Alaster Photography

A Look at the S Family...

2011-12-05T09:16:00.005-05:00

Here is a sneak peek at the S Family and little O.G. This little girl is filed under "S" for So Stinkin Cute! Thank you so much Mom and Dad for asking me to capture these sweet moments with you and your sweet little girl.

Sneak Peek of the B Family...

2011-11-27T15:10:00.002-05:00

This is one of my favorite families. The boys are so full of energy and fun, I just smile listening to them talk about, well whatever comes to their minds. All three of the boys are such good brothers to the lone sister in the group, their love and dedication to her is astounding. Thank you again, B family for letting me chronicle this time in your lives.

This one surprised me with how much he can be a ham. I totally didn't expect this from him.

I don't think they will use this one due to the cars in the background, but I love the look of all of them together like this.

These guys were fascinated with the train tracks.

So, in order to get the boys to co-operate with me, I made them a deal. You listen to me and I'll take pictures of you on the railroad tracks. Man, did it work!

Thank you again B Family!

A sneak peek for the H family...

2011-11-21T08:57:00.004-05:00

Here are a few from Saturday's Portrait Session. I had such a good time with this mom and her 4 boys. Thank you so much for letting me capture this time in your boys lives.

Here are the oldest boys together. They are both so handsome.

I love the look on Mom's face as she is looking at her boys.

She looks so peacefully and serene here with this little one.

Fall around here...

2011-11-13T16:01:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to keep in the habit of posting every now and then. Hopefully I'll have some super cute photos next week, but until then here are a few from around my house. Hope this finds you enjoying your fall.

Hello! I'm Back!

2011-10-18T09:38:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone! Yes, I know it has been a while (well, a long while) since I have posted anything, but I'm here. Looking back, I didn't plan on taking this break, it just sort of happened. I just stopped posting photos, even when I had images to post. In all reality I quit taking pictures, I guess I felt like I really didn't have anything to say. Not with my words or with my photos. I had somehow lost the joy that I had found in photography. I started to doubt myself: Did I even know what I was doing? Did I even know how to work this camera, this software? Did I even know how to tell a story with my photos? Did I even have anything of importance to say? "From my heart to yours" this is the tag line I use at the top here. But my heart felt like I didn't have anything of value to give.

So what did I do? I just didn't do anything. Like a lot of us, I was stuck and I didn't know how to start again. But my God, my Father is so faithful! He knows my heart, He created it. He knows when I'm stuck and He knows how to fix it. He was waiting the whole, long time, waiting for me to get out of the way and to be in a place where I could hear Him. Hear that He loves me, that He has plans for me, that there are certain things that I need to do to fully get out of this stuck place. Am I out of the stuck place? Not fully, but I am getting there. This is the first time in a long while that I have been at peace. Peace with myself, my decisions, my husband, that inside place that always felt like I was constantly spinning. Peace.

The coolest thing about this is that my Father used photography, something that I love, that speaks to that creative part of me, to get me out of the stuck place. He used a weekend photography workshop so that I was in a place that I could hear Him. Kind of like He snuck up on me from behind to start whispering truths into my ear while I was focused on something else.

Well, here I am, back at it. Here is the first look at what my heart wants to share. A family portrait session from yesterday. Good Friends, wonderful scenery, and beautiful girls. From my heart to yours.

A Senior Sneak Peak...

2010-06-27T07:42:00.003-04:00

Can I just tell you I love Senior Portraits? I have been so blessed to know some of the best kids around. And to get to capture this time in their lives, where they are going from young adult to adult... I just am astounded. Good Luck Brandon!

Portraits in the Park Sneak Peek... Another Beautiful Family

2010-06-06T15:43:00.004-04:00

I have been so blessed this spring and summer to be able to capture so many sweet moments from so many families. These families all have wonderful stories to tell. Stories about how they came to be, how they are doing, and where they believe God is leading them. I can't wait to see where their paths lead them.

Portraits in the Park Sneak Peek...

