Friend: (n) a favored companion

A really quick peek of what I'm working on right now:



A full slide show of this pet shoot will be coming up this week.

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."
-Ben Williams- noted photographer, author, bird hunter, and dog breeder
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Hold: (trans. verb)/ to prevent from some action.

Days like today make me want to hold back time. Snow days are still exciting for me, even though I'm 'grown up.' The twins ran into our room and found out school was cancelled; their differing reactions made me laugh. Connor was so excited: "Yay!" - And Nora says, "Aww, man!" Guess which one LOVES school?



Nora soon decided that it was a privilege to play out in the snow with her brother. Joel was disappointed that he couldn't be out, since he's still recuperating. He did enjoy a chocolate malt milkshake, though. (Again!)

Connor, (who lost his first tooth last night!) was watching the snow fall before he ventured out:



Little Miss Chapped Cheeks: (what is it about reflections that I love?)





See what I mean? I want to stop time because of little moments like this:


I am now booking mini-sessions for the Valentine's holiday. This is a great opportunity to get photos of you and your special someone, "just because". (For those of us who are parents, we realize that photos of 'just the two of us' are almost non-existent...This snapshot below is the most recent of Paul and I-- taken in September of last year!) I should know better.



I'm looking forward to an enjoyable photo shoot coming up, as well as an opportunity for someone to win a Free Full Photo Session at a Creative Memories Workshop, held by Colleen Luginbuhl. 'Hope to see you there!

"Backward, turn backward, time in your flight; Make me a child again, just for tonight..."
-Elizabeth Akers Allen; American journalist and poet (1837-1911); remembered chiefly for this sentimental poem, “Rock Me to Sleep,” which found special popularity during the Civil War. There's a beautiful song made from this poem, sung by Cathie Ryan. 'Definitely worth the effort to find it.
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Schooling: (n) instruction in school; training, guidance or discipline derived from experience.

So, does anyone think it's normal to walk into a building and think, "What a great place for a photo shoot!"? Hmm, 'thought so. I do have a sister who looks at every thing through a painter's brush. Maybe I see it through a lens? Except her canvases require more skill than I possess!



Yesterday began my first day of classes for the Spring semester. (Spring! Doesn't that sound nice?) And, like any 'normal' (?) student, I had to bring my camera along. I love the building- the architecture, the Art-Deco style, the lines and columns. So I decided, since I've spent the last 2 years of my life here, and will spend the next 2 years of my life in the same locale, that it's time for a photo essay.

Can't you just see this as a backdrop for a couple's shoot? Valentine's Day is coming...The reflections would make for a great image.



And these lights are spiffy:



Now I know how goofy I look from the other side of the lens! (Except usually my eye is squinted shut like I'm in unbearable pain--I'm not, though.)



Can anyone tell me what major company this building housed in its heyday?
Hint:







One of my favorite things--This revolving circle goes through five of the floors in the college. It represents the revolution of the Earth over the span of 24 hours, and moves at the same pace as the globe. Its movement is imperceptible to the eye, but when you leave it for an hour or more, you can see it has changed position. The sculptures along the rim represent various places on the globe. Hartford is in gold, center bottom of the picture.





And I like this larger-than-life sculpture entitled 'Family.' I'd love to sit a family at its base and get a shot of it:



The 8th Floor of Capital is where I'll be spending most of my time over the next 2 years:



And the view from the 8th:



Thanks for joining me- now, when I talk about school, my family knows where I'm coming from, and you can see why I like the building. Anyone up for a photo session there? :) It would be unique!

Keep checking back for some fun images from our Snow Day in New England. The prior post talked about this being a 'pivotal week'-- unfortunately, the snow changed those plans. 'Rescheduled for next week instead. However, I realized today that it's still a very pivotal week, because I hand this in tomorrow:



Gulp. Clinicals start in the fall. So now I just wait. (And take 'Microbiology' and 'Spanish for the Medical Professional.') Wish me well. Please.

