First Feature Friday: Artist Andrea McClain

I'm excited to announce our newest section, Feature Friday, where each week a different artist's work will be highlighted. To get us started on the right foot I chose an artist whom is a photographer, professional crafter and a preschool teacher, as well. 

Andrea McClain is an on location photographer serving the Cincinnati, Ohio area. Many of my favorite images from her possess a soft, romantic and feminine presence but her style appears limitless. She is extremely talented as a newborn, wedding, portrait and even fine art still photographer as you'll see for yourself below.

When asked where she finds her creative inspiration Andrea says, "A lot of my inspiration I draw just from life and my surroundings. I love being creative and taking walks through gardens and nature. I grew up with a grandmother who was very creative. There was nothing she couldn't make."

It appears Andrea does quite well making things, too. She has an Etsy store full of hand crocheted infant hats and even diaper covers that make wonderful photography props.
This one is my wintry favorite:

 

And here's my Valentine's Day pick:

She also has an extensive line of infant headbands that are adorable.
I love this plum and peach one:

I just had to share her newborn 'Apple Pickin' Time Shot, too, to show you how perfectly she blends her craft and photographic talents:

You can also visit Andrea's blog, find her on Flickr and also be sure to become a fan on her Facebook Page!

New Beginnings

I always love the beginning of the New Year. The feeling of starting fresh and the anticipation of wonderful new beginnings always excites me. In addition to that, 2011 has had it's rough days for me so I'm certainly ready to start over and try for a better year.

Keeping with the 'new beginnings' theme, I thought I'd feature a couple of my favorite wedding photos from Yuliya Bahr of Berlin, Germany.  Her images are very reminiscent of a beautiful real life storybook, and who couldn't use a fairytale today? These photographs will make you want to be swept into the story ....

credit: Yuliya Bahr

Intertwined

I'm definitely not a wedding photographer. I photographed one wedding, for my cousin... that stuff is hard work! You have to be tough and skilled to pull it off on your own, too. I have wild dreams of being a fantastic wedding photographer at some point at life -- but at least for now, that's just a dream.  I did shoot one of my favorite wedding themed photos ever, though. I'm probably just partial to it since it's from my own wedding but I figure that's okay, too.  

 "Intertwined"

Our florist did a magnificent job on all the flowers. This one is a miniature Calla Lilly (my favorite) dyed red to match our color scheme.  I like to muse over the way the rings come together to form the shape of a heart. It looks intentional but, in fact, that was the only way I could keep the rings from falling over. Lucky me!