Matt Richman Photography

Melanie and Neil asked me to meet them at Van Neste Square in Ridgewood last week for a chilly holiday card photo session. We took plenty of family shots at the park, but I thought it would be more fun to show…. FUN!

Except, Riley was feeling a little shy at the beginning and was trying to hide from me. But we took our time and didn’t rush. I’m always really patient with younger children until they get used to the camera.

Neil was great with her and really got her to open up.

Olivia, was ready for action from the moment we got there… as you can see in the Famous Matt Richman Photography Running Shot.

I love how you can see a little hint of the town of Ridgewood behind her. Those buildings haven’t changed in over 50 years. Nothing beats Ridgewood for small-town charm. And speaking of charm, Peyton was the real star of the show! It was really cold that morning, but he braved it like a champ.

Back at the house, we played a seriously fun game of hide-and-seek in the basement. I was “looking” everywhere for Olivia and Riley. Under the table, in the cabinet, even in the dryer! Don’t worry, Melanie, I didn’t really look in your dryer! I did the old, “I wonder if they’re in the dryer” routine and just banged on the door to make it sound like I looked in the dryer. I know all the tricks from playing hide-and-seek with my sons! But it didn’t take long before…

SURPRISE!

I should have known they’d be hiding behind the princess castle tent thingy. I still can’t figure out why the carrot is in Riley’s ear. Maybe Olivia was so surprised that she stuck the carrot in Riley’s ear. Riley didn’t seem to mind though.

Peyton was a little young for hide-and-seek, so we let him hang out on his mat.

Then we took the girls outside. I love this crabby face! I think Riley was ready for me to go home.

But we still had some more fun before it was time to go.

Congratulations on your new baby, Melanie and Neil! He is in terrific company with his big sisters, and his kind parents.

Amanda learned about me from her good friend Maggie. Amanda called me back in July to say she was going to have a baby in August and wanted to schedule a session for the fall. As we talked, I kept referring to the upcoming baby as “her” and “she.” Amanda laughed because she said everyone was predicting that this baby would be a girl. So, as Amanda’s due date approached in August, I e-mailed Maggie to ask if she had heard anything about Amanda’s new baby. Maggie quickly replied, “She’s in labor right now!”

Guess what she had? An adorable girl…

That little man in the above picture was giving me some serious photographic competition. He must have shot about 50 pictures of me in the two hours I was there (now I know how it feels). But, most of all, he loved taking pictures of his new, little sister.

I love this image of David peeking in on Amanda’s quiet moment with the baby.

Next door, I got to meet a very special friend of their son. The very-much-loved, “Bear.” I love how the bright sun is streaming into his room to match his bright smile! He was smiling the WHOLE time. Except when he was taking pictures, that is! Then, he was all business.

I’m never sure how parents feel about their kids jumping on the furniture but, as you can see, Amanda and David seem OK with it.

After all that jumping, it was time for a quick snack. Guess which is the most popular drawer in the whole house? I think I can spot Goldfish, Cheese Nips, Nutter Butter, and pretzels… not to mention all of those upside down snacks! Imagine what that drawer looks like the day after Halloween. 

And it just wouldn’t be a family photo session without some tickling…

… and a little running. Sometimes if Mom and Dad are good I let them join in the famous Matt Richman Photography Running Shot! David was very good.

Congratulations on your baby girl, Amanda and David! And thank you Maggie for referring Amanda during my Send-A-Friend promotion. Maggie now has a gift credit toward her next session. I hope to see you all again soon!