Ramblings of a Photographer

Senior: Alex

Sarah McCoy — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 19:25:49 +0000

Let me take a minute to get all sentimental. I was 8 when Alex was born. The daughter of my cousin, she was one of the first babies that I can remember watching grow up. The jewelry box I still use today is adorned with a photo of her at the beach dancing. She’s maybe 5 in the photo. Maybe I need a new jewelry box. I digress.

Alex is far from a dancing kindergardener now.

Even though she’s about a week shy from starting college, we went out for a “senior” photo shoot. Trespassing + Thai food + Good Company = An Awesome Day

The day started at the outside of this abandoned mansion.

Seriously, Alex was game for anything. She didn't hesitate to hop us this flight of stairs and perch herself on the edge. Love her!

Isn't she beautiful?!?!?

On to abandoned building #2.

Meet: Ike

Sarah McCoy — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:37:30 +0000

Earlier this summer I met Ike. The cutest, most happiest little 4 month old ever! He’s the son of my friends’ cousin. As a going away present for the cousin, I came to visit little Ike for a photo shoot. I think he’ll make a good cowboy now that he’s a resident of Montana

Married: Marc + Yelena

Sarah McCoy — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 04:28:09 +0000

Get comfortable. This is going to take a while. I met Marc and Yelena through a mutual friend. Upon meeting them I was immediately struck by how deeply they care for one another. Their wedding day was a testament to their love with beautiful words and tributes sprinkled throughout the day. To top it all off the weather cooperated 100%.

We started the day at the Mystic Marriot where Yelena was getting ready.

Such a perfect dress.

I love this one Nat grabbed of Yelena's shoes.

And my take.

From there it was onto Jonathan Edwards Winery for the festivities.

Checking out the scene.

Marc and Yelena opted for a First Look before their ceremony. We LOVE when couples do this because it affords us with oodles of time for photos and the bride and groom don't miss their cocktail hour.

Off to go take some portraits...

Work it guys, work it.

Love this little moment.

Marc and his handsome self and Nat's view on the right.

Peak!

Yelena, you are gorgeous.

I had a serious crush on this white wall.

Nat's shot.

Marc on the lookout for his bride at the start of the ceremony.

Here she comes with mom and dad.

Ceremony scenes.

A few more, Nat's is on the left.

They each wrote such sweet and humorous vows to one another.

Sealed with a kiss.

Marc and Yelena gave out bags with rose petals for guests to shower them with. What a cute idea!

Details from the reception.

A few more.

Introducing Marc's mom and dad.

And Yelena's mom and dad.

Their first dance.

Marc and Yelena invited all their guests to the dance floor to finish their first dance with them.

Like the vows, the toasts were equal part humor and tenderness.

A few shots from the parent dances.

Marc's dad getting down

The party scene.

Meet: Clara

Sarah McCoy — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:22:54 +0000

She’s here! Little baby Clara was born happy (at least I’m assuming) and healthy on June 2. I didn’t get to meet her until a full month later but it was worth the wait.

Just chilling in the grass

I just love her eyes.

See what I mean about that hair?



So precious. This might be my favorite. What a sweet moment between sisters.





The first time I tried to set this up Clara was wide awake and stretching herself off the towels. The second time (post feeding) was WAY easier Here she is snuggling with Michael. And I like this one that Michael took of me hold the little peanut.

Meet: The Vaughns

Sarah McCoy — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:47:14 +0000

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend. I, for one, can’t believe that its July already. How is it that the winter seems endless while the summer is over before you’ve put away your sparklers and swimsuits? It is sunny and mid-90s, so I can’t complain too much. I love the heat

This past weekend Michael and I were in PA visiting friends and family. My good friend Elizabeth (mom to Fiori) was in town so I made a point to visit and meet the baby that I missed over Memorial Day weekend. Before that happened though, I met up with Beth’s brother and sister-in-law and their family. You see, Beth and her sister had gotten Jim and Kelly a portrait shoot for Christmas. As in the holiday six and a half months ago. Finally (FINALLY!) our schedules lined up. We met on a gorgeous Friday evening and this is what I saw:

This is Robbie. Get used to seeing that tongue of his

Sweet big sister Grace

Truly a miracle to wrangle the two of them!

Father and son.

Love the light on this.

I just love his eyes.

Again, perfect evening light.

I wonder what could have a 3 year old so deep in thought.

This shot reminds of this.

I just love this carefree moment.

Stay tuned for more from this trip tomorrow including a newborn with a mohawk

Married: Ben + Natalie

Sarah McCoy — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:00:23 +0000

Natalie and I met our freshmen year of college. Actually, her reputation preceded her.

