle EXACTLY what to do which is made very apparent by my "eyebrow action". I can hear my own voice right now, "Kyle, please turn the camera... and for goodness sakes, ZOOM OUT!"
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I'm glad to see that he listened;)
(note to self: edit out the bruise on my knee before mom wants these printed)
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
There's something I love about photography... the way that I get to know a family when I go through their photos.  Sure, I get a feel for their relationships and bonds during our session, but it's much different when I load the images onto my computer, pore over them,  discover the connections, grasp the sincere expressions... that's when I really know a family... when I sit alone with their still moments.  There's just something about capturing such a beautifully genuine moment. 
Something indescribable.
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Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
I always say that I get to meet some of the coolest people, and now, my name is out in MISSOURI. How cool is that?! This adorable family traveled all the way from Missouri for a birthday party in Columbus, and then another 2 hours to see me for their session. They were such a pleasure to photograph. Little Andrew may have had a rough start to life, but you would have never guessed it: He was chasing down squirrels, playing with sticks, and throwing lemons (at me). 
This session, I was not only a photographer. I was also a dodger, a pitcher, and a catcher. :)
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Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
All of my upcoming senior girls should take note. 
Nicole was a breeze to photograph because for one, she is seriously model material! I barely even had to tell her how to pose.  Secondly, she is extremely photogenic (ahem, absolutely BEYOND gorgeous!!!). Thirdly, it was wonderful chatting it up with her during the entire session:)
 Enjoy!
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Smiles and lots of love. Taylor
 
This morning, as I was on my way to a session, I began to think. So many of my clients ask me what to wear, where to go, and when. Sometimes I feel like I fall into a routine, which then leads to routine-like sessions, which then leads to redundant photos, and I DO NOT want that. 
It is so very dear to my heart that my clients leave with photographs that speak. Photographs should display a true family, a real senior, a spunky toddler, a lovely couple, etc. Sure, the sit and "say cheese" photos are a must, but I can guarantee that many years from now, they won't mean nearly as much as the candids. It is very important to me that my photos are meaningful.
OUTFIT
When it comes to what to dress your child in, I always suggest casual. Shirts and ties just aren't my thing (I want the child to be comfortable and enjoy the session).  If your child is an infant, I always suggest to not bring a ton of outfit changes because it tends to be very overwhelming. Variety is good- I love bright colors and busy fabrics, but on the other hand, I also love very calm earthy colors and simple patterns. For families, I always suggest that the family focuses around one color and bases the outfits off of that (this can be tricky though, because it is important to to avoid looking cheesy or too "matchy-matchy"). However, staying within either warm colors, cool colors, pastel colors, or neutral colors photographs very good as well. I suggest to not wear bright white. Please let me know ahead of time what you plan on wearing/dressing your child in. Tell me the style, the colors, and description so that I can plan props and locations accordingly!
LOCATION
I have many locations that I go to often and they are all beautiful. I love shooting at them, but I really love to include special locations as well. Don't be afraid to suggest a special location like a coffee shop that you met your loved one in, a fair that you attend every year, the lake that your family visits, your favorite ice cream shop, the place where you got engaged, or a place that you spent your summer days as a child. I love to set up a scene too. If your child loves lemonade, we can work with it. If your family loves picnics, let's have one! If you love to snuggle in bed with your little ones, let's do it. If your child loves reading books, I'd love to show it off. You get the point, so start thinking of places that make you YOU and your family YOUR FAMILY and let's talk!
WHEN
Of course, nap time must be worked into the decision of "when". I will not shoot any earlier than 12pm (unless you want a sunrise session!) or past 4pm (unless you want a sunset session!). It is important to think about what exactly you want your photos to look like: the bright colors and clarity of the middle of the afternoon, or the soft warm light and lens flares of the early morning or evening.
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Thank you so much for reading. Please get back with me on your ideas you may have for your upcoming session (if you already have a date booked with me) in my blog comments, facebook, email, or text/call. I can't wait to hear from you! 
Oh, and a post is boring without photos so here are some from my most recent session. They are such a beautiful family that came all the way from Columbus (it was also my second time photographing them- what a compliment). It was nice to spend the day with a couple of boys. I feel like I've been surrounded by girls lately!
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The photo below cracks me up. It was one of the last shots that I took. We were getting to the end of the session (and to the start of nap time) and someone did NOT want to snuggle with mommy and daddy. His face says it all!
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Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
 
I hope you all enjoyed the beautiful holiday weekend. Nothing beats celebrating this amazing country we live in with our loved ones. I enjoyed some much needed time off at the lake, in my pool, and at the park. I didn't take a ton of pictures, actually, believe it or not, I probably only had my camera in hand for a total of 10 minutes! I did make sure that I took some photos to show off my red, white, and blue attire- and I know of a certain little miss that would be proud of my red bow! Enjoy!
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Well, it's back to work for me! Things are about to get very crazy with my ACT prep class beginning next week, which means driving to Findlay at 8am every day. Then, of course I still have AP Bio work on top of that... and I never did get caught up on all nine of those sessions that I said I would in my last post. Oh, and who could forget the 2,000 untouched wedding photos? Hmmm, the holiday is over. Back to work.
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor