supporting the local farmers

Taken at a local orchard in Cecil County, Maryland

 Living in rural America has it upsides...local produce and small farms are just two of them. These farmers work hard to provide us with quality food that is rich in nutrients that are lacking in the food produced by their big brothers known as factory farms. So much of the media is littered with news of financial decline, impending reform, and disasters at the hands of man or nature, but there is some good news in there too. The number of small farms is on the rise! 

Small farms have been a part of every culture, generation and civilization throughout history.  Historically it may even be the most important part of human activity as far as our survival is concerned. In addition, small farming has remained remarkably unchanged throughout history and sets us apart from all other species (along with other things like being made in God’s image, of course). While this topic is so intimately fused with politics, I for one am just glad there are people who are taking the need for small farms seriously. Small farmers, I support you. I will leave the politicking to the politicians and I will simply be taking my kiddos to plenty of  "pick-your-own" farms this summer.

A sunny day

From time to time I take my son Bohdan to NorthBay, the camp where my husband works and take a picture of him by this old tree that over looks the mouth of the bay. 

It was a great day for just playing in the grass and sand and for watching boats pass by.

I had to add this picture below. This was my attempt to document some sibling love! LOL. They really do love each other! 

Sisters~ Maddie and Abby

Taken of Maddie and Abby Erickson on our last family vacation to my parents Beach House.

The Importance Of A Sister

© Shiv Sharma

A sister is someone who loves you from the heart,
No matter how much you argue you cannot be drawn apart.
She is a joy that cannot be taken away,
Once she enters your life, she is there to stay.

A friend who helps you through difficult times,
Her comforting words are worth much more than dimes.
A partner who fills your life with laughs and smile,
These memories last for miles and miles.

When she is by your side, the world is filled with life,
When she is not around, your days are full of strife.
A sister is a blessing, who fills your heart with love,
She flies with you in life with the beauty of a dove.

A companion to whom you can express your feelings,
She doesn’t let you get bored at family dealings.
Whether you are having your ups or downs,
She always helps you with a smile and never frowns.

With a sister you cannot have a grudge,
She is as sweet as chocolate and as smooth as fudge.
Having a sister is not just a trend,
It is knowing you can always turn to her, your best friend.

Source: Why I Love My Sister, Sister Poems and Stories http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/family/poetry.asp?poem=18378#ixzz1JPhbQj1w 
Family Friend Poems 

Bryan and Jill Zbikowski-waiting

I was able to take maternity pictures for two of our friends Bryan and Jill for their first child. It was one of my very first shoots and for sure my first maternity shoot. 

Their daughter (who you will see in other posts) is now 18 months old and will be a big sister in June. Hmmm...perhaps another maternity shoot sometime soon!?!? 

So the picture. Yes I know you cannot actually see a baby belly in this picture. Trust me it was there. The reason I love this picture is because of the conversation they were having. Bryan started telling Jill about how much he loved her and how excited he was to have the baby. It was such a sweet moment. It is such a amazing moment when the people you are shooting start to forget you are there. 

Just to prove there was a baby belly in these pictures I added the picture below. 

Thanks Jill and Bryan! Hope to take some more pictures of your next baby belly this may! 

Theres a story behind the lens

For every shoot I go on, for every picture I take there is a story or a personality represented. This blog is devoted to sharing some of those stories and personalities with you. My hope is that the images you see on this blog whether personal or professional will convey the feeling in the moment it was taken. 

ENJOY! 

~Erin Hamson

picture above is copyrighted to photography by becka

many thanks to her for telling the story of 

my family on that wonderful fall day