The Women’s March Washington D.C. Part 1

After reaching out to my other friends in the press and media, I contacted Unite Women to see if I could freelance for this in order to get a Press Pass and enable me to bring my camera gear on the march without the need of a clear plastic backpack. I was granted one if I could shoot the event for them. Of course I said yes!

Myself and several other women, men and 2 small children, drove down from Hamilton, NJ by bus starting at 5:15 AM, but I carpooled with friends to the bus at 4:15AM, so I was up by 3AM.

We ended up having to park in Maryland, and take a Metro subway into the Washington, D.C. from there. It took over an hour. The line was incredibly long, but I used my Press Pass, politely cut in line, and got on the very next train.

I had my Think Tank photo backpack with my Olympus mirrorless camera, three lenses, a flash, a Camelback water bottle, various other essential stuff like reusable batteries, etc., but the main heavy item was my 15″ MacBook Pro. All in all it weighed about 25 lbs which I ended up carrying on my back and shoulders all day long. Yes, it hurt…no I didn’t complain really. But I’ll get to that later.

I met the most incredible people, we helped each other out, shared stories, laughed, and spoke out about an uncertain and scary future with Donald Trump in the White House.

There are more images coming up in a second and third blog post….

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WomensMarchWashDC2017Deirdre Ryan PhotographyP1210199.jpgPart of our NJ group waiting in the ENORMOUS line in Maryland at the Metro station….
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The woman above is a Marine mom and works in marketing 🙂
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This woman is gay and is married to another woman, and is a New Yorker film maker with her friend who was also on the subway. Check out their channel Quesodigital.com! I cannot wait to see what they’ll post from the march!
WomensMarchWashDC2017Deirdre Ryan PhotographyP1210220.jpgWomensMarchWashDC2017Deirdre Ryan PhotographyP1210224.jpgWomensMarchWashDC2017Deirdre Ryan PhotographyP1210222.jpgListening to the live broadcast of Gloria Stein at the March on her cellphone during the few times we had service on the crowded Metro line.
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This was a beautiful service dog all ready for the march!

Stay tuned for more images and my experience from my beautiful weekend!

Putting A Lot Of Love In Our Hearts

On Sunday, January 15th, 2017,  The Dorothea Dix Unitarian Universalist Community raised the rainbow flag..again. Why, you may be asking, is this so significant? Because a few weeks back, someone had stolen the one that was waving underneath the American flag that stands outside their building right here in on Park St. in Bordentown, NJ. By doing so, that person or individuals, committed an act of hate. This is something that is not new to the LGBTQ community, but I am proud to say that many of my friends here in Bordentown took a stand, donated money to purchase another rainbow flag, and because of this, we showed whoever did this that we do not hate, but love each other.

Welcoming remarks were said by, Warren Spengler, President. AFter Mr. Spengler spoke, everyone was encouraged to sing “Put A Little Love in Your Heart” sung by the Tunuunitarians. Speakers were Rabbi Julie Pfau, Rev. Gene Quavel, DDUUC Spirit Circle, Rev. William Stell, and Rev. Flo Gelo. Nami Lane sang”Imagine” by John Lennon.

It was a packed house with standing room only, filled with prayers, good will and children were part of the  blessing of the new rainbow flag.  As we all went outside to witness the flag being raised up, everyone was ask to touch the flag for kindness and good spirit. Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors,Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors,Blessing of the flag….
Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors, Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors,

Below is a quick shot of my friends with Rabbi Julie Pfau.Bordentown,Dorthea Dix Unitarian Church,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Rainbow Flag Raising,community,families,friends,loved ones,musicians,neighbors,

It was such a beautiful day, the sun was out, the weather was perfect. We went back inside for refreshments and to catch up with everyone. Thank you to all who came to make this such a special event!

All photographs appearing on this site/post are the property of Deirdre Ryan Photography. They are protected by U.S. Copyright Laws, and are not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission of Deirdre Ryan Photography. Copyright ©Deirdre Ryan All Rights Reserved.

My Personal Favorite Images of 2016

As we begin 2017, I want to acknowledge all of my clients who helped make 2016 a success.  First, thank you for your business and for the opportunity to help in creating and presenting your business brand. Here’s to your continued success. For my future clients I look forward to working with you and doing the same.

Happy 2017!

These are in no particular order, just my favorites from 2016.
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This was for a husband and wife team, they needed images for their website and branding for their new business. One is a personal trainer and the other is a therapist and life coach. Working with them beforehand, they knew what they wanted, and it ended up being an amazing environmental photoshoot! jkorl_by deirdre-ryan-photography

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Christine who is a sleep consultant, photographed in her home office and in her yard. In her home office, her true personality shone with her witty sense of humor. Click here to see the full session.

Happy Woman by Deirdre Ryan Photography

My dear friend, Roseanne, let me photograph her one day, trying out some new techniques that I wanted to try. They show off the two sides of her, both are strong women, but in different ways. Strong Woman in Black and White by Deirdre Ryan Photography

Real Estate Salesman Headshot by Deirdre Ryan Photography

A real estate salesman needed his headshot like “yesterday”. This is his second career after many years doing something else. I didn’t have time to get set up in my studio, so I did this in my living room/foyer. He loved it, and so did I, it shows his true awesome personality.

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Our daughter ran her first 5K with Girls on the Run(GOTR), when she was in the 4th grade. They work with the girls each week to empower, embrace, and create a positive place for the girls to achieve something that they may have never done before. Here you see my husband spraying her hair purple, and then later they had facial paint and accessories to have fun with before the race. She finished, even beat her practice run time, we were so proud of her! Dr. Sarah Meanor by Deirdre Ryan Photography

My friend Dr. Sarah Meanor is a Chiropractor and hired me to photographer her and the office for her website. I love this image as she is working on a patient’s back and shoulders.

Protesters With Child At Hillary Clinton Rally Philly, PA-Deirdre Ryan Photography

The day before the 2016 Presidential Election, I was fortunate to drive down to Philadelphia, PA with some friends to see and hear President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Madame Secretary Hillary Clinton speak in front of Independance Hall with roughly over 30K people. We couldn’t get very close, but I did capture this image of a child singing how we were all going to Hell as sinners, etc., with an extreme “Christian” group. You see plain clothed PPD officers guarding them. I can only assume the man with her is her father. And I say it like that because as a liberal Catholic, I don’t believe God would like this at all.

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We spent a week in Ocean City, NJ over the summer, got horrible news about a dear friend passing unexpectedly the day we were traveling down. The next day we had a wonderful photoshoot with my friend. The image above is this young lady’s first time ever flying a kite.

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Every morning in Ocean City, NJ I woke up early, got my coffee at OC Coffee Roasters on the boardwalk and read my book on the beach. This one morning, the sun and the clouds made it look “almost” like the afternoon golden hour sunset.

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The above image was for at first a dating profile, but then became a lovely collaboration for yoga and a gorgeous glam shot outside!

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Another collaboration for marketing and branding. I love this because she is sitting in a bronze statue on Princeton University campus, the colours, her expression, she is such a free spirit! Click here to see the full session.

Canoeing on Crosswicks Creek-Photo by Deirdre Ryan Photography

We went canoeing on the Delaware River and Crosswicks Creek with our daughter’s 2nd grade teacher. I love how the light hits them both, so peaceful as we were rowing back. Male Natural Light Headshot-img_8632deirdre-ryan-photography4

I shot these headshots during a workshop and I just love how they turned out. All natural lighting, indoors, and working with these gentleman turned into great images, and I can work anywhere. Male Natural Light Headshot-deirdre-ryan-photography6

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New Jersey Governor Chris Christie came to my hometown and did his town hall meeting. He was there to discuss his Fairness Formula to NJEA teachers, staff, residents of Bordentown, and those from other towns. I love this because it shows how he sometimes talks to people, there was another person who asked hard questions that he didn’t seem to like either. But when he talks, he asks for no interruptions.

