Red Velvet Cake

1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons cocoa
4 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

Well grease a bundt pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Cream shortening and 1 1/2 cups sugar WELL. Add eggs and beat well.

Make a paste of cocoa and red food coloring. Add to creamed mixture. Mix salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla and buttermilk together. Add alternately the flour with the milk mixture to the creamed mixture. Mix soda and vinegar and fold into cake batter. Do not beat or stir the batter.

Bake for 55 minutes.  Let sit to cool in the pan for two hours, then remove cake from the pan.  Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding icing.

Buttercream Icing

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup softened butter
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 fluid ounces heavy (whipping) cream

Cream shortening and butter until fluffy. Add confectioner’s sugar and continue creaming until well blended. It will be very thick and heavy. Add salt, vanilla, and whipping cream blend on low speed until moistened. Add additional whipping cream if necessary (up to 2 ounces). Beat at high speed until frosting is fluffy.

Happy Valentine’s Day everybody. Eat cake!

And just to let you know, my favorite shot down there from the Saturday walk (with the vases and the bicycle reflection) won Best Photo of all entries in Cincinnati. I went on to compete with all the other city winners in the International division. I didn’t win, but it was a real honor to be selected as the Cincinnati winner among so many great local professionals.

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I can’t believe that this is the fourth year of the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk. It’s always been so much fun, and so interesting to see how a group of 50 or so people can walk basically the same steps and yet view the world in such different ways.

This year there were two walks in Cincinnati, but since they were on different days, I got to walk twice! The Saturday walk was hosted by David Ziser and the Sunday walk was hosted by Jason Lykens.  Both are fantastic photographers with entirely different styles and approaches, and so that was extra fun for me. Shannon went with me on the “Jason Walk” this year.

Here are some of the shots that I took on the Saturday walk, which covered the redevelopment of Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine.

My favorite shot of the day was this one, which I submitted as my entry for the photo contest:

On Sunday, we walked at the end of the day and walked towards the riverfront. My shots look entirely different. I love that!

I have trouble picking my favorite from Sunday, but it’s probably this one:

or this one, I can’t decide….

What do you think?

Shannon’s shot of the day was this beauty:

Pretty awesome, isn’t it?  A big thanks to David and Jason for being such great hosts and always keeping it interesting, welcoming, and very very fun!

I always feel so helpless when people I care about are dealing with this. I feel like I really want to help, but struggle with finding some way that really can make a difference, some way that really can help. But now I know I have found a way.

Last week I was selected to be a photographer for the Magic Hour Foundation. They are a non-profit foundation and network of professional photographers around the US (and soon to expand outside of the US) that volunteer their services to do portrait work for families of cancer patients and survivors.  Our Magic Hour photo sessions give families an opportunity to not only have some beautiful images and memories, but gives them the opportunity to be goofy, have fun, and just be normal with their families. Maybe more importantly, these sessions give families a lasting memory of their loved ones in a crazy world where taking photos often get pushed aside to make time for seemingly other more important things.

MHF founders Alan and Alysa discovered their vision and the difference a camera can make through their friend Ted and Alysa’s little sister Daphne. From the MHF website:

“Magic Hour refers to the half hour at the beginning and ending of each day as the sun transitions and casts a golden yellow glow. It is light at its most beautiful and photographers will wait to capture it. Our recipients are in the magic hours of their lives – some are transitioning out of life on this earth and we aim to capture their beauty and preserve it for their families. Some have overcome and are transitioning into a life with more clarity and purpose, disease-free. We want all cancer warriors to have the opportunity to remember how beautiful they are and how poignant this time is in their life and the lives of their families – free of charge and free of complication.“

So it might have taken me years, but at last I finally feel like I have found a way to help people dealing with cancer as well as a special purpose for my photography. I know that it might sound corny, but since I have started taking photos more seriously, I have always known that I was not going to be the next great wedding photographer (nor did I want to be). I was never going to be the hottest thing on the web or even in Cincinnati. I was never going to be able to put my kid through college by taking beautiful pictures. I know I do good work, and I love taking pictures for others, but I have struggled to figure out exactly how I wanted to use my talent. Now I know.

I want to thank fellow photographer Jen Lucas (from Madison Wisconsin…awesome…check her out!) for pointing me towards MHF.  Last fall I met a lovely young woman whose mother was going through cancer treatment. I did her senior pictures and over the last several months have gotten to know their family better. She contacted me recently about family photos (I was honored to be asked) and when I mentioned it to Jen, she hooked me up with MHF.  I believe that I am the only photographer in the greater Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky area, and one of the few in the state of Ohio. I feel so honored to have been chosen. My fellow MHF photographers are good – REALLY GOOD. They set the bar high. I hope to meet that bar and give my MHF sessions the same joy and magic that they deliver.

