Alicia Horst Photography

A Beautiful One Year Old

2012-02-06T19:05:00.000-08:00

One of the awesome things about being someone's "family photographer" is watching how the family grows and changes. I had the pleasure of photographing this lovely, little thing as a newborn, a six month old, and now we get to celebrate her first birthday!!! Thanks for trusting me to peek into your lives from time to time so that I can document the milestones of your family!

Fun, Football, and Family!!

2011-09-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

It always makes my job easy when I get to work with a family that is playful, and fun. With three busy boys, this family has no choice but to be playful and fun. This gang LOVES football, so it wouldn't be a complete story about them without a little action on the field. Our session was full of motion, silly faces, some wet willies, and a tackle or two. The boys were so much fun to work with! It was clear to see that in midst of all the moving and sillyness, this family has a whole lot of love for each other. Thanks so much for letting me peek into what a few hours of hanging out with your family is like!! I love how honest and genuine your images turned out!

A little momma

2011-05-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

I love the expectations of a new baby.....

Another awesome autumn session...well let's pretend it's Christmas!

2010-11-17T13:36:00.000-08:00

Dressed in the colors of winter and Christmas, this gang came ready to create a wonderful Christmas Card image on an unseasonably warm October day! With 5 children, including TWO almost two year olds, that's no small job! Fortunately for me, these parents are no strangers to hard work and trusting for wonderful in the midst of chaos. I think we did pretty well!! Thanks a bunch guys, I love that you're my faithful clients, but I love that you're my family much, much more:)

Photo of the Day

2010-11-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

Showing a little love for the boys today:)

Busy Times!!

2010-11-16T02:21:00.000-08:00

So I'd hoped to post daily:) I have been busy creating beautiful images though! A mild autumn day calls for family portraits!!
Three adorable children make a photographer's work easy. All we have to do is ignore the airplanes, cars, trains, and trucks that seemed to be all around us. These images were created at Petersheim's Quilt Shop on Rt. 340 in Bird in Hand. If you ever get the chance, stop in and take a look at the wonderful quilts, and their beautiful property!

Image of the Day....For Today!

2010-11-05T06:21:00.000-07:00

Today, I have two I'd like to share! I've had a string of little girls with beautiful eyes. I'm just in love with big, beautiful eyes!

Image of the Day.....So this was yesterdays:)

2010-11-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

I've decided to challenge myself for the next month and post a favorite image OR a tip of some kind on the blog everyday. The images may be from sessions, they may be personal candids, or they might be of something that strikes my fancy on that particular day! The tips will most often be photo tips, BUT they could be tips about fave resturaunts, recipes, cleaning tips....who knows:) So here it goes, this is my favorite image from yesterday. My sweet baby girl:)

After the show

2010-11-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about weddings is the cuteness of the flower girl and ring bearer. They are usual much to young for the job they are charged with but no one really expects them to perform to perfection, in fact, sometimes the worse they perform the cuter they are! I wasn't able to see my little niece and nephew do their thing in early October, but I was fortunate enough to photograph them in their adorable attire after the fact. I think they may have performed better at the wedding then they did for our "photo shoot", BUT we got a couple of cute ones:)

A Lovely Autumn Afternoon!

2010-10-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

I got to spend a wonderful, autumn afternoon with a family that I enjoy so much. I have known my sister-in-law for as long as I can remember. She and I grew up in the same church family so I've known her parents and sister for as long as I can remember too:) In fact, Julie is the whole reason why my husband got the second date. When I found out who his brother was, I couldn't resist!
Now we're sister-in-laws and I feel so blessed to have her. When things get just a little to serious, I can count on Julie to understand my frustrations and appreciate my sillyness. Now I know why, her family is as kind, and silly as she is!
I had a blast spending time with all of you. Thank you so much for inviting me to capture images of your family.

Yes this is what it looks like!!! When I jokingly said, "wouldn't it be funny for you to go act like two teenagers in the porto-pot over there", they said, "sure let's do it"! See, they get my goofy:)

A bunch of love

2010-10-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

     Before I ever met Dawn, Tim, and their beautiful family, I'd heard lots of stories about them. It seemed that we knew many of the same people and often I'd hear about how their family was growing or changing. So when I finally did meet this wonderful family, I felt like I already knew them. That was probably six years ago now, and all the great things I'd been told about this unique family were absolutely true!
   They are quite a group!! Tim and Dawn are super organized, super patient, and super blessed. They make having this many children (and homeschooling them) look like a piece of cake, but of course it's not. This family was built by the grace of God! Lots of prayers, lots of miracles, and lots of love and laughs along the way.
   Tim, Dawn, and kids.....I love that I've gotten to know you guys. My family has been blessed by yours. Thanks so much for allowing me to try to capture a little of your love with my camera.

