Hadley Spagna Photography

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Nauti-Boys

**DISCLAIMER: The phonetics of this blog title are misleading**

© 2006 Hadley Spagna Photography

The decision to title this blog entry, "Nauti-Boys" was difficult. I'm hoping that the disclaimer on this post will get me closer to redemption. These boys are the farthest thing from naughty, but they are very nauti! Their affinity for the beach was obvious. The boys' comfort and ease with the beach and sand (in addition to their absolute cuteness and good looks) created beautiful and fun photographs.

Maybe I see the nautical connection as a result of their matching intarsia whale sweaters. More so I think it's their Mom's strong connection to the beautiful beaches of Amagansett. Is it possible that a love for the ocean can be hereditary?

(On the day of our shoot there was a carnival a short walk away from the beach. After our sandy shoot we strolled over to the carnival. The last two photographs were taken there.)

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Yoga Inspriration

© 2006 Hadley Spagna Photography

Short of over-indulging at Paci in Southport, it takes a lot to motivate me to exercise. Although I do enjoy it (especially spinning), finding the time can be a challenge. Well, shortly after taking a peek at this client's wedding album I was inspired to don my yoga wear and balance my energy.

After their fun and wet (well, wet for me) family session on the beach we headed back to their house. I casually snapped some more images and basked in the glory of knowing I had a CF card filled with beautiful images. I would love to say that the beautiful images were a result of my hard work and raw talent, but really, the images were a result of this family's amazing connection with each other. They're happy, positive and the type of people you want to be around.

Sitting on their couch I saw their wedding album and flipped through the pages. The same beauty and energy I saw in the photographs we created on the beach were in their wedding album. The photographs taken before the wedding were not of an anxious bride. The bride was gorgeous, radiant and at peace (and wearing, by the way, an exquisite gown with the most elegant detailing at the hem). No nerves, no worries, just happiness, bliss. To which I asked, "Weren't you nervous?" My client told me all about her morning that day which included listening to a great CD, making a trip to the beach and practicing yoga. That sealed my fate. Shortly after I arrived home that afternoon I was dusting off my mat and searching for my favorite pair of yoga pants.

This session was a favorite of mine because the photographs we created were the byproduct of this family's beautiful energy. They were so positive, loving and plain ol' fun people to hang out with on a Saturday morning. Any one of the images from this session I would love to put on this blog, or on my website. I had to pick a few, so here are four from that day.

© 2006 Hadley Spagna Photography

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FREE CHILDREN'S FILM FESTIVAL

Did you know the Crow Marquis Theaters in Wilton, Trumbull, Norwalk, Hartford and Stamford will be hosting a free film festival for children and their caregivers? You can see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Racing Stripes, Because of Winn Dixie, Cheaper by the Dozen 2, Madagascar, Dreamer, Nanny McPhee and Curious George. The festival starts on June 27th and is held on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10 am. Visit the Crown Theaters Website for more details.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Happy Mother's Day

© 2006 Hadley Spagna Photography

Happy Mother's Day!

To start my Mother's Day celebration this year I photographed my children for a change. Here's Jack (almost 5) and Sophia (a fresh 3 - err.. although that is a facet of her personality "fresh" is supposed to mean she just turned three).

The picture of Jack encapsulates his sweet and somewhat reserved personality. The way his hand is perched so close to his face is one of his signature moves. I'm so happy that I was able to capture this moment.

I love this photo of Sophia because it illustrates a side of her I don't see much when I'm behind the camera. In this photo, she is still, contemplative and really looking at me. A typical photo session with Sophia involves a hip thrust (not mine!) and an impish grin.

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© 2006 J.Crew

A question I get asked frequently is, "What should my child wear?" That's when I give my typical answer, "...avoid distracting patterns and logos, try to limit clothing changes for young children and let me in your closets I'd love to pick something out." Well, next time I get asked that question I may just answer with anything from crewcuts.

Saturday was my first opportunity to visit the new crewcuts line at the J.Crew store in downtown Westport. The pint sized attire is for 2-8 year olds and the colors, patterns and logos will photograph beautifully. The best part is that the clothes are at a price point where you won't mind if your child actually plays and gets dirty in this stuff. (There's a good chance someone's going to get dirty on one of my photo sessions.)

You might not hear other photographers telling you this when helping you select your wardrobe for your shoot. But, I'll say it, "Bring on the madras!"

Friday, April 28, 2006

The Prince

© 2006 Hadley Spagna Photography

When this picture was taken the parents of this beautiful boy and I were laughing and having a good time. It was hard to imagine that just five days prior they were welcoming him into the world. We were laughing because Dad suggested what we were doing was ripped from book of "What Not To Do With Your Newborn". What you can't see is that Baby Boy was at end of the bed on the very edge. Thankfully, both Mom and Dad were close by keeping a careful watch over him.

(This is the picture I described in my previous blog entry.)

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Black and white picture taken with the FZ7

© 2006 Hadley Spagna Photography

Here it is! A picture taken with the FZ7. This one is of my dear son who has grown tired of having his picture taken. It was taken in color and converted to black and white in photoshop.

The next blog entry will have the picture that I talked about in my previous blog entry. It's one of my favorite newborn photos from last month.

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Sunday, April 02, 2006

Back to business

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Originally uploaded by hadleyspagna.

It's great to be back to business after being closed for the past week!

Okay, this is not a picture taken with the Lumix. But, I had to share this one first. I love this photograph because not only is this a beautiful subject, but I love the lighting in this photograph too. The light seems to wrap around her like a soft halo. An angel.

There must have been something in the water in May of 2005 because you guys have been keeping me very busy with newborns lately! Congratulations on the births of your new babies! I'll be posting a favorite photograph of one of my newborns soon. But, first I'll be posting that image taken with the Lumix. I promise!

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Referrals Just Got Better! (and a recent session too)

Today referring a friend to Hadley Spagna Photography just got bigger and better! What's bigger? The bonus! What's better? There's a bonus for the referrer and the referree! ) Email me for more details. I can't wait to tell you all about it!!

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The picture above is from a recent session that I really enjoyed. (Okay, I enjoy all of them!) I picked this picture out to share with you because it's one of those pictures that is a little deceiving. Yes, the sweet little girl in the picture is as content as she seems. But, did you know that I was balancing on the rim of the bathtub while taking this picture and praying that I didn't fall in the tub? (If you did, please be sure to tell me!) Another reason why I had to share this picture is because it's one of my favorites from the session. This little girl really touched my heart. Just look at those eyes! Don't they just melt you?