Tiffany & Jacob | Elysburg, PA

Tiff and Jacob tied the knot on Jacob’s family property near Elysburg, Pennsylvania. Right behind the red barn, they decorated a handmade altar and ceremony area with dusty blue and navy accents. It started out as a warm, beautiful day however just as we ended our first look and portrait session, the rain came. It torrentially down poured for about 15 minutes, bringing dark skies and dampness to everything. “It’s like rainnnn on your wedding day…” I sang.

It did not deter the fun of the day at all! As soon as there was a break in the clouds everyone scrambled to take the remaining photos and start the ceremony with as many umbrellas on hand as possible. The rain held off literally the perfect amount of time because it started pouring as soon as we all entered the reception.

With favors of moonshine and shots of whiskey waiting for the wedding party, they were all ready to get down! A perfect way to end the night - dancing and drinking with all your closest friends! :)

Taylor & Solomon | Moshulu

Taylor and Solomon’s big day started out with a trolley ride through Old City, Philly! We stopped at the lovely 18th Century Garden, walked over to the First Bank, and then to the iconic waterfront! It was an unusually warm November day as we made our way through all the timeless backdrops of Philadelphia, but it was perfect. Finally they tied the knot on the deck of the Moshulu just as the sun was setting. They celebrated, sang, and danced the night away filing the boat with so much love and laughter.

Eliza & Jameson | Arch Street Meeting House

Eliza & Jameson’s wedding day was gorgeous. There was nothing but blue skies as we took portraits from the First Bank of Philadelphia to Carpenter’s Hall and then to the Arch Street Meeting House where they would have their Quaker wedding ceremony.

After the ceremony, where all guests were invited to speak if compelled, everyone signed their custom illustrated marriage certificate. It was beautiful! They had refreshments outside the meeting house and got to catch up with family before taking more portraits at City Hall.

They ended the night with an intimate dinner at Barbuzzo on their second floor. Delicious and beautiful food! It was a fun day in Philadelphia!

Ericka in Wissahickon Park

“And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and autumn was awakened.” -Raquel Franco

It was great to meet Ericka, who recently moved to Philadelphia with her husband to work as a scientist. She does wicked makeup, has the most extensive and amazing collection of rocker-witchy-goth-cute outfits I’ve every seen, and is a blast to work with. Check out my first shoot with her!

“And the sunsets of Autumn, are they not gorgeous beyond description? More so than the brightest dreams of poetry?””

— Charles Lanman

Hair Philosophy | Delaware County, PA

This past spring I had the pleasure of photographing the amazing stylists at Hair Philosophy in Delaware County, PA, my old stomping grounds! These ladies are awesome and made this shoot so much fun. Definitely head over to their salon at 2034 Parker Avenue in Holmes, PA for an ultimate makeover!

These awesome ladies just celebrate 4 years in business! Congrats to them! :))

Isabelle Ecker Jewelry | Spring 2021

I had the best time with my girl Isabelle photographing her gorgeous jewelry designs at West Fairmount Park in Philly. This spring had some amazing blooms and we took advantage this perfect afternoon. Isabelle modeled pieces from her newest collection in the dreamy cherry blossoms and we had a blast hanging! Be sure to check out her beautiful work at www.isabelleeckerjewelry.com and follow her @IsabelleEckerJewelry on Instagram and Facebook.

Laura & Kevin | Springton Manor Farm

Sharing the beautiful and blustery wedding day of Laura & Kevin! They tied the knot (for the second time because of 2020!), under the towering Linden Tree with a backdrop of Scottish Highlanders, Belted Galloway cattle, sheep and goats lazily grazing the expansive pastures. It was especially fun for me since Laura and I went to high school together so I got to catch up with so many familiar faces! They had a string quartet play as they walked down the aisle, Laura crocheted all the adorable cactus magnet favors, and we even snuck away to watch the sun set. Perfect ending, perfect day!

The Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park in Winter

For the past several years, my mom has travelled to Arizona for the Gem & Mineral Show in Tucson. It’s long days at the shows but a few times we have made it into road trip where I got to check some national parks off my list. One of those times we drove to the Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert.

I loved how the snow dusted the barren landscape. The temperature was a high of 35 that day but the sun was out. It was so peaceful with hardly any other people walking the trails or cars clogging up popular areas.

I remember our bed & breakfast, Brad’s Desert Inn, had themed rooms. We were in the eagle room (go birds) and the owner would make the most enormous breakfast. She told us about her dreams for renovating the rooms and I hope to go back one day to see how they turned out.

This trip had many memorable stops. Arizona is one of my favorite places but I definitely loved our time at this park. Stay tuned for a more detailed blog post on the route we took and stops we made along the way!

This national park has preserved part of Route 66. This old Studebaker sits at the crossroads where the newly built I-40, runs almost parallel with it.

Painted Desert Inn

sedimentary layers of Blue Mesa

Agate Bridge

Like a giant chocolate log cake.

This is where I bought a petrified wood specimen to further my collection! :)

Snowy Days

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.”
― Lewis Carroll

Our fuzzy pup, Betsy!

She sniffs the snow and gets a snow beard. She loves it.

Can you see the snowball coming right at me?!

I used a cover for my camera and shot through it sometimes. It gave the images this dreamy affect.

Betsy loves the water anytime of year.

These geese came it so close! I love that they left the snow on their backs.

Snow Adventures Day 2

Snow beard is out!

Dead coyote

Betsy living her best life.

One of my favorite pictures of Betsers :)

Seasons of 2020

It’s hard to even know where to start. This past year was a real mixed shit-bag. The collective sadness. The not knowing. The fighting and anger. We all know. We lived it together in varying degrees and I know I have much to be grateful for.

The first of many kayak trips

I also learned a shit ton this year. I learned to listen to my gut - it knows more than I. I learned that I’ve been neglecting my body and that I want to take most of 2021 to feel better in this vessel. I learned that taking a walk can help reset depressed days. I learned that journaling improves my memory and helps me sort out my feelings or ideas. I learned that two people working from home isn’t exactly easy. I learned that my depression is still here but that doesn’t mean I can’t have happy days.

It’s weird to see life before COVID.

Winter

A proud puppy face!

Was this a self-fulfilling prophecy? (found in January 2020)

The first shoot of the year at our old (now demolished) high school. I love that Jennifer + Mike wanted to document their maternity session where their story began :))

This was the awesome cake at their baby shower!!

Explored Eastern State Penitentiary with my partner and his mom.

Experimented with film more so in the beginning of the year

I was really happy that we got to see the Designs for Different Futures exhibit at the PMA. I just love the PMA but this was HANDS DOWN one of my favorite exhibits of all time. Of course, now it would be completely reimagined but at this time, I loved it. There’s a video here that you can check on on the museum website of the different exhibits & artists.

I got more comfortable in front of the camera - Carolyn Keys Jewelry Spring Collection 2020 before lock down. Carolyn Keys Jewelry

My mom bought a house with an actual Redwood Tree that the original owner started in the 1960s.

My piece was displayed high above the city at the Liberty One Observation Deck when everyone was on lock down. At least it lived in a fun place for a while.

My first solo bat mitzvah with Sarah and her family! Check out the full blog post at Avi Loren Fox Photography.

Fun in Sephora before lockdown.

The last restaurant meal

Spring

I love the panoramic option on the iPhone. It’s also crazy to see the slow growth of the forest coming back to life.

I searched for the rainbows in April

First painting of the year.

I learned to give myself more permission to create or do things that may not seem like “me.” I learned that you can’t please everyone and it’s ok. I learned to put myself out there, you never know what might come of it. I learned that jealousy can be revelatory and a propeller for change but also comparison is the death of joy. I learned to get off my phone and do shit. I learned more about this country, the people, our place in the world, and how to better discuss and navigate hard grey area topics. I learned what things were missing in my life and I’m still learning how to make those things a priority.