2010-06-05T20:51:00.003-04:00

Here is a sneak peek of a sweet little girl. Beautiful little girl, gorgeous park, cooperative weather. What more could one ask for?

A new sneak peek...

2010-05-31T13:32:00.004-04:00

Another gorgeous family here in Radford. We had such fun down at Wildwood Park, Thank you so much for letting me capture these moments.

All the way from Indiana...

2010-05-29T18:47:00.003-04:00

Here are a few from a session with Miss Kassie. I was so blessed that she waited to come out for a visit with her dad to get her Senior Portraits done. Thank you so much!

A few from Portraits in the Park...

2010-04-19T00:53:00.004-04:00

Portraits in the Park is a fundraiser for our Youth Ministry, LifeChange. All of the proceeds will go towards our Mission Trip this summer to the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Here is a little peek from my first session. Thank you for letting me capture this moment in your lives.

And my personal favorite...

At the Barn

2010-02-27T20:11:00.002-05:00

At the Barn today with the husband. Some of the "wild"life around the feed store. It was way too cold to stay outside for too long.

Before and After...

2010-01-31T21:46:00.003-05:00

This a photo from Monday. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, the ground is brown, it's in the mid-40s.

Here is a photo from this morning (Sunday). The sun is still shining, the sky is still blue, the ground is white, and it is 25 degrees. What a difference a few days makes.

In case you've been missing me...

2010-01-11T20:44:00.002-05:00

I haven't had much business this first part of the year so I haven't much to post over here. But if you are looking for some of my non-business related photography then check out my Project 2010 blog. It is my attempt to chronicle my life - one day at a time.

A few photos of a beautiful family...

2009-12-20T14:43:00.005-05:00

This family (the B's) is absolutely gorgeous, inside and out! We had such a blast that cold November afternoon! They were up for anything I asked and were great sports for some crazy ideas. Thanks again B's for letting me share these moments with you.

Good Friends...

2009-12-02T22:09:00.002-05:00

Here is a good friend of mine Carmella and her beautiful daughter. Thanks so much for letting me capture these moments with you.

So, it's been a little while...

2009-11-30T19:22:00.002-05:00

...but that doesn't mean I haven't been busy. Here is peek at another one of my boys.

A few more fall ones...

2009-11-01T08:01:00.003-05:00

Here is another peak at fall are here.

One of my boys...

2009-10-30T09:46:00.003-04:00

Here is sneak peek at a recent senior session from on of my favorite families. We had a blast on Saturday and I can't thank them enough for letting me be a part of this time in T.'s life.

A Few New Favorites...

2009-10-29T23:09:00.002-04:00

A few favorites from a recent portrait session where I had an absolute blast. Thanks you guys.

Fall Around Here...

2009-10-11T21:02:00.001-04:00

Some days I am just busting to take someone or something's picture. I can hardly sit still, think straight, carry on a conversation. It seems all I can think about is how the light looks just so over there, how the way the composition of those two friends is just right, how the light is reflecting in that person's eye with gorgeous catch-lights. With that in mind I took a little field trip today just up the road to the big beautiful field. It was just calling to me to come and explore... here are a few of the wonderful things I found.

Another Sneak Peek...

2009-10-06T07:40:00.003-04:00

This is a family who I consider my family. Some people you come in contact with you just know they are the ones. This family is like that. Even though they are as crazy as they come this is a family I find peace and rest around, and in my life that is very hard to come by. Thank you so much for letting me capture these moments.

Finally... A New Sneak Peek

2009-10-05T21:31:00.005-04:00

I have been so blessed with wonderful families to photograph. After much planning and re-planning here is a look a very beautiful and very patient family. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your family for just a little while.

Sneak Peek...

2009-07-16T06:55:00.005-04:00

Here are a few sneak peeks of some beautiful grandchildren. We had such a blast rolling around Nanny's backyard.

At the Lake with my husband...

2009-06-27T22:14:00.004-04:00

I got a new lens last Friday, it was Monday before I could get out and give it a try. Fortunately Mike had no problem hooking up the boat and taking me to the lake. While he fished I shot pics of him. Hope you enjoy them. The top silhouette and the bottom b&w photos are my favorite out of these.

