You can call me Al

Recently I was asked to take two stock photos. Happy for the assignment I waited to hear the request thinking it would be children or puppies... but it was for clouds and grass. Interesting I thought. This shouldn't be too hard, right?

I quickly channeled my inner meteorologist and tried to remember the types of clouds. Stratus, Cumulus and Cirrus were all that I could remember. So I asked them what kind they wanted hoping that Mother Nature would send some more clouds my way, stat.

'Not puffy but not wispy' was the reply. That just took out two that I knew for sure, Cumulus and Cirrus. I had to hurry because they needed the photo pronto and the clouds were breaking up that day. I took a few pictures from my deck but decided to jump in the car and head for a more open area. My grass had seen better days so I needed to look for new turf anyway. I must have taken 30 cloud pictures. And then the grass - about the same. I sent over about 5 files of each. And you know which cloud they picked? The first one off of the deck. It was fun to do and I was happy to oblige.

And just so you know, I think it's a Mid-Level Altocumulus.
Who knew there were so many sub-categories as well?

Happy cloud watching!

Vibrant - family photo session - Central PA photographer

This vibrant and beautiful family was a lot of fun and easy to work with. Each had individual shots taken along with the family portraits.

I am so thankful that the weather cooperated. Although it started off a little chilly under all of the trees, it turned out to be sunny and relatively warm which made for some great candid shots of the boys playing football.

All of these kids are so great and were up for posing and holding still for a moment without any hesitation. The shadow picture has become one of my favorites. It's a little unconventional for a portrait but I find it so endearing.

Little ones

It was a beautiful, sunny autumn day when I took pictures of adorable twins. You would think a mini session would be easy but this proved to be my biggest challenge. You can imagine there was no holding still and once they saw the open space and creek, they wanted to run and explore. The request of the day was to get some face shots suitable for framing. So we worked fast and luckily, I think we got it. Oh they are such cute little ones.

Lake trails - family photo session

It was another great setting for a beautiful and stylish family.

You may recognize their little one from another set of pictures as the little girl with those gorgeous eyes. This family chose a lake that I had never heard of but since there are many hidden gems around the county, I wasn't surprised that this was new to me. It was a beautiful place with a pretty trail and the leaves were in their full splendor.

We tried to make this quick to keep the attention of a 2 year-old but we ended up walking the whole trail. It was just too pretty not to enjoy and talk. I'm so glad we did or I may not have captured the following images since they were some of the final takes.

Thanks for letting me take your fall photos!

Covered bridge - family photo session, Central PA Photographer, Elizabethtown, PA photographer

This great family was referred by a friend. And since they are from another part of the country, a true area landmark was in order for their location. C. is a photographer so her kids were used to a camera in their face. And I must say, they photograph crazy good and talk about patient and sweet kids! What is in your water over there? You should market that stuff or at least share your secrets with me on raising such well-mannered ones. I hope your hubby enjoys these.

Thanks for letting me take them!

Landmarks & Love - family photo session

I like to ask about what location and type of look someone wants for their photo session. So when Mary asked me to do these, I posed the question, thinking she may have a better idea than me, as she is a native to the area. I'm always on the hunt for different locations.

She mentioned a covered bridge and I hoped that's the one she would choose. Lucky me - she did. It was a great place to get out and run around. It was perfect for this family since they are playful. And there was no shortage of affection either. These kids like to hug each other
as well as their parents. It warms my heart to see that and catch on film.

Fist pumps - fun family photo session

A few weeks ago this family stopped by and asked if I could take some pictures for their holiday cards before their oldest daughter moved out of state. Of course I obliged! This fun family is always laughing and hosting a bunch of teenagers at their house. Their kids' friends feel welcome there because they are an easy going family who is always laughing.

One request was that I take individual shots of their youngest daughter who had not had portraits in a while. Well, the camera was missing out since she photographed beautifully!




As we were getting ready for a group photo I said that they can't possibly be this calm all the time. They shook their heads so I told them to act like they're at home and I just walked in the door. That's where the "noogies" and fist pumps came in.

Don't they look like fun?

Canoes by the lake - family photo session

Yet another beautiful family in a great setting. A tranquil lake and lots of colorful canoes just begged to be a backdrop. When we drove up here by accident a long time ago, I saw the area and knew I had to get pictures. Luckily for me, this family was game and it just happened to be one of their favorite areas. We took a ton of pictures and laughed. Their affection for each other is not staged. I took many pictures of the kids hugging each other or just playing around together and I didn't even ask them to do that.

My bonehead remark was telling John to get comfortable on the canoe like how he would normally. My Jon said, "Yeah, you know, the way you always lie on canoes on the side of the road." or something to that effect. It made for some funny out takes though!

Lovely garden - family photo session

This beautiful family's session was high energy and a lot of fun. We did this in two parts. One day was on the grounds of a formal garden and the other was at a lake.

I ran all over trying to catch a moment with the kids. Even though they warned me that they didn't pose well for photos, we ended up with many great pictures, great moments. Although they might not see it, they are a highly photogenic family. How can one not be when you're a family in love?
And I could listen all day to M., the oldest daughter, pronounce my name "Low-ruh" in the cutest British accent ever.

This is one of my faves since I know the back story. Here, Solviej made a remark about pinching his bum and we started to laugh. I love the look on his face.

Too cute - Child's photo session

People ask if I really like to chase kids around and snap pictures of them as they wander and play. My answer: yes!
I expect kids to grow a bit weary when taking photos and because they are usually in a new surrounding, they like to go and explore. I get that. It's a busy job which requires a lot of energy but the outcome is always a funny and sweet shot. And what parent wouldn't want that? Especially when the subject is just too darn cute.
I mean, come on - look at those eyes, her pigtails and how she's sticking out her tongue!

Textures and tracks - children's photo session

A beautiful late summer day and the grounds of an old house made for a picture perfect setting. Train tracks, old, leaded windowed doors and break away plaster walls gave each picture unique looks. Even better and more unique was the subject matter; two adorable and incredibly well-behaved boys and their beautiful mother. I want to know what their secret is!

While this was a session set-up for the boys, I always plan and encourage the parents to jump in with them. And look what happens when you do that? A picture to warm the heart.

Welcome!
My main website is currently under construction but I will be posting photo sessions and information on this blog. Please feel free to contact me at lmontysc@yahoo.com or call direct at 717-419-1941 with any questions!

Baby Blue Eyes - baby photo session

I was so excited to take this baby's picture. He is just so cute and those big blue eyes are striking. I didn't do a color boost on them or anything. It was just the sunlight streaming in from behind. Amazing color, right?
He was such a good little guy to let me take photos of him for so long. He made it easy to take pictures because he was so interested in the camera. He looked straight at me most of the time. Occasionally he would reach out to touch the camera so I took a picture of him doing that. I always think it's cute to have their hand right up in the picture. I like how it shows a candid moment of their curiosity. But the face shots, they are always my favorite. They grow so fast so I like to see every detail of their face and this baby has such a beautiful one!
Thanks Ender, you are a natural!