Katie SwiftPHOTOGRAPHER

Carsons’ Extended Family Session, Home for the Holidays, Springboro, Ohio

The Carsons are neighbor friends with whom we’ve traded bonfires, Christmas parties, piano lessons and senior pictures. This year, Kendra planned to gift her East Coast in-laws an extended family session for Christmas while they were in town over the holidays.

Originally, we were set to shoot at the Grotto Gardens at the Dayton VA Medical Center but as the day got closer and the temps kept falling, we decided a fire in the backyard and hot chocolate warming on the stove was much more enticing.

A white wonderland of snow, some festive outdoor decor, and a family brimming with laughter and love is all we’ll ever need to remember… there’s no place like home!

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Posted in At Home, extended families, Family Photography

Thanksgiving & Rikki Tikki Bear Game | Lindsay’s House | Maryville, Tennessee

This Thanksgiving we had the most glorious feast with family down in Tennessee. Of course, it helps to have a Chef in the bunch but I also attribute our meal success to the fact that in this here family, we looove to eat… Jonah even tried to steal the mashed potatoes!

Oh yes, and Josh buttered the buns (and his shirt) quite beautifully didn’t he? Sweet Amelia represented while our boys flexed for fixings, and the dogs begged for scraps at the table.

Jenny in her typical fashion, summed it all up in a T-shirt: Love God, Love people…

Just beware of the scare of the Rikki Tikki bear…

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Posted in Family, Happy Holidays, Personal

Juliana’s Senior Story | Grandma’s House & Caesar’s Creek Gorge | WCCC Class of 2023

Juliana’s senior session was a fun new challenge for me because I’ve never (can you believe it?) photographed horses OR Caesar’s Creek Gorge. The horses were majestic and the gorge was too! Juliana is my second senior from the Warren County Career Center and I just loved capturing her sweet animal lovin’ soul…

One word to describe me is loyal.

I like to hang out with friends and spend time playing with my pets.

My favorite thing about about the world is the beauty of nature.

I struggle with anxiety but I’ve overcome many obstacles in my way with perseverance.

I’ve learned how to be patient and let things happen naturally.

I am optimistic and think more positively than negative.

I look up to My brother Jesse because he’s always taken care of me and gives me good advice.

After graduation I’m not sure yet…

I plan to finish my second year at career center for graphic arts and see where that leads me.

I’m not sure where I see myself in 10 years… I’m just trying to get through this year!

From Grandma…

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Posted in Senior Photography

Bush Family | At Home | Germantown, Ohio

This was my first time photographing the Bush family and if you can’t tell by the long post, I had no problem collecting many sweet moments at their lovely farmhouse in Germantown. The Bush boys stole my heart and of course reminded me of my own sons at that age. Oh how fun it was to run, jump, and play in the leaves! Thanks Jen and Tim, for inviting me over to play…

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Posted in At Home, Family Photography

Kresser Kids | Playing At Home | Autumn in Ohio

This is my second time photographing the Kresser family and this year, I was invited to shoot their family session at their home- an honor an privilege I do not take lightly. Not only am I incredibly humbled by the fact that people actually pay me to do something I love, but I am also truly grateful when they trust me to peek inside their intimate lives.

The Kressers have a beautiful home that backs into a wooded wonderland forest. We took tons of pictures of the whole crew and I even made sure to get some of those classic smile and look family snapshots but in the end, the twins stole the show. And so this year they get the spotlight…

Oh alright, here’s just one classic family photo for ya:

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Posted in At Home, Family Photography

Noah’s Senior Story | Fox Hollow Rodeo | Warren County Career Center Class of 2023

When Noah’s mom, Sarah, called me to inquire about taking her son’s senior pictures, she told me with a voice that smiled that Noah was a country boy. My voice must’ve smiled right back when I said, I can’t wait to photograph him! You see, I just love capturing ALL the people with ALL the personalities. Not only is Noah my first country boy, he is also my first Warren County Career Center senior.

Noah wanted pictures of himself riding a bull at the rodeo but unfortunately, due to timing issues, we weren’t able to make that happen. Thankfully the kind people at the Fox Hollow Rodeo allowed us to use their property for pictures and even let us into the rodeo early for a few epic shots…

One word to describe me is fun.

My favorite quality about myself is my humor.