Delaware Canal,Olympus OM-D E-M5 MARK II,PA,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,autumn,fall,foliage,mirrorless camera,path,trees,The day after the Presidential Election, I was really feeling down and depressed. I’m still not okay, but that day I went for a walk shot some images…. The woman just happened to be jogging right past me and I found it perfect. Reminding me that we need to move, and make a difference in our own ways to get things done.
Bordentown Township,Great Dane,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Editoral and Commercial Photography,autumn,dog portrait,fall,golden hour,puppy,sunset,I was bored one day, and needed to get out of the house. I did a model call on Facebook, and my clients gave me a call to photograph their new puppy. I had done their portraits before with all three of their Great Danes when they had their oldest, but unfortunately he passed away. They knew that his day was coming, but that doesn’t make it any easier…I used two kinds of lighting with each image. The first, I adore the look George was giving his owner in the golden sunset light. In the second, I used 2 lights and in post I Photoshopped the leash out of the image, it gives him a regal look.
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Bordentown,Ghostbuster's ECTO - 1 Car,NJ,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography www.deirdreryanphotography.com,Randy Now's Man Cave,summertime,My dear friend Randy brought one of the Ghostbuster’s ECTO – 1 that was used in the new movie that came out over the summer.
cinematic headshot,outdoor headshot,on location headshot,business portrait,Tucker Distinctive Kitchens,Photo By Deirdre Ryan Photography,I love the look of the these headshots that I did in the park for my fellow networking business colleagues.  They are bright, pleasing and make my clients look amazing. Click here to see the full post!
IMG_4695.jpgOur daughter is a Junior Girl Scout and every year, she and many other troops as well as Boy Scouts from all over, come together to place flags on the graves of veterans at the Brigadier General  William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ. The image below is with my father, her grandfather, a Ret. Lt. Col. Army.
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My clients, NJPAC, invited me to photograph their Martin Luther King event. I had been there before for their Kwanzaa event, and each time I’m there, I have such a good time! The energy of the choir director for the children’s choir is amazing.Killer Triple Bill Concert-randynowmanthedoughboys2016deirdre-ryan-photography158Randy Now brings a lot of great acts and musicians to our area. This was the Killer Triple Bill Concert at the Performing Arts Center in Bordentown, NJ. Here you see The Doughboys, Jet Weston and His Atomic Ranch Hands and The Sharkskins. I get my rock photo influences from the 60’s and 70’s and I like to work this into my work.
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These in yellow I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph these beautiful women in pin up genre, it was full of playing dress up with the clothes, makeup and hair. This was in a local store in my town and I hope to do this again as it was a lot of fun and the women all enjoyed themselves.  1950's,Bordentown City,Deirdre Ryan Editoral and Commercial Photography,NJ,Phoenix Rising Clothing Store,pin up. teaser,props,retro,studio lighting,www.deirdreryanphotography.com, 1950's,Bordentown City,Deirdre Ryan Editoral and Commercial Photography,NJ,Phoenix Rising Clothing Store,pin up. teaser,props,retro,studio lighting,www.deirdreryanphotography.com, 1950's,Bordentown City,Deirdre Ryan Editoral and Commercial Photography,NJ,Phoenix Rising Clothing Store,pin up. teaser,props,retro,studio lighting,www.deirdreryanphotography.com, 1950's,Bordentown City,Deirdre Ryan Editoral and Commercial Photography,NJ,Phoenix Rising Clothing Store,pin up. teaser,props,retro,studio lighting,www.deirdreryanphotography.com,

My daughter photographed by me, Deirdre Ryan Photography in Asbury Park, NJ.

We went to Asbury Park, NJ with friends and I was able to get this shot of our daughter <3  She is my world!

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Ask anyone who knows me, I love cars! And lucky for me, we have an annual car show right here in Bordentown, NJ and I get to volunteer for it!

Lisa Traugott-She's Losing It-Egg Whites International By Deirdre Ryan Editorial & Commercial Photography - NJ, PA, NY

This is my dear and one of my best friends, Lisa. We have known each other since HS, she was a Freshman, I was a Sophomore and now lives in Austin, TX. She was in town for barely 2 days, but made time to see friends. We took a few moments for a fun shoot, this was right before a bikini body competition, and I had to spray her with a lot of bug spray LOL!

St. Patrick's Day 5K Race Bordentown, NJ Deirdre Ryan Portrait & Editorial Photography - NJ, PA, NY

The Bordentown Board Of Education asked me to photograph their Annual St. Patrick’s 5K Run. I love this because it shows my friend helping his daughter with her shoelaces right before the race is about to begin.

