This session only lasted about 10 minutes. Not pictured are the in-between melt downs our youngest had every few minutes and my oldest asking when we’d be done so he could change out of his jeans. We rolled with it, did a lot of tickling and got them to cooperate just long enough to take advantage of the beautiful golden light. When you have kids between the ages of 0-5, you never know how a session will go!
These pictures literally make me tear up. For so many reasons. I’m thankful to have a sister who loves us enough to take our photos several times per year. She’s so good at getting the kids to laugh & she captures the little moments that I want to document forever. I’m blessed to have children who fill my heart with joy. I often wish I could freeze time and keep them little, but I know there are exciting memories to be made as they grow up. And even after several years of marriage, figuring out how to parent two little ones, juggling multiple jobs & schedules, surviving on very little sleep… the stress of life has only made me love my husband more. He sometimes makes me crazy, but he always makes me laugh. 🙂
As we move into the holiday season, we want all of our clients – many of whom have become friends – to know how thankful we are to have this business and be able to capture moments like this for you. Laughing as a family. And maybe sometimes crying. We hope you have a wonderful holiday, a Merry Christmas and in case we don’t see you, a Happy New Year!
Columbus Parks // Dublin Parks // Location Scouting
[t gellenbeck]
There are SO many amazing parks in the Columbus and central Ohio areas. Whether you are a photographer, a mom with a camera or just a parent looking to plan a fun afternoon, look no further than Cbus and its open parks & spaces!
In the summer of 2014, I made a challenge to visit seven parks in seven days with my son, JP. It was the last week of summer (I’m also a high school teacher) and I wanted to do something fun with him each day. Treasure each moment. He had a blast playing and I loved watching him and capturing his joy on camera. Yes we got some traditional “look at momma and smile!” shots, but we also got a lot of candid ones. “Lifestyle” as we call it. Him playing. Exploring. Running. Laughing. He was about 18 months old that summer and I will have those images & memories to cherish forever.
In the summer of 2015, JP was now 2.5 years old and we took on the challenge of visiting ten new parks. We stopped at many of the 50+ located right here in our hometown, and also ventured around Columbus to check out several other good ones. You can find most of the parks we visited on one of these links…
Coffman Park, sunset (our favorite time to shoot!)
Red Trabue Nature Preserve, sunset (our favorite time to shoot!)
Glacier Ridge Metro Park, dusk
In 2016 we continued our Columbus Park Tour, with our newest family addition, Madelyn Jane. We took her to some of our old favorites, as well as exploring new ones. She was too little to truly explore, but we got some great shots anyhow! It has now become a fun family tradition to frequent as many parks as we can, some old, some new. You’ll see us… the loud, crazy family with a camera mom chasing everyone around.
And now, into 2017, we FINALLY finished this blog post to share our findings – both from a photographic and family/park perspective – with you! I couldn’t wait until summer, but I’m sure we’ll make some updates. I LOVE looking back at these images from all our Cbus adventures over the last few years. Seeing how the kids have changed. Reminiscing about what their favorite toys were at that point in their life. Noticing how I styled or on many days, un-styled them (you learn to pick your battles and begin letting them dress themselves!) Even though this post took almost four years… I am SO glad I chose to do it.
We now challenge YOU!
Get out there with your family. Bring the camera. Make and cherish memories that you want to hold onto forever. Tell the kids to FREEZE every now and then to get those “look at the camera!” pics, but also just snap away and capture them in the moment being themselves. Step IN FRONT of the camera sometimes, despite how you look or feel. And those images that sit on your phone or camera or media card? Print them! Make a canvas, a photo book or heck, start a blog! You will never get these moments back. And as legend has it, they will be some of the best days of your life.
This park is only about a half mile from our house and hands down, our favorite and most frequented!
What we like // gorgeous falls, lots of photo options [rustic buildings, bridge, down by water, woods & trees/greenery, wildflowers in summer], hiking on trails, wading (if you dare!).
Take note // no public restrooms, trails are not ideal for bikes & strollers (not paved, lots of stairs).
2015
2016
2. Coffman Park, Dublin
This park is only one mile from our house and probably our second most visited
What we like // historic & rustic buildings for photos, a creek (when its rained enough), great spot for sunset photos, two very large playgrounds with ‘bouncy’ mulch, multiple shelter house areas for picnics & gatherings, fishing pond, small wooded area, access to running & bike trails, restrooms
The playground closer to the Dublin Rec Center has a wide variety of activities, including a mini rock wall for littles to climb!
3. Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Plain City
What we like // lots of photo options [rustic buildings, wooden plank bridge, water, open fields, gorgeous fall colors], playground area at north end, running trail – right next door to our parent’s farm off Brock Rd – one of our top two favorite spots for sunset pictures!
Fall 2016
Summer 2017
4. Homestead Park, Hilliard
What we like // lots of photo options [rustic building, covered bridge, water, open fields, tractor, old Ohio barn, old train], several playground areas, running trail
In 2016 they planted beautiful wildflowers… blooming late summer/early fall
2015
2016
2017
5. Highbanks Metro Park, Lewis Center
What we like // hiking & hills, ranked one of best by Experience Columbus, beautiful nature scenery, photo spots, water, dog-friendly paths, nature center. There are non-paved trails, as well as paved paths (if you bring the stroller or bikes). Some paths are dog friendly.
2016
6. Balgriffin Park, Dublin
What we like // a local close to home park, nice playground, doggie watering fountain, pond for fishing or duck watching, shelter house for picnics & gatherings
2014
2016
7. Monterey Park, Dublin
What we like // close to home (in our neighborhood, less than 1/2 mile walk), mini creek (when there has been rain), a big hill to run up and down or sled, tennis courts, close to Historic Dublin if you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, coffee or ice cream!
2015
Monterey Park is a close by favorite for snow days and sledding!
2016
8. Hayden Falls Park, Dublin
What we like // gorgeous falls, a wooden boardwalk great for a miniature hike, ranked one of best fall hikes by Experience Columbus, typically wildlife including ducks and fish, stream trickles into Scioto River
Take note // no playground and not supposed to get in the water… fenced boardwalk prevents it. Limited parking, hard to find a spot on busier days.
9. Ballantrae Community Park, Dublin/Hilliard
What we like // Waterfall fountains are fun for the kids!
Take note // fountains are crowded in the summer, not much shade (for babies, etc).
2016
10. Heritage Trail [Hilliard Dog Park], Hilliard
What we like // bring the dogs, bike & running path (North end of the Hilliard Rail to Trail path), gorgeous shots for sunsets
Take note // no playground
11. ML Red Trabue Nature Reserve, Dublin
What we like // This is one of our favorite spots for photo shoots, as well as family time! There is a bike/running path, gorgeous shots for sunsets & other photo spots (pond with dock, rustic buildings, green space, stone walls, trees and a trellis/pergola with beautiful ivy in the summer and gorgeous fall colors in October). The various ponds are great to fish, feed ducks, skip rocks or just watch & relax. We chose this spot for our family photos in the summer of 2015 (thanks Kelsey!)
Take note // no playground, although the path does lead to Karrer Middle School, no public restrooms
Summer 2015
Fall 2015
Fall 2016
12. Scioto [LeatherLips] Park, Dublin
What we like // lots of photo spots (stone, water, trees, stairs, LeatherLips head), along the Scioto River, large playground, nice bathrooms, concerts in the summer
2015
13. Emerald Fields, Dublin
We call this ‘the music park’ but everyone else calls it Emerald Fields!
What we like // large musical toy, lots of space to run, really nice play area, nice bathrooms, running & biking trails. Was originally designed for children with special needs, but welcome to all children of all skill levels.
Take note // large play area is more challenging to keep an eye on your kiddo(s) at all times, give them a pep talk before you go!
2014
2016
14. Amberleigh Park, Dublin
What we like // running & bike paths nearby, hiking trails through woods, unique playground area with climbing hill, along Scioto River, shelter areas for picnics, restrooms
2014
2015
15. Goodale Park, Victorian Village
What we like // ranked one of Columbus’ best parks, it is the oldest park in Columbus and surrounded by a beautiful neighborhood. There are lots of photography spots and this has been a very popular choice for our engagement photos (fountain, gazebo/pavilion, brick, trees & greenspace, view of downtown Columbus). It is walking distance to the more urban areas of Short North/High Street with lots of other photo spots, bathrooms and coffee shops.
Take note // no playground, more for enjoying nature!
16. Whetstone [Columbus] Park of Roses, Clintonville
What we like // ranked one of Columbus’ best parks, gorgeous scenery, running & biking trails, ponds, playground.
