Connecticut Wedding Photography - Karen Leaf » Karen Leaf

Hole in the Wall Camp – Part Deux

Karen Leaf — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:50:13 +0000

Catching up after spending an AWESOME week with Bobbie Lane in Farmington studying light – advanced studio lighting, finding and seeing the light, outdoor and indoor flash, direct sun, shade, and everything in between! HIGHLY recommended for anyone wanting to commit to improving their craft.

So I’ve got piles of images to process both from last week and the week prior when I was running around like a mad person.

Not sure if there is anything better than spending time at Hole in the Wall Camp. This particular day was one of the hottest (to date) in a very hot July, so we tried to find some shade to keep the kids cool but more importantly so Pete and I wouldn’t pass out. The kids didn’t seem to mind it at all!

Again, these beautiful kids, whether they were shy and dragging a smile from them was the biggest challenge of the day or they just came off the set of Americas Next Best Model, are a joy to be with for the 5 or so minutes we got with each of them. They will remain in my heart always.

And again a huge thank you to Pete who kept me on track and moved me along when all I wanted to do is sit and talk with the kids

God bless them and keep them safe.

Sara and Tim’s Wedding Album

Karen Leaf — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:17:17 +0000

Maternity Session-Waiting for Kaden

Karen Leaf — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:28:00 +0000

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, but I don’t know if a woman is more beautiful on her wedding day or waiting for her first baby.

Kaden, due next month, is making his Mom Shi-annia GLOW with anticipation and hope – even tho the nights are a little tough with legs and feet under the rib cage. I like to think that each maternity session helps me remember in more detail each of my “in waiting” times. (And I will not be telling my kids to get on with it. I won’t).

Kaden’s Dad is serving with the USArmy at Fort Benning and may or may not be home for the birth, so we wanted to get these done before it was too late.

I am having so much fun shooting in studio! Always love doing location shoots for the challenges and different scenery, but the controllable light and different backgrounds makes studio shoots much more interesting than I ever anticipated!

Kids Portraits at Hole in the Wall Camp

Karen Leaf — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:18:56 +0000

I was blessed to spend Saturday morning at the Hole in the Wall Camp, founded by Paul Newman as a respite for kids with serious illnesses.

The portrait sessions are set up by Flashes of Hope who work with volunteer photographers providing families with portraits of their young children in hospital or camp surroundings.

The sessions are done really quickly so the kids don’t miss any of the fabulous opportunities the camp has to offer; each of my kids gave me a huge hug or a firm handshake after the 10 minute sessions. I am truly blessed to have healthy children, and to interact with these extra special kids is a gift. This is a session I’ll never forget-kids from all over the world, and down the road; acting goofy for those I couldn’t communicate with, and was rewarded with goofy laughing that transcends language barriers.

I can’t wait for the July session.

Studio Portraits

Karen Leaf — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 01:38:53 +0000

with Jen, in a Maggie Sottero wedding dress, and Brenna in her prom gown.

Studio portraits don’t have to be stodgy and boring! Have some fun in your beautiful wedding dresses or prom gowns!

Eolia Mansion Wedding : Sara and Tim: Part 2

Karen Leaf — Wed, 05 May 2010 02:29:03 +0000

Continued from yesterday, and picking up with Sara who is a most elegant and beautiful bride:

I know it’s a good toast when I am wiping away tears….

And Pete wants to hire Tim’s brother as entertainment for his next family function.

TAB LE WARS!

I NEED COMMENTS— WHOSE TABLE WAS THE MOST FUN ????

WHOSE EVER TABLE GETS THE MOST VOTE WILL ‘GIFT’ AN 8X10 TO TIM AND SARA–THE HAPPY COUPLE’S CHOICE!

I gotta say how much I love the Hora! Wish it lasted about 1/2 hour, although I’m betting Tim and Sara were glad to be on solid ground again.

Mad Dog 2020… Guys, it makes my stomach ache from the good times in ‘76…. that’s all I’m gonna say about that.