Nick and Katie's Wedding...

2009-06-21T23:46:00.002-04:00

Here are few of my favorites from the Stewart wedding this weekend. I wasn't the official photog but I couldn't help snapping a couple of candids of the Stewart family. The top one is my favorite of the bunch.

A new sneak peek...

2009-06-15T20:12:00.003-04:00

Here is sneak peek at another great family. I love getting to work with such wonderful families.

Shoes...

2009-06-08T22:08:00.004-04:00

Prom Shoes... My favorite photo from a recent shoot with some friends.

Sneak Peek...

2009-04-20T23:32:00.005-04:00

Here is a sneak peek at a senior session I shot today. I had a blast shooting with this guy and his family.

Easter Sunday Portraits

2009-04-18T00:54:00.002-04:00

Baylee and Mason. My neice and nephew in their backyard. Here are a few of my favs from the afternoon.

It a beautiful day in my neighborhood...

2009-04-04T15:11:00.003-04:00

I don't know about where you are but around here today is a beautiful day. After many weeks of having everything else to do for everyone else I finally got two Saturdays in a row to myself. The first one was spent in bed recouping from the previous 2 months. Today, it was all about me... well about me and photography. I have found in the last few months that if I don't take time for my photography, I don't feel well inside. My attitude even suffers. It seems to feed my soul. So today is about me and my photographs... I'm feeling better already. Hope you enjoy a taste of spring.

Rachael and Hannah

2009-03-07T02:29:00.004-05:00

Here are my two favorite Farmer girls. Big Sister Rachael and Baby Hannah are so sweet. I am so blessed to have such great families who will let me photograph their precious little ones. I will have to say, the one of Rachael by herself (the photo on the left) and the top photo in the middle are my favorites from the day.

Some Days...

2009-02-16T21:19:00.006-05:00

Some days inspiration is everywhere. In the way your dog turns her head, in the way the morning sun comes in the bedroom with the sweet morning light, in the way the shadows fall across the floor. Some days inspiration can't be found. Nothing looks interesting, artisic, beautiful. Then some days you think nothing will strike your fancy and you turn the corner and find this... and there is inspiration.

Baby Amelia

2009-02-07T21:08:00.004-05:00

Here is a sneak peek at our newest Farmer Baby. Such a sweet little girl who has blessed a sweet family. Let's not forget Liam, he is doing such a good job at being the Big Brother.

The new baby

2009-01-25T14:43:00.002-05:00

Here is the newest addition to casa Laster. A brand new imac. I get teary just writing that. After many months of saving and saving I was able to open my brand new baby on Friday. Mike and I are enjoying this new machine, though I feel certain that I will taking my working computer's name in vain before too long on Monday morning.

YAY Me!

2009-01-11T00:09:00.004-05:00

In the name of shameless self promotion... I entered the December photo contest over at Towner Jones Photography and won! The theme was "Your best photo of 2008". I entered this silhouette photo I shot for the cover of the PS 149 CD. I love the line of her body in this shot and the way she looks grounded and expressive in her love for her Father. It was actually my pick for the cover but the band decided otherwise though they did let me put it on the back. I got the email from Rob on Wednesday and it made my day! Thanks again Rob.

A peek at Jack...and his hair!

2009-01-04T18:07:00.003-05:00

Meet Jack... an absolutely gorgeous little boy. Look at that hair! His mom, Laura Beth, let me practice some of my Sandy Puc poses with the two of them. Thank you so much Laura Beth.

Josh and April

2008-12-28T22:07:00.003-05:00

I absolutely hate photographing weddings. And while I don't under any circumstances normally photograph weddings it is hard to turn down a friend. So after much deliberating and post processing here are a few of my favorites from that special day. Josh and April Best Wishes to you both.

Another peak...

2008-12-27T23:16:00.005-05:00

Here is another family that has blessed me by letting me capture them at their best. Thank you so much. N. is now a year old and is getting ready to be a big brother this coming year. Many blessing to this family as they forge ahead in what God has called them to.