Photographed my first FaceTime Baby’s 1st Birthday Smash Cake Party with the adorable Gabriel!

And I bought my first car! Woo! It now has a dent in it! Boo.

The rainbows continued during the 1st wedding back after shut down shooting second with my awesome friend - Gabrielle - find her beautiful work and book a portrait session, you’ll feel so glamorous!!! click here :)

I reimagined old work.

Started hunting for Chanterelle mushrooms

A 2020 still life.

Summer

But apart from learning, I grieved things that could have been, trips missed out on, restaurants, movie theaters, museums and live shows I miss going to and long nights with friends. I’m grateful for the things I continue to bring into 2021 - my health, partner, family, friends, and employment.

Self-Portrait

I started selling more and more stickers :)

Laura + Kevin are just the sweetest. Check out all of the little details of their intimate wedding day Covid Part 1 :)) - check it out here!

The best day

The best part of 2020 has been creating. I have had the privilege to photograph many beautiful families, weddings, and bat mitzvahs. I created my first large scale mounted photos and I love how they look. I created several paintings, crocheted a blanket, and had many awesome zoom art nights. I created many custom designs using the laser engraver, figured out my Cricut machine (thank you Elena!) and was surprised out how both are similar file creation. I started listing on Etsy and my one design really took off! I am so grateful for everyone of my customers and friends who have bought art from me. They have driven much of my expansion. I'’m proud of how it’s building up and excited for more in 2021.

Had another styled shoot for my mom’s handmade jewelry - check it out here!

I spent a lot of time outside in nature with my partner and puppy. We basically kayaked our way through 2020. We found new places to explore, Betsy almost fought a bear, and camped while it snowed.

I checked several things off my resolution list from last year and considering the year we had - I’m proud! I was able to check another National Park off my list and visit a state I’ve never been to (several actually). I showed three pieces in a local office building. I made new friends and met fellow photographers. I gave myself permission to play and create. I did not read a book a month but completed 6 and half-read three so almost?

Another really good night with one of my favorite comedians - Taylor Tomlinson

Autumn

I made new sticker designs!!

Did some really fun shoots!

2020 was a year that felt simultaneously stagnant and spirited so cheers to more living and growing. 2021 is probably going to be another weird year.

I started making t-shirts!!

Back to Winter

The Chitturi Family at Winterthur Gardens

It was a beautiful walk around Winterthur Gardens this past October with the Chitturi Family. The fall yellows were just beginning and made for a gorgeous gold backdrop, as did the unique and historic architecture. Take a look!

An autumn shoot isn’t complete without playing in the leaves!

The Dawes Family at Valley Forge

I loved hanging out at Valley Forge with the Dawes family this past November. I couldn’t ask for more a more gorgeous autumn afternoon - perfect colors and sunlight! My boyfriend also brought along our doggo Betsy to meet Sage - scroll down to see the wrangler at work!

My bf was the dog wrangler for the day!

Reinvention: Reshaping Old Work into New

I wanted to share a new series that I’ve been working on during quarantine downtime. Originally I created a “White Series” where I painted myself with white acrylic paint to create an imperfect, cracked “mask.” In this new body of work I thought it was interesting that the original “mask” I created was actually a canvas. I blended both the real, beautiful trips from my past, with this mystical figure to create daydreams. The worlds we create inside our heads are not too far from reality. I would love to go further with this, recreating the painted bodies and expanding on it more.

Four of these pieces are now displayed at 2424 Studios in Philadelphia, PA for the Exploring the Human Figure Show. It is located at 2424 East York Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125. It will be up until January 31, 2021! You can reserve a tour online here.

“Mist of Me”

Mounted Digital Photograph, 16 x 23 inches

“Calm Before the Storm”

Framed Digital Photograph, 19.25 x 25.25 inches

“Twisted”

Mounted Digital Photograph, 16 x 23 inches

“Within the Mountains”

Framed Digital Photograph, 19.25 x 25.25 inches

Kiaan at Longwood Gardens

This was Kiaan’s 1st time visiting Longwood Gardens! His mom and dad love it there and could not wait to show him all their favorite spots. Of course, it’s more fun when you just get to roll around in the leaves but I think he liked it nonetheless!

