So sweet, content, easy to work with was little M.  We did her portraits at Auntie B’s house becuase mom loves all of her furnishings – they worked out, too =)

Mom and Auntie B. are sisters that I grew up with in my childhood neighborhood. We moved when I was 11 but I have some of the best  memories with them!  Obviously there were more than I’d realized as I kept spouting them off (sorry mom and dad, if that got annoying… hehe!).

I have to kind of keep things moving here, expect one more post before Christmas then DLP will be on a few weeks hiatus (you know, the one that is supposed to happen in december but NEVER does?!)  Lots to tell you, coming up… that’s for sure.

Enjoy your very first Christmas with your new little love, A. family <3

xo

dani

ps: i know word on wed. has been absent – i just cannot keep up. project resuming, have no fear!

My choice for “grateful” was my family.  I have this image framed in my house and have little wooden people that represent the four of us that sit on top.  I love it <3

Cindy, Alicia, and Christi sent in adorrrrrable images of the kids theyare grateful for.  Alicia wrote to me, how grateful she was that her two oldest can wrestle and play around, and no matter what (i.e. who gets hurt in the process!) they are always buddies at the end.

I dont know about you all but I am a mix of somber and cheer around the holidays.  I love, love spending time with my family and enjoying the cozy indoors.  But I am also the queen of empathy and constantly have on my mind those who are without.  I cannot imagine not having a family to visit with, food to eat, or a roof over my head.  I do not like to think of others being lonely, or hungry (not that anyone does) but it re-visits my head when I am at the store picking out toys or other things for Christmas… do I need to overload my children?  What other child would be happy to have just one of these toys? 

Always remain grateful and aware of those around you… but put your full heart into enjoying what you have <3

This weeks participants: Cindy, Alicia, and Christi

Next weeks word (might be more of a thinker!) :

Immerse

xo

dani

 word on wednesday is an ongoing project challenging photographers and non-photographers alike to take the given word and find representation or inspiration for a photograph with it. there is no right or wrong, it just “is”.  the goal with this project is to show ways we all can hear or see the same thing (word in this case) and have it mean many different things; to represent the colorfulness of the human mind and it’s ability to choose for itself.  submissions should be sent by 6:00pm ET on tuesdays

Lots to do, lots to do.

Wedding weekend this weekend (YAY!).  I’ve only got oh… 9 different galleries to host by friday morning.  No stress! =)

It was obviously a busy last week with every make-up on the books and lots of next years wedding couples scheduling their sessions for late fall.  I am a bit tired, but not sure what that has to say for someone who’s up at 1:45 am and has to do reading group to a bunch of 1st graders in the morning… hmm!

The first two images are two girls I’ve known for a little while now, and one of the very first I ever photographed.  Littlest C. was under one year old at the time!  Oldest sister E. went to pre-school with my daughter and they were cute buddies together.  I always enjoyed their mother’s company, but as our girls went to different schools – we didn’t get to see eachother much.  It was crazy refreshing to see Mom and how much her beautiful, amazing daughters have grown up.

Baby B. is turning ONE here soon.  His session came in with some family portraits as well – dad was overseas when B. was born, serving our country.  These were their first family portraits and I decided to let them view them first before blogging them.  Thank you, Kyle – for your service to our country and for all of the sacrifices you made on our behalf.  Thanks also to technology; Kyle was even able to be “in the room” when little B. was born via computer connection.  I know very few military men and women but I admire each and every one of you who work so hard to maintain a family unit.  I cannot imagine what you go through, but I thank you.  B.’s mom was there for me at a challenging time in my life when I was in college, and I don’t know that I ever thanked her appropriately, but maybe only how I knew how to at the time. I hope she knows I am grateful. She’s a tough cookie, too.

Lastly, Jenny + Mitch.  I’ve known Jenny since… ohh…. well, our dads played softball together since I know for sure I was in diapers so I’m guessing it just goes back that far.  Our parents were friends growing up and we spent many a nights at eachothers houses while our parents would enjoy “wing nights”.  There was a lot of insane karaoke, hair-doing, and crazyness between Jenny, her brother, and my brother and myself (and a few others!) for years.  Then we all grew up (she’s a DOCTOR now!) and had our own activities to keep up with and life just happened.  I’ve had a lot of jobs or even just run-in’s with long lost child hood/high school/college friends and lately, they have just been such a pick-me-up.

