Lindsay Docherty Photography

Teaser: Child Portraits at Haverford College

2009-07-05T22:46:00.002-04:00

Warning: absolutely stunning eyes (and eyelashes) ahead! You've been warned.

Just a few teaser images from my shoot tonight with D…

I'll do a full write-up once I get through them all, but I wanted to share just a few pics of this sweet (and active!) toddler from today's session at Haverford College.

Enjoy!

Happy Fourth of July

2009-07-04T19:27:00.001-04:00

Wave your little flags, watch the sky for fantastic colors, and eat yourself silly among friends and family!

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.
~Erma Bombeck

July Desktop Images

2009-07-01T13:41:00.001-04:00

Every month I feature new images for download for you to use as your desktop background. Click to download it and see it at its huge size and resolution.

I visited Valley Forge National Historical Park a few weeks ago on a scouting mission for a project. I went during "golden hour" and the place was list up beautifully. There's really no better time for lovely, sun-drenched pictures than the hour or so before sunset. I try to schedule all of my shoots around this time so that I can get this gorgeous look. Photographers refer to this as "golden hour" or "magic hour". It's easy to see why.

Enjoy!

*Please note these images are made available for personal use only.

A kind of golden hour one remembers for a life time... Everything was touched with magic.
~ Margaret Bourke-White

Erica + Tristan: A Secluded Wedding in Berkeley

2009-06-27T17:00:00.002-04:00

I absolutely need to blog about Erica and Tristan's wedding! It was a stunning affair in Berkeley, California at the Brazil Room. I really love their color choice of chocolatey browns and vibrant reds and oranges. I shot alongside the talented FC Wong.

I'll let the pictures mostly speak for themselves!

The boys met up with the girls at the awesome and colorful antique Tilden Carousel nearby. I love the look on Erica's face as Tristan helps her out of the car.

The venue was gorgeous. The ceremony was held on the outdoor grounds on a hill overlooking Tilden Regional Park. It was really like we were the only ones around for miles. Nothing but trees and a beautiful wedding. How perfect is that?!

The group there was a lot of fun. We had some great dancers out there on the floor.

Thank you for having me at your fantastic celebration. All the best to you both!

"A friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths, fields your fears but fortifies your faith, sees your anxieties but frees your spirit, recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities."
~William Aurthur Ward

Sunday Snapshots around Philadelphia

2009-06-11T12:38:00.006-04:00

I had a friend in town last weekend and we definitely did the touristy Philly thing. Thankfully he showed up during the window of absolutely great weather and I was able to proudly show off where I grew up, some classic Center City Philadelphia spots, and some of my favorite places in the area.

Here are a few images from our day in the city. We started out at the Independence Visitor Center of course and took the Phlash around. I could not get over the incredible clouds that hung out with us all day.

We stopped off at the Reading Terminal Market and enjoyed some really delicious vegetable lasagna and took in all the sights, sounds, and smells.

He got excited about the Franklin Institute (who wouldn't?) so that was our next destination. If you grew up in the area, how many field trips did you take to the Franklin Institute?

Here are a few more of that stunning sky as seen from outside of the Franklin Institute. (Philadelphia City Hall to the southish and The Inquirer Building to the eastish.)

We came back to square one after a day of walking and wandering. (That's the Bourse Building.)

We had big plans for going out dancing that night but were just too pooped to consider anything but watching movies and reminiscing.

It was a fantastic weekend that also included brunch at Carman's Country Kitchen, a driving tour of Lower Merion and Narberth, 4 slices at Peace a Pizza (baked ziti is still my favorite), a visit to the Independence Seaport Museum, a leisurely drive through Valley Forge National Historical Park, scrumptious cheese and chocolate fondue at the Melting Pot, an introduction to the largest mall on the East Coast, and the purchase of some very strange shoes (for him, not me).