The 2020 shot!

Pennhurst State School & Hospital

Pennhurst State School & Hospital or Eastern Pennsylvania State Institution for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic was an institution for mentally and physically disabled individuals from 1908 until 1987. You might know it as The Shame of Pennsylvania but the people inside called it Hell on Earth. If you want to know more about the history I recommend reading Weird NJ’s article.

Today I listened to a new podcast, Real Life Ghost Stories, stumbling across this episode about Pennhurst. Based on the book, Ghosts of Mayflower, it recounted Tamera Lawrence’s experience working in 2011 as an orderly in the Mayflower building, one of the most spiritually active on campus. I recommend listening to the entire podcast but enjoy some snippets alongside images I captured when Zack and I “ventured” on the grounds early one morning. Happy Haunting!

“Night One: It started with a desperate cry. A tiny whispering, whimpering cry. Mommy? Tamera checked the hallways and stairways but was met with nothing but darkness. She wondered if perhaps one of her coworkers was playing a prank. A hazing of the new girl. But the tiny desperate cry seemed so real.”

“Night Two: Howie, come out to play! James cried out from the darkness. C’mon Howie come out to play! They were setting up the attraction pre-guests and James was obsessed with finding Howie. Howie haunts the Mayflower. He is said to be a lost child and he owns all the toys in the building. If you are in the Mayflower long enough you may find a ball roll and knock against your feet. Howie’s invitation to come and play, however if you take Howie’s toys, he’ll come and get you.”

“James approached again, his face full of glee. Hey! Hey! Guess what? I got tapped on the shoulder again! Twice this time! I just love it. Tamera was concerned. Something didn’t seem right. She scolded James and told him to stop taunting Howie and James skidded off down the corridor singing Howie, come out to play!”

“That night Tamera went to check on Laurie. They were both mothers in their 40s who just wanted to make a few extra dollars so they had a natural affinity to each other. Laurie seized her arm when she saw her.

Tamera, there’s something in the bathroom. Please, please, honestly there’s something in the bathroom. I kept seeing a shadow pear out from behind the stall in the bathroom. I swear I’ve seen it four or five times now.”

“Night Three: It wasn’t unusual for the orderlies to share experiences. Thus far James had claimed to have seen shadows running from room to room, a face appearing in second floor window, and being tapped on the shoulder twice. James desperation to have an experience didn’t make him the most credible witness and Tamera took his claims with a pinch of salt.

Today though, James was not his usual self. He was quiet and subdued. It was this night that the noises started on the third floor. Furniture being dragged, things banging and crashing, and little footsteps running up and down the corridors.

The guests likely thought that it was part of the experience.

It wasn’t.”

“Night Four: James had been talking about venturing up to the third floor but he was afraid to do it on his own. He finally got another employee to venture up there with him. Tamera listened closely for sounds of their movement on the third floor but there was no sound. Eventually they returned and James’ face was different. For the first time he look frightened. Properly frightened.

How did it go? Did you see anything? Tamera asked.

Something stabbed me. He stammered. It felt like something stabbed me but with a needle.”

“It was all as normal as it can be working in a haunted asylum, when a group of women arrived desperate to see something. They made their way towards the bathroom where Laurie had seen the shadow. Their screams reverberated around the hallways and they ran pale-faced and terrified to Tamera.

There’s a man! They cried. There’s a man in there and we thought he was a worker but he’s not!

They refused to continue on the tour and eventually Tamera sighed and agreed to check it out. She walked flashlight in hand with the group of women huddled behind her. She checked the bathroom. Nothing.

She ran to the corner in the common room and there it was. The tall black shadow of a man standing against the wall. The shadow was just not black, it was blacker than black. Standing as if it was almost waiting for her. It moved across the wall and melted into the corner.”