Stephanie Breedlove giving a lecture in 2016 for NAWBO-NYC Chapter by Deirdre Ryan Headshot & Portrait Photography - NJ, PA, NY

I was invited to photograph the NAWBO-NYC Chapter’s 3 Hour Boot-Camp-Full Morning To Grow Your Business at the Microsoft Building in NYC and they had a fabulous guest speaker, Stephanie Breedlove. She had just sold her company care.com and hearing her speak as a woman entrepenuer was inspiring. Grand Opening of Princeton's Pinot's Palette Photo by Deirdre Ryan Photography

This last image was for my first clients of last year, Pinot’s Palette of Princeton. They had their Grand Opening, and I was invited to photograph the event.

Bordentown Girl Scout Troop Remembers Our Military For Memorial Day

Our daughter belongs to a small Junior Girl Scout troop and we go and place an American flag on every gravesite for each military man and woman that is buried at the the Brigadier General  William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ. Our troop is among the many Daisies, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cadets, Cub and Boy Scouts that do this every single year. We’re each given a section with an armful of flags, and at the strike of 5PM, we start to place the a flag on each site. It’s truly a moving part of the day and a personal favorite tradition that we take a part of each year.My dad loves to be a part of this, he pointed out a few where a wife was buried next to her husband. There was a freshly covered grave that the girls were looking and talking about. Afterwards, there was free hotdogs, chips and refreshments. It was really hot, the saving grace was the breeze, but a small thing considering what our military does everyday.

Our family is a military family, grandpa is a Ret. WWII Mst. Sgt. Army and still alive at the young age of 95+, my dad is a Vietnam Vet, Ret. Lt. Col Army, my cousin is Ret. Combat Navy Medic who was stationed with the Marines in Iraq. Once his time was up in the Navy, went into the Army, now he’s studying on the GI Bill at the Univ. of Chicago. My husband’s uncle was in the Navy, one of my daughter’s friends in our troop is Ret. Navy too. I’m proud of all the men AND women who are and have served and sacrificed for us.

Doing this small thing helps our children understand things a little more for Memorial Day.

Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary Girl Scouts placing American flags on graves on military for Memorial Day at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetary

A Printed Portrait Speaks Volumes To Those In Need

Over the weekend I had the honor to volunteer at Chosen 300, at their soup kitchen on Spring Garden in Center City Philadelphia, PA. The event was for Help-Portrait, is about giving people who otherwise couldn’t afford photography a portrait, a print to take home with them. This event happens once a year in December, a global event, put together by photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, and countless volunteers and donations. I had heard about this a while ago and I could finally make it this year.

My husband was able to join me, so we drove into the city from NJ. We met in Center City and lived on 15th and Locust, so coming into Philly is like home to us.

When we first arrived, we cleared out the tables and chairs to set up our photo stations. People donated their photo printers, snacks for us to eat, and many of us(myself included) brought in frames to put the printed images into. Then once we set up, we all tested our lights on each other.

Photo By Kristina White

Photo by Kristina White.

Me being photographed by Jaleel King by Photo By Kristina White

This is me being shot by Jaleel King, photo by Kristina White.

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This gentleman was my first client, and he was a HUGE Cowboys football fan in Eagles country! HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography2_Philadelphia HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography3_Philadelphia HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography4_Philadelphia HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography5_Philadelphia

We had to have some fun by putting some Eagles in the photo, and of course, The Eagles won the very next day!HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography7_Philadelphia

Photo By Kristina White

Here he is with the photograph in the frame that I took and he chose. Looks great! Photo by Kristina White. HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography8_Philadelphia

This gentleman had never had a portrait of himself wearing a suit other than the uniform he wore when he was shipped out to Vietnam. HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography9_Philadelphia HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography10_Philadelphia

Photo By Kristina White

Photo by Kristina White.

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This is me with my client with the image he chose in a frame. Photo by David W. Ryan.

In between clients, I got some quick shots of some behind the scenes.BehindTheScenesHelpPortrait-DeirdreRyanPhotography_Philadelphia BehindTheScenesHelpPortrait-DeirdreRyanPhotography_Philadelphia

This is Jaleel King showing his client the portrait he just took on the back of his camera.BehindTheScenesHelpPortrait-DeirdreRyanPhotography_Philadelphia BehindTheScenesHelpPortrait-DeirdreRyanPhotography_Philadelphia

Makeup artist Niki Brennan making a mother of two feel very pretty. BehindTheScenesHelpPortrait-DeirdreRyanPhotography_Philadelphia

Cathie Berrey-Green of BG Productions working her fun station to making the kids and mom have great portraits.
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When Carrie showed the mother the printed portraits, she cried, because she loved them so much. We all were crying, it was very emotional, that is why we do this.