A peek at some friends

2008-12-26T20:11:00.003-05:00

It always makes me feel good when people come back to me to take portraits of their families. But to have friends come back year after year, well, that really makes me feel wonderful. Here is a beautiful family who I have known for close to 16 years. Great friends and family is what this time of year is all about. I have been blessed in my life to have and enjoy both.

Holiday Pets

2008-11-22T21:07:00.005-05:00

Today I went to a friend's pet store in Salem to take Holiday Pet Portraits. We were doing this in hopes of bringing in new customers to the shop. We had a few people come through the store today and they brought with the some of the cutest dogs I have seen in a long while. Here are a few of my newest friends.

Spud

2008-11-03T23:00:00.003-05:00

Here is a quick peek at Katie's new little girl. The one of Richard and Spud is my favorite. Such a sweet little girl.

Katie O.

2008-10-09T23:56:00.005-04:00

Meet Katie, a beautiful mother to be. I couldn't have asked for a more cooperative mom who was game for just about anything. Here are a few of my favorites from the shoot. Thank you so much Katie.

Favors from my friends

2008-09-14T17:43:00.003-04:00

Here is how the first conversation went:
ME: Hey Hannah, what are you doing tomorrow? I need a favor.
Hannah: I have to coach volleyball, why?
ME: I need you to be a model for a photo I want to use on a CD cover. No one will see you, it's just a silhouette of you. So, can you do it on Saturday?
Hannah: Yeah, I guess.
ME: Ok, thanks I'll call you later with a time.
Hannah: OK, just let me know.

The next conversation:
ME: Hey Brenda, can I use your front yard to take some pictures of Hannah G?
Brenda: That's fine. What time?
ME: About 7pm.
Brenda: OK, see you then.

As it turns out my life is a little "interesting", and because my life is interesting I tend to ask my friends for interesting (read strange) favors. Like true friends do, they always pull through. Let's us not forget the every popular, "Cindy can I trade cars with you so I can drive to beach? Your car gets better gas mileage than mine. Thanks!"

Here is the finished (kinda) CD cover with my friend Hannah in my other friend Brenda's front yard. Thanks Ladies!!

The first one is my favorite and the second is the one the band has picked out.

Mason

2008-09-08T23:01:00.004-04:00

Here are a couple of shots of my nephew Mason playing in is first official ballgame of the season . This is his first year playing pee wee football and he is doing great. His number is 25 and he loves playing. Cutting, blocking, running the ball... he loves it all. The last shot is my favorite one. It is his dad, Greg, who is standing on the sidelines helping measure the distances, all the while keeping a watch on his boy.

Hannah Grace

2008-09-04T19:51:00.002-04:00

Here is the newest addition to our extended family. Rachael's new little sister Hannah Grace. Such a beautiful little girl and her mommy and daddy can't stop smiling.

This is Baylee...

2008-08-10T19:24:00.006-04:00

...in these three words is a world of information. At 10 years old my niece Baylee is a dynamite. She is a cheerleader, a fashion diva, a big sister, a rock star, mom and Nee-Nee's helper, daddy's princess, the boss of Mason (NOT!), Poppies' Boo, Aunt Dah's highlight of visiting home, and as you can see from the pictures a beautiful young lady.

Boots, Flowers, and a Barn

2008-08-01T01:40:00.004-04:00

Just a few from around my house. It is amazing what I can find to take pictures of around here. My husbands boots, a bunch of flowers from the grocery store, and our old barn... pretty cool!

Soon-to-be-big-sister Rachael

2008-07-23T22:48:00.004-04:00

Here are a few shots from my latest session. Rachael is my goddaughter and is so beautiful... not that you would know by these pictures. She is also a little on the stubborn side and decided that she did not need to look at me while I was holding the camera to my face and saying things like "Hey Rachael, look over here, Smile for me Rachael..." You get the idea. So far these are my favorites, but it is so hard to pick a favorite of this sweet girl who will be a big sister by next Friday.