Andy and I have lost many dear friends to cancer. We lost my Uncle Dick to cancer. He was one of a kind and way too young to die when he did.  In 2010, we lost his brother Don to cancer, also one of a kind and way too young to die. Don was a photographer. I’d like to think that he’s pretty damn happy about all of this. I’m in the process of trying to get together pics of many of the people that I have cared so deeply about just to lose to cancer’s ugly hand. But in the meantime, here is some digital art that I created not soon after Don died.

And here’s one of Shannon and Don when she was about ten. They were really tight. She misses him terribly. When we flew to Dallas for his services, I truly thought I was seeing my daughter’s heart breaking for real.

If you have family or friends going through cancer, or have recently won their battle, I encourage you to send them to the Magic Hour Foundation website. With a simple application, they will be matched up with a photographer in their local area. Sessions are free of charge, and completely discreet. Photographers can also apply to be a part of the network.  To apply or nominate a cancer warrior for a session, click HERE. For more information about applying as a MCF photographer, click HERE.

Just know that today this blog is for all of you who have kicked cancer’s ass and for those of you who are in the process of doing some kicking. I hope you’ll sign up for a session, because we’ll have a whole lot of fun!

But before we go there, today I have Caleb’s pics! Caleb is also a senior at Mariemont High School this year. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to get to know Caleb much before we went out to do his session, but we know his family. Since they’re so great, I knew he would be too, and of course…he is.  We had a lot of fun finding and exploring some more grungier locations – I love that!  So given that this post is really late in going up, I’m not going to delay any longer!

Caleb, I hope you like your photos! I sure had fun taking them, although I can’t take all the credit.  Kudos to my assistant Colin for helping me out with Caleb’s shoot, and taking over the camera when I needed him to. He did a great job!

Have a great day!

Today meet Colin B, another member of the Mariemont Class of 2013. Colin and I just met recently, but hit it off instantly when I found out that he’s going to study photography in college!  We had such fun at his shoot, that he assisted me at my next one. I’m hoping he’ll tag along with me on more shoots in the future. It’s always flattering when somebody else who is used to to looking into a camera from behind asks you to take their picture.

Indian Hill, Ohio

Indian Hill, Ohio

Indian Hill, Ohio

Indian Hill, Ohio

Indian Hill, Ohio

Indian Hill, Ohio

Little Miami River | Avoca Park

Little Miami River | Avoca Park

Little Miami River | Avoca Park

Abandoned Shop | Old Wooster

Where Old Trucks Go to Die | Old Wooster

Random lot | Old Wooster

Colin, I hope you like your pics as much as I do! Next up in a few days…..Caleb.

Meet Ryan. Ryan is a senior at Mariemont High school this year, and like his classmates that have been on my blog lately, he’s also all full of awesomesauce.  Ryan does everything and does it well – he’s a varsity soccer player, he’s the drum major for the band, he’s involved in theatre, he’s in the drum line, he sings in Chamber Chorus, and he writes his own songs and sings.  And he doesn’t just sing, he sings amazingly well!  He also taught himself to play piano in the last year and as a piano student myself, I can’t tell you how much in awe I am of the ability to do THAT.  Wowza.  I’m sure he’s involved in a million other things that I’m just not aware of as well.

Ryan recently auditioned for and got a spot in the Cincinnati May Festival Youth Chorus – which is the choral group that sings with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. They perform at Music Hall, so I thought that would be a cool place to do some of his photos. The architecture there is so amazing – they just don’t build buildings like that anymore. We also found some grungy spots in Over-the-Rhine (always my favorite!), as well as Findlay Market.  You just never know what’s going to happen when you’re down there and during Ryan’s photo shoot we were always being approached by an interesting cast of characters.  We had a lot of fun out and about and he was always up for trying something somewhat crazy. I love that!

So Ryan, I know you have been waiting too long for these – here you go!

Over the Rhine, Cincinnati Ohio

Findlay Market, Cincinnati Ohio

Over the Rhine, Cincinnati Ohio

Over the Rhine, Cincinnati Ohio

Findlay Market, Cincinnati Ohio

Washington Park, Cincinnati Ohio

Findlay Market, Cincinnati Ohio

Music Hall, Cincinnati Ohio

Music Hall, Cincinnati Ohio

Over the Rhine, Cincinnati Ohio

Over the Rhine, Cincinnati Ohio

Riverside Drive, Cincinnati Ohio

And since you’re here, please take the time to watch Ryan’s latest video. He wrote this song about a classmate who tragically lost his life last spring. It’s haunting and beautiful.