Welcome to the World

2010-09-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

On Friday I had the chance to share my time with a good friend and her new baby boy. It was a joy to catch up with her and her family. What a pleasure to be able to cuddle her little man! He was nothing but perfect during our time together. He almost made me want another one myself, almost:( Blessings to you Mr. M. I am trusting along with your parents that you will grow strong in faith, and walk in His way for all your days:)

Sweet and New

2010-09-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, God shows his greatest mercy, grace, and creativity every time he blesses our world with another sweet new baby. This little guy is no exception. His precious little features are to much. I just wanted to squeeze him. Of course everyone knows I am a sucker for redheads, so he got my attention for sure:) Thank you Mr. Z, you were so sweet to sleep for most of the time!!

Princess Fairy Fun

2010-08-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

Fairy Princess Emma was so willing to play dress up and have fun.....we had a tea party with our fairy wings and all:) Of course I couldn't resist a little vintage on a few too! Thanks for playing make believe Fairy Princess Emma, I can't wait for your mommy to see our little story!

Neices and Nephew

2010-08-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

I have the honor of having some beautiful children in my family and I am blessed to be able to create images of them as they grow. We love our cousins in my house and these are four of the seven that we get to enjoy. Thanks guys for being wonderful playmates, and special friends. We love you!!!

I can't believe how mature she looks!! Erica is an amazing young woman. Every time I spend time with her she impresses me over and over again with her creativity, her compassion , and her gentleness. She is a young woman who loves her Savior with all her heart and she walks it out in her life. I am so proud of you Erica!

Ashley is a unique little girls. Regardless of her obstacles, she usually has a giant smile and lots of hugs and kisses to share. She can't pass by a dog or a baby without a happy hello. She truely is a light in our family.

Alex is a bundle of boy! He is energetic, athletic, and smart. There is nothing quite like his big grin. It ususally means he's up to something that's going to give his mother a headache. It's hard to resist his charm though!

Emily is the baby of the bunch! She is hardly a baby anymore. She's the little mommy. She and my Gracie love to care for their babies with tenderness, and love. Emily can be shy at first, but once she warms up she's nothing but giggles. I love you little sweetie!

This is one group of adorable cuteness, and they were very patient with their session, but at the end of the day I'm still Aunt Alicia so there had to be a little of this going on:)

Lovely Expectations

2010-08-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

When I was only 5 days away from my due date, I was cranky, bloated, and less than photogenic. There is no way I would have conceded to a maternity portrait session! Thankfully, this mommy-to-be was a fantastic sport!! Doesn't she look amazing? I can't believe that in only 5 days she will be holding her new baby boy in her arms. Shawna you are beautiful and I can't wait to meet your handsome little guy. I am believing that God will provide you with a smooth delivery and recovery and that you and your family will enjoy this special time! Thanks again for all the fun. Stay tuned for newborn images!!

Refreshed and Refocused

2010-06-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

Refreshed and Refocused....

I've been playing with photography since I was a little girl. I've always been fascinated with the concept of creating an image. Looking back, I remember that even when I was very young, I would see events in my mind as 4x6 pictures. When writing fictional stories, or creating plays with my neighborhood friends, I would see the entire story in a picture book format and then create the dialog to go with it.

I started to become a student of photography when I was in high school. That's when it clicked that I could control my tool, my camera, and manipulate the light around me. In doing so, I could capture the image exactly as I'd already seen it in my mind.

I started out with a fully manual Canon slr that was as old as I was and a couple of fixed focal length lenses. It didn't even have automatic focus, so I was manually focusing everything. I'd make my friends sit very still while I'd pick my angle, meter my light, compose my image, CLICK, then write down my settings to match my frame, and wait to see what developed. I'd take the time to really soak in my subject, get to know them from every angle, practice patience and wait for the time to get it right. My how technology has made my passion so much easier. Now I can be much more random about the way I do things, more spontaneous. Yet, recently I've found myself not feeling more creative, but feeling more pressure to just grab what's happening however I can. I've felt like my gift to see the image before I take it has been swept over by taking the image everyone else wants to see.