2016
17. Schiller Park, German Village
We often start at Winans of German Village (we love Winans chocolates and coffee!) or another snack/coffee stop before heading to Schiller.
What we like // ranked one of Columbus’ best parks, gorgeous spots for photography and running (paths, flowers & gardens, trees, water, ducks, fishing pond, bridge, large stone trellis area with rustic pillars & ivy in summer).
2016
18. Creekside, Gahanna
What we like // wide variety of photo spots (creek, urban city feel, park, fountains, bridges and more), shops and ice cream, ponds with ducks, walking paths
Take note // this park is quite a drive from Dublin so we don’t visit often, didn’t see a playground (but may be one hidden somewhere or nearby)
What we like // Fountains (with public restrooms), Mile 229 Restaurant, views of the city, activities in summer including yoga, kids activities & more.
Note // BUSY during summer months
2016
20. Sharon Woods Metro Park // Westerville
What we like // Great trails for running & hiking (including a couple hills), two playgrounds, restrooms, dog friendly.
Other parks & spaces around Columbus we kinda dig…
Although we don’t get to these parks as frequently, we still like visiting them!
Kiwanis Riverway Park, Dublin
This park technically has two sides, one on either side of the river! The east side has a parking lot and paths that go down over the river, a boardwalk of sorts. The west side doesn’t have parking… and beware parking on the street at the top, we’ve been told by residents that is private parking! We often park in the Winans parking lot, grab a cup of joe or some chocolate, then head down on foot. There are no playgrounds, just scenic spots & walking trails.
Elementary school parks, Dublin
You can find several, no matter where you are in Dublin! When visiting my in-laws we walk to Deer Run Elementary, from our house we walk to Indian Run Elementary or we head over to Thomas Elementary. Indian Run is our favorite, because you can then walk down to Indian Run Falls while you’re there.
Field of Corn, Dublin
Or as our son calls them, ‘the silly corn.’ You won’t believe it until you see it. Walking paths nearby, but not much else!
Harrison Park, Victorian Village
When visiting our Gigi at her office in the Short North, this little park is just a block away! A unique playground and a fancy gazebo that could be used for a great photo opp. Running trail nearby (I believe its the Olentangy Trail?)
Avery Park, Dublin
This is the main soccer park in our neighborhood. Although it has a playground, baseball fields and some great photo spots, we’ve frequented most of our stops here in bright yellow Timbit soccer shirts.
Spray/fountain park, nice public restrooms, food trucks on Thursdays in the summer, bike & running path nearby (Heritage Trail that leads to Heritage Trail park).
Columbus Commons, Columbus
Lots of fun summer activities, including yoga, Food Truck days and family friendly events. There is a carousel, Jenis Ice Cream and more!
Only been here once, but it is really nice! Also the location used for Stroller Strides Northwest, which we also enjoyed!
Inniswood Metro Gardens, Westerville
A very popular spot for our photo shoots, we don’t get here as often for family playtime. Beautiful trails throughout the gardens.
Llewellyn Farms Park, Dublin
A little over a mile from our house, so we often jog or walk over, play on the playground, then head home.
Hayden Run Community Parks, Dublin/Hilliard
There are four different playground/park areas within approximately a one mile radius, bike paths, ponds & gazebos. The Lifestyle Communities “Goat” is also walking distance so you can grab a drink or bite to eat. Take note; there are not many trashcans or dog stations, so take your pup bags with you!
Scioto Audubon Metropark, Downtown Columbus
Rock climbing, dog park, hiking, ranked one of best fall hikes by Experience Columbus. We would go here a lot more often if it were closer!
Kaltenbach Park, Dublin
Close to home, playground, walking path, community center that is available for rent for parties, hosts music lessons and more.
Genoa Park, Columbus
Ranked one of Columbus’ best parks. Right outside COSI and fabulous views of the city. Running trails that take you through downtown to The Scioto Mile. Never taken the kids here, but lots of races and yoga events have been here.
Shick Family // Great Trail Golf Course // Minerva, Ohio
My heart swells when I edit sessions from this family. Momma (Kate) is not only my dearest friend, but her kids were some of my earliest photo subjects. I remember trying to learn how to focus my camera in manual mode, back when they were just itty bitties. As my style and ability to “hold a camera” has changed, so have they. These once little people are growing up before our eyes!