But wait, there’s more. I love this too.

You can find more of Ryan’s songs HERE.

Ryan, I hope you like your pics as much as I like taking them!  Your full gallery should be ready in a week or so.

As usual, I’m going on and on about yet another fabulous young person, but I can’t help myself. I always get the best of the best. I’m so blessed!  And as usual, they are all so fabulous both away from the camera as well as in front of the camera, that I have trouble restraining myself.  Today I have a ton of sneak peeks from Emma’s shoot, so we’ll just get to the good stuff.  Get comfy, there are a lot today!

One more thing – Emma asked me if I would shoot some pics in her room. She has what must be the coolest bedroom I’ve ever seen, and any music lover will certainly appreciate it!

Alms Park – Columbia Tusculum

Alms Park – Columbia Tusculum

Alms Park – Columbia Tusculum

Alms Park – Columbia Tusculu

Alms Park – Columbia Tusculum

Bass Island – Little Miami River – Newtown Ohio

Bass Island – Little Miami River – Newtown Ohi

Bass Island – Little Miami River – Newtown Ohio

Bass Island – Little Miami River – Newtown Ohio

Bass Island – Little Miami River – Newtown Ohio

Bass Island – Little Miami River – Newtown Ohio

Emma’s Room – Cincinnati Ohio

Emma’s Room – Cincinnati Ohio

Emma’s House – Cincinnati Ohio

Emma’s House – Cincinnati Ohio

Village Quick Lube – Newtown Ohio

Village Quick Lube – Newtown Ohio

Village Quick Lube – Newtown Ohio

Shake It Recored – Northside Ohio

Shake It Records – Northside Ohio

Esquire Theatre – Clifton OhiThat’s it for today – Emma, I really hope you like your pics! Your gallery will be ready in a week or so!

Today I’d like to introduce you to Emily K, she’s a senior at Mason High School. Emily is constantly smiling – I would try to get her to give me a serious face, but I soon realized that it just wasn’t going to happen. It’s not who she is.

Emily is another artist. For some reason, I seem to get a lot of the creative types lately, and I really really love that!

Loveland Ohio

Loveland Ohio

Loveland Ohio

Emily brought her super cool mom, Tina and her awesome boyfriend Phil with her for her session, and they let me take their photos too!  It’s obvious that Emily gets those gorgeous eyes from her beautiful mom. There is so much love between them!

Loveland Ohio

Loveland Ohio

Loveland Ohio

Little Miami Bike Trail

When I got down on the ground to take this next one, I managed to not only sit in a pile of dog poop, but I slid my hand into a different pile. That was special!  Thank goodness it me and not Emily. Ah well, we all got a good laugh out of it. The things I do for my special seniors!

Little Miami Bike Trail

Loveland Ohio

Little Miami Bike Trail

Emily’s boyfriend Phil is a freshman at Ohio State this year. He was home for the weekend, so she brought him along, and he was great about jumping in on the fun. And speaking of great eyes, he’s got them too. Amazing!  They are so cute together.

Loveland Ohio

Loveland Ohio

Little Miami Bike Trail

Show me your ghetto!

Little Miami Bike Trail

And finally, a little silly fun with some early season Halloween decor.

Loveland Ohio

A big huge thanks to Emily, Phil, and Tina for making our afternoon so much fun.  I hope you like your pics!

Meet Peter L. Peter is a senior at Mariemont High School, and is an accomplished musician, artist, and actor. Given his creative soul, he had great ideas for locations that were a bit off-the-beaten-path, including Shake It Records in Northside, Over the Rhine (my favorite place to shoot!), Sawyer Point (Bicentennial Commons) and the Carew Tower observation deck. I loved it!

So with no further adieu, here is Peter, class of 2013. I had a hard time with these….not because they aren’t good, but because they were all SO good. It was hard to choose. Not that I’m complaining, that’s the best problem to have.

Shake It Records – Northside

Shake It Records – Northside, Carew Tower Observation – Cincinnati

Over the Rhine – Cincinnati

Over the Rhine – Cincinnati

Over the Rhine – Cincinnati

Over the Rhine – Cincinnati

Over the Rhine – Cincinnati

Over the Rhine – Cincinnati

Over the Rhine – Cincinnati

Over the Rhine – Cincinnati

The old piano at Sawyer Point – Cincinnati

Sawyer Point – Cincinnati

Sawyer Point – Cincinnati

Sawyer Point – Cincinnati

Sawyer Point Pavillion – Cincinnati

And that, my friends, is all for today. Peter, I hope you like your pictures! If you’re visiting and like them, leave me a comment below