This weekend when I was spending time with family friends at the beach, I simply forgot that the lens that I'd brought for knock-about didn't function in anything but full manual with the camera body I had packed! It was something that I knew but forgot in my rush to pack the family for a long weekend. It was a bit of a disappointment at first, but then it become the breath of fresh air that I needed. I was forced to be purposeful in the way that I captured my images. There wasn't any auto focus, there wasn't any exposure lock, or focus lock. If I changed my perspective, I had to refocus. If I changed my perspective without refocusing, my image was fuzzy.

Hmmmm....I think that my Abba Father took a minor disappointment and used it to teach me a significant lesson. As my perspective on my life, my priorities and, my work have changed, I haven't stepped back to refocus and that might be why my direction is so fuzzy. CLICK I think I've got it!

Stay tuned......as a take a step back and work on refocusing and recomposing the image of Alicia Horst Photography.

Vintage LOVE

2010-06-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

The sky was perfect and her dress was so cute....so outside we went!!! I have lots of colorful, bright images and I love them all, but I couldn't resist a little vintage love on some of my favorites!!

Newborn Model Search!!

2010-05-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

love newborn photography, it's really one of my favorite things! I've acquired lots of new props and backgrounds in the recent months but I haven't had much in the way of newborns:( Sooo...I'm putting out a model search. I'm looking for babies who are less than 2 weeks old. If you're expecting, or if someone you know is expecting in the next two months, and you're interested in a newborn session, please give me a call! I would love to get my lens on some fresh and new cuteness really soon:)

Guitar Hero!

2010-05-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

This guy has some rock star in his blood:)

Ballerina Beauty

2010-05-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

All she REALLY wanted for her 5th birthday was to go to dance class. She was so happy when that is exactly what she got. Of course we couldn't take pictures without our favorite dolly stealing the show for a few too!

Varsity Volleyball

2010-05-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

When your dad is the coach, you start practice at a pretty young age! This little guy already has skills, plus you could argue, he's the cutest guy on the court:)
Not only does he love his sports, he loves his doggy too. Misty was the real champ of the day. She was so cooperative!

My New LOOK!!!

2010-04-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

I really want to thank Rita from Coffeeshop Designs for creating this new look. She's fantastic and of course I couldn't turn away from someone who named their blog CoffeeShop Designs. It's like she was the perfect fit! Now that I have a quick and easy place to update my latest projects, I have some fun ideas to help "stay connected" with clients, family and friends. Please become a follower and stay tuned for what's next:)

Tiny precious

2010-03-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

It's always a privilege for me when I get to spend time with a new baby and his or her family! I am a sucker for tiny, fresh, and new! This little guy is just two weeks old and only a few days out of the NICU. He and his Mommy, and sis are going to be part of the Mother's Day Tribute in the Lancaster Newspaper!

Sometimes You've just got to love a hat!

2010-03-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

Mr. J looked to cutie pie in his dapper coat and tie. The hat just took the cake though. This little guy loves the camera and I couldn't be happier to photograph him!

One and Adorable

2010-03-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

These boys ALWAYS make me smile!! Happy birthday guys!

Baby M is 6 months old

2010-03-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

Here are a few from a super FUN session with an adorable little guy and his Mommy!! We wanted to really get the essence of his "babyness" before he became a mobile little man and the "baby" started to slip away. It happens so fast!! That's why I love capturing this age!

Little Bear

2010-01-25T12:58:00.001-08:00

Fun Family

2010-01-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

This gang was stinkin' cute! Not only were the kids absolute gems....Maggie the dog was fantastic too!! Thanks for all the fun guys:)

Sonja and Brian

2010-01-25T09:21:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it is 2010!

2010-01-25T09:09:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is already the end of January 2010. We have a lot of catching up to do. There are some great, BIG, changes around the corner. Before I get ahead of myself, I want to take the time to thank my wonderful family, friends, and clients for your support and for making this year so much FUN. I really enjoyed working with all of you. Your images have a special place in my heart.
I can't wait to launch into my new year, but first, here is a quick look at some of my faves from the end of 2009!

Here I am!!!

2009-05-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

I am totally new to the bloggin world so bare with my please!!!
Welcome to my NEW BLOG!!! I hope to use this to keep in touch with new old clients and new ones.....more details soon:)
Thanks