 

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This spunky little 3 year old young lady was such a treat! She was a little shy at first, but I got her to warm up to me. HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography12_Philadelphia HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography13_Philadelphia HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography14_Philadelphia

Especially after asking if I had stinky feet, and she said yes! Then I asked if her grandmother had stinky feet, and she said, yes! I got her giggling lolHelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography15_Philadelphia HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography16_Philadelphia HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography17_Philadelphia

This young man was quite and reserved, but I could tell that he loved to be outgoing and friendly.  HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography18_Philadelphia

Photo By Kristina White

He was 6’7 and I’m 5’0, I tried a few with him standing but I preferred the ones I showed here. Photo by Kristina White. HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography19_Philadelphia

This gentleman was also 6’7, so I had him sitting down too. He lost everything he had to a house fire, including family pictures.  HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography20_Philadelphia HelpPortraits_DeirdreRyanPhtography21

I had a quick moment so I shot this portrait of one of the photographers who was there.

Help Portrait Group Photo by Kevin High Photography

At the end of the day, we all got together to take a group photo. Photo by Kevin High. I am so happy that I could participate for this worthy cause to give back, make new friends, and meet new people. Plus, we were able to get back home in time to see our little girl play in her first basketball game of the season, and her team WON!

Thank you everyone!!!!

A Playground In Need

Like many playgrounds, ours is in need of a major makeover. This is the Clara Barton Elementary School playground. It has not changed since I went there and for many other generations of kids and adults. Years ago, it went up to grade 8, and when I went there, it went up to grade 6.

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The pavement is hot in the sun, there is no shade. The only place to really play is in the kindergarten play area, but that is closed off to the bigger kids during recess, because it is a safety issue with the smaller children. I understand this. CBSPlaygroundBordentownNJ_DeirdreRyanPhotography2

The reason for the fence in the middle of the playground was to keep the much older kids from the kindergarten areas. But now, there’s really no need for it. There’s some sort of outdated play things here and there that the kids bang on for noise, but the the most part, they are ignored. The basketball court is used, and so is the climbing wall. The school brings out jumping ropes, balls, and other items for the kids to play with during recess. But recess these days even for a school that is for grades Pre-K to 3 is limited because of curriculum. That’s hard because everyone, including the teachers and staff want the kids to play.

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The kids play on this after school because they can actually have fun on this structure. Even when they come over from the intermediate school across the street that is grade 4-5. They come over to play on this playground and the rest because I’m told and many of the other parents are told that recess is terrible over there. I’m not there during recess, so I’m only hearing this from several of my daughter’s friends including her.

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Honestly, does this look like fun? And really, we all want the best, but playgrounds are really $$$$. A single swing set is around $20,000! The pavement needs to come up and re-done, I mean we’re talking a complete overhaul.

This is where the Friends of The Ecological Schoolyard at Clara Barton comes in, my committee. We are a committee of parents, faculty and community residents dedicated to the responsible and ecological redevelopment of the Clara Barton schoolyard. 

We started this while our children were in Clara Barton, some of my friends who are in the committee have children still there. But we are committed to getting this done. The playground here has been an issue for a long time. Money has been raised, but now we need more. What we have in our account isn’t enough and that is the sad and awful truth. Did I mention how much the swing set is? 

What we want is something that will be lasting and beautiful for generations to come. Something that has been going on for years across the nation and around the world. A playground that is not only safe for our children, but a place for them to learn, an environment of sensory and visual wonders. Not your usual playground of swings and slides.

We teamed up with Lolly Tai who wrote the the book Designing Outdoor Environments For Children: Landscaping School Yards, Gardens and Playgrounds decided that Clara Barton was going to be the school for her students graduate study at Temple. Their research, plans, and drawings for our school was put into a textbook. Some of the above photos of mine were published into her book. It was amazing working with them! To view the textbook click here.   I encourage you to please share!

