S'Moore Photos

New beginnings!

2010-06-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce a brand new blogsite (portfolio+blog in one)!!! You can check it out at www.samanthabohall.com :)

Thanks for a great run blogger!

This is Sam saying "over and out."

Sneak Peak: Gabe + Angela's Engagement Session

2010-04-29T23:08:00.000-07:00

This is just a peak at a recent GORGEOUS shoot with one fabulous couple!!! Happy Friday everyone :)

Something New in Town!

2010-04-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to my newest neighbor!!! Only THE BEST burrito place ever! So now I just have to figure out if the pleasant 2 mile walk there and back justifies the guacamole :) Seriously... you have got to try this place!

p.s. On another note... You may notice some strange happenings over at samanthabohall.com. Consider this my "under construction sign" since I can't hang one there :) Trust me... it will be fabulous when the dust clears!

p.s.s. My business name has officially been changed to Samantha Bohall Photography!

Sometimes it takes a mess...

2010-04-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

So tonight it finally happened! Our apartment has 4 rooms and after spending the last few months making the bedroom, living room and kitchen clean and uncluttered (or at least well hidden :) it was time to tackle the mud room. Yes, in our little apartment we are blessed with a mud room. Without it our humble abode would be nearly unlivable... because honestly grills, bikes and sporting equipment don't belong inside! Well, this morning it was a mish-mash of tools, sporting equipment, and John's beloved grill... So out it all came on to the kitchen floor...

Yes, in my world I sometimes need to make a mess before I can conquer it! I have to see everything that goes into a space before I can organize it, weed out duplicates and sometimes convince a lovable but stubborn spouse to give up his second set of golf clubs :)

Just about two hours later it is beautifully organized and we are ready for more warm and sunny weather to put some of the that new found sports gear to good use!

This is what gets us most excited! Softball season is starting soon :)

Happy spring cleaning everyone :)

A few of my favorite things (Part II)

2010-04-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

What a day! I feel so lucky for so many reasons! Literally lucky as it turns out :)

So, my first favorite thing is WINNING a free hip slip bag from Jasmine Star !!!!! I cannot describe how amazing it was to just be checking out some of my favorite blog and find MY NAME in it :) Yeah, that smiley face isn't big enough... It's such an unexpected blessing (really? me out of like 1300?) and I am just trying to let it sink in :)

Alright, so my next favorite thing is this picture that I found while doing some editing...

There can be so much joy in life if we just take the time to appreciate it :) My sister came to visit a few weeks ago and captured this image of my weekday buddies and I piled on the couch. So simple and so powerful! Look around for those moments of laughter and enjoyment of the simple things in life... that are really what life should be all about :) I would love to hear what makes you feel lucky!

Another favorite thing comes from a recent trip to the Aquarium (with the boys of course)... Take time to appreciate the beauty in this world - and share it with those around you!

While I wouldn't want to meet these in the wild... they are awesome to watch behind some glass :)

I hope to always see the world with the wide-eyed wonder and excitement of a five year old!

Here's to many more adventures...

Expecting a "pink" Pink!

2010-03-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

I love this family - my husband and I have such respect for the way they are raising their children! Their first son was born in Malawi, where they were serving as missionaries... Well the medical equipment isn't quite the same and they were expecting a girl. So, all the pink gifts they had received were packed away for the future. Another boy followed and now they are excited to welcome a little girl into their family! Dana is just glowing and everyone is excited to meet the newest Pink :)

Here are just a few detail shots from the nursery :)

a few of my favorite things...

2010-03-10T20:24:00.000-08:00

While I'm working on a recent maternity session... I decided to start a series of fun photos of things I love :)

This is taken along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in the north of Maine. It is 126 miles that cannot really be expressed in words - but is never, ever forgotten!

Next up is one of the BEST dinners EVER! Tomatoes + mozzarella + olive oil + pinch of salt = guilt free deliciousness.

Seriously, give it a try sometime!

Inspire Boston 2010

2010-03-03T15:24:00.000-08:00

I had the amazing opportunity to attend the first ever INSPIRE Boston.

Imagine two days of awesome workshops and connecting with really cool photographers!

I am more excited than ever to continue finding my style and grow this business :)

These images are from a workshop led by Matt Grazier .

He quickly demonstrated his approach to bridal portraits and then let us loose to see what we could do :)

Holly just had the coolest style and Matt did a great job of blingin' her out with the short dress, jewelry and headpieces. Enjoy!

We were in Concord, MA and found this on a monument in the center of town...

Just had to share!

2010-02-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

These boys may look familiar... they are my week day buddies! So their mom asked us to come up with a valentine's card to send to family. Of course we had a little fun with the camera and this was the result :)

Here's the front...

And the back.

Kevin + Cari = Married!

2010-02-16T19:11:00.000-08:00

Had to start with this photos because I just love it!...