Someone asked me what my major was in college. I responded, “Photojournalism.” They responded, “Oh, like Natalie Nigito.”

It didn’t take long for Nat and I to meet. We shared classes, plenty of nights in the computer lab, a trip to Italy, and apartments. Many of you past clients will recognize Nat as she regularly travels from Philly to shoot with me here in Connecticut. She is more than just a great photographer though. She is a wonderful friend who will always put her needs second to those she loves.

While Nat and I were working at The Temple News (the student run newspaper on campus) she met this slightly opinionated but very passionate sports writer. It didn’t take long for them to connect. It’s been 6 years since then but not much has changed. They are still passionate about each other and are chasing after their dreams together. On Saturday Michael and I were honored to attend Ben and Nat’s wedding mostly as guests. I was responsible for shooting Natalie getting ready and the portraits. Once the reception hit, it was time to boogie

I loved Nat's dress. It was so perfect for her.

This might be my favorite getting ready shot ever.

Stunning, Nat. You look stunning.

From there it was on to the park down the street where Ben and Natalie shared their first look.

Look how happy she is

Nat and Ben used to live in this older apartment in the Art Museum area. As you might be able to tell, I loved their doorway.

The ladies.

Giving some attitude.

One good looking bridal party.

How beautiful does she look?!?!

Awesome light while Nat was getting her bustle tied up.

Random patch of bamboo at the Old Mill in Rose Village, PA.

Congratulations you guys. Have a wonderful trip to Italy and I'll see you soon!

2 Years: Max

Sarah McCoy — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 03:35:58 +0000

Among other blessings, children provide a wonderful way for me to keep in touch with past wedding clients Julie and Ben were married just about three years ago and welcomed a son the following year. On Saturday I met up with them to take Max’s 2 year photos. It has been so great keeping in touch with their family. And, with Julie’s sister due later this fall, it looks like I’ll have more opportunities to connect with this growing family!

It took Max a little while to get comfortable with me.

Max surveying the scenes.

Like you might expect with a 2 year-old, I have lots of running shots!

Really the only thing that kept him still was the fun house mirror.

I just loved the morning light as he climbed down this set of stairs.

More running

Playing with Grandma.

After two girls, Julie and Amy's dad is loving the time with his grandson

3 months: Michael

Sarah McCoy — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 22:59:16 +0000

Saturday I reconnected with Heather and Josh for Michael’s three month old shoot. He’s as cute as ever and living up to his nickname “Cheeks” It’s amazing to see how much he has changed already. Michael was alert as ever and interested in my every move. It’s funny to think that he’ll likely be sitting the next time I see him. Babies grow so quickly!

He loves being tossed about!

We took a walk around the neighborhood and found this cool field. Mom and Dad were troopers and stood in the mud for me

I love this one. The look on Michael's face says, "Look what I have to put up with."

I'm not sure what I like more, the spit bubbles or his little belly hanging out.

Heather is just so in love with her little man.

Quick snooze between outfits.

What a tough guy look!

But we managed to get some giggles out of him.

Berry Picking

Sarah McCoy — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:06:09 +0000

On the way to the strawberry patch I casually mentioned to my friend Kim how Michael and I were planning on (finally!) using the melting chocolate and fondue pot we received for Christmas. I am looking forward to strawberries and chocolate while Michael will finish off the bananas because he (wrongly) believes strawberries and chocolate don’t go together. Fast forward an hour…

Rosie (age 4): Miss Sarah put your strawberries in my basket.

Miss Sarah: I’m going to put them in my basket so I can take them home for Mr. Michael.

Rosie: But you said he doesn’t like strawberries and chocolate.

Sarah: He doesn’t but he does like strawberries.

Rosie: I don’t understand. Chocolate makes everything better.

Yes Rosie, you’re right. Chocolate does make everything better. Especially strawberries. My husband has been outsmarted by a four year old.

Stewart sure had fun!

North Carolina 2010

Sarah McCoy — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:38:11 +0000

I was supposed to spend the Memorial Day weekend getting to know Clara (the newest member of my friend Elizabeth’s family). However, she decided to hold off her arrival until after I had returned home. It’s fine. I’m not insulted at all.

Clara was born yesterday. She and mom are doing well.

Instead, I spent my weekend with Clara’s big sister and cousin. Their cuteness easily made up for Clara’s late arrival.

Levi was VERY excited to climb on Fiori's new mattress.

With the crib being handed down, Fiori graduated to a big girl bed this weekend. She was super stoked about it.

We made pudding pops.

I really can't believe that she's almost 3!

This is summer.

Snuggle time was a little harder with a baby belly

Levi's favorite face.

Cuteness overload.