And what a way to end the night-at least in Waterford.

Thank you both for your warmth and hospitality. Pete and I were treated like family and it was pure joy to document your love and celebrations.

Eolia Mansion Wedding : Sara and Tim, Harkness Park, Waterford CT

Karen Leaf — Sat, 01 May 2010 22:18:06 +0000

Sara and Tim

I’m not gonna say much here (except when I can’t help myself) and let the pictures tell a story of an amazing day.

Part One of Two:

I wish I could say this little guy was practicing Superman moves, but NO! Took a header on the slopped path at the Amphitheater. I felt my wrist break all over again. Thank goodness some loving and kisses brought him back to rights.

Maddie won my heart-not only her sweet nature thru the day, but as I was leaving she pulled on my hand, very shy, and handed me a calla lilly.

I very nearly cried.

MAZEL TOV!!!

This cake was one of the most beautiful I have seen. Having dappled in cake decorating in my younger days, I was blown away by the detail work.

Simply gorgeous.

Part 2 tomorrow, or when the storms end.

Date: May 1st

Ceremony Location: Eolia Mansion, Harkness Park, Waterford CT

Reception Location: Eolia Mansion, Waterford CT

Caterer: A Thyme to Cook

Cake: Yummy Cakes by Lynn

Flowers: Hoelck’s Florist

Time it was and what a time it was,

Karen Leaf — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 01:11:01 +0000

It was a time of innocence a time of confidences.

Long ago it must be, I have a photograph
Preserve your memories, they’re all that’s left you.

“Bookends” Simon and Garfunkel.

One of my favorite of all the S and G tunes, and a photo from the way back machine.

Rocky passed a few months ago and Mom and Dad miss him terribly.

I remember this day (4-5 years ago) vividly. In a lifetime of beach visits, this day was was perfect. Late summer/early fall. Empty beach, long walks and running dogs. And time alone with my Pop.

xoxoxoxxo

Washington DC, Engagement Session, Cherry Blossom Festival

Karen Leaf — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 02:35:05 +0000

Such a GREAT visit to DC over Easter weekend with the Cherry Blossoms at their peak!

Even tho it started shaky with the train being canceled the night before because of the record flooding in Rhode Island, which made me get on a plane (!) it turned out to be a fabulous weekend in my favorite city. Except maybe Boston.

Had a great visit with Morgan and Jerry with delicious restaurant fare and my first ever Melting Pot experience, but what I really came down for was to see the Cherry Blossoms at their peak and for Emily and Patrick’s engagement session.

Here are a few of DC and Morgan and Jerry; Em and Patrick will be up soon.

Union Station at about 4.45. In the morning. No flash and hand held. Helps when I haven’t had coffee yet. I love trains and their stations.

Morgan and Jerry and it’s a wonder the other half million people didn’t get into their shots. YIKES! Lotsa people.

So rare that I take the time to smell the flowers so these were a real treat for me. So colorful, especially compared to the early Connecticut spring that seems more like hurricane weather with all the rains.

My beautiful daughter Morgan. I’m so proud of her.

Happy Birthday, Lou.

Studio Specials!

Karen Leaf — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:27:54 +0000

I am so excited that the studio is up and functioning and so is my wrist!

to Celebrate, I’m offering a limited time special mini session:

$25.00!

1 person, 1/2 hour, 1 set or backdrop.

What can get done in 1/2 hour?

Head shots for Social media or dating sites… business cards…

a quick session for your little one whom you’ve neglected.

Your doggy. Or kitty. Or gerbil.

Your Mom or your Dad. Or for your Mom and Dad.

These minis are valid Monday-Friday 10-5 and must be pre-scheduled. (No walk-ins).

Prints and full size digital files are available.

Other sessions are available with similar savings; weekends and evenings are also available.

You can see a lot more about the portrait side here:

191 Providence St, 2nd floor

(LaBonte/Mercik Building)

Putnam

860.928.7205