In my free time I like going to the rodeo, hanging out with friends, and driving.

I’ve learned that trucks suck on gas.

I listen to country.

I look up to my grandpa because he served in Vietnam.

After graduation I plan on going straight to working.

In ten years I see myself working a good job in manufacturing.

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Posted in Senior Photography

Preston’s Senior Story | Oakes Quarry Park | Fairmont Class of 2023

Preston is the second senior Levier boy I’ve been privileged to photograph. We choose Oakes Quarry Park, a desert-like oasis located in Fairborn as a backdrop for Preston’s unique personality. Even though he looks a lot like his older brother Parker, Preston has a whole different energy about him. He reminds me of my own second son, Jonah, with his multi-layers. On the surface he is serious with a dry sense of humor but underneath lurks an unexpected big, bright smile just waiting to knock you off your feet…

One word to describe me is special.

I’m very good at monopoly.

In my free time I play basketball, video games, and work.

My favorite quality about myself is my athleticism.

I listen to rap.

I look up to God because he made me.

I enjoy the people that I’ve met.

The most important thing I’ve learned lately is how to interpret the slope of a graph.

After graduation I plan to go to Sinclair for accounting.

In ten years I see myself with a better car, a house with my wife and a family, and rich with a masters degree.

Throwback to little Preston…he always had a great smile but now he’s got that gorgeous hair too!!!

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Posted in Senior Photography

Oberding Family | E. Milo Beck Park | Springboro, Ohio

This is the third time I’ve been privileged to photograph the Oberding family and I have to say, I just love watching these kiddos grow. This year we choose E Milo Beck Park, a hometown favorite for us Boro peeps. We meandered our way through tall grasses until we found an alluring wooded trail which led us to the most gorgeous fall creek scape I’ve found yet…

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Posted in Family Photography

Witt Family | E. Milo Beck Park | Springboro, Ohio

The Witts are a family of three with their only child growing up and out. They may be small but they are full… full of love, laughter and you better believe it- Witt!

I met Caitlin and Heather in the spring when I photographed Caitlin’s senior session at Wegerzyn Gardens in the rain while Heather held the umbrella and said lightning prayers for us all. In all of our exciting and dangerous fun, we never got a headshot of Caitlin.

In the past, I haven’t included a headshot in my senior sessions unless my seniors or their parents (usually the ones who remember) specifically ask. The reason is because every high school is different. Some require seniors to go to a studio to have their yearbook headshot taken, while others allow the seniors to send in headshots from whomever or wherever.

So when Heather reached out a few weeks ago and asked if I did headshots, I said Of course! and Dang! I should’ve thought to ask you in the spring! To which Heather insisted it was her fault for not asking and to which I insisted it was mine for not asking and finally we did what 2 overly nice people do… we laughed. When I told her I was doing it free of charge, she said ok, then you’re getting a generous tip!

You just can’t win with some people! So you know what they say: if you can’t beat them… join them! If she wanted to pay me then I was gonna work for it. How about a short family session at E Milo Beck Park while we’re at it? I asked.

The rest is history…

Going forward, I will make it a point to remember to ask my seniors if they need a headshot during our sessions but I’m not gonna lie, if I forget and it opens up another opportunity to hang out with families as kind and generous and funny as the Witts, I will not be sorry… cause the Witties are the shitties!!!!

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Posted in Family Photography

Ava’s Senior Story | Oregon District | Dayton Christian Class of 2023

Ava is a bright light who shines smiles on all around her. She and her family just moved to the area recently just in time for her to finish out her high school career at Dayton Christian School. Her senior session in the Oregon District was full of energy, dance moves and of course, lots of laughter…

One word to describe me is excited!

I love to dance!

Just dancing and getting loose is a lot of fun!

I dance whenever I can and I love when people dance with me.

I listen to everything except rap and country.

I look up to my dad, and Jesus.

Not the same people, but my dad is an extremely wise dude and super kind.

Jesus because of his kindness and caring for others and his patience.

In my free time I like to paint, anything really art related.

I play volleyball, and I’m super active and I love to workout and cook and bake.

My friends love to call me a soccer mom.

I’m caring for others maybe to the likes of being a second mother.

But I can be too overbearing, sometimes I cannot grasp that people cannot read my mind.

 In school I’ve learned to get my homework done on time and that not everyone is going to like you.