Quoted from the publisher:

Asphalt to Green Space: Clara Barton Eco-Schoolyard: Clara Barton Elementary School Project was conducted by a Temple University Senior Landscape Architecture Studio during fall 2014. The project involved a comprehensive study of the school to transform the site from an asphalted schoolyard to an eco-friendly school by integrating principles of green infrastructure and best management practices. The goal was to create designs for an educational and active environment for children, teachers, and the community.”

So this past spring, we purchased two Chinese Elm trees, our little city dug up the black top for us in the spots we wanted. They had to go through many layers before hitting dirt 😉  The day arrived and we had to find a way to get water for the trees, here are my friends, Karen and Harry with a boy who lives across the street getting it set up.

ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton1 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton2 This is Mikki, she is also a member of our Tree Planting Committee here in town, and among other many talents(an artists, and skilled gardner), knows a lot about planting these. ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton3 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton4

Another friend, Debbie, told the many children volunteers what needed to be done, and they started to dig.ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton5 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton6 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton7 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton8 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton9 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton10 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton11 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton12 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton13 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton15 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton16 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton18 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton19 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton20 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton21 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton22 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton23 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton24 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton25 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton26 That’s my husband, David with my other camera, shooting video. ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton26 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton27 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton27 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton28 ClaraBartonElementarySchoolTreePlantingDeirdreRyanPhotographyFriendsofTheEcologicalSchoolyardatClaraBarton29

Clara Barton Ecological PlayYard – Tree Planting from David W. Ryan on Vimeo.

Friends of The Ecological Schoolyard at Clara Barton

Photo by Caroline Conroy. This is me and my daughter at this year’s past Green Fair. As you can see, we have the plans for the playground, we’re all very excited! And best of all we’re now 501C3!

This past summer, local artists, past and current students, friends, including myself, worked with artist, Stephanie Neuhaus, on her mural that is being painted on the back wall of Clara Barton’s school. It was hot, but we had a lot of fun being together, working on this beautiful project for the school and the community.

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That’s my husband, David with my other camera, shooting video. Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography8

Here is Stephanie showing local artist, Al Barker what to do. Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography9 Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography10

Hi Vikki!

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My husband got some shots of me painting. I actually used to paint a lot back in the day, mostly in oils. Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography19 Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography20

Stephanie’s husband, Mike, a local fine art photographer, taking some photos of us.

Clara Barton Elementary School Mural Painting Volunteers-Photo By Mike Neuhaus -www.centraliaandbeyond.com At the end of the day, we got together for a group photo, thanks Mike for the image!

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Here is the next time we all got together, this time we used my camera for the group shot. Gotta love a self timer! Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography23 Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography24

Each of us were assigned a colour that was a number on the wall to paint. Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography25 Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography26 Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography28 Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography29 Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography30 Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography31

I love her heart shaped sunglasses! Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography32 Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography33 Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography34 Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography35 Mural_ClaraBartonElementaryPlaygroundProject_DeirdreRyanPhotography36

The mural is not finished yet. What we all did was just blocked out the main colours with what Stephanie told us to do. Then she went back, and cleaned up the lines, and is still working on it. Adding in shading, more details, and other extras that as an artist only she knows what is needed.

What we now is MONEY and LOTS of it.  Our committee is 501C3, so we are in the process of applying for grants, BUT we still need help. Contact me via this site or via our FB Page.

Thanks everyone, and subscribe to my blog to keep updated 🙂

The Pink Mile

UPDATE: The dear sweet woman for whom this glorious event this was for, has passed away this evening, November 21, 2015. As you read this post and view these images, please think of her, her family,  friends and the community.  I met Kelly for a brief moment, and seeing how much she was loved, the photos on her Facebook profile, made me smile. Say a prayer, or a special thought for them all. From what I understand, these photos brought much comfort and joy to them, and I say to, that the honor was all mine. Please leave a lovely comment for the her family and her friends. Thank you everyone. 

Our community does a lot of wonderful things for people. A woman, a daughter, a sibling, a wife, and a mother, has cancer, and is fighting hard. She just came home from the hospital. Battling cancer for 7+ years is hard. I don’t know her, but I want to now. My friend contacted me, because she put together a last minute fundraiser to help the family with meals and money to get through these days.