This session literally lasted 10 minutes. Although the kids are now old enough to cooperate and have fun, the weather was a different story. Shortly after we started, the first snow of the season moved in. Between the cold, wind and crazy white snowflakes, we wrapped it up and headed in for a warm fire! Our visits are always filled with laughter, old stories, new memories, photo sessions, lots of coffee… and always go by way too quickly. I miss them already! xo
Madelyn Jane | Lifestyle Newborn Photography | Dublin, Ohio
When your sister is a photographer, you tend to have a lot of family photo sessions. We are very thankful she has spent so much time with us lately, from hospital and birth photos, to the stylized newborn session and now this lifestyle session. We waited a few weeks to do this portion so things could settle down at home [okay and allow me to clean, declutter & find an outfit… things I should have probably done pre-baby!]
Since we only have a three bedroom house and one is used for our in-home photography studio space, Madelyn is currently sharing a room with her big brother. She will probably be in our room for the first 6-9 months anyhow so JP doesn’t seem to mind!
I know as moms we don’t always look or feel our best right after baby, but I’m so grateful to have these images. We will never have this time in our lives back and I want to capture and treasure every. single. moment. Moms, don’t be afraid to step in front of the camera every now and then! Your little one thinks you are beautiful, just the way you are. In fact, at least for now, you are their very favorite person in the entire world… don’t let those moments go uncaptured.
If you missed Madelyn’s hospital or stylized newborn session, check it out HERE! And again, a million thanks and hugs to my sis, or as we call her, Aunt Kiki. We love you!
Madelyn Jane Gellenbeck is already five weeks old! The old saying “time really does fly” rings even truer when you’re talking about a newborn. I {Teresa} am fortunate enough to have a sister and business partner who not only loves babies, but is a fantastic photographer. 🙂 She accompanied us in the delivery room to capture the arrival of our newest addition. Don’t worry, we’ve spared you the intimate details!
Meet Madelyn, born 2//16//16…
After coming home from the hospital and settling in, we {of course} scheduled her newborn shoot. This was her stylized session at ten days new. Our hearts are forever changed!
Thanks to the man upstairs for this little miracle, to my sister for all the beautiful hospital images and help with the newborn session and thanks to all our friends and family that have visited, brought food, gifts and love. We are truly blessed!
We have been busy around here! So blessed to have been a part of so many amazing milestones in the last week…
Finished up and mailed out a wedding gallery for a couple close to our hearts. Look at all this smooching going on! –>
I got to go wedding dress shopping with my sister in law. –>
She found her dream dress at Ivy Bridal Studio in Dublin. This place was amazing!
For starters, Ivy is locally owned and operated, which I love supporting. Jackie, the owner, was Carrie’s bridal consultant and was fantastic to work with. She was laid back, non-pressured and completely honest. And she knew what she was doing ~ it was her business!
Carrie was the ONLY bride in the store, the way to go in my opinion, now that I’ve been to ten+ bridal stores over the years. You get one on one attention and it really makes it a more intimate experience for both the bride and her entourage. Ivy is simplistic, yet elegant and absolutely GORGEOUS, which helps make the bride feel gorgeous [which every bride deserves!] I wish I could get married all over again and go through this experience myself 🙂
These were shot with our iPhones and don’t do the place justice. Hope to go back again when Carrie does her fitting and take my big-girl camera!
Carrie found her dream dress and we all got to celebrate…
And BABIES!!!!!
Kelsey got to shoot her very first birth photography session last week. As she said, there was not a dry eye in the room –>
And lastly…. Kelsey had her baby! I officially have another nephew and we now have THREE boys between the two of us. If you have boys or know boys, you know why we only manage to blog once or twice per week… they keep you busy!
I was honored and blessed to be allowed to be in the delivery room, as well as doing MY first birth photography as well! This first is iPhone pics we shared on Instagram….
Although we take pictures weekly, if not daily, we often don’t make the time to blog and post them like we should! And its always hard to narrow down the shots to just one selection, so many of these themes have more than one image.
Dust off the archives, below include themes from week 16 -25!
Week 16
Theme: mine
We had to show him how to collect the eggs, but once he figured it out, he did not want to let go!
Week 17
Theme: pastel
Pastels on a baby @ the beach at sunset! Precious!
Week 18
Theme: moody
Boston’s 6 month shoot – his first photo made him seem moody… but we promise, the rest were all smiles!