“The night continued with groups becoming smaller and smaller. Hardcore paranormal enthusiasts turn up in twos to explore the most haunted building in America. Tamera continued her shift almost forgetting the incident earlier. Almost.

Two men arrived. They were well versed in the paranormal and stopped to chat to Tamera before moving on to explore the rooms. They exited the first room almost as quick as they entered. One of the men looking pale and the other shaking his head in disbelief. The man who had turned pale was rubbing his neck. Tamera asked him if he was ok.

I swear something was just jabbed into my neck. It felt like a needle.”

Abbey + Austin

Abbey & Austin’s day was filled with so much love and light! Surrounded by their friends and family they were married at Grace Chapel and then celebrated their new journey all night long! Their friends and family really knew how to throw down! :) I also loved their beautiful color palette : dusty pinks and navy blues complimented with autumn-inspired burgundy bouquets. It was a beautiful day to be a part of. I hope you enjoy!

---

Florals: Pretty Petals

Hair/Makeup: Studio 207

Dress: Bridals by J

Lincoln Goes Apple Pickin'!

A couple of weeks ago I got to meet little Lincoln! He just turned 4 months and our friends Jenn & Chris wanted to show off his cute fall fashions. Unfortunately the apple orchard we chose had little apples on the trees but with some creativity we made it work! It was a beautiful autumn day and so much fun to hang out at Tabora Farms. Happy Fall Y’all!!

Laura + Kevin

This has been a crazy year y’all. It has been disappointing in so many ways however it showed us the things we truly value. Love is always at the top of that list in many forms. I’m so glad that we were still able to celebrate Laura + Kevin. Despite changing plans due to the pandemic and crazy summer thunderstorms, the day was filled with so much love. With their friends + family surrounding them, Laura & Kevin created a beautifully intimate ceremony complete with a bubble finale. It was an honor and a pleasure to photograph their special day. Congratulations you two!

Skies started to grey and rain droplets began to fall!

On the road again...

Oregon sunrise

I love being on the road, not the whole preparation for it, but once were out there with the music and podcasts blaring, it’s peaceful. We’re getting ready to head out into America once again, now a new region I’ve never been to: the Midwest! I’m excited for the weird road side stops, vast open grasslands, learning about the last wild areas of the US, and exploring the strange terrain of Badlands National Park.

Here’s a throwback of all my most recent road pics!

“There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.” -Jack Kerouac, On the Road: the Original Scroll

Near Asheville, North Carolina on our 1st road trip down to Georgia for the Professional Photographers of America conference. 2016.

Drove down to the end of the road for the cloudy sunset, Hawaii, 2013.

My view from behind our driver, Damien, across the countryside of Cuba on our way back to Havana from Trinidad. 2016

Signs of the South, 2016

Dingman’s Ferry Bridge, connecting PA and NJ, 2016.

Golden Road, Maine

Sedona, Arizona

Arizona to Nevada

Hoover Dam

Las Vegas

My mom, somewhere in Arizona, 2018.

Driving through Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

Whizzing by New York

Cadillac Mountain for the sunrise, 2016.

Monterey, CA, 2017.

Joshua Tree

Jenni + co-pilot Gabby in Joshua Tree

Zack, near Sacramento

To Ashland, OR!

Crater Lake

Forest fires in Bend, OR, 2017.

Devastation of the fires, outside Bend, OR, 2017.

Claudia at the wheel during our Iceland adventure.

Crazy Iceland roads, 2018.

Gabby driving through the Italian countryside, 2019.

On the way back from Washington, D.C. 2020

Snowstorm outside of Tombstone, Arizona, 2019.

Petrified Forest, 2019.

Goats hanging out in Hawaii, 2019.

Volcanoes National Park

Oahu

Devastation from the 2018 volcanic eruption.

Italian countryside, 2019.

Pittsburgh, 2018.

Abbey + Austin's Summer Session

Yesterday Abbey celebrated her bridal shower and TWO months until her + Austin’s big day! Here are a few photos from our session around the family’s beautiful property. Enjoy!