I’m tired, my jeans are wet up to my behind, I have sand in my socks…but I had a blast with Mark & Jill today.  They worked me so hard!

Mark & Jill are getting married in August in their home state, but wanted some engagement photos of where they live & play now.  So we headed to trusty ol’ Downtown Annapolis.  It’s the first super deliciously warm weekend in a bit, so everyone and their dog was out too.  After we found parking spots – which is a big deal in Annapolis – we headed down some side streets for more privacy and pizzazz.  If you’ve every been down these streets you’ll know what I mean.  The houses are literally dozens of different bright and glorious colors. Not to mention the city has so much character.  Then we headed over to Jonas Green Park and got some sweet shots in the evening sun.

Enjoy your preview Mark & Jill!  I can’t wait to finish the rest…

Okay, let me first preface this blog post by saying these are not Bethany’s online dating profile pictures…puh-leez!  She doesn’t need any of that.  However, if she meets her dream man due in some part to my post, she’ll be obligated to hire me as her photographer for every future life event.

I forced Bethany to let me take her out (after we got killa haircuts!) and get some photos for her upcoming missions trip to China.  I don’t know much about what her trip is about, except is about spreading Jesus and teaching English…what more is there?  She’ll be starting a blog soon and I’ll be sure to update you on that.

What I DO know is that Bethany is probably one of my most difficult photography subject.  Just kidding!  It was a little challenging though because Bethany has this weird trait:  She can’t NOT smile!  She just can’t do it.  If you try to get anything but a smile, she doesn’t look like Bethany.  So, in order to get a “natural” smile, I had to just be super funny and make her laugh a lot.  And to punish me, Bethany made me get my picture taken at the end…but we’ll save those photos for later.

So Bethany, my dear, I had a blast with you yesterday.  I enjoyed every minute of every little silly story I shared to make you giggle.  Our entire family will really miss you and everything we share…Settlers, Rock Band, LOST, Heavy Weights, WH?AT, and so much more!

Enough already before I cry….here’s Bethany!

Ok, I really like my blog, cause I can talk to you all (if anyone’s really there) and you always listen, never interrupt, and are continually interested in the little happenings in my life.  So, here’s one little “happening”…. I’m getting a haircut!  It’s much needed.  I know this because my hairstyle has consisted of a ponytail and two clips for about 6 months now.  It’s very “fixed” and “in place,” but not much personality.  Therefore, my friend Bethany and I are going to Bubbles to get our hairs did!

Then…. we’ll be heading to Downtown Annapolis for Bethany’s photo session.  She’ll be leaving us here in Maryland for a whole YEAR to minister to the wonderful people of China.  Check back soon for some previews of her new do!  Oh, and I just have to say it, even though she’ll kill me…she’s single, and great, and ready to mingle!  But I have to approve of you first!

A lot of you faithful readers have already met my newest niece, Delaney.  If you haven’t, though, click here to read her story…she’s quite a girl!  Delaney, or “Maeby” as her daddy calls her, made her first visit to our house last week for May Day.  After spending a rousing, and almost rainy, afternoon looking at the May Day Baskets in downtown Annapolis, Maeby came over for her newborn session.  She did fabulously, especially for being out most of the day and in a new place.  Since Maeby’s a little over the 2-week newborn period, it took a little work for her mommy and me to get her sleepy.  I mean, hey, she’s been couped up for 9 months – of course she wants to be up and playing!  Enjoy Bert & Laura‘s newest little addition…

This is just a reminder that if you are wanting to order photos BEFORE Christmas, please do it soon!  And if you still need a session to get pictures in time for Christmas or New Year’s cards, contact me NOW!  My weekends are filling up quickly, so there is limited room left.  Also, if you are available on weekdays, so am I. Another favorite day to shoot….Thanksgiving morning! There is almost no body out and about, and if the weather is nice, it’s a wonderful day for shooting in downtown Annapolis.

So call me (410.507.5417), e-mail me (mandysroka@gmail.com), Facebook me, or send me a message telepathically!  I can’t wait to capture your life!