Our little man is often quite expressive… observing, before smiling and laughing. This night, however, he was actually getting sick (we didn’t know at the time) so he was cranky, fussy and no smiles at all!
Week 19
Theme: faces
Ethan’s expressions are priceless. Happy, sad, angry, mad, grumpy, cheerful, and everything in between.
Think he is growling here.
And here he is, calm and quiet.
A rare occurrence, but he is listening for his soon-to-be-brother inside momma’s tummy!
Week 20
Theme: light
Sunlight sessions, backlighting, sun-flare… a recent obsession [of Teresa’s] so it was hard to narrow down the shots on this theme. Here are some favorites…
Harbor Town, Hilton Head @ sunset
Yoga outdoors allows you to experience nature; earth, wind & sunshine
Happily engaged couple, celebrating at sunset
Week 21
Theme: [our] backyard
Hanging out in good ‘ol Ohio…
Hello Gabe! At our parents’ farm.
Enjoying a peaceful afternoon in the tree swing
Tractors and diggers = a little boy’s dream come true
Week 22
Theme: [our] life
We love our families. Our friends. Our Heavenly father. But we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being mommas. Our boys are our life!
Kelsey & Ethan on vacation
Teresa & JP @ the Columbus Clippers game
Week 23
Theme: blur
Blessed and honored to be able to capture this proposal on camera…
don’t worry, they didn’t all have this sea-grass blur, but this seemed artsy and fit the theme!
Week 24
Theme: motion
This child NEVER. SITS. STILL. Like ever.
Here he is dancing away on the beach. He is likely screaming, laughing and singing at the same time.
More motion, energy and life in this little guy than anyone else we know!
Week 25
Theme: dreamy
This beach, sun-set, surprise proposal really was a dream. Again, so blessed to have been a part of it!
Jake’s proposal ~ [Hilton Head, South Carolina proposal photography session]
[t gellenbeck]
I was blessed and honored when my future brother-in-law Jake, asked me to photograph his proposal to my sister [in-law], Carrie. I love a good love story! Sneaking through the dunes and sea grass was quite the adventure. Hope these pictures do the love birds justice 🙂
After she said yes [she did say yes, by the way], we of course got a few shots of them celebrating.
Congrats to the newly engaged couple! We love you and welcome Jake to the family!
We started this 52 week project as a quest to get some practice and [luckily] clients have been keeping us busy. We [obviously] always put the customer first, so our fun little project keeps getting pushed to the side!
Below are weeks 11-15.
Week 11
Theme: patterns
The Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus ~ notice the pattern of pillars?
Week 12
Theme: blue
It was too hard to decide between these two… so we chose them both!
Little miss Natalie in her blue ‘Frozen’ dress and her beautiful blue eyes
Tiff and Chris’s engagement session ~ found this blue background down on Ohio State campus
Week 13
Theme: vast
The vast ocean ~ Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, Spring Break 2014
Week 14
Theme: radiate
Once again, there were two we loved… and we love these two more than life!
Little JP radiates joy as he experiences the beach for the first time
Ethan radiates joy as he announces the news of his future baby brother
Week 15
Theme: white
One of our favorite photography spots near Historic Dublin – winter white!
Thanks for dropping in!
Check back each week for a new theme/post and send us ideas for shots if you’d like. For more info, visit M4H Photography.
We are behind schedule! We [were lucky enough to have] had FIVE client shoots within a week and a half, so we put the customers first and got a little behind on our 52 week project.
Here are weeks 8-10, will get caught up soon (I think M4H is already on week 13! Yikes!)
Week 8
Theme: Bright
Captured this California family in the snow a couple weeks ago. The girls’ bright coats really stood out against the bright, beautiful white snow!
Week 9
Theme: Color blind
Ok I know we aren’t being too creative here… but it was hard to come up with something for color blind!!! So here is the same photo above, in black & white… the way someone who CANNOT see color may see it. Although our brothers are color blind, they can still see color, just get them mixed up [should have heard the argument about what color TMNT Donatello was… purple or brown?!]
And just for fun, another color-less photo… Kelsey, out on a shoot…
Week 10
Theme: Soft
This is probably one of my favorite pictures EVER (Teresa). I guess I think it fits the ‘soft’ theme due to the quiet state I found them in and the silhouette softness. These two are best buds.
Had to include the adorable black & white version too…
Check back each week for a new theme/post and send us ideas for shots if you’d like. For more info, visit M4H Photography.