I can't believe that it has taken me this long to blog such a fantastic wedding! These two created an intimate and personal wedding weekend full of their own personality. This wedding took place in late September at a quaint bed and breakfast (Racebrook Lodge ) in western MA. Ok, now for some great details :) Cari decided not to have me photograph her getting ready, so I was free to capture these...

Minor amazing fact about those brown flowers in her bouquet... they smelled like chocolate... brilliant!!!

Also, I couldn't choose between these ring shots so you get them all :)

They had their reception in a barn at the back of the property. The settings were so simple and lovely. I also have to give Kevin a shout-out for the table runners that he made! The gourds and mismatched napkins were a perfect way to tie in the fall theme.

S'more kits with homemade marshmallows - a favor after my own heart!!!

As I was wandering around closer to the ceremony site this caught my eye... As a lover of hiking this made me love the place even more. The AT actually was in that direction within a short walk :)

Then it was time for the ceremony to begin...

I love outdoor weddings!

Some moments during the ceremony, and no I don't remember why Kevin was so emphatically waving his arms :)

I like to include some group shots just so prospective clients can get a feel for how I do them.

While they laughed at me for making them do this... I think it turned out great.

Then it was time for some couple portraits... which are always fun!

The cocktail hour was held outside which I loved! Great light and room to spread out.

Cutie alert... yes, she stole the show :)

The reception did not include any formalities just because "tradition" called for it. Kevin thanked everyone for coming, and that was the end of the toasts... and a delicious dinner was served!

Here is the untouched cake...

While the guests changed, we headed out to get the most important photo of the night. Cari actually had a dream one night about standing next to a campfire in a wedding dress. Talk about pressure in tough photography conditions! Thankfully I love the way it turned out :)

Yes, that's right. The end of their reception was sitting around the bonfire making s'mores :)

The awesome live music (for ceremony and reception) was provided by Sarah Blacker a local singer-songwriter.

It was an evening full of love and laughter.

Wayland Basketball

2010-02-03T19:03:00.000-08:00

These were taken at a recent Wayland basketball game. My husband and I originally started going to games because we know one of the players on the team. It struck me before this game however... what better way to practice for weddings (low light, constantly moving subjects, cluttered backgrounds) than a basketball game. Check out my facebook page to see more!

The D Family Portraits

2010-01-27T21:02:00.000-08:00

Now that Christmas is over I can finally share this photo shoot. These are very special people and have a big place in my heart these days :) My weekdays are spent reading, painting, baking and exploring the metrowest with these two adorable little boys (2.5 and 5 years)... Their parents are equally fabulous and we had a great time taking these photos on one of the last warm days of the fall!

They get along so well!

We were trying to blow bubbles... trying really hard...

Great smiles :)

And now stretching our faces so they don't get too tired...

These kids are definitely loved!

We finished up the photos back at their house with a favorite book (and their lollipop rewards).

Sneak Peak!

2010-01-12T20:53:00.000-08:00

Here is just a quick preview of my most recent wedding...

I love the fresh table setting and flowers - especially for being a winter wedding!

More to follow so stay tuned!

I bought fresh flowers!

2010-01-07T15:44:00.000-08:00

It may sound silly, to get so excited about fresh flowers... but to me they are a delightful reminder to savor what is beautiful.

I bought them because of a workshop that I had the extreme privilege to attend this week. Justin and Mary Marantz are photographers who shared much more than just business advice. One of the things that they asked us to think about was - what is our version of "the good life?" It caught me off guard because I don't often take the time to think about what makes me feel fabulous. The natural response is to say... well that takes money, time, etc. that I don't have right now.

If we don't have it right now, then when? Their encouragement was to find small moments that feed the soul... that make us feel like we are already living "the good life" in our everyday life - because we can... My version for this week was flowers, what's yours?

Matt + Danielle

2010-01-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

There are so many photos in this post but I just wanted to show some of the details and emotions that made this a fabulous wedding! Everything was a group effort, from setting the table to Danielle putting the finishing touches on a bridesmaid's hair.

Matt wrote one tear-jerker of a note to accompany his gift before the ceremony.

I love how these two photos depict both the joy and the butterflies that almost every bride feels...

I love the mismatched plates and glasses... Even more I love how they wrote a personal note to each family member that was waiting for them at their seat.

And yes, Danielle wrote a song to serenade her groom.

Then the dancing began!

Three Natick Cuties

2009-10-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

These children are precious and have absolutely beautiful eyes. We had a great time taking photos around their yard and in their pool. As you can tell they are all on the young side which made group photos challenging, but individually their personalities shine. This family is so loving and was a joy to photograph.

David's Senior Portraits

2009-10-05T17:25:00.000-07:00

The first half of our time was spent at a pond near David's house and then we did more casual pictures in his yard. I don't remember who's idea it was for him to climb the tree... but it led to some of my favorites from the day.