Our lives may have went on in bewteen the times that we were in touch on a more regular basis…

…but it is always so cool to meet up with the people who, in one way or another, shaped who you became.

xo

dani

Courtney + Nic =)

Jr. High is where it all began, and I’m glad Courtney came up with the idea of going up Croghan to the middle school.  The for sale sign on the wall tells what condition it is in – the new school is being built right now.  A lot of people have memories here, and it’s kind of neat they returned to where they first started dating for a picture before it is no more.

Some annual Maggie & Cooper for you =)

Mike+Mindi

Wouldn’t have known the day we took these it was in the 60′s all day then magicly dropped to what felt like 20 degrees at 4:45 – but the sunlight left nothing but pretty warmth. Lucky us!  Actually, lucky Mindi – Mike’s a keeper!

<3

That’s all… have a great weekend, everyone!

xo

dani

Something new on the blog starts today.  WORD ON WEDNESDAY will be posted weekly (on wednesday…’doh!) and entries will be due by tuesday at 6:00pm ET.  I have a feeling it may be only me participating and nagging the you know what out of Christi to play along (annoying her, bugging… begging.. you get it).  But anyone is welcome.  At the end of every “wednesday” post will be next weeks word.  The goal is to take the week to photograph your interpetation of the word and share it amongst others, as to show how we all interpet and see the world differently, how one thing can mean so many different things to different people… and/or just to have fun =)

If you are good with a resizing program, the image would be best sent at 750px wide on the longest side and at 72dpi – but full size/resolution images are accepted.  If you are a photographer and wish to have your image linked to your page that is fine, too.  You may also add a description if you wish if your photograph is more abstract and you would like to explain WHY your chosen subject represents the word as well!  Please send to dani@danielleluc.com with the subject as the word of the week so I do not miss it.

I think this will be a good mixup to the blog-o-sphere =) Or a flop, we’ll see.

This week’s participants: Christi

Next week’s word is:

Time

xo

dani

Happy birthday, P.!  You are such a cute little thing and it was so awesome to have the chance to see you and your mommy and daddy again!

On one end, we have parents just getting into the fun stuff – the walking, talking – interaction from their little girl.  While when we see babies we say “life’s just beginning!” – when you’re about to move on to a new venture in your life, or a new phase in your life, it becomes that all over again.  Anne, it’s just beginning – you are such a great girl and I am so glad I know you.  You’re so smart and so delightful and no matter where you go or what you do, you’ll do it well.

Sometimes stages, phases, and events in our lives might feel like they are “ending” when they change or come to a close… but really, something new is happening and it’s only just beginning.

xo

dani

Mom and Dad were so laid back, and I have a lot to look to them to for their wonderful example of patience.  When I brought this up to A., she said “Listen, we learned a LONG time ago that this is their show…” and while it was indeed their show, they were all so relaxed and playful.  I love when mom and dad can let their kids just be their silly selves and let me take off with their kids on what ends up being an adventure =)  I always tell parents, “it is, what it is” when it comes to young children. You never know what youre going to get, but often get more than you thought was in store for you.

Mom kept referring to her children as “my loves”…”Come here, my love”… I adored that.  They really are her loves and it showed.  They are what she’s grateful for, what she breathes for, what she lives for.  And how do I know this, only having met her twice in this short time?  Because she dresses them in white in such a trustworthy manner and brings them balloons and a bubble machine to play with =)

But seriously, I know this because Mom and Dad showed it.

Show your children how much they mean to you today by letting the world know it – and letting the world know it just by being the family that you are.

xo

dani

The sparklers were a surprise, I didn’t know they were going to happen and really haven’t ever shot fireworks before – but this my photographer friends, is ISO 6400!

We were on the shores of Lake Erie at Camp Perry, where the sun set so beautifully over the lake right out the back windows and balconies… so peaceful.  I cant wait to share more and am behind on blogging (by four sessions and a wedding) … so far behind it has gotten rediculous even for me.

Thank you Sandy and Nyle, and all of your awesome family members for the good times, laughs, the fabulous dinner and cake (and cookies!) you provided Christi and I with on YOUR wedding day.  And to quote the new Mrs. Douridas…

“I feel like I have new FRIENDS!”  =)

Info regarding MINI SESSIONS IS NOW AVAILABLE and will be posted soon.  IF you wish to receive this PDF right NOW, please email me!

xo

dani