Also don’t trust that the toilet seat was wiped by the previous person.

Just go do every event and have fun…

it’s about the fun and memories whether or not I actually like the people or said event.

After graduation I am going to do missionary work for a year and then go to culinary school.

It makes me nervous to think about where I see myself in ten years…

but hopefully maybe married, and maybe I have kids and I am running my business and that it’s going well.

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Posted in Senior Photography

Bowers Family | At Home | Springboro, Ohio

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, my favorite place to photograph family sessions is at home. Home is where the heart is and the dog roams. Home is where we let our hair down and put our feet up. Home is where we decorate- with plants and pictures, pumpkins and skeletons. If we’re lucky or even if we’re not, home haunts us. There’s no place like home… especially if you are as creative as the Bowers!

Chad and Amber are a few of the masterminds behind Quasi Skateboards. Chad is an innovative artist who designs boards and thinks up wacky ideas like covering an entire car in denim and Amber is the boss woman who manages the denim budget and all the other things that go into making artist dreams into a lucrative business.

Together, they have two boys growing into their own. Elliott is a classic tweenage gamer and Julien is a budding bball star who just made the team! Zoe is their sweet supermodel pup who loves getting her picture taken and would be in all the pictures if it weren’t for the invisible fence around parts of the property.

This was my third time photographing the Bowers which is truly an honor and the highest compliment. This year, poor Julien busted his lip right before our scheduled session and had to get 14 stitches- ouch! So we had to reschedule about a month later and in the morning- both circumstantial decisions that worked in our favor I do declare! Not only did we get the red kiss of early Autumn leaves turning, the morning light invited us to unlikely spaces, like in front of the garage…

See the Bowers last year…

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Posted in Family Photography

Rachel’s Senior Story | Wegerzyn Gardens | Centerville Class of 2023

Rachel is a theatre girl and her senior session shows it! I loved how dramatic and fierce she was in front of my camera- parts of her session felt like poetry to me. And is there anywhere else like Wegerzyn Gardens in the fall? It’s a different kind of magic- shadowy and shifting like a slow fire burning…

I would describe myself as wacky.

I have a tendency to think and do things differently than others.

I have a crazy and chaotic type of personality.

I definitely march to the beat of a different drum.

I do theatre with the CHS Theatre Company. I love to sing and take weekly vocal lessons. I am very much into the arts…

I work very well with children and animals. 

I love spending time with my dog Mina. She is a 2 year old chihuahua/dachshund mix.

I also am part of a 4H group where I serve as treasurer and show pygmy goats in the county fair.

I have a bit of a green thumb and enjoy gardening as well.

I am such a homebody. I love to relax on the couch and cuddle with my dog or hang out in my room.

I listen to almost anything but particularly like 70s/80s rock and music from the 90s grunge rock. I am not a fan of country unless it’s Dolly Parton because she is amazing!

I look up to my parents.

They are always there for me when I feel overwhelmed or in trouble.

They help me see things from multiple perspectives and help me learn from mistakes.

The most important thing I’ve learned is patience.

When working with ceramics, you have to take your time and allow the piece to evolve. When you rush and try to cut corners, you end up with a giant blob.

Patience has also come into play in my theatre work. 

It’s helped me to work better with others and take the time to consider other people’s ideas even when I know mine is the best.

I could be considered bossy and like things done my way.

 The most surprising thing I’ve learned in school is all the different opinions and perspectives of my peers. It’s amazing to me the variance in views on current events and world topics. I also think you can learn a lot about someone by the books they have read and enjoyed.

After graduation I plan to attend college and study animal science with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.

In ten years I see myself establishing myself as a veterinarian and working with farm animals.

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Posted in Senior Photography

Logan’s Senior Story | Riverscape Metropark | West Carrollton Class of 2023

Logan’s one of those guys who makes it impossible for you not to like him. His senior session was full of laughter, good vibes and go with the flow energy. I’m sure the fact that Logan has EIGHT brothers and sisters might have something to do with his easygoing personality.

I had never shot a session at Riverscape Metropark before so I was super siked when Logan was down to try something new. I was even more siked when his brother showed up with his rockstar electric guitar and epic hair…

 

One word to describe me is intriguing.

senior I’m too hard on myself…

but I like my sense of humor!