Lil Miss Firecracker

2008-07-06T19:04:00.005-04:00

Hope everyone had a safe and wonderful July 4th weekend. Here at Casa Laster things were quite. I was alone this weekend with the Rabbit and Daisy's new puppies (pictures to come soon) due to Mike being out of town on dog business and though I missed my dear husband it was AWESOME to get to do what I wanted to for the entire weekend. Yes folks, I got to watch the Food Network, bake bread, take photos of the new pups and edit my backlog of photos to my hearts content all weekend long. Did I already mention that? I crashed at a friend's house for a few hours on the 4th and got to spend time eating, watching a stupid movie (is there really any other kind?) and taking pictures of this little cutie. She is so full of herself and her daddy isn't going to know what hit him when she turns 13.

My Sister's Dining Room Gallery

2008-05-18T05:12:00.000-04:00

my sister lives about 45 minutes away from me, which means i don't get to see her or her family as much i as would like. she is in the process of redecorating her whole house but her dining room is what she is working on right now. might i just add she is fantastic at this kind of stuff. she comes up with ideas to colors that i had no idea would go together. anyway...she is wanting to hang large (8x10 pictures framed in 16x20 frames) pictures on the wall of her dining room. the walls are painted a really cool dark dreamcicley orange (see i told you see comes up with some cool ideas)... and she wants to use nature photos that either she or i have taken. she called the other day and wanted to see some more photos for her to pick from but since we live 45 mins apart and we are both extreeeeeeemly busy right now we couldn't get together this weekend to look at what i have on my computer, so here are some of my submissions for my sister's dining room gallery.

Where exactly did April go?

2008-05-01T23:24:00.000-04:00

As I look back over this blog I noticed I haven't posted in over 2 weeks. The only thing I can think of is some kind of space-time-warp thing happened and I lost all of the month of April, well almost 3 weeks of it... Actually, I have been extremely busy but that is no excuse for not keeping my promise to myself to post at least 1-2 times a week. So, to wipe the slate clean and start all over again let me show you what I was doing 2 weekends ago in Baltimore, MD.
The weekend of the 19th I attended a photographic lighting workshop in Baltimore, MD. These 3 beautiful ladies were some of the models who came out to help us. Kerena, Lindsey, and Melissa were wonderful to work with and very professional through out our learning process. It was great to be able to do nothing for 9 hours but think and talk photography with others who love it as much as I do.
So in between working a job that pays the bills, working with teenagers 11+ hours a week, and working to keep my house from junking up around me I love to work with my camera to produce beautiful pictures. Can you tell how I handle everything else?

I hope you have a great weekend.

More of my favorites

2008-04-16T23:12:00.000-04:00

here are some more of my favorite photos from the last year or so. hope you enjoy.

Ok, so my husband is into dogs...

2008-04-09T22:50:00.001-04:00

This is how I start out my sentence when I am trying to explain to someone why my husband had to make a one day trip to Indiana. Or a four day trip to Wisconsin. Or 1/2 day trip to Ohio. He enjoys hunting and he loves to hunt with dogs and he will go to great lengths to ensure the dogs he owns are the best around. Above you can see him with some of his favorites. First up is with his favorite girl Shadow. Then he is kneeling with an offspring of Shadow's, our boy Haze. Next are two pups from our last litter and my beagle Rabbit running through the neighbor's cow field. Last but not least is Mike doing what he does best, watching over his dogs.
...I've got several dogs barking outside (our neighbors LOVE us) and two puppies playing on the couch behind me. Life is Good and though I sound crazy to most people when I tell all about our "family", I wouldn't trade any of this. So even though I start out by trying to explain what my husband is doing I have to admit... I'm into dogs too.

A quick look...

2008-03-26T23:48:00.000-04:00

He has got to be one of the cutest kids in the world.... We had such a great time at the park on Friday. The weather finally cooperated and we took full advantage of it. Happy 1st Birthday Liam.

favorites so far...

2008-03-24T22:18:00.000-04:00

from snapshots of family, to work i've done for clients, to independent projects around the house... here are a few of my favorite photos from the last 18 months.