“Every man must patiently bide his time. He must wait / not in listless idleness but in constant, steady, cheerful endeavors, always willing and fulfilling and accomplishing his task, that when the occasion comes he may be equal to the occasion.”- (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1807-1882; American poet and writer) ct wedding photographer wedding photography new england wedding photographer food photographer newborn photographer maternity photographer maternity photos pet photos wedding photos ct wedding photos engagement photos ct wedding photographer wedding photography wedding photographer

Nice: (adj) virtuous; respectable; decorous

This coming week I am planning a session to photograph a 'certain potter's' work. Check back for the pottery images-- They are for the Muddy Brook Potters' website, which is to be launched soon!

Speaking of pottery and photography, when I saw this a few days ago on ericamay's blog, I was so surprised and honored- I just had to share with the rest of you, since she has played an important role in my progression as a photographer. It's interesting to note how the collaboration happened- it was a merging of two of my favorite things- gardening and photography! Does it get any better than that?! Erica's help and kindness, constructive feedback, and advice have been invaluable. And she's just plain nice! I've posted a small portion of the entry from her blog-

HER ENTRY:

I received the best thoughtful gift in the mail today… all the way from Connecticut! :)

"Several weeks ago (maybe a few months now!), I had the privilege of “meeting” Betsy through my blog. Betsy stumbled across my blog through another photographer’s blog and left me a few comments (including solving the mystery of what type of plant is featured in the photograph that hangs above our fireplace!). I sent her an e-mail thanking her for “stopping by” and providing me with the answer to a question that had plagued my thoughts for so long! :)

So we got to e-mailing back and forth, and I found out that Betsy is an aspiring photographer in Connecticut who also has a very full plate besides her pursuit into the world of photography. Through our e-mails, we started up a conversation about what it’s like to start a photography business, the steps she can take to kick-start her career, tips about photography in general, and basically just have a conversation about something we both love — photography, of course! :)..."

To see the rest of her post, go here: http://ericamay.wordpress.com/2009/01/20/anunexpectedsurprise/


In other 'news', our oldest, Joel, had his tonsils removed yesterday, and some ear drum repair done. 'Poor duffer is hurting. Big time. He's a trooper, though. We have loads of books for him, and a freezer full of ice cream and popsicles. And Dad just came home with a McDonald's milkshake! (Yeah, he's the fun parent :) So, I've learned two things today:

1) Who knew a 9-year-old boy could get sick of ice cream?!
2) And, though at first he disagreed, I guess Joel's not 'too old' for a stuffed animal.

So I'll just share this quick pic:



"If there is any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not deter or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again."

(-- William Penn, champion of American democracy and religious freedom; 1644-1718)

Check back soon for more images. It's going to be a pivotal week for me, and I'm really looking forward to something special! I'll keep you posted. I will...
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Aly & Chris Slideshow

We had a good time tromping through the yard at Chris' parent's property. The snow made a beautiful setting for our afternoon, and the temperatures here in CT (finally!) cooperated. 'Good thing Aly had the day off from teaching. (Don't worry- you were smiling with your eyes, Aly-- and have a good time in Jackson, Chris.)

Thank you both- and enjoy the slideshow.



If anyone has trouble viewing the slideshow, you can see it directly here: http://picasaweb.google.com/betsyhany/AlyChrisSlideShow1#slideshow
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Joy: (n) a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated

ENGAGEMENT SESSION

What a great afternoon I had with Aly & Chris! They were a lot of fun to be with, and it was nice getting to know them better. They both were in my little sister's wedding party (see "embark" post), and I'm really looking forward to their August wedding. This is a TINY sneak peek of the images from just a few hours ago... I am anticipating putting the rest up in a slide show, within the next few days. So stay tuned!

Thanks for an enjoyable time, Aly & Chris! (And to Lauren: you'd make a great second shooter... thank you for the help, Sherry!) I know they're waiting with great anticipation for these to show up online, so without further ado:









Paul and I wish you both all the best!

"Joy is not in things; it is in us." -(Richard Wagner: German dramatic Composer and theorist, 1813-1883)
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pleasing: (adj) giving pleasure; agreeable; gratifying.

I recently got to photograph sweet little Anderson. Don't you think his shirt says it all?

"It is not a slight thing when they, who are so fresh from God, love us."
- (Charles Dickens; English novelist and social campaigner. 1812-1870)
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Promise: (n) something that has the effect of an express assurance; indication of what may be expected.

