When I’m not in the studio, I’m out shooting, and I recently had the chance to participate in Minis for Abbi, a community fundraising event in Wyalusing, PA. Abbi is the daughter of a long-time client, and this event was put together to raise money for her battle with mitochondrial disease. With three photographers and tons of community members donating time and money, the event showed us all how Wyalusing is really an extended family in the form of a town.

Besides raising over $9,000 for a wonderful cause, this event resulted in some fantastic photos. Lifestyle portraiture, focusing on the authentic moment, is what I love to do and is the foundation of my photography business. In case there was any question about it, my studio in downtown Owego even features “lifestyle” as the largest word in a 40-by-60-foot display. As you can see from the shots, this type of photography shows the subjects as they really are, whatever that means for that particular day and moment.

I took these images in a series of super short sessions, which is not the norm for me. However, I was amazed to see that I ended up with the same type of images as when I spend extensive, quality time with each of my clients. Guess that means that no matter where you put me, or what limitations I’m under, this is just how I shoot!

Gotta love this “Baby for Sale” shot! The younger sister was having a hard time sitting still, so I grabbed a spare piece of cardboard lying around, some ribbon and a marker, and went to work. “Is she making you a little crazy?” I asked the older girl as I handed over the sign. She was too shy to admit it to me, but the answer was probably yes, and she did love holding that sign. Look closely and you can see it in the smile she’s trying to hide.

This little princess could not let go of Minnie, and she never stopped smiling.

I could have tried to get this ball of energy to sit in his dad’s lap – but why not capture an impromptu hide and seek session instead?

This story goes on and on. Probably my favorite session of the day, and a fitting one for this event in particular, was the little boy in the Iron Man shirt who is most definitely a superhero in training. I asked him for his favorite super hero moves and he was happy to bust them out! On a day filled with community support, it was a nice reminder of the hidden superpowers we can sometimes uncover.