New lens!!!!

My new wide angle lens came today! I'm excited to use it at this weekend's wedding and several other shoots I have coming up in the next two weeks. I'm going to be a very busy girl for the next few weeks! Stay tuned - the blog will be updated regularly very soon!

You might be tired of seeing the puppy, but she was my only model at home when my lens arrived. I took this photo at 10mm and I love the distortion at the edges! It'll be more noticable with other subjects, but this was the best I could do today.

With just a touch of fisheye to the shot, this is one cute puppy! This lens will open up a lot of possibilities!

Let's Go Mountaineers!

Abby's getting in the spirit of this football season. On Saturday while we watched the game, she wore her new WVU jersey. At least we got some good pictures out of the afternoon!

This one's my favorite. If 4 pound poodles could play football, she'd be ready to go!

Abigail's photo session

After Noah's session, Abby had a turn. She wasn't as excited as Noah, but before long, she'll have this picture thing figured out. She sat pretty still and cooperated well to be only 3 1/2 months old. She'll be a pro soon!

Abby all cleaned up!

Abby got a haircut and a bath last week and now she looks like a poodle rather than a furry little red lamb. We think she's pretty cute!

Abigail (Abby) Cantrell!

First of all, I'm still alive and well. We don't have the internet hooked up at our house yet so I'm hardly online anymore. We'll be getting the internet soon and I'll be back into the real world.
Until then....we got a little friend to keep us entertained! This is Abby, our 11 week old apricot poodle puppy. She's little and full of energy and personality. She's probably between 2 and 3 pounds right now and I'm in love with her!

Our very fluffy baby in the living room

First family portrait after Abby's first bath.
(Don't worry, I don't normally do family portraits in the bathroom!)

Branden's graduation

My cousin Branden graduated from high school this evening. He graduated with high honors and is planning on going to Marshall in the fall. I got a little crazy with the actions on this one, but they just add so much emotion. Congratulations again, Branden!

Getting his diploma

Kisses from his grandmother

With his grandmother and mom

Uncle Willy and Branden

Posing with my uncle and dad - you don't want to be between those two!

Charleston Rose Society Photo Exhibit

Sunday is "Symphony Sunday" at the University of Charleston. As part of the day, the Charleston Rose Society is having a photo exhibit. I saw the article in the paper last night and I'll be participating. The photo below is an older rose photo of mine. I'll be entering it along with a dozen others. I think the show runs from 1-4 (not totally sure on the times) on the second floor of the Geary Student Union. Stop by and check out the photos!

Family portraits - Lake Norman, NC

This weekend, we had my family's annual reunion at Lake Norman, NC. As part of the fun, we all put on matching clothes and took some family portraits. Not everyone was thrilled with matching, but I think it made the photos! First I took individual family portraits, then all of us together.

Aunt Julie, Uncle Mike, and cousin Will

Aunt Steph and Uncle Paul

The grandkids and grandparents

(I actually get to be in these! It helps to have a photographer dad and quick-learning mom to step in!)

This is my section of the family - Pete (dad), Teresa (mom), Anna (sister), Kevin (fiance), and me
I took this one with a wireless remote and a tripod

Cousin Bill and my grandparents

The whole clan!

Bridal shower baking fun!

This post is purely personal, but there are pictures involved. I think it qualifies for the blog.

My church bridal shower is tomorrow. Anna is baking (and will be into the night). Fortunately, since I'm the bride, I just get to watch...and dance a little. We started off the baking with a hoe-down in the kitchen. After the dog's food went flying all over the floor, the square dancing had to end. Finally, when my mom and sister started doing the soldia boy dance, I remembered to get out the camera. My new Canon Powershot a470 (my birthday present from my parents - tomorrow is not only my bridal shower, but also my birthday!) takes video. Make sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to see Anna "Walk this Way". You'll be sorry if you miss it! You get dessert and a show around here!

Ok, I did pitch in a little by peeling 72 Rolos for Anna (This fine outfit is part of my "at home for the evening" collection. Coming to a Goodwill near you soon.)

Multi-tasking - blogging and peeling (and maybe a little eating)

Something about a point and shoot begs for several self-portraits!

Anna chopping chocolate with her dance face.

My shower is called "An afternoon of desserts". Laura and Katie are also baking up some delightful treats! Based on what I see in our kitchen, I think we'll be having a "month of leftover desserts".

My mom was really telling Anna how to spread the dough, but it looks like she's doing some magic.

Anna's happy to be baking for the bridal shower of her favorite sister.

Then she showed me how she really felt.

I just popped in for a picture. It's nice to be the bride!

Video Disclaimer: Our kitchen does not normally look like this. Anna's in the middle of making enough desserts to feed a small army. My mom keeps the house very clean...Anna, not so much.

"Walk this Way"

I shoot people

and just so everyone knows, I'm having it printed on a t-shirt!

Noah is 6 weeks!

I've heard that I need some new Noah photos on here! You'd think he was my little guy!

Listening to his mommy talk to him.

Loving some kisses

Jealous poodle!