Sadly, there were no Wawa hoagies, soft pretzels, water ice, or cheesesteaks. There's only so much Philly one can learn in a weekend. Maybe next time…

I love Philadelphia. I was shocked at what a great city this is. For me, it is the cat's pajamas. I love everything about it. I love where I live. I love the people. I have been met with such kindness and affection here.
~ George Dzundza

Jenn + Matt: a Catholic Wedding in New Jersey

2009-06-03T13:00:00.000-04:00

Last month I photographed a beautiful wedding with Faith of Faith West Photography. The couple was the stunning Jenn and dapper Matt. They had a lovely ceremony at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Merchantville, NJ. I loved that they had a bagpiper!

After some serious getting lost looking for a park, we scrapped the idea and headed towards the aquarium for some fantastic shots of the couple with the Ben Franklin Bridge in the background. I let the pictures speak for themselves…

I just adore that long cathedral veil. It may be a pain, but it makes the most beautiful pictures! Jenn was absolutely adorable. She was all smiles and loved being a model for us. Her laughter was contagious.

I took a quick shot back at the aquarium while Jennifer and Matt rested for a few seconds against the Philly skyline.

The reception was held at Camden's Adventure Aquarium in a big dark L-shaped room. The two inner walls came from a floor to ceiling shark and fish tank. The tables were adorned with tall branches and hanging candles and orchid blossoms. The entire scene was quite a sight. The couple even hosted a sundae bar for guests towards the end of the night.

A truly special part of the night came when Jenn danced with her father, a musician, to a song he had written just for her for that day.

I loved the intricate swirly details on their cake.

At twilight, we took the couple outside for some shots while the sky was turning from that creamy purplish into night.

It was a great day with great venues and a truly sweet and easy-going couple. All the best to you both!

The arms of love encompass you with your present, your past, your future, the arms of love gather you together.
~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

June Desktop Images

2009-06-01T11:11:00.001-04:00

Every month I feature new images for download for you to use as your desktop background. Click to download it and see it at its huge size and resolution.

Summer is in full swing. The days are getting longer, the sun is shining more, everyone's outside, and there's just a summertime bliss hanging in the air. Living in San Francisco, I had missed this. I had missed my seasons, especially the warm, sunny ones. I now have sundresses and I intend to make full use of them. Go on, have a picnic…

Enjoy!

*Please note these images are made available for personal use only.

In summer, the song sings itself.
~ William Carlos Williams

Sunday Snapshots at Penn Treaty Park

2009-05-30T20:07:00.001-04:00

Just some lazy day snapshots from my perfect weather picnic brunch at Penn Treaty Park.

The really nice breezes blow through my body and into my soul.
~Astrid Alauda

Two Very Different Venues for Philly Area Couples

2009-05-26T11:35:00.002-04:00

I go to networking events in the area when I can. This month brought me to two very different but extraordinary venues that I wanted to share. I can imagine either of them hosting a fantastic soiree. I'm truly kicking myself for not bringing my camera, but I'll post links and you'd better believe I'll have it ready next time.

I attended the Brides.com event for event professionals from the Philadelphia and South Jersey areas at the FUEL House in Philadelphia. It was originally constructed in 1902 as the Girard Corn Exchange Bank and served as the home to MTV's Real World Philadelphia series. When it's not hosting fabulous events, it is the scene for exhibitions "to aid the launch of successful artistic careers by creating a truly unique and singular forum for the display of art." F.U.E.L. is an acronym for Fostering Undergraduate Exposure on Location.

Next door to the Betsy Ross House in Old City, the venue at 249 Arch St. boasts an open floorplan of oak floors, fantastic columns, and floor to ceiling windows. I loved the exquisite mezzanine level marble wrap-around balcony that looks below. The centerpiece to the scene is the enormous crystal chandelier hovering above it all. It can hold a maximum of 450 people. I think this captures the place perfectly,

These stunning architectural details are housed in a multi-tiered structure, creating an intimate yet opulent space where classic form meets modern function.

I could easily see this space transformed into a posh reception hall overflowing with white hydrangeas everywhere and black and white damask accents or simple all white living room setups for guests to socialize. Maybe a hint of Tiffany blue too! I'll leave that up to the wedding planners.