We met at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Bordentown Township, NJ. They walked a half mile to their home, and then another half mile back to the starting point, this included members of her family, including her mother. What transpired was amazing.   ThePinkMile_TeamKelly_DeirdreRyanCommercialandEditorialPhotography1 ThePinkMile_TeamKelly_DeirdreRyanCommercialandEditorialPhotography2 ThePinkMile_TeamKelly_DeirdreRyanCommercialandEditorialPhotography3 ThePinkMile_TeamKelly_DeirdreRyanCommercialandEditorialPhotography4

I got up on a very tall ladder and with the help of others, arranged all of these people and children into one large group photo.
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Then the walk began.ThePinkMile_TeamKelly_DeirdreRyanCommercialandEditorialPhotography7 ThePinkMile_TeamKelly_DeirdreRyanCommercialandEditorialPhotography8 ThePinkMile_TeamKelly_DeirdreRyanCommercialandEditorialPhotography10

The balloons were placed on their front lawn.

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I was more towards the back of the walkers, but as you can see, the love of people towards the family was true.ThePinkMile_TeamKelly_DeirdreRyanCommercialandEditorialPhotography13ThePinkMile_TeamKelly_DeirdreRyanCommercialandEditorialPhotography12 ThePinkMile_TeamKelly_DeirdreRyanCommercialandEditorialPhotography14 ThePinkMile_TeamKelly_DeirdreRyanCommercialandEditorialPhotography15 ThePinkMile_TeamKelly_DeirdreRyanCommercialandEditorialPhotography16

That’s her daughter in the middle with her besties.ThePinkMile_TeamKelly_DeirdreRyanCommercialandEditorialPhotography17 ThePinkMile_TeamKelly_DeirdreRyanCommercialandEditorialPhotography18

Family photo back at Holy Cross Lutheran Church where we all met and ended. ThePinkMile_TeamKelly_DeirdreRyanCommercialandEditorialPhotography19

Our adult choir lost a dear friend, a fierce, fun loving, full of life woman last week. Today is her viewing, and tomorrow, we are going to sing her funeral Mass. It’s going to be so hard. So, I needed this event, and I know my friend was looking down on me yesterday, I can’t explain it, I just know it. Thank you everyone for letting me be a part of something truly wonderful.

Girl Scouts Place Flags On Graves Of Soldiers at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memoria

Local Daisy, Brownie, Girl, Cub and Boy Scouts place flags on the graves of soldiers at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery located in Arneytown, North Hanover Township, Burlington County, NJ on Friday, May 24, 2013.

 

My daughter getting ready to place flags.

 

Arthur J. Martin Ret. LTC Army of Bordentown City reads a grave as Bordentown City Daisy Troop members prepare to place flags on the graves of soldiers at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery located in Arneytown, North Hanover Township, Burlington County, NJ on Friday, May 24, 2013.
Bordentown City Daisy Troop member Jaida, from Bordentown City, places flags on the graves of soldiers.

 

 

 

 

 

Bordentown City Daisy Troop member Elina, from Bordentown City, places flags on the graves of soldiers.

 

Bordentown City Daisy Troop member Julia, from Bordentown City, places flags on the graves of soldiers.

 

 

 

 

Powder Puff Derby Race at the Jacobstown Baptist Church for Daisy and Brownie Girl Scout Troops

L-R Brad DeVinney and his daughter, of McGuire AFB, watch on as Jason Conk, of Wrightstown, NJ uses his scroll saw to cut out a pinewood derby car for local Daisy and Brownie troops to customize for next week’s Powder Puff Derby Race at the Jacobstown Baptist Church. The clinic was held on Saturday April 20, 2013 at the Jacobstown Baptist Church in Jacobstown, NJ.

 

 

Local Daisy and Brownie troops gathered together to customize their cars at the Powder Puff Pinewood Derby Car Clinic on Saturday April 20, 2013.
Here is my daughter painting her car with my mother assisting her.
The Powder Puff Pinewood Derby Car Race was held on Saturday April 27, 2013 at the Jacobstown Baptist Church in Jacobstown, NJ. Local Daisy troops gathered together in the morning to race their customized cars.

 

The above car is my daughter’s.

 

Girls and their families cheer for each other as their cars compete to qualify for 1rst, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies. Everyone who participated got a special trophy, and a Fun Patch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Katie’s car, of Bordentown, won 1rst place.