Renee's Portfolio Session

2009-10-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Renee swore that she was not photogenic and felt awkward in photos. Well, we had so much fun taking these at a nearby park in Newton! She was ready to try any and all of my ideas and clearly can take a striking photo. I am happy to say that not only did she feel confident enough to submit these to be considered as a model in an advertising campaign for one of her favorite jewelry designers... but SHE WAS SELECTED!!! I am so excited to have had even a small part in such a crazy and unexpected adventure!

Haley's Senior Portraits

2009-10-04T19:55:00.000-07:00

Haley was under the impression that she couldn't take a good picture. Happily we were able to prove her wrong and have fun doing it! Thank you especially to my lovely assistant Karen who definitely helped to bring out the best smiles :)

Brianna's Senior Portraits

2009-10-04T19:41:00.000-07:00

Brianna had her portraits taken at her friend's house which is more personal and relaxing. The Sun was playing hide and seek, which meant a variety of great lighting situations and an adventurous tone to the session :)

Eliab & Ashley Engagement Session

2009-10-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

This session was incredibly special for a number of reasons. First, this is one of my younger brothers which is a bittersweet reminder of how fast we are all growing up. At the same time, Ashley is an amazing addition to our family and I think they complement each other so well. Another sentimental aspect of the day was the location. We shot this at one of our favorite parks when we were growing up - I could almost see us exploring the various paths along the banks of the stream and doing our best to jump from rock to rock without getting wet. Good memories which made me miss those carefree days... Enjoy!

Several Senior Sessions

2009-09-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

I recently realized that all of my recent work is on facebook - so look up S'Moore Photos there... but I am also going to put up some of my favorites from three recent senior portrait sessions.

oldies but goodies part 2...

2009-07-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

This was a session I did with a floor of girls from Gordon College. We had a blast getting various group shots as well as roommates and individuals.

Some oldies but goodies...

2009-07-20T14:50:00.001-07:00

These photos are from this spring, but I had so much fun shooting them that I wanted to share. These are a group of resident assistants (RA's) from Gordon College. They did this as a surprise for their RD (who I also worked under for two years when I was at Gordon).

Liz & Jay's Wedding

2009-07-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

In addition to being invited to the wedding, Liz kindly asked me to take pictures beforehand. Of course I ended up snapping some photos of the ceremony as well. It was so much fun to just hang out and also be able to give her some great memories of the day!

p.s. I had to include this shot because the food was amazing!

Allyson and Mike's Wedding

2009-06-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day and location! The wedding and reception were at the Wequasset Resort on Cape Cod. The bride and groom were beaming all day long and it was such a privilege to be apart of their celebration.

Judd & Christine - Engagement Session

2009-05-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

Judd proposed to Christine at Ocean Lawn in February and they decided to return when it was a little warmer to get these photos. The weather was spectacular and we had alot of fun!

Maternity Shoot

2009-05-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some fabulous photos from a maternity session that I am so excited to share. Despite claiming shyness in front of the camera, this mother was just glowing. Her little one was born just about two weeks after these were taken! Check out the full gallery on my website www.samanthabohall.com.

The Moore family photo shoot

2009-05-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

These are some photos of my beautiful siblings in OH!

Corporate Portrait for Fluorolite Plastics

2009-05-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

I have not posted for awhile so look for a flurry of posts in the near future.

These photos are a sampling from a shoot commissioned by Fluorolite Plastics to accompany a press release...

Isaiah & Maria

2009-02-26T14:08:00.000-08:00

These are some of my favorite shots from an impromptu shoot with my younger brother and his girlfriend.

bocce on the beach

2009-02-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

These are some favorite moments from the day after my brother's wedding.

2009-01-30T09:45:00.000-08:00

As promised...

here are some photos I took during a quick stop at Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

2009-01-24T07:17:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share some very exciting news! My new website is up and running at http://www.samanthabohall.com/. I also hope to be adding to this blog in the very near future so stay tuned...

Various Portraits

2008-12-26T18:47:00.001-08:00

Ben & Riana - leading up to the ceremony

2008-12-26T18:22:00.000-08:00

Ben & Riana - the seaside ceremony

2008-12-26T18:07:00.000-08:00

Ben & Riana's picnic reception!

2008-12-26T17:35:00.001-08:00

Riana painted this design with their initials

The Oregon coast - it takes your breath away!

2008-12-26T17:31:00.000-08:00

John and Katie's wedding - getting ready for the big day!

2008-11-12T07:42:00.000-08:00

John and Katie's wedding - the ceremony

2008-09-27T20:54:00.001-07:00

The wedding was held in the Community Church of East Gloucester

John and Katie's wedding - the reception

2008-09-27T19:54:00.001-07:00

Some highlights from the reception at The Elks at Bass Rocks

beginnings...

2008-09-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

At the encouragement (and sometimes prodding) of my beloved, I am embarking on a new phase in my photographic journey - officially sharing my work with others.

This entry is more of a test than anything else, but I will post pictures soon. Let me know what you think of what you see.

Hasta Luego