The other event was the Professional Wedding Guild May luncheon held at the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove. Built in 1762, it was the historic home of artist, naturalist, and writer John J. Audubon. Most of it remains unchanged and serves as an educational center, museum, and bird sanctuary.

The rental space includes over 200 acres of fields, woods, rolling hills, hiking trails, and all around green serenity. They have a brand new all-wood pavilion for dancing and dining for up to 250 guests. But it was the 19th century bank barn with its exposed wood beams and high ceilings and old cracked and textured walls that did it for me. Just lovely for a ceremony or cocktail hour. Jeffrey Miller Catering is the exclusive caterer to the venue.

A complete 180 from what I can imagine with the FUEL House, I can see a wedding at the John J Audubon Center covered in rich red and orange hues with a casual almost-country feel. Big wreaths of magnolia greens and flower girls with gerbera daisies. Maybe perfect for the bride and groom who opt for the seersucker over the Italian silk. Then again, I'd love to be proven wrong!

I would love to shoot a wedding at either of these fantastic venues. Check them out and let me know what you think!

Happy planning!

Mother's Day in MD

2009-05-15T15:04:00.003-04:00

I spent last weekend with my mom for mother's day and thought I'd share some pictures from my time there. She lives in historic little Berlin, Maryland which is right outside of Ocean City, MD.

My mom has quite a green thumb and spends all of her free time in her glorious garden. She can tell you all about everything in there too. And it's this ever changing thing - she is constantly replanting this and that. She tells me it's already changed since I took these pics. Take a look…

We went into OC for a day to check out Springfest and the boardwalk. I was a complete glutton, eating my way through boardwalk fries with vinegar, ice cream, and an apple pie caramel apple. Ah, beach food…

It's pretty awesome to have a mom who lives at the beach. I've been so far away the past few years that I haven't been able to make good use of it. But you'd better believe that I'll be there a lot more this summer now that I'm on the east coast!

“More than any other, this boardwalk brings back that exhilarating teenage sense of summer-vacation freedom and possibility. Throbbing with energy day and night, fueled by Thrasher's fries soaked in vinegar (a true delicacy), the 'walk' features cool reversible benches that flip back and forth, depending on whether you want to gaze at the Atlantic Ocean or the passing parade along the boardwalk itself.”
~ Steve Millburg

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T09:30:00.000-04:00

I am in Ocean City, Maryland spending the weekend with my wonderful, amazing, beautiful, smart mother.

I'd write more, but I'm off having fun with mom!

“My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.”
~ Mark Twain

Rain, rain, go away!

2009-05-07T17:07:00.001-04:00

I'm all for the green, lush gardens and no water restrictions, but it has rained every day of May so far. I even heard that this is a record number of rainy days in a row for Philly and I'm ready for the sun!

Remember what this was like?

Don't worry, it'll come again. Until then, we'll have to make do with our rainy days.

Being the smart cookie I am, I finally went out last Sunday and bought myself a pair of wellies! In between showers today, the wellies and I went out for a little photo session…

And I got a few shots of the garden too.

“The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.”
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

May Desktop Images

2009-05-01T10:15:00.000-04:00

Every month I feature a new image for download for you to use as your desktop background. Click to download it and see it at its huge size and resolution.

Wow, I can't believe that I've already been here for 5 months. I still feel like I'm getting used to everything. The weather is still nutty but oh how I love Springtime in Pennsylvania. The past few weeks everything has just opened up. I've been driving all over the Main Line for photo sessions and have seen all this lushness everywhere. Happiness is having the doors and windows open and a light breeze blowing through the house. Add my new flowers (pansies, daffodils) right out my window and I'm one happy gal!

Enjoy!

*Please note these images are made available for personal use only.