There were too many images to choose from, so to follow is a rather lengthy slide show. It was a pleasure working with Josh and Carole and their families. The happiness they share is so obvious in the images here. We wish them all the best throughout their married life!





(Some have mentioned they are unable to see the slideshow. Follow this link to view in picasa; hit the slideshow button to play: http://picasaweb.google.com/betsyhany/JcSlideshow# )

"The future is plump with promise." -Maya Angelou (American poet, playwright b.1928)

Carole and Josh- Part One

I told a 'certain someone' that I'd try to have some images uploaded by the end of the night. :) Well, it's way past midnight, so I missed my deadline, but here's a sneak peek of Carole and Josh's wedding. It was a beautiful day--and not just in terms of the weather.


There are many, many more images, so I'll be posting a slideshow later in the week.

Ponder: (v) to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate.

I realize that Rob and Beth didn't know it then, but this morning while in their home, I found myself swallowing a lump in my throat. The emotion overwhelming me was happiness, though. What a great feeling to hold my little nephew and refer to myself as "Aunt Betsy" when I was "talking" to him. Isn't it amazing how you can love someone so much, who isn't even really your own?

I had to think back on the last ten years I've known Rob as my brother-in-law; how much time has changed! I'm thankful that he's been blessed with a wonderful wife and sweet son. Beth is such a loving Mommy; the bond she and Gavin have is evident in these images. And if that little boy doesn't have his Daddy wrapped around his finger already! Rob is like the brother I never had, and although I have plenty of sisters, (!) I'd still claim Beth as my own.

Gavin is such a little honey. He is so content and placid. (The only time he cried was when Aunt Betsy touched him with her cold hands!) A healthy little baby, Gavin was born with a cleft lip and palate for which he'll have multiple surgeries over the coming weeks and months. Seeing Gavin today with his mom and dad, I think he's going to do splendidly. I don't know anyone more capable for the road ahead than Gavin's parents. He is one well-loved little boy.

Thanks for having me in this morning, Beth & 'Robear'. It was memorable.

Enjoy the slideshow below.

Sweet: (adj.) dear; beloved; precious.

Kin: (n) a group of persons descended from a common ancestor or constituting a family

The definition used to describe this post is completely unnecessary; just look at those faces. 'Pretty obvious that they're siblings. These were taken on a freezing cold day, but all four of them- Katie, Chris, Ethan and Lindsey- didn't complain once. For that matter, they even seemed to enjoy themselves! We had to get their dog Baxter in on the fun, too.
And don't you just love Ethan's (far left) expression in the top photo? (Yes, he is that sweet.)

"Children are our most valuable natural resource."
-Herbert Hoover (American President; b. 1874- d. 1964)

Expectation: the act or state of looking forward or anticipating.

I had the privilege of capturing this important time in Bethany and Rob's life. Now that their little one has arrived, I decided to post these before I do Gavin's newborn session.
We had a great time hunting down unique settings in downtown Rockville. (Who knew the little town could be so diverse?) Here are some of the images from when B & R were awaiting their precious little boy. Watch for his photos coming up...
(Does anyone else notice the wording of the graffiti in this image- "Rob"? Is that spiffy or what? -- And, um, no, we did not put it there.)


"There is no friendship, no love, like that of a parent for a child."

H. Beecher (1813-1887)

Join: to become united, associated, or combined; associate or ally oneself; participate

"And the song, from beginning to end,
I found again in the heart of a friend."
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, educator and poet (1807-1882)

I'm looking forward to this weekend, C and J! I'm brimming over with ideas for some memorable images. Thanks for choosing me to document this special day. We wish you both all the best!

Primary: (adj) First in order of time or development

Joel

"There comes a time in every rightly constructed boy's life when he has a raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure."
-Mark Twain American author and humorist (1835-1910)

This quote pretty much sums up the endeavors of our firstborn. Curious and constantly asking questions, dreaming big dreams, he's looking everywhere for some secret treasure. If not digging in the backyard, he is very frequently found with his nose stuck in a book, looking to unearth more information on some historical event. He loves to read of the latest goings-on of Frank and Joe Hardy and their friend Chet Morton. His inquisitiveness can sometimes get him into trouble, as the twinkle in his eye might suggest.
But, then again, I really wouldn't want it any other way.