I’ve learned how important is to treat people the right way.

I look up to my father…

He is always so nice to people and that’s what I want to be.

I play football and basketball.

In my free time I play the drums, fish, and watch football.

I listen to metal, rock…anything really.

After graduation I plan to go to college for football or basketball.

I don’t know where I see myself in ten years…

Hopefully on a beach somewhere living my best life…

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Posted in Senior Photography

Shannon’s Senior Story | Spring Grove Cemetery & Mount Storm Park | Springboro Class of 2023

When Shannon told me she wanted a Phantom of the Opera aesthetic for her senior photography session, I was pretty jazzed up in a way only an ex-showchoir girl could be. (Jazz hands!) I was on mission to find an epic location. After a few failed attempts to connect with local opera houses and theaters, I vaguely remembered a Gothic building from one of my past senior sessions – over 5 years ago – at Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum in Cincinnati. Of course, how could I forget?

Established in 1845 in response to the Cholera epidemic, Spring Grove was inspired by a famous cemetery in Paris and is a designated national historic landmark. Spring Grove is a hauntingly beautiful place with incredible architecture. So when I asked Shannon and her mom Molly if they were game to drive 45 minutes South in rush hour traffic on a Monday evening and they said yes, I was giddy and grateful for their willingness to go adventuring with me. So giddy that I forgot to check what time the place closed. We planned to meet at 6pm.

Can you guess what time Spring Grove’s gates close?

I’ll spare you the rest of the boring details, but let me just say…THANK THE LORD! Thank the Lord for that extra 30 minutes I always give myself before sessions. Thank the Lord for amazing clients who aren’t afraid to embrace spontaneity and drive fast. Thank the Lord for Google Maps and nearby Mount Storm Park with it’s amazing views and strong smell of weed (Lord probably knew I needed a little contact buzz to calm me down)… and then after it was all said and done, thank the Lord for Spring Grove’s glorious gatekeeper who let me back in hours after close when I realized I’d left my camera bag with expensive equipment inside.

Moral of the story: sessions don’t always turn out the way they are planned- especially if you don’t plan them very well- sometimes, thanks to stunning souls like Shannon’s, they turn out even better…

 

One word to describe me is bold.

 I love with all of myself.

I am involved in choir and theatre.

In my free time I like singing musical theatre songs, reading, writing poetry and especially shopping!

I listen to show-tunes and early 2000s pop punk.

My favorite thing to do is drive around at night with no destination…

I’ve learned not trust to everyone.

I’ve also learned how different each individual is.

I look up to my sister Emily and my mom.

They’re both incredibly strong women that have held their head high despite any struggles they have faced.

I love them more than life.

After graduation I plan to pursue music and see where it takes me.

In ten years I see myself hopefully married, traveling, and living my happiest life…

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Posted in Senior Photography

Jonah’s First Homecoming, Springboro, Ohio

When you’re the middle child and you grow up watching your big brother hit all those milestones first, it can be a little intimidating…

So you learn to play it cool…

You never wear dress shoes…

And you let your mom take a few pics…

But just a few…

Posted in Growing up, Personal

Friday Night Lights, Ross Rams Football, Ross Township, Ohio

‘Cause when you go to your nephew’s football game…

you’ll want him to see that you’re there…

cheering him on…

along with everyone else…

   Knowing soon you’ll forget the scoreboard, but never that sunset sky…

And you’ll want to thank him and his entire team for the miracle they make every Friday night underneath the lights…

For bringing an entire town together…

to watch the game…

Or, to not watch the game…

To run with friends…

To get snacks…

To play songs…

And when its time to go, you’ll leave quietly and gracefully, knowing the lights will keep on shining long after you’re gone…

GO ROSS RAMS!!!!

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Posted in Musings, Personal, writing

Val’s Senior Story | Wegerzyn Gardens | Centerville Class of 2023

Val is MJ’s daughter and Octavia’s younger sister. I photographed Octavia’s senior pics last year at Wegerzyn Gardens around the same time.

I have to say, it was pretty neat to photograph two sisters in the same place. Both sessions have a thread of familiarity running through them and yet, a distinctive personality all their own- like the girls themselves!

We played in fields with flowers, splashed in formal fountains and then walked on slippery stones in the creek. Wegerzyn never disappoints and neither do MJ’s absolutely gorgeous daughters…

 

One word to describe me is outgoing.