"The world's favorite season is the spring.
All things seem possible in May."
~ Edwin Way Teale

the Marshalls: a Family session at Haverford College

2009-04-29T16:28:00.003-04:00

Two Sundays ago I met up with the Marshall family at Haverford College for a photoshoot. We had Sarah and Brad and their three children: Caitlin (14), Adam (4), and Amelia (2.5). They had won the session at an auction in February at the Gladwyne Montessori School, where Adam is a student. Amelia's sweet little springtime outfit was handmade by one of Brad's realtives (I think it was his mother…).

We missed out on the sunny weather that we saw a few days prior but the overcast skies made for perfect soft lighting at the gorgeous school grounds.

We started out around the pond and the old weathered shack right there.

I love Adam's expression and pose in the picture of all three.

We then wandered over to a little spot with daffodils and little yellow flowers. We got some of just the girls.

And just the guys.

Our last spot was on a little path on the far side of the pond. It was nice and secluded and just perfect for some relaxed family shots.

Once Amelia had had enough, Brad and Sarah took a second at the end for a few shots together.

And I had to include this one of Adam, who was full of smiles and energy the whole time!

What a beautiful family! Thanks again; I hope you had a great time!

“Family is the most important thing in the world.”
~ Princess Diana

Best Mother's Day Gift

2009-04-27T13:15:00.005-04:00

I don't need to tell you that Mother's Day is coming up. It is now just two weeks away – May 10th! I should have made a post about this earlier, but things have been really busy around here lately.

Listen up, daddies… There is no better gift for this holiday than photography. Surprise her with some fantastic pictures of you and your little one(s). Celebrate motherhood by giving her something that represents it completely – you and the kids!

Trust me on this one…

My turnaround for portrait sessions is usually two weeks, but if you're willing to step on it, so am I. Book a session for this week. If you can place an order soon after viewing the pics, I'll be able to get the prints back to you before Mother's Day. That's how much I love you. Let her know how much you love her.

Email me at info@lindsaydocherty.com or call 415.515.3575.

"Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad."
~Anne Geddes

Heather: Senior Session in Grapevine, TX

2009-04-25T12:00:00.001-04:00

I know that my beautiful cousin Heather has been eagerly awaiting these pictures. After doing the family session with her brother and parents, Heather and I made a stop at this awesome field for a mini senior session.

As you can tell, the light was spectacular and Heather just shone! We got there just at the right time for golden hour.

Heather is currently a junior at Marcus High School in Flower Mound, TX. She's a great student, a fantastic tennis player, works part time as a hostess, and is even a founder of the SMOSS club (which stands for "Students Making Other Students Smile").

Check out those bright blue eyes. Wow.

We did a quick change into a cute little dress for a different look.

I am trying to get Heather out to the northeast to check out some of the local colleges. I would love to have her in my neck of the woods.

Heather, thanks again for coming out and playing with me! I hope you had as much fun as I did!

A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.
~Coco Chanel

the Connollys: a Family Session in Grapevine, Texas

2009-04-22T10:30:00.002-04:00

I was in Texas last week visiting some of my awesome family. In return for the trip of pure rest and relaxation (including a pedicure), I promised them a fun family photo session.

So Val, Pat, Heather, Andrew, and I took off to the Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center in Grapevine. The place was amazing. It had four and a half acres of indoor gardens and waterways.

I love this one of my aunt and uncle. It is one of my favorites of the session.

And I love these of my family.

They had a cheesy saloon setup inside the resort. Because really, what's Texas without a saloon? I just couldn't help myself.

The resort had some really cool backdrops. It was sort of modeled after the Riverwalk in San Antonio but with a few twists.

I love Heather's hair flip!

We walked all around the massive gardens and I'm sure we even missed some parts. We then took some shots in the bowl-like grassy knoll that was part of the property. The light was just perfect.

My Aunt Val even turned the camera back on me with my cousins. I look positively evil but, then again, I was tickling Andrew.

It was a fantastic to see them again and I had such a good time! We had a barbecue, played charades, sat by the pool, and they even got up extra early to eat breakfast with me the morning I left. I have a great family! Stay tuned for my senior session with just Heather!

Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.
George Burns

Tim + Charlie: Father / Daughter Session in Media

2009-04-19T10:00:00.004-04:00

Hellooooo cuteness!

I encountered an almost illegal amount of adorable last week when I photographed Charlotte (Charlie) last week at Tyler Arboretum. The day started out grey and drizzly and, while it's not ideal weather for a photoshoot, I was looking forward to seeing Charlie in some boots for some fun puddle action. As fate would have it, the sky opened up as soon as I met with Tim and Charlie for some fantastic sunny skies.

And since it had just rained, we got some great puddle jumping action!

And sometimes you just need to take that tiny path into the sunlight and smell the flowers.

Really? Can something be this cute?

We were apparently pushing our luck when we went over to Rose Tree Park. Big puffy clouds turned into an overcast threat but not a single drop til we left the park. We had just enough time for loving on daddy and running around as a two-and-three-quarters-year-old should!

I brought some bubbles for a grand finale. Those wide open fields were just perfect for chasing bubbles!

You can't say I didn't warn you of the cuteness that is Charlie! Thank you Tim and little ladybug for a fantastic afternoon!

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. ~Walt Streightiff

Smile a little today

2009-04-18T10:50:00.003-04:00

I simply had to share this. It's only about 20 kinds of awesome!

Perhaps you and some friends should get together, choreograph a little ditty, and show up at 30th Street Station for a flash mob type display. Just let me know so I have my camera!

Oh, and in case you somehow missed this one from a prison in the Philippines...

Ashley: Modeling Session around Philadelphia

2009-04-13T22:54:00.002-04:00

The other week I got together with Ashley and shot modeling pictures all over Philadelphia.

The humble, sweet, and freckled redhead is undeniably gorgeous and says she's mistaken for Lindsay Lohan several times a week.

We started off at FDR Park to take some pictures for a commercial gig that required her to be a Minnesota Twins fan.

She changed into a fun aqua sundress for some more shots at the boathouse which sits across the lawn from the American Swedish Historical Museum. She was such a trooper the whole day. It was incredibly windy and chilly. Her eyes were watering from the wind and she was covered in goosebumps but you'd never be able to tell from the pictures.

Next we stopped traffic on Broad St. and got a few honks for Ashley and her beautiful café au lait and chocolate satin strapless gown. I am in love with the shots that we got there!

We drove to Logan Circle where we had access to even more classic Philly locations. We had to stop off at the Franklin Institute and the Roman Catholic Cathedral-Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul before our final outfit change. I love the reflection of the sky in the door at the Franklin Institute.

We got our last shots in as the sun was setting. Ashley had a totally sexy maroon backless shirt, as if she needed any less clothing on such a cold day!

Ashley, thanks again! You were absolutely stunning!

"Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead."
- Lucille Ball

Wedding Photography Registry Now Offered

2009-04-08T16:16:00.008-04:00

Several things are changing with regards to weddings. The age of first marriage is rising, for one. Also, lots of couples are living together before the wedding day. This means that more and more couples already have accumulated a lot of what would have been on their registries. The financial climate is intimidating too but you really don't want to skimp on your wedding day priorities. This is a huge day and you know that photography is one of the few things you'll have left after the day is over (the others being the ring, the spouse, and a little bit of cake).

Couples are becoming more creative with their registries and finding great ways to help themselves and their guests. Gift-giving is hard! You've heard of the honeymoon registries that allow guests to contribute to the honeymoon fund, right? How about a wedding registry for photography? Genius! Why on earth didn't I think of this before?!

A wedding photography registry can increase your budget for photography and give your friends and family a way to give you something meaningful that you really, truly want! This is a personal gift that won't be returned or re-gifted.