Shiseido Company Group Shot and My Ankle Drama – NJ Photographer

This blog is lacking in content because of what happened to me on July 29th, 2012. I was heading downstairs to my office and I fell down the stairs. My right ankle “folded” under itself to the left, breaking it in 3 places with damage to the ligament. Worse was my then 5 year old daughter saw and heard everything. She was actually well composed and played it pretty cool but was very worried.

Since this was in the basement, we got a neighbor to help David get me up the stairs and to the car and rushed me to the ER. I looked down at my ankle and knew it was broken, while my poor mom kept saying that perhaps it was just a bad sprain. But I knew that she knew it was broken too.

 

So I watched the opening night of the Summer Olympics in the ER on painkillers. And our living room became my “hospital room” for almost 3 months. Oy Vey……

The crazy thing was I still had photo gigs set up that I had to do. So I did them while on Percocet and a splint for my ankle up to my knee and photographed my clients. Then I had my surgery on August 8th, 2012.

The next 2 weeks were a living hell. The pain, the side effects of the painkillers, icing my ankle 24 hours was awful. My body was going through things I never expected. Natural childbirth was easier than this.

I ended up with 8 screws and a plate.
2 days after surgery, with ice. Ok the pain was HORRIBLE, but the worst was this was during the summer. I couldn’t go to the pool, or go out, or anything. Thank the Lord I had the help of my parents and my husband who bless him, slept downstairs with me. It was a good thing too, I had some really rough nights. Plus we have a full bathroom on the first floor. And I must mention this, you need to also keep your foot elevated above your heart at ALL times.
Franken-Foot revealed. Oh and by the way if anyone tells you that getting staples out doesn’t hurt, it’s a lie! I had a lot of them and I felt each one. The nurses thank God were quick 🙂
2 weeks after surgery, I was put in a snazzy non weight bearing cast. I chose black, my daughter thought I should’ve gone with pink or purple of course 😉 Still had to be on the first floor, use crutches, etc. Oh and did I mention,  you need to also keep your foot elevated above your heart at ALL times. I still had to ice it but not as much.

 

The 2012 Summer Olympics, iPad, movies, tv shows all in HD with knitting, music and my Barnes and Noble Nook were good friends.
I somehow continued to photograph gigs! I was asked by Shiseido to photograph their company’s Hear Association Walk team members. So I did all in my black cast, check it out!
I went up a ladder with some help and did it. I also booked 2 weddings! My doctor told me he could fix me and he did.
Getting paint at Home Depot. My husband took advantage of the situation and painted our bedroom. Notice the foot is elevated.
Spending time with my daughter. She got Legos for her 6th birthday and we played with them. We did quite a bit of together time like this.
FINALLY after 4 weeks in the black cast I got it off but I was not allowed to put weight on it for another 3 weeks. But the plus side was now I could scoot up on my butt up the stairs and sleep in my own bedroom. It was bliss, same with the feeling of air on my leg!
So I rented a nifty scooter the same day.
It was so cool and being who I am, I went as fast as I could with it. Not exactly a flattering image but you get the idea 😉 Oh and did I mention, you need to also keep your foot elevated above your heart at ALL times.
Finally, after 3 weeks, I got the ok to put weight on my foot. I used crutches but after 2 sessions of physical therapy I started to no longer use them. I still hobbled around limping a bit but I had sessions to do and a wedding coming up. This was shot on October 9th, 2012. I photographed a wedding on October 20th and yes….I.ROCKED.IT.
Me on location for a shoot.
I finished physical therapy around December  I was going twice a week. My first session they started me on weights because while I was in bed recovering, I continued to stay limber by stretching my legs, arms, doing leg lifts in both casts, touching my toes, etc.
Before my accident, I was doing really well physically, walking up to 3 miles on my treadmill, swimming, and you know carrying camera gear is a workout in itself. So I continue to stretch, do yoga, practice my balance techniques and get stronger every day. It’s going to take 9 months to a year to fully heal and recover. It still hurts in the morning and evening, I can tell when the Aleve is wearing off. And then the snap, crackle pop of the ankle is “pleasant”.
BUT I am fixed, just like my surgeon said he would do. I went to Trenton Orthopedics Group in Hamilton, NJ and my guy was Dr. Kunkle. My therapy was at Nova Care in Bordentown, NJ. Without their help and the love of my family and friends, I don’t know what I would’ve done.
Thank you!!!!!