I spend a lot of time with my friends, doing various things from playing sand volleyball to watching sunsets to tanning.

I like to workout and lift on my own at the gym, and I love to cook and bake food. 

I like a lot of different music types. My favorite is probably RnB but I really enjoy Rap and Hip Hop as well.

Sometimes I can take things very personally when I shouldn’t…

but I love my willingness to try new things– I will meet any new food or activity with excitement!

Most people don’t know that I love to scuba dive and travel.

I am a lifeguard, private lesson instructor, and swim coach, and I also do swimming as a sport.

I am also in Ocean Bowl Club where I study marine biology and I am the NHS President.

I volunteer occasionally and tutor at my school. I have learned the the importance of long term studying rather than cramming material last minute.

After I graduate I will definitely attend a 4 year college. I will probably continue my education into grad school following a biology track or med school/nursing.

In ten years I see myself either still in school or with a stable job, working towards developing a family.

I will probably have moved to the East coast near the ocean.

Special thanks to Mama MJ for holding all the stuff!

Check out Octavias Senior Session at Wegerzyn

Posted in Senior Photography

Best places to take Senior Pictures in Dayton, Ohio

When planning senior photography sessions the most common question I get is: Where should we take the pictures?

Now, every photographer is different, but I prefer tailoring each session to each individual client. It’s more work but it’s also more fun! I love getting to know my clients and then figuring out the perfect location to fit their unique personalities.

Usually, after I’ve learned more about them, we choose either a nature or urban setting to highlight their overall vibe. Here’s 2 of my favorite locations to photograph seniors in Dayton- one nature, one urban.

 

1. Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark

Named after Benjamin Wegerzyn, philanthropist, lover of Dayton and gardening who donated his Xerox stock  worth 375k to help fund the park. Wegerzyn Gardens is as rich and complex as the name is hard to pronounce. The park just has so very much to offer- it’s a feast for the senses! From the formal gardens to the children’s discovery area, there’s much to experience.

From a photographer standpoint, Wegerzyn has everything one could ever want- flowers, field, forest, colorful architecture and of course…water. Splash around in the formal fountain or cross the street and play in the creek at sunset.

 

 

Hours: 

Apr. 1 – Oct. 31, 8 AM – 10 PM
Nov. 1 – Mar. 31, 8 AM – 8 PM
Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day

Location: 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, OH 45414

Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome, but, for the safety and comfort of all patrons, they must be leashed and under control at all times. Dogs are not permitted in the Children’s Discovery Garden.

Parking: Free parking is available.

Important Info: Professional photographers- you do need a photography permit to shoot here as well as any of the other Five Rivers Metroparks.

View Caitlin’s featured senior session at Wegerzyn Gardens in Spring

View Octavia’s featured senior session at Wegerzyn Gardens in Summer

 

2. Downtown Dayton

I know, I know I’m not being very specific but there’s a reason. Downtown Dayton has so many cool spots, it would be a shame to pick just one.

From colorful mural walls, to industrial buildings and urban streetscapes there’s creativity buzzing all throughout the city. I highly recommend downtown at dusk and into the evening… use those city lights! Just don’t get hit by a car!

Park in the Oregon District and hit up a few of the local shops to support our Dayton peeps before or after your session: Luna Gifts and Botanicals for some epic greenery and Ghostlight Coffee for the least pretentious cup of coffee around.

 

Location: The Oregon District, E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402

Parking: On street metered parking enforced M-F, 8 am – 6 pm. Free on weeknights and all weekend.

View Ian’s featured Senior Session in Downtown Dayton

View Brandon’s featured Senior Session in Downtown Dayton

 

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Posted in For Photographers, Senior Photography

Now Offering Military Discount

Every year on patriotic holidays– Memorial Day, Veterans Day and the Fourth of July I want to do something special to honor our incredible country. Not only do I come from a strong military family, I married a man in blues:

But every year I get overwhelmed by the grandiosity of how I feel and end up just reading everyone else’s posts instead. Thankfully, it’s never too late to show honor and every little bit helps so…

I’d like to officially offer a 10% off military discount for Active duty, Veterans, Guard, Reserves, and their immediate family members.

Thank you for your service!

*This includes all photography sessions and cannot be combined with other offers.  

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