So I'm starting something new and here's the plan…

Book with Lindsay Docherty Photography for your wedding day. A no-brainer, really.
Let your guests know about your photography registry …

* If you like, I'll give you cards to include in your invitations with information on your registry. They will have your choice of image from your engagement session since coverage includes a complimentary e-session.
* I'll give you a link you can put up on your wedding website.
* Let them know through word of mouth and they can contact me directly at info@lindsaydocherty.com.
Guests will contact me and put money towards your photography expenses.
When a friend or family member contributes, your guest will receive a card to give to you at the wedding and I will update you on your balance.

A few notes:

Your guests will not know your balance.
Amounts can be made in any denomination starting at $50.
The guest can choose to have the card sent directly to you or back to them.
Any contributions made after your final wedding payment can be used just like a gift certificate for album upgrades, prints, canvas wraps, sessions, etc.

Of course I'm still offering gift certificates in any amount to be used for baby showers, holidays, anniversaries, senior graduations, or birthday gifts.

I hope this makes wedding planning a little easier and less stressful. Happy planning!

I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance,
A church filled with family and friends.
I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for,
He said one that would make me his wife.
~Anonymous

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lion

2009-04-05T17:15:00.002-04:00

I don't know how far reaching it was, but last Sunday's weather here in Narberth was spectacular! I heard that it reached into Philly, Drexel Hill, Havertown, Moorestown, and parts of New Jersey.

I had taken Emma out for a walk and couldn't help but notice that the sky was this crazy peach and smokey blue. I came home and switched out Emma for my camera to photograph it. The sky really did look smokey.

The clouds were insane depending on which direction you looked. This was the view from by back porch.

Not five minutes after returning, we heard this quick spattering on the roof. Emma and I ran to the window to see hail coming down and pinging off every surface. It was so fast and heavy. I opened my back door to get some pictures and Emma got to clean up all the renegade hail stones that came flying in.

It let up no more than ten minutes later. Of course I had to run out and take pictures of the results.

My front yard:

The back driveway… The water was beginning to make rivers and wash up the hail stones. I swear it looked like cherry blossom petals everywhere.

The sky changed dramatically to a fantastic blue with big puffy clouds.

Here is the before and after of the same tree (different angles).

Pennsylvania may have bitterly cold winters and sweltering summers, but California has nothing on this!

Check out abc's time lapse video too!

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.”
~ Rabindranath Tagore

Jessi + Josh: Engagement Session in Love Park

2009-04-04T17:20:00.001-04:00

Jessi and Josh came up from Newark, DE last Friday for an engagement session over at Love Park in Philadelphia. It's almost sacrilege that I'd never been there before. We were all surprised by how small the LOVE statue actually is.

They were an adorable couple and Love Park really seemed to fit. It was cute and urban to match Jessi and Josh's fun, hipster style.

Not only were they sweet as can be, but Jessi had these stunning turquoise eyes and Josh had a pair of big brown beauties.

We got off to a late start due to traffic and had planned to check out another site, but we ended up just playing around the little square once the sun set. It actually made for a great nighttime cityscape.

They changed into something a bit more formal and really played up the 'out on the town' feel. I loved it! I mean, really, how cute is Jessi!?

Josh is in a band so I asked them to rock out for me for a few pics…

Just a fun, really easy-going couple. You guys were fantastic! Congratulations!

Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly. ~Rose Franken

April Desktop Images

2009-04-01T18:14:00.001-04:00

Every month I feature a new image for download for you to use as your desktop background. Click to download it and see it at its huge size and resolution.

What on earth happened to March? I swear it just started a few days ago! March 20th was the first day of spring and, while the cherry blossoms and daffodils are starting to make an appearance, I'm still cautious about celebrating. We had a hail storm just the other day and it's still so cloudy and chilly. At least I haven't seen snow in a while (please don't jinx it!).

So here's to hoping that we'll have just a few more April showers and many more May flowers.

Enjoy!

*Please note these images are made available for personal use only.

Stay tuned for some awesome engagement and modeling portraits going up in the next week or so…

“Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.”
~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2009-03-17T13:36:00.001-04:00

May your day be filled with kisses and all things green and lucky!

St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time - a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic.
~Adrienne Cook